Post by Yazmin El Ashrafi

At Stephen George + Partners (SGP) we enjoy working with clients at all levels and assisting them in the most efficient and best way possible to make their projects viable. In the course of our work, we have often found that smaller projects can sometimes reveal much more complex issues than larger, more commercial schemes.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, planning is the most challenging element of the process as smaller developments often require far more detailed consultation. If not handled correctly, the length of such applications can jeopardise scheme developments and have significant effects on funding, project running costs, and overheads. This is where our expertise and experience are invaluable for smaller developers and it’s a pleasure to report that SGP’s Birmingham office has recently gained a hat trick of planning approvals for small jobs across Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Leicestershire. These projects will develop to benefit the economies of the surrounding areas and their residents.

It is essential to support smaller developments in this way as very often the companies involved are learning their way in the construction and development sector and so bear huge risks in running live projects. They also mostly work on limited cash-flow budgets, so it is vital for them to have a steady pipeline of projects and ensure a constant flow of work for their micro team, suppliers and sub-contractors. In supporting such developments, we advise on technical details early on, allowing for budgets and contingencies to be factored in accurately from programme inception to completion, which ensures that project hurdles are overcome.

Smaller projects also introduce opportunities for consultants’ firms, suppliers, tradesmen and other small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and local businesses in the surrounding community. Indirectly, the immediate construction operations will inject revenue into local businesses such as grocery shops, cleaning and printing. Once works have completed, clients and residents of the projects will then influence the local economy in the long term, providing a continuous source of custom.

The advantages of smaller construction projects on local communities are not just monetary. Smaller developments bring with them apprenticeships and training opportunities, which provide valuable mentoring for the younger generation. On a more advanced level, such developments can build confidence and encouragement amongst small enterprises in taking calculated risks and forging opportunities.

We at SGP are very pleased to be involved in, and be of assistance to, micro projects. No matter the size of the project, we give every commission our utmost attention.

Contact us to find out more: SGP Birmingham