We wish to emphasis our commitment to the planning and control of expenditure on construction and in producing effective means of accounting for it. We see no benefit to our clients in simply "cost reporting" expenditure after it has been incurred, when it is very often too late for corrective action to be taken.

Furthermore, as Quantity Surveyors, we see our role as a positive one, co-operating with all other members of the team; when necessary making properly considered proposals for alternative materials and designs, consistent with performance requirements and aesthetic considerations, to ensure that the proposed building can be completed, not only within the approved expenditure, but at the most economical cost. It is, in our view, vital that all design decisions are made with an informed knowledge of the overall cost involved.

In most construction projects these days, mechancial and electrical engineering services and specialist equipment will form a significant percentage of the overall cost. Together with all other elements, it requires an appropriate degree of attention if adequate financial control is to be exercised.

We recognise that the construction industry if not dealing with an "off-the-shelf" finished product where the same process is appropriate every time. In the past few years there has been a rapid growth of different project delivery approaches. The choice is sometimes complex, depending on the nature of the project, the client's objectives and the degree of risk he is prepared to accept. All have an effect on the financial control of the project. We have considerable experience of the alternatives available, their selection and operation and would be pleased to help in the selection at the appropriate stage.

Throughout the construction process our staff are dedicated to the cost control function. Where variations are necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, these are promptly evaluated and their impact on the probable final cost reported. Corrective action can then be taken elsewhere in the work to keep the cost within the approved budget.

The Quantity Surveyor's duties in preparing valuations and settling the final account would be carried out with our traditional care, to ensure not only that the provisions of the contract are properly interpreted and applied, resulting in the client's financial interest being safeguarded but also that the contractors receive the proper price for the work. An anticipated cash flow statement will be prepared at the commencement of the project and be updated monthly to reflect actual payments made.

Site visits will be made regularly for the purpose of liaising with the Architect, taking records and/or agreeing measurements with the contractor.

The practice will be represented at all meetings at Partner level with a Partner being available to the team throughout the currency of the commission to give cost, procurement or contractual advice.