New RIAI Skillnet CPD Initiative: Business Skills for Recovery
Published: Monday, October 03, 2011
Business Skills for Recovery’ is a new CPD initiative by RIAI Skillnet, which took place on 28 September in the Alexander Hotel, Dublin. The event brought together relevant and fresh perspectives from legal, financial, insurance and business development experts on running and developing an architectural practice during challenging economic times. Construction legal expert Bruno Herbots (Beauchamps Solicitors) offered innovative ways of maintaining the architect’s leadership role on the design team and minimising exposure to risk, while Kevin Fingleton (Marsh Insurances) discussed the cost of PI and nature of claims. Best-practice advice came also from employment law expert David Phelan (Hayes Solicitors), while Derry Gray of BDO took delegates step by step through the financial management of a small practice, and Niamh Boyle (Corporate Relations) discussed how to build a business reputation. RIAI Practice Director Joe Miller provided advice on managing client relations, while presentations from architects Grainne Shaffrey and Michael Landers, and from Owen O’Leary (Financial Controller with Coady Partnership Architects) – offered invaluable insight into how practices are dealing with current challenges whilst maintaining a quality service to clients. Good communication skills and the need to value your cost base were identified as key tools by all speakers. RIAI Education Manager, Sandra Campbell says: “The event has emphasised the importance of having a client focus to your business. The various presentations reiterated the importance of communication with clients and colleagues, implementation of strong financial processes and the importance of client feedback”.
Pictured at the event are Bruno Herbots (Partner Beauchamps), Grainne Shaffrey (Shaffrey Associates Architects) and Michael Landers (EML Architects)
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