Top international construction management firm gives Middle East its vote of confidence

A top official of Bovis Lend Lease, ranked among the top ten construction companies in the world, explained that the region had now overtaken many developed markets by continuously ushering in new technologies and instantly adapting to the latest trends in the construction industry. "We at Bovis Lend Lease are constantly inspired by this positive trend and the active support of the rulers to the construction business," pointed out John Spanswick, Chairman & CEO - Europe, Middle East & Africa.

Spanswick was speaking at an event held in Dubai on Saturday to launch the new regional headquarters of Bovis Lend Lease in the presence of top government officials and industry leaders. Owned by Lend Lease Corporation of Australia, Bovis Lend Lease ranks among the world's top ten construction companies active in over 40 countries from West to East.

In celebration of this strategic launch, Spanswick said: "We first worked in the Middle East in the 1970's, so we have a longstanding involvement in the region. By opening our new office here in Dubai, we will be able to provide a broader and more responsive service to our clients both locally and globally."

Work in the region for Bovis Lend Lease in the 1970's included completing two local landmarks - the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh and the Kuwait National Assembly Building. More recently, the company has secured major projects in Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi as well as Saudi Arabia, in addition to a number of regional rollout and re-branding programs. Several of the companies' global multinational clients are also now investing in the Middle East.

"Our international track record is important to us in building our presence locally," said Bovis Lend Lease's new Regional Director Mark Fletcher. "With particular expertise as one of the world's largest builders of commercial office, hotel, retail and leisure developments, it means that we can call upon the skills, knowledge and resources of the whole group when we need them. Our experience in the sectors of airport and health care also complement the growth being witnessed here."

Fletcher who will be based in Dubai has worked for the company for 10 years, both in Russia and as Director for Southern Europe in Madrid. He brings with him over 20 years of international experience in the construction industry including previous experience in the Middle East in Iraq and Egypt.

"It's an exciting time to be in the Middle East," Fletcher added. "There is substantial growth and diversification into non-oil related sectors such as tourism and financial services and the clients for these schemes are looking for world-class project teams to help them meet their cost, time and quality targets."

Supporting all clients from both a local and global perspective is key to the success of all of Bovis Lend Lease contracts, with internationally experienced construction professionals, engineers and managers available to provide dedicated on-site support, backed by locally employed, company trained project, construction, commercial and technical staff to deliver a truly integrated service in a cost effective manner.

Results from recent research shows strong markets in all of the company's key sectors and significant brand recognition for Bovis Lend Lease in this area and since re-establishing their presence in the UAE, Bovis Lend Lease has already been involved in the master planning phase for a US$200 million Cultural Development for Abu Dhabi Public Works department and a US$400 million Education Sector project with joint venture partner Addar Real Estate Services LLC with whom the company is also providing project management services for a new 60,000 square meter office in Abu Dhabi. In addition, Bovis Lend Lease has an active project with Projacs, for the construction of the US$150 million Kuwait Oil Sector Complex.

"The sheer scale and complexity of some of the new projects being planned in the region are ideally suited to our brand of project and construction management," added Chief Executive, Spanswick. "We believe there is real demand for such world-class services in the Middle East and we look forward to the contribution we can make to these emerging and established economies."

In addition the companies declared commitment to an Incident & Injury Free (IIF) environment for all employees and site workers has been met with tremendous local interest and support. "We have been greatly impressed by government and local authority concerns in respect of the standards of health & safety in the construction sector and we look forward to working together with Clients, Consultants and Contractors to ensure that theses issues are addressed," stated Spanswick.