| The Case for Growth in Medium to Large Firms Over Small Enterprises
Abstract This article explores the advantages of newly qualified quantity surveyors advancing their careers within medium to large firms, rather than starting their own small businesses. It highlights the challenges faced by small firms in investing in research and development due to financial constraints and the negative impact of competitive pricing on human capital and resource upskilling. The article advocates for consolidating efforts within established firms to drive innovation, enhance skills, and secure the future of the quantity surveying profession through strategic growth and collaborative development. Introduction As the construction industry continues to evolve, we are witnessing a growing number of newly qualified quantity surveyors choosing to either join established firms or venture out to start their own practices. While entrepreneurship in any profession is commendable, I believe there are significant advantages to encouraging these talented professionals to advance their careers within medium to large quantity surveying (QS) firms, rather than everyone starting their own small businesses. In this article, I will explore why this approach can benefit not only the individual professionals but also the QS profession as a whole, particularly in the context of research and development, resource upskilling, and sustainable growth. The Pitfalls of Starting Small Firms: Challenges in Research and Development One of the primary challenges faced by small QS firms is the lack of resources and time to invest in research and development (R&D). When professionals start their own practices, the pressure to make ends meet often takes precedence over innovation. This focus on survival and generating immediate income can limit the ability to explore new technologies, methodologies, and approaches that are critical to keeping pace with an ever-changing industry. In medium to large QS firms, there is a structured framework and dedicated resources to drive R&D initiatives. These firms have the capacity to invest in new ideas, explore innovative solutions, and adopt best practices that will ultimately benefit not just the firm but the industry at large. Encouraging more professionals to grow within these environments will lead to greater contributions to the field of quantity surveying, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. The Reality of Negative Competition Another concern in the profession is the increasing trend of competition being used as a positive tool, which, in reality, can be detrimental when not approached strategically. Small firms often resort to offering high discounts to win clients, creating a race to the bottom that undervalues the profession. While this approach may seem like a quick win to attract projects, it often undermines the ability to invest in human capital and the upskilling of resources. Medium to large firms, on the other hand, have the capacity to maintain competitive pricing while still investing in the professional development of their teams. These firms can afford to offer training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement paths that enhance the skills of their workforce. In doing so, they not only create a more competent and capable workforce but also elevate the overall standards of the profession. The Case for Consolidation and Collaboration To secure the future of the quantity surveying profession, there is a strong case for consolidating resources within medium to large firms rather than fragmenting the profession through numerous small enterprises. By encouraging new professionals to join and advance their careers in these larger firms, we enable the consolidation of knowledge, experience, and innovation within the industry. This consolidation is essential to driving research and development initiatives that address the evolving needs of the built environment. Medium to large firms have the advantage of economies of scale, which allows them to pool resources and invest in technologies that small firms cannot afford. With a focus on R&D led by these firms, the QS profession can find innovative ways to serve the broader construction and built industry more effectively. It is through these efforts that we can develop new cost management techniques, sustainability measures, and risk mitigation strategies that will have a lasting impact on the industry. Advancing the Quantity Surveying Profession Through Strategic Growth For the QS profession to sustain itself in the future, we must prioritize growth and innovation within existing firms rather than dispersing our talents across multiple small enterprises. The focus should be on creating an environment where registered professionals can thrive, collaborate, and contribute to the collective knowledge of the profession. We need to embrace a model that values continuous learning, investment in skills development, and the nurturing of a culture that prioritizes research and development. In conclusion, while entrepreneurship is a valuable aspect of the quantity surveying profession, the current trend of each professional starting their own small firm can lead to unintended consequences that may hinder the growth and innovation of the industry. By encouraging newly qualified registered professionals to advance their careers in medium to large firms, we can create a more sustainable future for the profession, driven by research, development, and a commitment to excellence. Let us work together to consolidate our efforts, grow existing firms, and make strategic investments in the future of the quantity surveying industry. The path to a thriving profession lies in collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for the future. Let us build on the strong foundations of our medium to large firms, nurturing the next generation of quantity surveyors to become leaders who will take our industry to new heights. Together, we can create a legacy that not only sustains but also redefines the QS profession for generations to come. Article B: Mr Qinisani Nhlanhla Mbatha, Managing Director and Founder of Mbatha Walters and Simpson (Pty) Ltd, Professional Registered Quantity Surveyor, Past President of ASAQS, and Five-Term Council Member of SACQSP |
PMR.AFRICA GOLDEN ARROW AWARD
Mbatha Walters and Simpson is delighted to have received the PMR.Africa 2023 Golden Arrow Award in the category of medium-sized quantity surveying companies. This is awarded in recognition of “Excellent” service, based on the results of a national survey conducted for best Quantity Surveyors in South Africa.
This prestigious PMR.Africa Award marks the 22nd consecutive year of MW&S being voted among the top quantity surveying companies in this category.
This Golden Arrow Award is reflective of our teamwork and unyielding resolve to provide ingenuity as well as reliable and innovative services in the built environment.
We are humbled by the respondents that voted for us and are grateful for our clients, fellow consultants and the contractors that partner with us to create successful projects. This achievement is dedicated to our inspiring leadership and hardworking team that has supported our vision.
Qinisani Mbatha
Managing Director
SAIBPP HONOURS QINISANI AS ONE OF THE TOP BUSINESS LEADERS
Dear Colleagues
At the recent annual event held in July this year, SAIBPP, in a historic move launched a first ever annual list compiled and published in celebration of 100 top Black
property industry players – the SAIBPP 100.
These players are considered by the organisation to be the sector’s most influential leaders and prominent personalities. They have made their name playing a key and impactful role across the entire spectrum of the property sector, and had been nominated for the SAIBPP 100 because they define the standard for others to follow. With blue-chip resumés, they set the bar for excellence both within their realm of influence and within the broader industry.
Outside of the general criteria of principal activity and presence within the property sector, to be eligible for consideration in the SAIBPP 100 of 2022 the nominees had to align with the following benchmarks.
- have actively contributed to uplifting black people or are high achievers in a
position of influence. - have pre-eminent status or possess the power to exert a real influence on the
significant events of our time; or use their acquired power to shape and effect
changes in the sector through their actions and example. - have transformed the world we live in through their ideas, talents and
discoveries. - have leveraged their status to bring attention to issues of concern which face
the sector, or used their presence to bring about real and tangible change.
Even though influence is hard to measure, the SAIBPP 100 focuses on the most impactful individuals rather than the most popular or most powerful. Though some nominees may rarely be spoken about in public, if they have achieved pre-eminence or demonstrated real influence within the property sector, their nomination was considered deserved.
It is undeniable that appearing on the list is a highly-respected honour. As SAIBPP we recognize the harsh terrain that these black property professionals have had to traverse and the storms that they still weather even as we celebrate the SAIBPP 100 giants.
Read full articleCovid-19 (Corona Virus) Notification
Dear Clients & Colleagues
As our country works to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, we at Mbatha Walters & Simpson (MW&S) also acknowledge that the safety and well-being of customers and employees is always our priority. As a result, we are currently implementing several measures to ensure business continuity while limiting any impact on the service we provide to you and mitigating the risk and further spread of the coronavirus.
MW&S’ leadership team is actively monitoring the Coronavirus/ COVID-19 situation and is taking steps to mitigate the risk and further spreading of the virus.
Some of the steps that we are taking include amongst others:
- Suspension of all non-essential face to face engagement, including: o Planning and site meetings of more than 5 (five) people, work events and non-essential travel.
- o The MW&S team remain available via teleconference and virtual methods to participate where essential and in so doing provide project and business continuity.
- Assisting employees – providing continuous education about importance of good hygiene and having structures in place for them to work from home should it be necessary.
- Limited access of visitors to our working space i.e. MW&S Offices.
- Suspension of all touch screen access controls and foremost maintaining social distancing.
The above measures in no way suggest that any of our employees have been infected or affected by the virus but we are being extra conscious of the safety and wellbeing of our employees and their families, our clients, and the communities in which we operate.
We assure you that MW&S will maintain business continuity and that we remain available on all communication channels i.e. landlines, and mobile phones, and we also encourage virtual meeting technology to engage and support you during these trying times as experienced by our economy.
Our management and staff will continue to monitor this situation closely and communicate further as the need arises in order to ensure that we do everything possible for you, our clients and colleagues, as well as our employees and the community at large.
Yours sincerely
MBATHA WALTERS & SIMPSON
QINISANI N. MBATHA
Managing Director
PMR.Africa Awards 2019 – Diamond Arrow Award
Once again we are delighted to be recognised by our valued clients and the rest of the industry who have collectively rated us first in the category of medium sized quantity surveying firms.
This year marks a 3rd consecutive year of MW&S receiving this Diamond Award. It is certainly an accolade worth celebrating.
We owe this award to our dedicated staff and their continued commitment and responsiveness to reliable and reputable service offering to our clients.
Our Wall of Fame
Dear Colleagues
There is nothing more rewarding than taking on an assignment that , when completed , yields a positive acknowledgement and sentiment both to oneself and those that have assisted to shape its success. Today, we must recognise an old idiom which when recited reminds us that “understanding talent in the workplace and blending human and business skills , when combined, often deliver s extraordinary increases in talent performance ”. In support of this ethos, I can certainly profess and further emphasize that coupled with a personal willingness to achieve what is import ant in one’s career path , driven by a grounded inquisiti on to better what is learned and reshape future prospects, achieves a phenomenal preposition to one ’s path.
We are very encouraged with what Sean Heydenrych and Shikhar Soni have done in lifting t heir specialist skills set and casting their names on the infamous “ MW&S Wall of Fame ” by making a positive contribution , firstly to their colleagues in Durban , and more so to the rest of the firm , particularly those who are still busy with their APC s. Testimony to this , I’m reminded of an unknown scholar who maintains that you are not qualified as a n expert in your field of study until you specialize .
This is the same premise that engulfs a quantity surveyor to advance his or her APC to be recognised as a Professional in his or her way of specialist knowledge.
As the year draws to its final close and with a huge dent to our patience , particularly on those projects that have been drastically delayed in implementation, I believe there’s a lot of more exciting things yet to grace our appetite in the next com ing months which will put to test all these qualifications attained by our very own this year.
For this moment calls for celebratory remarks to both Sean and Shikhar for passing their APC s, writing their own names to the wall of fame in MWS career development . A contest set up by two ladies earlier this year that has seen them finish the year with a bang !
Mandela Day
On Mandela Day, MW&S and Rivoningo Consulting Engineers joined Kaya Cares (Kaya FM) at Entandweni Primary School in Zondi, Soweto, to hand over a container library.
Mandela Day 2018: Kaya FM’s interview with our MD, Qinisani Mbatha
The core message: That we can all pull together and contribute to humanity, no matter how small the contribution.
Listen to the podcast below.
Nelson Mandela CEO Sleep Out
Exciting news to share!
Tonight one of our own, namely Qinisani Mbatha (Q), will be participating as one of the distinguished guests in this year’s CEO SleepOut™ event taking place at Johannesburg’s Liliesleaf Farm. This event also marks what would have been Madiba’s 100th birthday celebration.
The CEO SleepOut™ Trust’s goal is to receive donations from third parties in relation to The CEO SleepOut™ Events, to provide funding and support services, and to ensure the funds are disseminated to the appointed Primary Beneficiaries with absolute transparency and accountability.
It will be Q’s first CEO SleepOut™ event and he’s bracing himself for the freezing cold highveld weather. Despite the cold though, Q is looking forward to enjoying a spirit of ubuntu with fellow business people. This experience will allow them all to have greater empathy when it comes to homelessness in South Africa.
Let’s give our support to Q while he and others #RiseToTheChallenge!
Bosses of companies join CEO SleepOut event to celebrate Mandela’s 100 years at Liliesleaf:
Pic from The Star dated 13 July 2018 of L-R:
Qinisani Mbatha (MW&S)
Tollo Nkosi (Umso Construction)
Max Boqwana (Thabo Mbeki Foundation)
Monty Ditibane (DBI Consulting Engineers)
Richard Ndlele (Viewtag)