A new survey by the Association for Project Management (APM) reveals a concerning skills gap in project management within UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The survey, polling over 500 project professionals working for SMEs across various sectors, found that 83% believe their employers need to improve project management skills across the workforce. This skills gap is a significant hurdle for SMEs, impacting their overall project growth. While inadequate technology infrastructure was the most selected challenge (35%), a lack of skilled project professionals came in a close second (33%). Interestingly, 31% of respondents also highlighted a lack of investment in training and development, suggesting a potential disconnect between recognising the skills gap and actively addressing it. Soft Skills Top the List The survey also delves into the most crucial skills for project success. Soft skills reign supreme, with team management leadership, communication/interpersonal skills, and adaptability/flexibility each selected by 14-17% of respondents. The survey outlines several approaches to bridge the project management skills gap in SMEs. Training and upskilling existing employees (46%) emerged as the most popular choice, followed by broader recruitment across different professions (45%) and increased awareness of project management as a career path (45%). Apprenticeships were also seen…
Ten MSc International Business and Management (IBM) students from the University of Westminster recently embarked on a unique learning experience in Sri Lanka. Funded by the Quintin Hogg Trust, their five-day visit involved a collaborative project focused on technology and branding challenges faced by businesses in the Global South. The project, titled “Co-Creating and Presenting an Innovative App-Based Solution to Solve the Problem of Invisibility of the Global South Brands,” was led by Dr. Deborah Rose, Dr. Sumita Ketkar (Director of Teaching, Learning and Quality), and Dr. Rebecca Wang (Assistant Head of School). Building on a longstanding partnership with the Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) in Sri Lanka, the project aimed to explore how technology and branding can address barriers to visibility and success for businesses in the developing world. During the trip, Westminster IBM students joined forces with Computer Science and Software Engineering students from IIT, forming interdisciplinary teams. These teams tackled the challenge of developing business-to-business (B2B) apps focused on branding for organic honey and fresh coffee. This collaborative effort provided valuable experience in working across cultures and educational backgrounds, fostering communication, employability, and cross-cultural skills. The project kicked off with icebreaker activities and project briefings. Teams delved…
The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has taken a significant step towards improving the design of major infrastructure projects in the UK. Their Design Group has published new guidance outlining a structured process for developing and implementing project-specific design principles. This guidance builds upon the NIC Design Group’s existing high-level design principles focusing on climate, people, places, and value. The new document goes a step further by providing a framework for applying these principles to each stage of a project’s lifecycle. The guidance emphasises the importance of tailoring design principles to each specific project. It outlines a structured process that ensures project leaders consider a wide range of factors, from climate resilience to positive community impact. The document also highlights the importance of early and sustained commitment to design principles. It recommends that: Case Studies and Industry Support The new guidance is accompanied by case studies showcasing successful implementation of design principles in ongoing projects like the Lower Thames Crossing, Tideway, and Sizewell C. This practical insight demonstrates the value of this approach. The Infrastructure Projects Authority (IPA) has welcomed the new guidance. The UK government’s National Infrastructure Strategy, published in 2020, emphasised the importance of good design in major infrastructure…
Savills has expanded its London office project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with two new appointments. Rekha Mistry who joins as a director and John Capper joining as an associate director, who will both be based at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London taking the overall team headcount to more than 30. Rekha has over 20 years’ experience in consultancy project management, contract administration and design and architecture. Her specific focus is on leading large scale, complex commercial occupier fit-out projects, having worked with clients such as the Government Property Unit and Transport for London. Rekha joins from Seven Projects where she was head of project management, having previously worked at both T&T and BNP Paribas. She is also a qualified architect and has recently been a Mixology Awards judge and mentor for the Wilmott Dixon Women in Leadership Programme. John has over 11 years’ experience in construction project management, delivering high-end complex Cat-A and CAT-B projects. He specialises in the office sector, primarily delivering refurbishment and alteration schemes for clients including Oval Real Estate, Pontegadea and Savills Investment Management. John joins from his previous role as Operations Manager at Neilcott Construction and prior…
The Nemetschek Group, a leading global software provider for the AEC/O and media industries, participated in a Series A funding round for SmartPM Technologies, Inc., a leading innovator in automated project controls for construction. The investment is a continuation of the business relationship with SmartPM. Already last year, the Nemetschek Group announced an investment. “What excites us about SmartPM is how it helps construction executives and site teams solve operational problems by helping them understand the root cause and potential solutions for scheduling issues. This simple and easily adoptable solution delivers value without changing established schedule workflows. We are very much looking forward to continuing our collaboration with the SmartPM team, especially under the guidance of their exceptional leadership,” says Matt Wheelis, SVP Strategy, Build & Construct at the Nemetschek Group. Wheelis is part of the board of SmartPM. SmartPM is developing schedule controls software, specialising in data-driven tools and analytics for the commercial construction industry. By leveraging AI and machine learning, SmartPM delivers comprehensive insights, enabling clients to optimise project performance, mitigate risks, and ensure timely, cost-effective project completion. “The follow-on investment by the Nemetschek Group is a great sign of trust for us”, says Michael Pink, CEO of…
Wheat blast, a devastating fungal disease, threatens food security in countries around the world. Now, a new project led by CABI is using Earth observation data and climate forecasts to combat this threat. The project targets wheat blast in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Australia, and the UK. Wheat blast thrives in warm, humid climates and can cause yield losses exceeding 50% under favorable conditions. Pascale Bodevin, CABI’s Project Manager for the project, said, “Climate change has altered the way pests and diseases establish and spread around the world. “Countries and habitats that would historically be deemed inhabitable by a species, are changing due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns which are expanding the distribution of species into new areas. “Likewise, the consequences of increased global trade and pathways have led to pests and diseases travelling between countries accidentally, widening the species’ reach. “Under these conditions, wheat blast is expected to spread mainly in tropical regions. A more humid and warmer climate in the future will likely increase the number of suitable areas for wheat blast in the Southern hemisphere. “Capturing local data and validating it will enable the project to collaborate with an existing research programme in wheat blast management…
Jumptuit, a provider of data access and action software, has secured trademark protection for its logo and brand in key international markets. These awards represent a significant step in Jumptuit’s global expansion strategy. The company has been granted trademarks by the intellectual property authorities of the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Hong Kong, Japan, and Switzerland. This comprehensive protection strengthens Jumptuit’s brand identity in these strategically important markets. The registered trademarks encompass a wide range of industries, including finance, insurance, logistics, healthcare, travel, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, consumer goods and services, media, entertainment, gaming, government services, education, legal services, data services, and customer relationship management. The awarded trademarks cover both Jumptuit’s stylized name and its recognizable kangaroo logo. In the United States, the trademark specifically protects the logo “in connection with downloadable computer application software” for various mobile and computing devices. Regional Recognition “We are pleased to announce these Trademarks for Jumptuit’s logo and brand as we launch our strategic expansion into global markets, marking a significant milestone in our company’s growth,” said Jumptuit Founder and CEO, Donald Leka. “This announcement underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to customers worldwide.” Jumptuit has additional trademark applications…
Strategic property consultancy Rapleys has strengthened its Building Consultancy division with the appointment of Phillip Ankers as Partner and National Head of Project Management & Cost Consultancy. This move aligns with Rapleys’ ongoing growth strategy. Ankers joins Rapleys from Pulse Consult and will be based in their Bristol office. He boasts over 16 years of experience working for industry giants like Aecom, JLL, and Deloitte Real Estate. At Rapleys, Ankers takes the reins of the Project Management & Cost Consultancy service, spearheading its national expansion within the Building Consultancy division. This appointment follows a string of successes for Rapleys, including the growth of their London and Birmingham Building Consultancy teams, the launch of a new Cambridge team, and a stellar year for the division as a whole. Phillip said: “Rapleys has gone from strength to strength in the Building Consultancy arena and I’ve watched it become more high profile, attracting talent from across the UK and delivering exemplary services to clients. I’m really excited to be part of the team and add my skills to the mix, while also working alongside other experts and teams.” Justin Tuckwell, Managing Partner at Rapleys, said: We are thrilled to bring Phillip in to…
The Association for Project Management (APM) has issued a response to the National Infrastructure Commission’s (NIC) 2024 Infrastructure Progress Review. APM echoes the concerns raised in the report, highlighting the need for a robust, long-term plan to ensure successful delivery of critical infrastructure projects across the UK. The report reflects growing industry anxieties about the increasing difficulty of delivering projects. While ambition exists, government initiatives are hampered by skills shortages, supply chain disruptions, and a general lack of confidence. The uneven progress across different infrastructure sectors is particularly concerning. Timely completion of these projects is essential for unlocking economic growth and achieving crucial climate goals. Andrew Baldwin, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at APM, commented: “Years of instability have reduced confidence in investment, but drastic policy U-turns like on HS2 are simply aggravating the issue. We must now assume instability is a given in project planning to enable us to prepare and gain more control over fluctuations. “Under-resourced project teams limit project delivery across the country, so we want to see a drastic increase in the supply, and training, of project professionals. “Transparency is needed across the sector to champion accountability, enable effective decisions, and achieve value for money…
Greyfriars Project Management recently celebrated its expansion with the grand opening of their new, larger office in Norwich city centre. The event, held on April 19th, welcomed colleagues, friends, and clients to mark this exciting new chapter in the company’s journey. The move to the new Queens Road office signifies Greyfriars’ impressive growth trajectory. Since its inception in 2018, the company has quadrupled in size and boasts an impressive client portfolio spanning the public, private, and charity sectors. Notably, they have successfully collaborated with big names like National Highways, the National Trust, and Norfolk County Council. “It’s brilliant to bring everyone together and mark the start of a new chapter in our company story! It seems like just yesterday that we moved to our previous offices, but having expanded to a team of 15, this move is much-needed!” says Jon Barnard, Director of Greyfriars Project Management. The new office provides ample space to accommodate Greyfriars’ growing staff and further strengthens their commitment to delivering top-tier project management services. “The excellent support of the Greyfriars team has been instrumental to the business’s success! This office move is part of our continued commitment to investing in our people. We’ve invested in a…
