Why PFI Handback Planning Failures Explode Into Costly Disputes | The Surveying Shift Ep. 8

Why PFI Handback Planning Failures Explode Into Costly Disputes | The Surveying Shift Ep. 8

PFI handback planning is where estates managers and public sector clients most often get burned. The failure is a familiar one: organisations plan forwards from today rather than backwards from the handback date, leaving a dangerous backlog of lifecycle works that explodes into dispute territory just as resource and institutional knowledge are at their thinnest. Mark Whittaker, General Manager at Thomson FM and founder of APSAS, the first competency framework for asset surveying, brings hard-won lessons from the UK's most complex PFI environments to show why accurate asset data, dedicated planning resource and a single agreed survey methodology are the only things standing between a clean handback and an expensive conflict. Mark draws on Thomson FM's 23 years working PFI contracts from bid phase through to contracts now approaching expiry to identify the warning signs of a disputed handback. Only 15% of FM organisations are confident their asset registers are accurate, down from 23% the prior year per SFG20's latest report. FM contractor changes mid-contract, including collapses like Carillion, compound knowledge loss. APSAS, the competency framework Mark founded and launched 12 months ago, responds by establishing Level 1 and Level 2 assessed training pathways for asset surveyors, giving client organisations a standard to stipulate when procuring condition survey services. Listeners leave with a clear action sequence. Audit asset data, maintenance records and O&M documentation now. Commission condition surveys under a brief agreed tripartitely by the authority, SPV and FM contractor using one methodology. Two conflicting datasets from two separate surveys become the dispute. Build dedicated handback resource outside the day-to-day FM role. Engage surveyors early enough to link condition findings to lifecycle responsibilities. Complete remedial works before contractual handback criteria fall due. Plan backwards from the handback date, not forwards from today. Connect with Mark: LinkedIn (Thomson FM Company Page) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomson-fm-limited-029219170/] LinkedIn (APSAS Company Page) [https://uk.linkedin.com/company/apsas-association-of-professional-standards-for-asset-surveying] Thomson FM [https://www.thomsonfm.co.uk] APSAS [https://www.apsas.co.uk] Learn more about GoReport [https://sholink.to/goreport] Stay ahead of industry change, explore digital tools, and hear stories from leaders shaping the future of surveying. 📐 New episodes of The Surveying Shift drop every month. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app. • LinkedIn [https://itl.ink/goreportLinkedIn] • Instagram [https://itl.ink/goreportIG] • Facebook [https://itl.ink/goreportFB] If this episode gave you value, please like, comment, and share it with a colleague. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. [https://itl.ink/APodcastGeek]

Why Most Surveying Firms Get Technology Selection Completely Wrong | The Surveying Shift Ep. 7

What really costs more, buying software, building it in-house, or sticking with the processes you already know? In this episode of The Surveying Shift, Louis Blaxill is joined by Aiden Flood, Director for Digital Transformation at Turner & Townsend, for a practical conversation on technology selection, digital transformation, and the real trade-offs behind buy versus build decisions in surveying and beyond. Aiden breaks down how firms should think about workflow fit, hands-on testing, stakeholder buy-in, support costs, speed to market, and total cost of ownership before making a technology decision. From off-the-shelf software and heavy customization to Excel-based tools, vendor lock-in, and AI-driven development, this episode explores what actually makes a solution work in the real world. If you work in building surveying, proptech, digital operations, or business transformation, this episode offers a grounded look at how to choose technology with more clarity, less hype, and a much better understanding of the risks, costs, and opportunities involved. Learn more about GoReport [https://sholink.to/goreport] Stay ahead of industry change, explore digital tools, and hear stories from leaders shaping the future of surveying. 📐 New episodes of The Surveying Shift drop every month. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app. • LinkedIn [https://itl.ink/goreportLinkedIn] • Instagram [https://itl.ink/goreportIG] • Facebook [https://itl.ink/goreportFB] If this episode gave you value, please like, comment, and share it with a colleague. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. [https://itl.ink/APodcastGeek]

How Seller Surveys Could Reshape Residential Surveying ft. Dan Knowles | The Surveying Shift Ep. 6

What happens if seller surveys become the norm in the UK property market, and what does that mean for residential surveyors who have built their reputation on quality, buyer-focused advice?  In this episode of The Surveying Shift, host Louis Blaxill sits down with Dan Knowles FRICS, Director and Residential Surveyor, and founder of Webster Surveyors and Sawyer Fielding, to unpack the government’s proposed home buying reform and what it could mean for the future of residential surveying. Dan breaks down why these conversations are back on the table, what changed since the era of Home Information Packs, and why a shift to seller-led surveys could reshape competition, quality, recruitment, and client expectations across the profession. From the risks facing smaller independent firms to the role of estate agents, upfront information, report clarity, and AI, this is a practical, honest conversation for surveyors who want to stay ahead of change and protect the value they deliver. If you want to understand seller surveys, residential surveying reform, property market change, and how to future-proof your surveying practice, this episode gives you the context, the caution, and the practical thinking you need. Webster Surveyors [https://websterssurveyors.co.uk] Sawyer Fielding [https://sawyerfielding.co.uk] Learn more about GoReport [https://sholink.to/goreport] Stay ahead of industry change, explore digital tools, and hear stories from leaders shaping the future of surveying. 📐 New episodes of The Surveying Shift drop every month. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app. • LinkedIn [https://itl.ink/goreportLinkedIn] • Instagram [https://itl.ink/goreportIG] • Facebook [https://itl.ink/goreportFB] If this episode gave you value, please like, comment, and share it with a colleague. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. [https://itl.ink/APodcastGeek]

Why Residential Surveying Is HARDER to Scale Than You Think | The Surveying Shift Ep. 5

What does it really take to scale a residential surveying practice when you rarely get a second chance with a client? In this episode of The Surveying Shift, host Louis Blaxill sits down with Lucie López Walker, Director at Walker Dunn and Director at Jargon, to explore the unique challenges of growing a residential surveying firm. From building infrastructure and processes from scratch to handling high stakes complaints early in the journey, Lucie shares the real story behind scaling sustainably in a one shot industry. If you believe the future of surveying lies in smarter workflows, stronger systems and confident leadership, this conversation is packed with practical insight. Key Takeaways • Residential surveying is uniquely challenging because most clients are one time customers, you are starting over every time • Without infrastructure and processes in place, growth will stall long term • Standard operating procedures create consistency, which builds trust and reputation • Building referral networks through estate agents and mortgage advisors remains critical in residential • Early complaints can shape stronger reporting standards and improve risk management • Clear, structured report language makes Ombudsman complaints far easier to defend • Scaling successfully requires operational support and business development, not just more surveyors • Culture becomes harder to protect as firms grow, recruitment is one of the biggest ongoing challenges • Report writing software and standardised phrases enable faster onboarding and consistent quality • AI will not replace surveyors, but it will reshape how reports are delivered and how value is added Connect with Lucie López Walker: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-l%C3%B3pez-walker-3a310288/] Learn more about GoReport [https://sholink.to/goreport] Stay ahead of industry change, explore digital tools, and hear stories from leaders shaping the future of surveying. 📐 New episodes of The Surveying Shift drop every month. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app. • LinkedIn [https://itl.ink/goreportLinkedIn] • Instagram [https://itl.ink/goreportIG] • Facebook [https://itl.ink/goreportFB] If this episode gave you value, please like, comment, and share it with a colleague. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. [https://itl.ink/APodcastGeek]

Why Most Surveyors MISUNDERSTAND AI | The Surveying Shift Ep. 4

Is AI really coming for your job, or is it just misunderstood? In this episode of The Surveying Shift, Louis Blaxill is joined by Nina Young FCA, CEO of Surveyors UK, to explore how AI is impacting the surveying profession. From client expectations to compliance challenges, Nina breaks down the opportunities and risks of integrating AI into daily workflows. This is a must-listen for any surveyor feeling overwhelmed, curious, or skeptical about the role of artificial intelligence in their future. You’ll walk away with clarity, strategy, and a fresh perspective on what it really means to “work smarter.” Whether you’re new to digital tools or already experimenting with AI, this episode gives you the real-world context surveyors need right now. Key Takeaways • AI is not a replacement for surveyors, but a tool to enhance judgment • The new AI standards offer essential guardrails but also introduce interpretation risks • Surveyors are already using AI in report writing, proofreading, and defect detection • Security and data compliance remain major concerns, especially with generative tools • Clients are already using AI to interpret reports, surveyors need to get ahead of this • Interactive, AI-powered reports could improve client understanding and communication • AI can support consistency and reduce missed details through QA automation • Skepticism within surveying is often due to misunderstanding, not real risk • Training and upskilling are essential to close the knowledge gap • Surveyors must develop both tech awareness and human communication skills Best Moments 00:02:23. “Everybody's at different stages. And I think the challenge will be surveyors trying to understand the standard.” 00:03:28. “Grammarly is AI, but do you disclose that? That ambiguity could be a compliance burden.” 00:05:24. “There are times to use it, and times not to. Being intentional is key.” 00:06:02. “Professional judgment cannot be replaced by AI, nor should it be.” 00:08:01. “Surveyors are using AI to critique and audit their own reports.” 00:10:18. “AI is now being used to identify defects via computer vision, faster, deeper, tireless.” 00:13:13. “Everyone’s time poor. Clients just want quick answers, what does this mean to me?” 00:17:52. “GoReport users are freeing up time for more human, client-focused conversations.” 00:33:16. “Why not have something that tells you before it goes out, you maybe need to put that in.” Learn more about GoReport [https://sholink.to/goreport] Stay ahead of industry change, explore digital tools, and hear stories from leaders shaping the future of surveying. 📐 New episodes of The Surveying Shift drop every month. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app. • LinkedIn [https://itl.ink/goreportLinkedIn] • Instagram [https://itl.ink/goreportIG] • Facebook [https://itl.ink/goreportFB] If this episode gave you value, please like, comment, and share it with a colleague. This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. [https://itl.ink/APodcastGeek]