Cost Matters: Redefining Excellence in Quantity Surveying

Discussing how to excel in quantity surveying: maximise cashflow, minimise risk, and manage clients and the supply chain effectively.

About this Event


Cost Matters: Redefining Excellence in Quantity Surveying

A one-day conference for quantity surveyors and commercial professionals who want more than PowerPoint and polite applause.

Industry-backed: Built Intelligence • Metroun Quantity Surveyors • Horabin Associates

✅ Expert insights you can use immediately
✅ Real talk about risk, cost control and contracts
✅ Skills you’ll take back to your team the next day
✅ 100% of proceeds to local charities

🎯 Why attend?

Construction is changing - and so is Quantity Surveying.

Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned pro, this event will sharpen your skills, deepen your connections, and leave you better prepared to manage cost, risk and people in today’s challenging environment.

For just £60, you’ll get:

✔️ A full day of industry-leading speakers, panels and workshops
✔️ Practical strategies to avoid costly mistakes
✔️ Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments all day
✔️ Post-event networking drinks
✔️ A delegate swag bag worth over £25
✔️ All profits donated to The Prince of Wales Hospice and The Clothing Bank

🎯 What you'll learn

✔️ 5 Sure-Fire Ways to Lose Money in Construction – Patrick Waterhouse reveals the most common and costly mistakes in project delivery.

✔️ From Cost Control to Cost Connection – Genna Rourke on the evolving role of QS in 2025 and beyond, with a focus on connection, leadership and women in construction.

✔️ What is Stress? – Helen Topp’s interactive session on understanding and managing stress in a high-pressure industry.

✔️ Conditions Precedent: Safeguard or Barrier? – A deep dive panel discussion on contract risk management, with real-world examples.

✔️ Beyond the Model – Exploring the enduring value of traditional measurement in the BIM era.

✔️ Emerging Trends in QS – What’s next for the profession? Practical insights on digital tools, sustainability and staying ahead of the curve.

🎯 Who should attend?

• Quantity Surveyors (all levels)
• Commercial Managers
• Cost Consultants
• Employers and contractors keen to reduce risk
• Anyone responsible for managing cost and contracts in construction

🎯 Why your employer will approve

• Affordable CPD: Just £60 for a full day (less than £7/hour)
• Learn strategies to avoid £000s in avoidable costs
• Network with leading professionals and potential partners
• Show commitment to professional growth
• Support local charities and demonstrate social value

🎯 Event Details

📅 Wednesdy 24th September
🕗 08:30 – 18:00
📍 The Mill, Tootal Street, Tileyard, Wakefield WF1 5FY
💰 Tickets £60 (including all food, drinks, and materials)
🚗 Paid venue parking (£4/day)

🎯 All for a good cause

All proceeds go to The Prince of Wales Hospice and The Clothing Bank.

Learn. Connect. Give back.

🎯 Tickets are limited

We’re already welcoming our first confirmed attendees.

Secure your place today - once these tickets are gone, they’re gone!

Proudly sponsored by: Built Intelligence • Metroun Quantity Surveyors • Horabin Associates

Agenda


🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration and Breakfast Networking

Info: Food Options:

Hot and cold buffet.

Extras: Coffee, tea, and non-caffeinated drinks.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Master of Ceremonies
Host: Colin Manford

Info: Colin Manford is a North West based comedian who also happens to be Jason’s little brother!


An accomplished writer, actor and presenter who just loves to tell stories from his own unique perspective, all areas covered from his failed relationships to his weird and wonderful family life and more. No-holds barred comedy at its finest.


A very strong MC who can connect with any audience and can adapt to any situation, enjoying a growing reputation which has seen him booked not only in countries such as The Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, Malta and Romania but also the UKs top clubs.


He has written for 8 Out of 10 Cats and Walk on the Wild Side and his debut one man show had 2 sell out nights at the 2010 Manchester Comedy Festival.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Host: Rob Hubbard, Cantidad Limited

Info: Host introduces the theme of the event and outlines the day's agenda.

🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:00 AM
5 sure fire ways to lose money when managing construction projects
Host: Patrick Waterhouse

Info: 5 Sure-Fire Ways to Lose Money When Managing Construction Projects – Patrick Waterhouse

Managing construction projects comes with financial risks, but some mistakes can be particularly costly. In this insightful session, Patrick Waterhouse breaks down five common pitfalls that lead to financial loss, from poor contract management to ineffective cost control. Packed with real-world examples and practical advice, this presentation will help you identify and avoid these costly errors, ensuring better financial outcomes for your projects.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Short Break

Info: Complementary drinks and refreshments will be provided

🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Panel Discussion 1 - "Beyond the Model: The Enduring Value of Traditional Meas
Host: Rob Hubbard, Cantidad Limited

Info: Panel Discussion: Beyond the Model – The Enduring Value of Traditional Measurement in a BIM Era


Host: Rob Hubbard

Panel Members: Jasmine Warriner, Tom Wilson


As BIM-driven quantification becomes the industry norm, is there still a place for traditional measurement techniques? This panel explores how tried-and-tested methods continue to add value in an increasingly digital landscape. Rob Hubbard will lead a discussion with Jasmine Warriner and Tom Wilson on how combining traditional measurement with BIM enhances accuracy, mitigates risk, and provides critical validation for cost management and procurement. Join us as we examine real-world applications and debate the future role of manual techniques in a data-driven industry.

🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
"What is stress?"
Host: Helen Topp

Info: Helen shares her thoughts on what stress actually is and an explanation of how the mind and body reacts and responds, followed by some practical tips on how to manage. This will then be followed by Q&A session or a short relaxation session in the room.

🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch Break

Info: Food Options:

Buffet with various cuisines.

Dedicated dietary zones (e.g., gluten-free, vegan).

Staff available to assist attendees with specific needs.

🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Keynote Address - “From Cost Control to Cost Connection"
Host: Genna Rourke

Info: Join us for an engaging session with Genna Rourke, a distinguished industry professional, as she shares her insights on the evolving role of women in construction. Drawing from her extensive experience, Genna will explore the challenges, opportunities, and successes that shape the industry today in her talk 'From Cost Control to Cost Connection: A New Vision for Quantity Surveying.' This session will offer valuable perspectives on career progression, inclusivity, and the future of diversity in construction. Stay tuned for more details!

🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:15 PM
Conditions Precedent: Contractual Safeguard or Barrier to Fair Recovery?
Host: Rob Hubbard

Info: Panel Discussion: Conditions Precedent – Contractual Safeguard or Barrier to Fair Recovery?

Host: Rob Hubbard

Panel Members: James Horabin (Horabin Associates), Claire Saunders (Hawkswell Kilvington)

Sponsored by: Horabin Associates Ltd


Conditions precedent are a powerful mechanism in construction contracts, ensuring procedural compliance before entitlements can be claimed. But do they serve as a necessary safeguard for contract certainty, or are they an unfair hurdle to legitimate recovery? In this panel discussion, Rob Hubbard leads a debate with James Horabin of Horabin Associates and Claire Saunders, Legal Director at specialist construction and engineering solicitors Hawkswell Kilvington to explore the practical implications of conditions precedent, their enforcement in contract administration, and the balance between strict compliance and equitable outcomes.

🕑: 03:15 PM - 03:30 PM
Afternoon Break

Info: Refreshments: Light snacks, tea, and non-caffeinated options.

🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Emerging Costs in 2025
Host: TBC

Info: TBC

🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Closing Keynote - Patrick Waterhouse
Host: Patrick Waterhouse

Info: Topic: A call to action

🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:15 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Rob Hubbard

Info: Summary of the day.

Call to action and announcement of future events.

🕑: 05:15 PM - 06:00 PM
Informal Networking and Drinks Reception
Host: Cantidad Limited

Info: Inclusive drink options (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).Sponsored by Cantidad Limited

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