Construction Chief Wins National Award

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Head of Construction who is currently spearheading the £90million Church Village Bypass Scheme has been honoured with a national award from Constructing Excellence in Wales.

Mark Adams received the coveted Achiever’s Award 2009 at Cardiff City Stadium hosted by BBC broadcaster Roy Noble. Every aspect of the industry was represented and the annual awards are an opportunity for every part of the Welsh built environment to demonstrate their achievements and promote the ideals of collaborative working and best practice.

Mr Adams received the award from Pontypridd Assembly Member and Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing Jane Davidson in recognition of his leadership when building the Porth Relief Road. The scheme itself received the prestigious UK-wide Constructing Excellence National Best of the Best Award two years ago.

The Head of Construction at Rhondda Cynon Taf was presented with this latest award in recognition for what was described as his “outstanding performance or influence which is truly inspirational”.

The citation described Mr Adams as some who: “has shown exemplary actions that have changed the behaviour and performance of others, delivered disproportionate benefits for and left a legacy in, the outputs of the built environment sector.

“Mark Adams fully understand what best value procurement means to a Local Authority. He fully understands how important efficiency in public procurement is to the ratepayer. He has been at the forefront of changing the established method of procuring Local Authority highway schemes in Wales.

“He has shown real leadership, embracing innovative ideas and personally developing them to deliver real value for his Authority and the people impacted on by road schemes. His personal commitment has been infectious and he inspires all those who work with him, as a client and as a colleague.

“He has lead two of the largest projects in Wales – Porth Relief Road and Church Village Bypass – both schemes are recognized by the highways sector as being ground breaking projects. Mark is very committed to collaborative working and other best practice tools of industry such as value engineering, team working and risk management to deliver projects. He has ensured there are significant Community Benefits with both schemes.”

Mr Adams is Chair of the Programme Board for the South East Wales Transport Alliance, bringing together 10 Authorities in readiness for the changes in allocation of the Welsh Assembly Transport Grant next year.

He explained: “I was absolutely astonished to receive this award and feel deeply honoured to have been recognised in this way by the construction industry.

“Porth Relief Road has already been recognised nationally for its many benefits to this part of South Wales and undoubtedly the Church Village Bypass – which is due for completion in a year’s time – will also have a major effect on improving the lives of motorists and residents in this part of the county borough.

“Such projects are of course made possible by team work and I am proud and delighted at the way in which the partnership team between Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and other agencies has continued to successfully deliver such major projects for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.”

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Customer Care Cllr Andrew Morgan said: “The presentation of the Achiever’s Award to Mark Adams is deservedly given because his inspiring leadership in the delivery of so many construction projects in Rhondda Cynon Taf has endeared him to all.

“His commitment to ensuring the smooth running of such massive projects as Porth Relief Road and Church Village Bypass, which is currently the largest highway scheme being undertaken by any local authority in Great Britain, is exemplary.”