Case Studies

New builds, refurbishments and any other type of project for colleges or charities are seldom simple and straightforward. 

Whether teams’ working hours need to be carefully arranged to avoid clashing with teaching schedules, or building materials need to be physically carried upstairs from ground level in a busy college building … or even if an entire project suddenly has to be relocated miles down the road, PMS MK always provides the same net result: completion on time, on budget and to the client’s complete satisfaction.

Below are case studies of a couple of projects completed for local colleges, and there will be more studies for works completed for local charities here soon.

CASE STUDY 1

Bedford College: Redevelopment and remodelling of tower block and construction training centre

PMS MK accessed capital grants for new build and refurbishment for two failing college buildings in a tight town centre within metres of the River Ouse.

Demolition had been an initial option, but was then considered impracticable due to the location. Works were undertaken without disrupting normal college activities. Despite a series of client changes throughout the project, it was completed on budget, on time and even won a national award for Heat and Energy Design Innovation.

CASE STUDY 2

Milton Keynes College: SCIoTs at Reading, Oxford and Bletchley

PMS MK provided the technical content, master programme and cost plan for Milton Keynes College’s three new IoT centres in Reading, Oxford and Bletchley.

Challenges to be overcome included transporting materials up to a third-floor site at Reading; the condition of the concrete at the Oxford site; and the complete revision of the original designs and costings when the third IoT could not be sited at the historic Bletchley Park location as planned.Bletchley Park as planned.

What Our Clients Say

We’re proud to be a trusted project partner — here’s how organisations we’ve worked with describe their experience with PMS MK.

  • Our initial project with Mark was a fast-paced refurbishment project in 2008 to create a new university facility in Milton Keynes for Milton Keynes College. It was a demonstration of what could be achieved if everybody worked as a collaborative team. The project was a resounding success for all parties, and a large part of that success was down to Mark’s care and attention in delivering a fantastic learning facility for the learners and his ultimate client. Since that time, we have gone on to do in excess of twenty further educational projects valued at over £75m for numerous different learning establishments. Every project has had its own set of unique challenges to overcome, and whilst I’m not going to pretend we didn’t have some battles along the way, Mark always had the client’s best interests at heart. Together, we have always overcome the obstacles and delivered some exceptional educational facilities in the northern home counties. Mark demands that his projects are a success, and I’m proud to say that the projects that we have been involved with certainly have been.
    Andrew​​​​ Morris MCIOB, Business Development Director
    Ash Group
  • PMS are ‘can-do’ construction project managers who find solutions to the myriad of problems that a modern-day project in the UK will inevitably encounter. To that end, they are similar to us, they focus on getting the job done in the best interests of the client. That is why we love working with PMS; no ‘flim flam’. If you are a client who wants to build something on a reasonable budget and timescale, use PMS. If you want to waste fees and time, then I can recommend many other firms.
    Steve Baldwin, Director
    Solution Consulting Engineers Ltd
  • PMS are “can-do” construction project managers that find solutions to the myriad of problems that a modern-day project in the UK will inevitably encounter. To that end, they are similar to us, who focus on getting the job done in the best interests of the client. That is why we love working with PMS; no flim flam. If you are a client who wants to build something on a reasonable budget and timescale, use PMS. If you want to waste fees and time, then I can recommend many other firms.
    Steve Baldwin, Director
    Solution Consulting Engineers Ltd
  • Throughout the project, Mark places himself at the centre of the team, directing the client as much as the builders and designers. His approach is often blunt and direct, often with humour, but with a laser focus on delivery and getting the best value. I would feel confident entering into a scheme knowing that Project Management Solutions is managing it.
    Michael Barham, Owner/Director
    Illuminous Consulting Ltd
  • As a Mechanical and Electrical design consultant partnering with PMS for over 15 years, we can state that PMS consistently deliver projects to a high standard on time and on budget. Even on challenging projects, PMS lead from the front to ensure the best possible solutions are delivered for the client. With an attention to detail and hands-on approach during the construction stage, PMS make sure they are ahead of the contractors, which is a key factor in the consistently high project success rate. It is always a pleasure to work on a design team managed by PMS and achieve industry-leading firsts.
    John-Paul Cain
    Panda CES Ltd
  • I had the pleasure of meeting Mark and engaging him as our Project Manager when we bought our own building, which needed significant refurbishment. Being complete rookies in this area, we needed someone who could guide us and also the contractors, to keep the project on track, both with timescales are most importantly within budget. Mark was firm but fair and worked with us to find solutions where there were small bumps along the way. He became part of our team for the duration of the project. I would strongly recommend Mark's services, whatever the size of your project, Mark will work with you to get it delivered.
    Louise Wall
    MK and Northamptonshire Chamber
  • I have had the pleasure of working with PMS on several demanding building projects over the years, and I can confidently say they are one of the most capable and driven professionals I’ve worked with. They manage complex projects from inception to completion with the attention to detail and relentless drive required to see them through successfully. PMS possesses a rare combination of technical expertise, leadership, and tenacity, enabling them to consistently deliver, even under the tightest of timescales and within budget constraints. Their strong character and clear communication style inspire confidence in both clients and teams alike. They take ownership, solve problems proactively, and lead with authority, ensuring no detail is overlooked and expectations are consistently exceeded. Above all, their greatest attribute is that they care. I would not hesitate to recommend PMS to anyone seeking a capable and committed professional to manage their building projects.
    Stuart Devonshire RIBA
    Devonshire Architects
  • I have had the pleasure of working with Mark as our Capital Projects Consultant for over a decade. His expertise in both design and build has been instrumental in the successful completion of numerous large capital schemes. From initial design to final build and opening, his work has been exemplary. His ability to manage and deliver projects across a wide range of contacts has consistently exceeded our expectations.
    Pat Jones, Principal and CEO
    Weston College
  • Mark joined Camphill MK midway through our project following recommendations from his previous work achievements. He quickly got to know the team, the details and objectives, and the scope of our build project. We are grateful to Mark for not just enabling us to deliver on time and to budget but also championing our charity and the work it does. Mark has the ability to take a high-level view on projects and quickly identify potential future sticking points, ensuring that all involved are well briefed and, most importantly, follow through on agreed expectations. From a project management perspective, Mark excelled in balancing cost, time, quality and scope, and we are thrilled with the building now that the first phase of the works is complete. He engaged all contractors in our crowdfunding campaign, encouraging every one of them to get to know the charity better, to involve our client base, and to secure donations from them
    Tim Davies, CEO
    Camphill MIlton Keynes