Cost Matters: Redefining Excellence in Quantity Surveying

Cost Matters: Redefining Excellence in Quantity Surveying

  • ALL AGES

Discussing how to excel in quantity surveying: maximise cashflow, minimise risk, and manage clients and the supply chain effectively.

By Cantidad Ltd

Date and time

Location

The Mill

Tootal Street Tileyard Wakefield WF1 5FT United Kingdom

Refund Policy

The organizer will review refund requests on a case-by-case basis.

Agenda

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Registration and Breakfast Networking


Food Options: Hot and cold buffet. Extras: Coffee, tea, and non-caffeinated drinks.

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Master of Ceremonies

Colin Manford


Colin Manford is a North West based comedian who also happens to be Jason’s little brother! An accomplished writer, actor and presenter who just loves to tell stories from his own unique perspective...

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Rob Hubbard, Cantidad Limited


Host introduces the theme of the event and outlines the day's agenda.

9:15 AM - 10:00 AM

5 sure fire ways to lose money when managing construction projects

Patrick Waterhouse


5 Sure-Fire Ways to Lose Money When Managing Construction Projects – Patrick Waterhouse Managing construction projects comes with financial risks, but some mistakes can be particularly costly. In thi...

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Short Break


Complementary drinks and refreshments will be provided

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

Panel Discussion 1 - "Beyond the Model: The Enduring Value of Traditional Meas

Rob Hubbard, Cantidad Limited

Tom Wilson, Norse Group

Jasmine Warriner, Turner & Townsend


Panel Discussion: Beyond the Model – The Enduring Value of Traditional Measurement in a BIM Era Host: Rob Hubbard Panel Members: Jasmine Warriner, Tom Wilson As BIM-driven quantification becomes th...

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

"What is stress?"

Helen Topp


Helen shares her thoughts on what stress actually is and an explanation of how the mind and body reacts and responds, followed by some practical tips on how to manage. This will then be followed by ...

12:15 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch Break


Food Options: Buffet with various cuisines. Dedicated dietary zones (e.g., gluten-free, vegan). Staff available to assist attendees with specific needs.

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Keynote Address - “From Cost Control to Cost Connection"

Genna Rourke


Join us for an engaging session with Genna Rourke, a distinguished industry professional, as she shares her insights on the evolving role of women in construction. Drawing from her extensive experien...

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM

Conditions Precedent: Contractual Safeguard or Barrier to Fair Recovery?

Rob Hubbard

James Horabin

Claire Saunders


Panel Discussion: Conditions Precedent – Contractual Safeguard or Barrier to Fair Recovery? Host: Rob Hubbard Panel Members: James Horabin (Horabin Associates), Claire Saunders (Hawkswell Kilvington)...

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Afternoon Break


Refreshments: Light snacks, tea, and non-caffeinated options.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Emerging Costs in 2025

TBC


TBC

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Closing Keynote - Patrick Waterhouse

Patrick Waterhouse


Topic: A call to action

5:00 PM - 5:15 PM

Closing Remarks

Rob Hubbard

Colin Manford


Summary of the day. Call to action and announcement of future events.

5:15 PM - 6:00 PM

Informal Networking and Drinks Reception

Cantidad Limited


Inclusive drink options (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).Sponsored by Cantidad Limited

About this event

  • Event lasts 9 hours 30 minutes
  • ALL AGES
  • Paid venue parking

Cost Matters: Redefining Excellence in Quantity Surveying


A one-day conference for quantity surveyors and commercial professionals who want more than PowerPoint and polite applause.

Industry-backed: Built Intelligence • Metroun Quantity Surveyors • Horabin Associates

✅ Expert insights you can use immediately
✅ Real talk about risk, cost control and contracts
✅ Skills you’ll take back to your team the next day
✅ 100% of proceeds to local charities


🎯 Why attend?

Construction is changing - and so is Quantity Surveying.

Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned pro, this event will sharpen your skills, deepen your connections, and leave you better prepared to manage cost, risk and people in today’s challenging environment.

For just £60, you’ll get:

✔️ A full day of industry-leading speakers, panels and workshops
✔️ Practical strategies to avoid costly mistakes
✔️ Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments all day
✔️ Post-event networking drinks
✔️ A delegate swag bag worth over £25
✔️ All profits donated to The Prince of Wales Hospice and The Clothing Bank


🎯 What you'll learn

✔️ 5 Sure-Fire Ways to Lose Money in Construction – Patrick Waterhouse reveals the most common and costly mistakes in project delivery.

✔️ From Cost Control to Cost Connection – Genna Rourke on the evolving role of QS in 2025 and beyond, with a focus on connection, leadership and women in construction.

✔️ What is Stress? – Helen Topp’s interactive session on understanding and managing stress in a high-pressure industry.

✔️ Conditions Precedent: Safeguard or Barrier? – A deep dive panel discussion on contract risk management, with real-world examples.

✔️ Beyond the Model – Exploring the enduring value of traditional measurement in the BIM era.

✔️ Emerging Trends in QS – What’s next for the profession? Practical insights on digital tools, sustainability and staying ahead of the curve.


🎯 Who should attend?

  • Quantity Surveyors (all levels)
  • Commercial Managers
  • Cost Consultants
  • Employers and contractors keen to reduce risk
  • Anyone responsible for managing cost and contracts in construction


🎯 Why your employer will approve

  • Affordable CPD: Just £60 for a full day (less than £7/hour)
  • Learn strategies to avoid £000s in avoidable costs
  • Network with leading professionals and potential partners
  • Show commitment to professional growth
  • Support local charities and demonstrate social value


🎯 Event Details

📅 Wednesdy 24th September
🕗 08:30 – 18:00
📍 The Mill, Tootal Street, Tileyard, Wakefield WF1 5FY
💰 Tickets £60 (including all food, drinks, and materials)
🚗 Paid venue parking (£4/day)


🎯 All for a good cause

All proceeds go to The Prince of Wales Hospice and The Clothing Bank.

Learn. Connect. Give back.


🎯 Tickets are limited

We’re already welcoming our first confirmed attendees.

Secure your place today - once these tickets are gone, they’re gone!


Proudly sponsored by: Built Intelligence • Metroun Quantity Surveyors • Horabin Associates

Frequently asked questions

❓ Who is this event for?

This event is designed for Quantity Surveyors (all levels), commercial managers, cost consultants, contractors, employers, and anyone involved in managing cost and contracts in construction.

❓ Is this suitable for early-career QS professionals?

Absolutely! The agenda is designed to deliver practical, real-world insights for everyone from trainees to senior professionals. It’s a chance to learn from experienced speakers and network with industry leaders.

❓ Can I claim CPD for attending?

Yes. The content is designed to support professional development.

❓ How much does it cost?

£60 per person. That includes breakfast, lunch, all-day refreshments, a post-event drink, and a swag bag. All proceeds go to The Prince of Wales Hospice and The Clothing Bank.

❓ What’s included in the ticket price?

✔️ Full access to all talks, panels, and workshops ✔️ Buffet breakfast and lunch ✔️ All-day hot/cold drinks and snacks ✔️ Swag bag of sponsor goodies ✔️ A drink on us at the closing reception

❓ How do I get there?

The Mill is just a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi journey from Wakefield Westgate railway station. There is a car park opposite the venue at just £4 for the full day. The address for the venue is The Mill, Tootal Street, Tileyard North, Wakefield WF1 5AW

❓ Will there be parking?

Yes. Paid parking is available on-site or nearby for just £4 for the day.

❓ How can I convince my employer to let me attend?

We’ve made it easy. This event is extremely affordable CPD (just £60 for a full day of insights). It offers networking with industry peers, learning to reduce costly mistakes, and contributes to social value through charity support.

Organised by

£60
Sep 24 · 08:30 GMT+1