Key considerations for developing corporate and operational approaches for managing the small building works portfolio of large client organisations

Many large organizations, which act in the capacity of clients to the construction industry, own and occupy extensive, diverse and often geographically dispersed property estates. To maintain their upkeep and use, these estates often require very considerable annual expenditure on maintenance, alterations, refurbishment and small-scale new building works. Activities encompassing these types form the category of small building works, a sub-sector of the construction industry which amounts to around £9 billion, or 20%, of annual UK total construction output. The effective management of small building works in the context of any organization with large property holdings is essential, as better management of the small building works portfolio can contribute significantly to the business of the organization. This paper contributes new data and adds to the synthesis of findings from research studies into small works, supported by governmental and industry sources and conducted over a 10-year period. It aims to assist in the development of corporate and operational approaches for managing the small building works portfolio of large organizations by highlighting key considerations. These are linked to a dynamic control cycle, or system, to assist organizations in implementing practice based on the considerations made.