Duncan Town

An experienced client facing Chartered professional with a broad spectrum of Cost and Commercial Management in the Construction and Infrastructure sectors.

A forward-thinking approach with the ability to develop client relationships whilst delivering business strategies. Ability to manage change whilst providing supportive and innovative management.

Network Rail – Gatwick Station Mar 23 – Present

Commissioned by Network Rail via Turner & Townsend for the cost verification and assurance of 69 Subcontractor final accounts, with a value of Circa £127m. The various activities being undertaken through a series of audits during the remainder of the project to provide cost assurance as the project progresses and to avoid a significant or lengthy final account agreement process. A risk-based approach is being across the project.

• Understanding of systems/processes/controls:
• Sample based approach
• Analytical review

Network Rail – On Network Works Euston Enabling Works (HS2) May 18 – October 23

Commissioned by Network Rail via Turner & Townsend for the Commercial Management of a variety of work packages to support the delivery of their Euston Stage A Enabling Works Scheme. A portfolio of work packages with a combined value of Circa £431m:

• 11Kv High Voltage Network project Circa £37 million
• Project Accommodation Circa £11 million
• Rail Systems – West Side Clearance Circa £94 million
• Rail Systems – Watford Platform Extension Circa £21 million
• Stations – Concourse Alterations Circa £154 million
• Stations - Decommissioning Platform 17/18 Circa £114 million

Responsible for leading a team delivering post-contract commercial management functions offering specialist advice, guidance, and recommendations to maximise commercial opportunities for Network Rail.

• An excellent understanding of Network Rail’s cost reporting procedures & corporate governance rules.
• Commercial management of the station packages, including MEP and surveys, demolition, structural steel,

façade and general fit-out packages, in line with the CP5 Framework conditions of contract

• Periodic cost-reporting and project forecasting on allocated accounts with experience in preparing and reporting the OP’s COWD and AFC against the investment authority and project’s budgeted values
• Producing supplementary variance commentary on periodic cost reports.
• Reporting and monitoring of project accruals and producing comprehensive commentary
• Completing project health indicators to facilitate improved project reporting and early notification of issues
• Production of rolling & full-year forecasts (FYF) in accordance with Network Rail’s reporting timelines
• Preparation of Gateway 3, 4 and 5 papers for issuing to RCP & Group Investment Panel
• Providing pro-active cost advice to budget holders on change events & advising on the appropriate actions
• Monitoring the investment authorities align with the budgeted values
• Identifying & advising on commercial risk & providing cost advice in the development of the project QCRAs
• Producing commercial correspondence & contractual notices for issue in accordance with contract
• Assessing contractual entitlement on change events & advising on the appropriate courses of action
• Review & challenge contractor interim payment applications, forecasts, accruals and earned value reports
• Providing advice on pre and post contractual activities and challenge procurement strategies issued by the contractor.
• Undertaking cost assurance audits (Deep Dive and Final Account) ensuring that cost elements are consistent with site progress and on-going construction activities.

Paddington Crossrail Fit out April 17 – April 18

Senior Commercial Manager

Set up and formed a Commercial Team to effectively deal with multiple design and programme changes on the M &

E fit out of New Crossrail Station at Paddington.

The project was over 6 levels - 4 of which were below ground following extensive Civils’ work. The package was

Circa £17 Million and managed via NEC 3 with Option A

Responsible for the management of all commercial aspects of the package of works including supporting precontract and operations, managing commercial risk and opportunity, ensuring the accuracy of forecasts and that all commercial reporting procedures are adhered to.

Preparing recommendations for interim payments to contractors in accordance with contract requirements and produce payment certificates for sign off by the appropriate project manage. Maintaining financial impact assessments for instructed change. Negotiating on financial impacts of compensation events with suppliers.

My strength, depth and breadth of understanding enabled me to apply my skills & experience to manage a multidiscipline Team of QS’s, Planners and Estimating Staff required to implement the significant change in both design and programme. I instilled an ethos that the team administers the risk management process in an open and constructive manner to enable the client to mitigate risks early in the works, enabling the project to meet Key

Dates.

Liaising with Unions and the Client on a day-to-day basis with a transparent, partnering approach was paramount to maintain programme and ensure an achievable budget was in place.

Network Rail – Infrastructure Projects Southeast March 13 – March 17

Commercial Manager

Responsible for the Commercial Management of a portfolio of works, involving Power Enhancements for New Sub-

Stations, TP Huts and Along Track Cabling. The schemes were delivered using NR9, NR11 & NR12 Contracts

• Kent PSE Phases 1, 2 & 3 - £103 Million – March 2013 – March 2017.
• Sussex Function Supply Point’s (FSP’s) Remedial – £12 Million, 800 Volumes - September 2016 – March

2019.

• Sussex PSU - £34 Million - May 2016 – December 2018.

Main Contractor and principle Sub-Contractors employed on a mix of Target Cost (NR12) and Fixed Price forms of

Contract (NR11), both Pre & Post the Framework agreement

▪ Manage the contractual obligations between Network Rail and its contractors/suppliers

▪ Monitor & manage the scope of the scheme including any areas of “overlapping” with other Network Rail projects

▪ Accurate assessments of Cost of Work Done (COWD), Work in Progress (WIP) & Forecasts to manage and identify the budget and any impact project change

▪ Controlling Major Contractors and Suppliers employed to deliver the scheme, including their monthly applications for payment, requests for change orders and auditing allowable costs

▪ Assisting with “Risk Reviews” – early identification of risk, enabling a strategy to minimise risk and monitoring

▪ Manage the contractual obligations between Network Rail and its contractors/suppliers

Network Rail – Kings Cross Redevelopment July 12 – March 13

Commercial Manager

Commissioned by Network Rail to lead the close out of the key M&E Sub-Contract package (value circa £50 million)

for the Kings Cross Station Redevelopment Project, overall value circa £200 million.

Remit is to not only value the works undertaken by the Contractor (N G Bailey) but formulate a conclusion strategy to bring about a speedy but accurate Final Account Settlement avoiding the need for any contractual claims and disputes, whilst of ensuring best value and best practice for the client.

Specific remit

▪ Accurate assessments of Monthly Applications and Work in Progress

▪ Ensuring all Capital Assets are reallocated accordingly

▪ Valuing claims in a proactive manner, including a “pain/gain” mechanism

▪ Assessing entitlement to “incentive” payments

▪ Precise, timely and appropriate reporting internally

▪ Clearly conveying and agreeing a strategy with the Contractor

• Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors MRICS
• Chartered Institute of Building MCIOB
• Quantity Surveyors International FQSi