Chris Morris - Company secretary at Compass Developments and junior vicepresident at Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF)
Tell us about Compass Developments?
Compass is a forward-thinking regional principal contractor with a strong track record of successfully delivering a diverse range of construction projects across commercial, industrial, academic and residential sectors. We work with our clients to offer a genuinely bespoke and tailored solution that meets their individual requirements.
I oversee all aspects of corporate and statutory governance through the establishment and implementation of our ISO-accredited management systems. My role also involves providing leadership and support to the pre-construction team by engaging with the client to understand their aspirations and ensure their projects get off to the best possible start.
What projects is the company currently undertaking?
We have a proposed project pipeline of approximately £18 million for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025, which is a testament to the continued hard work and dedication of our team. At present, we are engaged in three significant refurbishment projects in partnership with both Northumberland and South Tyneside councils, which were awarded through our place on the NEPO framework. We are also working with the team at Eddisons, on behalf of several multi-academy trusts to deliver numerous enhanced learning facilities across their existing property portfolios. Additionally, through the Procure Partnerships framework, we are developing a state-ofthe-art laboratory and accommodations facility for Natural England. This project is particularly noteworthy as it aims for a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’, incorporating numerous sustainable features that highlight our dedication to environmentally responsible construction practices.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the sector?
The construction sector currently faces a blend of substantial challenges and promising opportunities. While the skill shortage remains a primary concern, we’ve also identified the persistent escalation in construction material costs as a critical hurdle that continues to create uncertainty. Although our supply chain has shown more stability recently, it remains vulnerable to external factors outside our control.
We’ve countered this by implementing cloudbased commercial, project management and HSQE systems, which have led to notable enhancements in productivity and service quality, bolstering our competitiveness in the marketplace.
We also see the rise of social value and the growing emphasis on community-centric projects as a significant opportunity for regional contractors like us.
What can be done to bridge the skills gap in the construction sector?
We recognise the importance of nurturing the next generation of construction professionals, which is why we’re actively involved in promoting apprenticeships throughout our business by working collaboratively with local schools, colleges and organisations such as the Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF) and Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to enhance the perception of our industry and showcase the many diverse career opportunities available.
How does being aligned to a sector body such as the Northern Counties Builders Federation benefit Compass Developments?
We benefit from proactive advocacy and representation, with NCBF championing our interests at regional and national levels and influencing policies that directly impact our business environment.
It specifically addresses the unique challenges faced by regional SMEs with this targeted support levelling the playing field and empowering us to compete effectively alongside larger firms contributing proactively to our success within the sector.
Moreover, NCBF facilitates invaluable networking opportunities within the construction industry. These connections foster collaboration, enabling us to share best practices, gain insights and forge partnerships that enhance our competitive edge.
www.compass-developments.co.uk
