SAM HIGGINS

My most recent role involved managing high end, fast track retail fit-out from inception to completion. This role involved working with multiple parties, including client appointed architects, landlords, local building authority, specialist trades and suppliers.

• This role involved working with luxury, designer brands, managing UK retail store fit-out works from point of consultation and design, through to completion and handover. Key clients included Moulton Brown, Puma, Salomon, Crocs, and many well known designer brands.
• Cost Management - I am responsible for managing initial costing, gathering supplier quotes and estimates, cost change management throughout the lifecycle of the project, through to final invoice, ensuring the project remains profitable. I worked consultative with key stakeholders to ensure the final design specification met their financial and aesthetic needs.
• Materials - Many projects required specific materials to be imported from overseas, to ensure brand continuity. I sourced, ordered and managed the delivery of bespoke/one-off pieces from specialist manufacturers outside of the UK in order to meet customer requirements.
• Contractor Management - I source and on-board key contractors and suppliers based on the needs of each project. As many client requests are completely bespoke, I would source from a very niche pool of contractors,. I handled RAMS approvals, H&S management and audits, and sign off of contractor works upon completion.
• I managed the fit-out of a Regent Street UK flagship store for Vuori, a luxury athleisure brand. The project value was £1.3million. Works were completed with a profit of 37%. Other recent projects include Salomon Long-Acre (value £480k, profit ~30%), and multiple Puma outlet stores (value ~£300k, profit ~32%.)

I made the decision to close my own construction company, in order to advance in my career as a Site Manager for a key player in the construction and commercial fit-out sector.

• Moving to ISG offered the opportunity to work on larger scale projects, and develop skills in other areas of the industry, including providing more exposure to managing other trades and specialist contractors.
• I worked on UK contracts which involved full re-fit works for a large supermarket chain, with tight contract deadlines and high H&S/client expectations.
• Working in a live environment, I have worked closely with contractors and clients, developing strong relationships with all parties. I gained valuable exposure to the management of large scale contracts, including handling costs, change management, and control of health and safety in a fast paced environment.

I moved on to open and direct my own joinery and building firm, Build Your Rooms LTD (BYRL). BYRL offers a wide range of services to domestic and commercial customers, ranging from domestic kitchen fitting, through to building extensions and commercial/retail fit-out.

• Responsible for all practical aspects of business management, including health and safety, quoting and sales, project/site managing and staff training.
• Through directing my own business, I have picked up key skills relating to the safe and effective running of construction sites, with a key focus on safe, cost-effective work being provided to all clients.
• I have managed teams of varying sizes on a range of contracts, including domestic renovations and extensions, bespoke joinery projects, and large scale commercial shop fit outs.
• BYRL has worked as a trusted contractor with ISG since June 2018, carrying out general builders activity, carpentry and partitioning works on large scale retail fit-outs throughout the UK.
• BYRL also complete insurance work for key providers in the west midlands, offering repair services for water damage, fire damage, and general insurance claims

I spent the next 6 years working as a self-employed carpenter/multi-skilled tradesman alongside a local plumber, to gain experience in other aspects of the industry.

I carried out all aspects of carpentry and general building works, whilst learning the basics of the plumbing trade.

Whilst working for PJ Developments I completed a range of small and medium scale projects, carrying out general carpentry and building works on residential and commercial properties.

As I progressed within the company, I began to supervise and coordinate company projects, including being responsible for teams of up to 10 workers from different trades.

I started my career by completing an apprenticeship with a local building firm. I was trained in all aspects of carpentry and bench joinery, ranging from roofing, to internal furnishings and kitchen/bathroom fit out.