In a brand new series of features Northern Insight talks to leading figures in the regions construction industry. This month we speak to...Javaad Khalil, Managing Director of Consult North
Tell us about your career path so far?
My career path thus far has seen my working for both global consultancies and also a small local firms. I started off life working in London within the commercial office. A great place to explore my passion for Architecture, buildings and property in general. The knowledge I gained there are the foundations for my career development. I then moved back to the North east of England in 2015, focusing my time and attention on securing the all-important chartership with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. You recently launched Consult North.
Was this a long held ambition and what services do you offer?
Founding and owning an independent Construction Consultancy has always been an ambition of mine and what better time than now when the industry needs it most. Starting off young in the family business, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset. The core services Consult North offer are; Quantity Surveying/Cost Consulting and Project Management.
What is the company’s USP?
Construction companies are known to be stagnant and stubborn in their ways, we are striving to change this. We aim to be a disruptive consultancy with a management team that will work for its employees and create an environment that encourages innovation and progression within the construction sector. We are selective with our clients and we are selective with our employees, both of which have to reflect our core values – Passion, Pride and Professionalism. We are passionate about Construction, take pride in our work and offer a personable professional service. Our approach to delivery is simple, we treat the project as if it were our own, our money and our business. We integrate with clients and their businesses to ensure optimal outcomes for them. That’s why we are YOUR partners in managing construction projects. But please, don’t just take our word for it, speak to our clients.
What changes have you seen in the Construction industry market during the Coronavirus pandemic?
Contrary to other sectors Construction has and will continue to see major growth in the coming months. Operational clients are seeing the pandemic as a window of opportunity to get their refurbishment or expansion projects underway whilst the restrictions have forced them to close. Thus, preventing a closure when restrictions ease and losing out on the post-COVID trade. Investment driven clients are slowly sweeping up anything that comes to market following the demise of other business’ and whilst interest rates are low. We’ve seen a lot of clients buying low and subsequently adding value to their buildings in ways which projects their asset to the top of the market when life post-COVID commences. The biggest changes aside from actual construction will be the way in which we do things in this sector. Construction is old fashioned, the technologies available to use are rapidly evolving and the uptake of such will be key for those who wish to survive in this changing landscape.
Tell us the most exciting thing you’re currently working on?
Every project is exciting in its own manner. But right this moment it comes down to two projects; The first of which sees the remodelling of a dis-used Police station into a quirky Hotel, Bar and Bistro and the second is turning a dis-used bank and its vaults into a bar and dining experience. What’s the fondest memory of your career in the industry so far?
Thankfully, I’ve had my fair share of these. I always say the true beauty of construction consulting is taking an idea that a client has in their head and systematically going through the design process and manging the delivery on site to one day waking up to a completed building. Most of all, its re-visiting old projects and seeing how the operators or public utilise that particular asset. From occupiers in an office building I’ve worked on, to travellers staying at hotels I’ve delivered.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
A lot changes in five years, just like looking back at where I was five years ago. My aim is to make Consult North the go to Construction Consultancy firm in the North of England, offering all aspects of Construction Consultancy under one roof for clients. Since launching at the beginning of January, we have secured appointments on construction projects totalling a value of £40 million. This is a testament to the confidence clients have in Consult North within the Construction industry.
What are your favourite Construction developments in the North East?
The Catalyst – I had the pleasure of working on this scheme on the developing Newcastle Helix site during a previous employment. Undoubtably, the pinnacle for Design and Construction in the North East. All the awards and accolades it is winning are proof of this. Spanish City – I love the idea of giving existing buildings a fresh lease of life. A distinct and remarkable refurbishment scheme which is providing an excellent experience to the public. Hadrians Tower – A first for Newcastle in terms of tall buildings and quite clearly the gateway for future tall building developments in Newcastle.
Who are your heroes and mentors?
There are too many to name, it’s a great time for young individuals in business or looking to get into business due to the wealth of information available at our fingertips. The most successful entrepreneurs are only a few clicks away on our phone, listening to their business advice is invaluable and stories, incredibly inspiring.
When not working, how do you like to relax?
I enjoy going to the gym when restrictions allow followed by a sauna – it’s exactly what I need to clear my mind and get ready for the day ahead. Other ways I relax are walking whilst listening to a podcast and reading a couple of chapters from a book before sleeping.
