Build October 2016 NEW

Build Magazine 18 Construction GLOSTER MEP Ltd. is a Central London-based firm that truly holds an advantageous position in their market. As a medium-sized Mechanical and Electrical Contractor company, they service the Residential and Commercial sectors in the beating capital of London, providing fast-track mechanical and electrical fit-out services that facilitate the progression of a project from concept to completion. The firm, headed by the unflappable and professional Mark Aldridge, provides outstanding value for money, bringing expertise to every project from design to snag-free completion: starting with their, ‘handheld’ design and build processes, through to their engineering solutions tailored to suit clients’ budgets. ith the UK construction market being so buoyant, especially in the City of London, one of the biggest risks that a contractor can face is over-trading whether it be Supply chain or Clients. As a business, Gloster MEP has overcome this challenge by strategically choosing not to become attracted to growth (without capacity) - Mark sees growth without effective capacity as a large risk, especially given current trends. The high value and rapid turnover of commercial space in today’s property market means that speed and efficiency are vital for successful fit-outs. Gloster uses the latest techniques in prefabrication and modularisation to provide high quality workmanship leading to excellent results. As Mark states, “we adopt a safe-hands contractor strategy and take our clients’ problems as our own.” Having such a personal stake in the project ensures that Gloster’s performance remains detailed and informative, every step of the way through the project. “We have a far better attitude about solving clients’ problems and taking responsibility, as we continually monitor our Customer Satisfaction Scores to ensure we stay ahead of the field.” To back up their personal interest in the clients’ requirements, Gloster adopts the latest techniques and technologies in their projects, such as 3D modelling, prefabrication and modularisation, to bring clients fault-free, seamless project delivery every time. As the amount of equipment required by today’s buildings increases, the ability to prefabricate and use modular systems means that Mark and his team can achieve high quality work in a relatively short space of time, which contributes in no small effort towards their market-leading position. “Our experts understand the full life-cycle of a building and we work to ensure that services can easily be accessed by facilities management for regular maintenance. Our goal is to provide safe, productive and comfortable spaces for clients. Gloster Informative Consultancy & Progressive Service W is committed to meeting our clients’ requirements at all stages of the fit-out process. We have worked with some of the leading names in construction, and the success of Gloster is based on building long-term relationships with our clients.” “As you have probably guessed, we are incredibly self- critical – we see this as our most positive trait, as we never rest or have time to stagnate.” These principles have served Gloster well – the firm has found a constant stream of work in the capital, with projects involving a variety of buildings – from banks such as HSBC, China Construction Bank, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and BNP Paribas, to student accommodation such as the Nido building. Mark, however, modestly states that “no one project has been more successful than any others, as there are many Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor that make up a successful project.” “We learn from all of our projects, about how we can do better and what has changed from the market inwards to constantly stay ahead.” That said, there are a number of standout case studies that Gloster MEP seems eager to draw attention to. Part of the challenge of working as a Mechanical and Electrical Contractor in the City of London is working on buildings that could date back over 150 years such as Royal College of General Practitioners HQ in Euston or Rochelle School, on Arnold Circus, which is a Grade II Listed building that comprises three Victorian buildings first built in the 1880s – Gloster was tasked with providing Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP) services to new office space for Frieze, organisers of Frieze Art Fair and publishers of Frieze magazine. The new open-plan office space, designed by Quinn Architects, accommodates workspace for 30 or more people, with further meeting rooms, kitchen and library; the second-floor office, meanwhile, is built within walls that previously enclosed a rooftop playground. The sum total of this project is a reflection of Gloster MEP’s trustworthy credentials when it comes to their consultancy experience, as the project was delivered on time and within budget. To Mark, success stories such as this are, at least in part, down to an ability to manage staff in a way that is effective, responsible, and constructive. “Set clear guidelines, collaborate on an even level, and lead from the front,” is his only advice in this instance. As for himself, a stoic determination to always remain professional, non-confrontational, proactive and flexible, go a long way in keeping Mark in touch with his employees and clientele, so they never lose sight of the bigger picture. “We are constantly trying to make ourselves the best by cultivating new relationships and continually providing the most user friendly MEP solutions,” he says. “We are making headway in achieving this, by constantly working out in the front of the field, collaborating and continually pushing the boundaries. “We want to increase our organically-grown staff ratio from 74 per cent to 80 per cent, as we see this as the key to being known as the best company with the best people and, more importantly, the best attitude.” This is a central notion of Gloster’s ambitions to become a market leader of organically- grown regeneration at all levels, from Apprentice to Engineer. Company: Gloster MEP LTD Name: Mark Aldridge Web Address: www.glostermep.co.uk Address: 2nd Floor, 193 Great Suffolk St, London SE10BX Telephone: 02070896910 Defining the World Awards