PwC construction viewpoints - Anthony J Morgan

Anthony J Morgan
Forensic Services Partner, London, UK

What are the three biggest issues facing the Construction industry?

Project risk management - choosing the right clients, projects and risk allocation in contracts.

Business risk management - choosing the right portfolio of types of projects, businesses (Private Finance Initiative - PFI, Facilities Management - FM, railway maintenance, etc).

Skills training - current shortage of skilled tradesmen in the industry.

What keeps your client CEOs awake at night?

In addition to project and business risk management and skills training, safety is a key issue - new laws on corporate manslaughter for which directors can be jailed for 14 years should come into force in the UK next year. And of course profit sustainability and adding shareholder value.

How has E-business affected the Construction industry and how will it further affect it?

E-enabled procurement resulting in greater effectiveness, e-enabled project collaboration websites for all the project team to communicate faster (client, designer, contractor, suppliers), e-enabled international project management and pressure on suppliers to improve service levels to achieve sales rather than just price competition.

Which new business models and contract types do you see evolving in the Construction industry?

E-enabled procurement resulting in greater effectiveness, e-enabled project collaboration websites for all the project team to communicate faster (client, designer, contractor, suppliers), e-enabled international project management and pressure on suppliers to improve service levels to achieve sales rather than just price competition.

How will the Construction industry look in the future?

The Construction industry will have a few big European contractors with substantial balance sheets and consolidation will occur amongst professional services firms (architects, engineers and QS practices) to service major international clients and projects. There will be a greater focus on industry expertise like hospitals, railways, roads, education, power, etc. which differentiates contractors and service providers.