Blake Newport


The Olympics a Thrill for Britain...Letter to Editor

The Times - 23/11/2006

Sir,
Is it any wonder that the Olympic Games are facing a setback when those leading it talk of no cast iron guarantees on cost, and admit that completion dates have already been put back?

This can no longer be acceptable on a project that involves such a large percentage of tax payers’ money.

The Olympics are the biggest opportunity that our construction industry, and indeed the country as a whole, has had to prove itself in years, but there are no second chances. If we are going to get it right, we need to do it early on, and first time around.

My advice to the ODA: implement a firm contract management strategy; accept the risks, resource and liability issues that will undoubtedly occur and know how you will deal with them.

Just in case anyone needs reminding: the Olympic deadline is an immovable one. Burying our heads in the sand or seemingly accepting that costs and time delays are a given will not do anyone any favours – not least our long-suffering construction industry.

Greg Brownlee, Managing Director, Blake Newport

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