Cobalt news
QS Awards 2007
10/12/2007
The Annual QS Awards where held on 7th December, 2007 at Vinopolis.
The Annual QS Awards have firmly established themselves as a key event in this important sector within the construction industry, rewarding excellence of the specification for buildings, procurement, project management and cost control. Every year Britain’s QSs oversee £60 billion of investment in construction work. They are the clients' key financial and programme advisors and have a great deal of influence over the appointment of contractors. Now in its Third year, these awards scheme recognises this fact and shines the spotlight on Britain's best QSs.
Cobalt was proud to sponsor the QS Champion of the Year Award 2007 as it recognised those who are outstanding ambassadors for the construction industry and ultimately who have made a positive contribution to the community.
The QS Champion of the Year award went to an outstanding professional. A lead project manager at EC Harris, Ian Cook.
Many people overcome personal setbacks to achieve their career goals, but few have had to cope with more than Ian Cook. In January 2004, Ian, then 38 and a senior project manager, contracted streptococcal septicaemia, lapsed into a coma and nearly died. Over the next nine months he had no fewer than 20 operations including the amputation of all his limbs. Despite this, he returned to work – on a home-working basis – in June 2005, having first project-managed the conversion of his Cotswolds home. Ian vowed to “stun the critics who said I would not be able to do this” and “not to wear my disability as a badge”, and he has done just that. Even though his mobility is restricted and prevents him from travelling as extensively as he used to as a project manager, he can walk unaided and has passed his driving test in an adapted car. His in-depth knowledge and experience are as valuable to his employer as ever, and his story is truly inspiring.
To view details of the QS Awards visit: http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=754&storycode=3093486&c=1&encCode=00000000013d0084&navcode=2713.