Question 6
Could you give an instance of how you/your team have gone beyond for a colleague?
Suraj Balra
“When one of our senior team members needed to take an extended leave for personal reasons, it was a pivotal moment for our team to step up. Instead of seeing it as an extra burden, we took it as an opportunity to show what we’re made of. I immediately rolled up my sleeves and worked with the team to ensure we didn’t miss a beat—projects still needed managing, deadlines still had to be met, and clients deserved our best.
I initiated a plan to redistribute tasks, keeping everyone’s strengths in mind, so nothing fell through the cracks. We held regular check-ins with project leads and maintained open lines of communication with clients to reassure them that, despite the circumstances, everything was moving forward as promised. I personally took ownership of overseeing critical project documentation—something I’m particularly passionate about—to ensure that quality remained exceptional and that the team could focus on the mission without blockers.
We didn’t just meet expectations; we exceeded them. And while it wasn’t easy, this experience highlighted the power of teamwork and communication. It also reminded me that no challenge is too big when such an amazing and supportive team surrounds you.
A massive shoutout to the brilliant Document Control team for their resilience, hard work, and ability to stay cool under pressure. Together, we kept the wheels turning, proving we can handle anything thrown our way. ????????”
Question 7
Is there anything you’d like to change about the wider construction industry?
Michael Ash,
Supply Chain Manager
“The construction industry is often seen as an unexciting dirty job. Working in all weather’s waist deep in mud. It is often seen as an industry full of men with male orientated roles.
The truth is different. The industry has moved on a lot since I first started. Health & Safety, Technology, diversity, among others have jumped leaps and bounds.
There are so many different roles ranging from operating big machinery, to being the CEO. We have huge tower cranes which can be run remotely like the RAF Drones. Project based roles which allow you to procure multi million-pound packages and office based roles, managing teams of people.
Although I tend to be more office based, the roles I have held over the years have meant a lot of time on site. Being on site is an extremely exciting place to be. Being involved in the construction of new buildings and following the construction methods. I personally love seeing the construction first hand.
However, those who are strong in IT are able to run software that displays 3D images and walkthroughs of buildings.
There are days on site when it is wet and cold, but not all jobs require you to be out in it. With all the challenges in construction, comes exciting and varied opportunities. No day is the same and you get to work as a real team delivering real value.”
Question 8
What’s a recent example of teamwork you’ve experienced, and how did it make you feel?
Mark Musselwhite,
Pre-Construction Director
“We have a small but exceptional pre construction team at Sweet Projects. Each individual member of our team brings their own personal strengths, that when blended together produces exceptional results and high quality submissions to our clients.
Over the course of a year my team will handle an average of 40 enquiries from our clients. These can either be Expressions of Interest, PQQ’s, small tenders or large tenders, with each having complex deliverables and fixed timescales. One such project that we recently completed involved a large two stage tender for one of our framework clients. This required complex planning to meet a very tight timescale, regular progress meetings and the production of a through end document.
This piece of work showcased our collaboration and innovation through individuals working together from our internal design, operations commercial, legal, SHEQ, planning and estimating departments. Merging each unique skillset to achieve an exceptional result. Each member of my team showcased their dedication, effort, and focus in creating a high quality submission, and I’m proud of them all.”
