Steve Flint has enjoyed more than 40 years in the construction industry, both in his native UK and in other global territories. Following work experience in countries across Africa, Flint arrived in the UAE as group general manager for Khansaheb Civil Engineering in 2010.
The company’s group GM says the Emirates’ construction market has been very challenging for contractors, subcontractors and consultants alike over the past five years. All of those working within the sector have had to make difficult decisions during the period, leading to the streamlining of business operations across the board.
Commenting on Khansaheb’s journey, Flint adds: “We have become much more efficient, much more cost effective, and much more focused on developing and retaining our people to improve business performance.”
He contends that the biggest challenges ahead for the UAE’s construction industry will be “demand outstripping supply, and tackling the concern of insufficient qualified and capable resources to deliver major projects”. The challenge for contractors and consultants in particular, Flint asserts, will be to avoid the temptation to take on work that they do not have the capacity to deliver.
“The biggest opportunities and challenges for Khansaheb over the next 12 months will be how we respond to increased demand in the marketplace as Dubai continues to build towards Expo 2020,” he points out.
“We will follow a structured, sustainable business plan that ensures improved business performance in every respect, with planned modest growth,” Flint concludes.
