News Archive 2008

December 2008 – P H Warr plc celebrates winning the Dorset Business Awards 2008 RBS Management Team Award

P H Warr plc was founded in 1992 by managing director Philip Warr. The company has grown into one of the south’s leading quantity and building surveyors with a network of offices covering London and Southern England.

P H Warr plc has a focused, cohesive and determined management board which recognises the importance of regular and close dialogue and relationships with clients.

The company has maintained its growth and this is very much the result of unprecedented commitment and cohesion of the management divisions and the way they have led all the teams and people in the business. P H Warr plc has gained some notable successes over the last year including a regeneration project for one of the largest housing associations in the UK, which is set to last for 15 years. Two years ago the company had two projects worth in excess of £10 million. It now has 15 projects worth more than £10 million, five of which are valued in excess of £40 million.

The P H Warr plc Management Team

In April this year, P H Warr plc completed a management buy-in as part of its strategic development plan to achieve further growth. The team at P H Warr plc demonstrates strong leadership skills, drive and commitment.

P H Warr has successfully delivered on and revised its strategic plan using knowledge, creative ideas, passion and teamwork. Mentoring and training within the business is strong as is the group’s clear vision and determination to outperform its peers.

Article from Dorset Business Annual Review 2008 publication.

December 2008 – Surveyors grab a share of £21m deal

By Tim Saunders, Business Editor of the Daily Echo.

Innovative surveyors P H Warr plc has scooped a slice of a £21 million contract in Libya, as the construction sector back home suffers its worst decline in years. P H Warr plc, the property and construction surveying specialist, has won a contract to manage the costs associated with building the Museum of Conflict in Tripoli, which will tell the story of Libya’s military history.

Museum of Heritage – landscape strategy image.

Once complete, the 15,000sqm building will house military equipment and vehicles. The structure will take its form from Bedouin tents and will reflect the local desert landscape. A lightweight camouflage veil draped over the structure will shade exhibits. Instead of burying his head in the sand, managing director, Philip Warr has decided to use the recession to catapult his public limited company onto the global stage. He said: “No one is building in the UK, it’s a tragedy.”

View across museum entrance.

Mr Warr started looking abroad for work last year in an attempt to secure the jobs of his 70 strong workforce. “It probably means job creation,” said Mr Warr, “But certainly job protection. Recession has led to exporting our services – I didn’t realise how bad it would get.”

During a family holiday in Malta Mr Warr discovered how the country had trading connections with Libya. Until a couple of years ago, Libya was unable to spend its cash and was instead banking it, due to political sanctions. This, he says, means that Libya is one of the safest countries in the world to deal with because it does not need to borrow money to build and does not have the financial difficulties the rest of the world is experiencing. If P H Warr can win the entire contract, it could mean 10 years of work for the business.

October 2008 – Are you ready for Energy Performance Certificates?

From 1st October 2008 all rented properties in both the affordable and private sectors in England and Wales are legally required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to all potential occupiers. From this date, all domestic properties that are newly let or re-let require an EPC.

By appointing P H Warr plc as your qualified and accredited Domestic Energy Assessor you can be prepared for these changes.

P H Warr plc has a team of trained Domestic Energy Assessors capable of providing EPCs, with responsive turnarounds at competitive rates. In addition, P H Warr plc offers a range of property and construction surveying services tailored to your exact property requirements.

With offices across Southern England and London, we adopt an approach that actively establishes our clients’ project objectives. Our understanding of clients’ needs - together with expertise in delivering property improvement strategies - enables us to offer advice geared towards the entire property lifecycle.

August 2008 – The Kings Hotel, Christchurch re-opens

P H Warr plc was appointed to provide Quantity Surveying services which included monthly valuations and assistance with the final account settlement for the former Kings Arms Hotel which has been totally refurbished and has now reopened as King's. The hotel has been brought up to date as a four-star establishment with an extensive modernisation programme.  It was closed for a period of 3 years whilst work took place to restore this historic landmark to its former glory.

P H Warr plc celebrates with top celebrity chef Gary Rhodes.

The Kings has 16 impeccably furnished rooms, Kings Rhodes bar and brasserie - in an agreement with top celebrity chef Gary Rhodes and a Georgian styled function suite for up to 60 people.  Refurbishment work has been carried out sympathetically to ensure its wonderful character and dignity is retained.  For more information visit www.thekings-christchurch.co.uk

July 2008 – New chairman for Wessex business forum

Philip Warr BSc (Hons) FRICS has become the new chairman of the Wessex Branch of the South West Institute of Directors. Philip became a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors at the age of 32 under the Institution’s exceptional achievement criteria. His guiding principle is focusing absolutely on delivering client requirements, and he is responsible for business strategy and overseeing continued development.

“I am delighted to be taking on the role of chairman of the Wessex Branch of the IoD,” Philip said. “This organisation provides a highly effective link throughout the local business community, offering the chance to network, share best practice and exchange ideas at events and regular meetings. Many of these are informal and all are timed to fit in with the hectic work schedule of the modern business world.”

Philip Warr.

He’ll have to look no further than his own company for advice on his new role. Former Wessex IoD chairman Gordon Page has recently joined P H Warr plc as non-executive chairman, part of an ambitious new growth strategy – and it was the IoD that first brought the two men together.

Philip said: “It is a stunning coup for P H Warr plc - Gordon Page brings a wealth of expertise in business acquisition and succession planning to P H Warr, underscoring and enhancing the firm’s internal philosophy and successful growth strategy. We feel very privileged that Gordon has agreed to become a member of the P H Warr board.”

Their meeting is a prime example of how contacts made through the IoD can translate into business. Gordon Page said: “I was delighted to be approached by such a determined and striving company. From the outset I have been aware of the calibre of their work, both locally and nationally. I am pleased that they have asked me to be involved.”

Speaking about the important role of the IoD, Gordon said: “There is so much red tape in business today and it is especially prominent in Dorset where there are a lot of small businesses and the director has to fulfil many roles.”

“We are also expected to be qualified in everything we do, which for a busy entrepreneur is almost impossible.”

“The UK economy is stretched and signs of strain are showing. If there is a recession then smaller companies will always be hit first and may find it hard to withstand. In a potentially tougher economic climate it is even more valuable to listen and encourage people to talk to each other.”

The South West Region of the IoD is one of the most active in the UK, with more than 3,600 members spread across its six branches. The IoD South West is renowned for its business networking programme including major regional events, seminars and local business networking opportunities. For further information, visit the IOD website www.iod.com

June 2008 – Dorset Business Awards 2008 Outstanding Working Environment Award

P H Warr plc is delighted to be sponsoring the Dorset Business Awards 2008 Outstanding Working Environment Award. The award will promote and reward employers who best demonstrate the provision of exceptional working environments for their staff. This could include for example, the facilities provided at work - office layout, design, provision of adaptable space and demonstrating engagement with staff regarding such working environment issues. P H Warr is proud to be involved in supporting this accolade because of the company’s commitment to providing environmental surveying services tailored to the needs of the built environment. Our services include UKAS accredited asbestos surveys, legionella risk assessments and BRE’s Code for Sustainable Homes, which is an environmental assessment method for new housing in England.

Philip Warr (right) with other sponsors of the 2008 awards.

To find out more about our award category visit dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk. The awards are open to companies of all sizes and sectors from across the County, so please do consider entering.

May 2008 – Investing in P H Warr

P H Warr plc has just completed a management buy in as part of its strategic development plan. Three of the company’s directors David Johnson, Jonathan Carter and Paula Warburton have taken a significant stake in the company. P H Warr, founded in 1992 by its MD Philip Warr, has grown to be one of the South’s leading Quantity and Building Surveyors with a network of offices covering London and the South of England.

The directors of P H Warr plc.

Philip Warr said “David, Jon and Paula have all shown fantastic commitment to the business over the years and I’ve always believed in recognising people’s efforts. With all three of them as stakeholders it will help us develop and grow the business as we move forward.”

Additionally, Gordon Page CBE, Chairman of FTSE 100 company Cobham plc, has recently joined the P H Warr board as non-executive Chairman. “We’re hugely honoured that Gordon has joined us” said Philip, “and I consider it a great endorsement of our team that such a respected business leader would want to be part of our future.”

These developments will assist P H Warr through the next phase of its development to achieve its ambitions for further growth despite an increasingly challenging economic environment.

April 2008 – Clapham One

Cathedral Group has selected P H Warr plc to help deliver the £45m Clapham One regeneration project. The company has been appointed to provide Project Management and CDM Co-ordination services, as Head of Delivery for the scheme that will transform public services in Clapham. The mixed-use, landmark scheme comprises three components: a new multi-storey block containing a library, GP’s surgery and apartments designed by Studio Egret West; a new leisure centre, including a swimming pool by LA Architects; and the conversion of Clapham Old Library into a community art centre. The apartments will include 40% affordable housing in partnership with a preferred housing association. The development will also be built according to stringent environmental criteria.

Richard Upton, Cathedral Group Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the development partner on this project. Clapham is a vibrant part of London with some great bars, restaurants and independent shops as well as plenty of green open spaces. We want to enhance what's already on offer by building inviting and inspirational places to live, work, visit and enjoy. We will deliver a state-of-the-art community library and a sustainable leisure centre for the people of Clapham.”

View Experience Sheet

April 2008 - APC Success

P H Warr plc’s APC Class of 2008

To become a chartered surveyor you must undertake an assault course that can take years to complete. P H Warr plc was asked to take part in Building Magazine’s first Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) survey, to establish which firms do the most for APC candidates.

Candidates must first obtain a surveying related degree or postgraduate MSc accredited by the RICS and work for a company that has a RICS accredited structured training programme. The APC programme itself takes a minimum of 24 months, 400 days and 96 hours of continuing professional development, includes a 3,000 word critical analysis and culminates in a final assessment interview.

The APC survey reported on P H Warr plc’s exceptional 90% average pass rate for the last 5 years and the benefits candidates receive on passing include a promotion, a substantial pay rise and 5 extra days annual leave. P H Warr plc is the right choice for graduates who want real responsibility in delivering a broad range of surveying duties, a structured training plan to achieve chartered status and excellent career development.

March 2008 – P H Warr plc on board the first phase of the Aylesbury Regeneration

P H Warr plc is thrilled to announce being appointed to provide Project Management, Cost Consultancy and H&S CDM Co-ordination services on the project to kick-start the regeneration of Southwark’s Aylesbury Estate in south east London. Southwark Council has selected the housing association L&Q Group to develop the first phase of the regeneration. The development will include circa 260 new homes for Aylesbury residents, commercial units and a state-of-the-art Resource Centre, providing facilities for people with sensory, neurological and physical disabilities.

This is a great opportunity for P H Warr plc to work in partnership with the L&Q Group, the Council and the local community to bring about a much needed positive change for residents.

View Experience Sheet

February 2008 - Exor status achieved

P H Warr plc is delighted to announce becoming Exor accredited. The company is now featured on the approved supplier databases of 25 of Exor's public sector and housing association clients. Achieving Exor status means that P H Warr plc has satisfied a set of rigorous requirements relating to financial status, business probity, technical ability, compliance with current legislation and reliability checked by the sourcing of independent references.

Over the coming months we hope that this accolade will enable us to receive an increasing number of opportunities to work in the affordable housing and local authority sector.

www.exorgroup.co.uk

February 2008 - Page turns to the next chapter…

It is a stunning coup for P H Warr plc - securing the business leader who helped transform Cobham from a £100 million aerospace group into a £2 billion global enterprise. Gordon Page is joining P H Warr as non-executive chairman as part of an ambitious new growth strategy. More >>

A combined wealth of knowledge, Gordon Page and Philip Warr.

January 2008 - New Deputy Director at P H Warr plc

P H Warr plc is delighted to announce the promotion of Simon Smith to Deputy Director. Simon, previously a Managing Surveyor based at P H Warr’s Southampton office, moved to the Bournemouth office in the New Year to oversee the South West region of the business, following a decade of successful work with the firm.

Simon Smith of P H Warr plc

Simon’s progress at P H Warr reflects the company’s commitment to promoting internally. Philip Warr, Managing Director comments: “We are delighted to be able to offer the current promotion to one of our existing staff. During his time at P H Warr, Simon has shown an outstanding commitment to the business. I have every confidence that he will continue to build upon this success and will form an intrinsic part of the business for many years to come.” More >>

January 2008 - Link to the future

A contractor has been appointed for a complete makeover of one of the best-known office blocks in Poole, Dorset, transforming it into a flagship building. For many years Link House was the home of advertising publication Exchange & Mart before being acquired, with vacant possession, by Clark Estates in March 2007.

Office makeover - the project team.

The Bournemouth-based developer has now appointed George & Harding as the contractor tasked with carrying out an extensive refurbishment of the landmark town centre building. Work is due to start in earnest this month with the completion date set for July. P H Warr plc has been chosen to provide quantity surveying and health and safety services while Nettleship Sawyer and the Southampton office of CB Richard Ellis are retained as letting agents. Link House comprises 35,512 sq ft (net internal area) on ground and four upper floors, with more than 120 designated car parking spaces. The building has commanding views over Poole and the nearby harbour. The refurbishment work includes new air conditioning, lifts, access flooring, lighting and carpets together with further Disability Discrimination Act compliance upgrades. Externally, the West Street building will be transformed to provide an 'as new' office block.

Sustainable Building Award, sponsored by P H Warr plc

P H Warr plc was delighted to sponsor the Dorset Business Awards 2007 - Sustainable Building Award category, recognising those Dorset businesses that promote and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable construction and development.

P H Warr was proud to be involved in supporting this accolade because of the company’s commitment to reducing its own environmental impact, whilst building a business full of diverse talents, skills and experiences.

2007 Winner: DCRS Construction Ltd, Farrington, Blandford

Based near Blandford, the primary mission for DCRS Construction Ltd is to promote and deliver sustainable buildings in Dorset and Somerset, using sustainable materials and traditional construction methods. The company has successfully applied this philosophy to several school buildings. DCRS Construction endeavour to use locally sourced timber, straw and other natural materials in its developments, and recent projects have included High Ham School in Somerset and Thorncombe, St Mary’s Primary School in Dorset.

Directors Suzy Carr and Rob Buckley outside their Sustainable Building Resource Centre.

In order to develop and improve environmental design within future projects, the company aims to expand its mission to promote and demonstrate the best sustainable construction methods and to show how these can replace more conventional energy-intensive building options without additional cost.

DCRS Construction, in conjunction with ARCO2 Architecture, has set up Ecofab Ltd to deliver low and zero carbon buildings for affordable housing.