CIOB Q&A

Q&A

FROM THE TOP

> STEPHEN ROSE CHIEF BUYER, BARNES CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Tell us about your career I left school aged 16 and secured a position as management trainee at building contractor Landlink Barnes in Ipswich, which had only been formed about a year before. My interest in construction stemmed from my father’s career in the building industry, firstly as a bricklayer and in later years in estate management. As Landlink Barnes

was small it meant I could experience work in all areas of the business. During this period in the early 1980s, the industry faced a recession and a role in purchasing was forged for me, through necessity for the company’s survival. I continued to cover some

surveying and estimating functions during this time, while I completed ONC and HNC courses. After these I progressed onto the CIOB membership examination route, which had a further three-year programme and completed part one, and part two examinations, before finally completing full corporate membership in the early 1990s. The company subsequently changed its name in 1983 to Barnes Construction and has grown steadily to its current position as a major regional contractor in East Anglia,

Surgical precision: the new theatre. Photos by Infinite 3D for AFL Architects

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turning over in excess of £60m. My role has grown with the business and I now head up our procurement department with control of all purchasing for the business as well as overseeing the company’s infrastructure. The role of our buyers has changed somewhat over the years: when I first started out designs were set in stone and architects had designed the building with detailed drawings highlighting the full design and all products to be used. Today, with many two- stage tenders and partnering type contracts, more design and specification is left with the contractor. This creates many interesting challenges in procuring the right products to complete a project within budget and programme. Recently the upturn in the

industry has created many shortages, especially in materials — one of our biggest challenges is brick availability. Every day creates new and exciting challenges that keeps you on your toes and gives you a buzz!

What are your highlights and any regrets? It was a privilege to be accepted into full corporate membership in 1993, and finding satisfaction in my career with one employer for the past 34 years, are achievements in themselves.

I do not have any major regrets, although I probably should have progressed to full membership upon completion of my exams rather than leaving it for over five years. I often come into contact with many members, through workshop sessions that I attend, who have achieved Incorporated status, have a degree, but have not completed the final part, and would encourage anyone who is in that position to gain full membership and be proud of it.

What advice would you give to the next generation of construction managers? It is important that we firstly promote the industry to school children who are the future and show that there are many career paths with thousands of different opportunities that are interesting and appealing. The CIOB is taking a lead in this throughout East Anglia with a strong and motivated Novus network. The industry is so diverse

and has something for everyone. Those entering the industry should aim high in their chosen route and if one path is not right, look at other options. In the early years it is easy to change direction and the rewards come in terms of a long satisfying career.