Client Testimonials

We (Arundel Museum Society) initially approached Cragg Management in July 2009 to review our initial scheme designs for a new Museum in Arundel. They were subsequently appointed as Project Managers and Quantity Surveyors for the preparation and submission of both round 1 and round 2 funding applications to HLF both of which were successfully achieved. They were retained post round 2 award to then deliver the project which was completed successfully and opened to the public in July 2013. The budgets were extremely tight and they value engineered the design during the early stages of the project and maintained strict control over the project costs throughout the project to the point where we had completed the works to a high quality whilst retaining most of the contingencies which we were able to utilise on improving the activity / output elements of the project.

Cragg Management took full responsibility for managing every aspect of the project including the design team, the costs and quality, legal land agreements, appointments, contracts, funding compliance and condition discharge etc. All invoices and payments were made via them to designers, contractors and direct works consultants which enables these to be checked and verified at each stage of the delivery process.

We were very pleased that both Nick and Megan who attended the initial interview remained filly involved on the project throughout the period and indeed we are still in discussions with them over snagging items, further enhancements to the scheme, extension projects etc., They have always been available to deal rapidly and effectively with any query or concern on any aspect of the project (often out of hours) and have always dealt with these in a positive, effective and friendly straightforward manner. They have been instrumental in taking our vision for the museum at Arundel and turning into a reality and most importantly, one that is of a high quality and within budget. They acted as the Contract Administrators for the contract and were able to deal with any contract issues effectively and were able to manage any issues that arose without the need for disputes or ongoing arguments / disagreements.

When we selected Cragg Management to carry out the works we knew that they had a good track record of working in this sector and have extensive experience in arts and heritage projects. Nick and Megan worked together on this project and both demonstrated unquestionable knowledge, skill and expertise in this field. There was little that was raised that they were not familiar with and could deal with effectively. Their knowledge of HLF procedures and processes is exceptional and this is helped by Nick being an HLF monitor and knowing the requirements from the HLF perspective. Megan prepared all HLF drawdowns and submissions and would positively chase for information, invoices etc. to ensure that our cashflow was always well managed. Cragg Management produced and issued the regular online HLF progress reports.

We believe that both Nick and Megan carried out the project as if it was their project and acted in our interests at all times. They made sure that they were fully aware of our requirements and brief and often would propose actions that not only delivered our scheme as we envisaged but enhanced it. They never missed a submission, report deadline and would work whatever hours were required to achieve the end objectives. We had initial issues over the programme of the works on site following archaeological discoveries that were not foreseen on the WSI however they had already factored into the contractors programme a “standstill” period of 5 weeks in anticipation of potential discoveries and this mitigated the delays to the project.

Their management style if firm but flexible and whilst they are more than capable of dealing with disputes and arguments their approach is to avoid these and work as a team to deliver the project. We greatly valued this approach.

Our project was complicated with 2 separate land owners, leases and agreement to lease issues, flood plane concerns, planning issues and a contractor that was less than proactive. However, we managed to negotiate all of these issues and deliver a successful project.

I believe that one of the most beneficial aspects of our relationship with Cragg Management is that we have built up a trust and understanding with both Nick and Megan and the fact that they were actively involved on the project throughout the process (as they promised at the beginning) was an important feature of that. As an organisation we had limited experience of the complex construction, funding, planning process yet they led us though the project, protected our interests, explained in layman's terms the issues and solutions and completed a successful project that is now attracting significantly increased visitor numbers each year.

I, and Arundel Museum Society, would have no hesitation in recommending them for future heritage projects.