Looking back on my message in last year’s publication, it incorporated a fortuitous phrase highlighting ‘opportunities and challenges that lie ahead’. This resonated with our business and on the balance of things we counted more challenges than opportunities during 2009.
The resilience shown by our firm during the global recession has in large measure been due to the business planning and strategy which we implemented in previous years. This involved strengthening of our service lines and sectors and investing geographically with new businesses and offices in Southern Africa and the rest of the African continent.
As a result of our presence and commissions gained in Africa, our opportunities pipeline and infrastructure has created a balanced portfolio of work in South Africa, Africa and from sectors that have contributed to our endurance to date during the global recession. The year ahead is one of consolidation and building on the investments we have made in places, people and projects. We have geared up to implement extensive bidding for professional services and to accept opportunities that lie ahead in the 'developmental state' and economic policies of government.
Davis Langdon has recently made the decision to introduce procedures which will lead to certification under both ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental management) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational health and safety management) international standards. Currently the necessary documentation is being completed and the relevant procedures are being effected with the target being to seek accreditation during the early part of 2010.
The rationale behind this move is that Davis Langdon supports the ethos of an operationally safe office environment and remains committed to ensure a healthy and safe environment for their staff and colleagues. Furthermore, to ensure a positive 'green living' culture, the firm is formulating an environmental management policy to monitor and wherever possible control and reduce the negative impact of their activities on the environment. This is sought to be done by way of a policy of continuous improvement, wherein each director and each employee takes responsibility for the resources they use and the activities they undertake on behalf of the firm.
Davis Langdon's continuing contribution to research includes this publication, 'Africa Region Property and Construction Handbook 2010', as well as 'Quick Guide to Emerging Green Design Attributes 2009', 'Hotel Design Economics' and research on various sectors and sub-sectors due for publication during the first quarter of 2010. All the above publications are available from Davis Langdon on request.
Our corporate social responsibility programme has made significant strides over the last year with three main thrusts. The first being pro-bono work, leveraging our skills in delivering projects, the second being our national effort with Habitat for Humanity, contributing both time and intellectual capital. Lastly by adopting charitable organisations in the communities within which we work.
Our BBBEE journey continues with a considerable investment in people over the past year, including our graduate development programme. We anticipate sustaining a mission to be the best in our peer group in all categories, aligning this commitment to both present and future sustainability, including BBBEE compliance.
Our strategy and business plan has at its core service delivery to our clients and colleagues. In the year ahead we look forward to being of service to you in delivering your projects and turning your opportunities into reality.
Indresen Pillay
