QS Ian Parfitt and the construction community of Cardiff seem to be taking partnering to a new level …
When and where do you go?
Each year, after the kids go back to school, about 10 of us from Cardiff's construction community go sailing for a few weeks. We sail a 38 ft Moody yacht owned by architect Dave Dobson, senior partner of architect Powell Dobson Partnership. Normally we sail around the Greek islands, but this year we're setting off for the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean.
Who goes?
There is a hard core of people who go every year: Ken Gill, regional director of Jarvis Projects; Ken Haines, chairman of contractor Stradform; architect Campbell Lammie; developer Ralph Lyons and, of course, Dave Dobson. We each pay our own way; it normally costs about £700.
What are the business advantages of holidaying with work colleagues?
When we are sailing, we are friends rather than colleagues. I suppose things are still old-fashioned in Cardiff; the construction community is small, so we get to know each other well. I've know everyone on the trip for at least 15 years.
On the first trip there was an outright war between an architect and a client. Now all business calls are made in private
As for getting business out of the trips, the construction industry is all about relationships – but it is amazing how different the relationships are on the boat, compared with when we are working with each other. We are all strong personalities and we have a laugh. It's quite a laddish thing.
Are there ever any tensions?
We never talk about work – it's a golden rule. On the first trip we made, six years ago, there was an outright war between an architect and a client. One heard the other making a business phone call, and the troubles spiralled from there. The resulting bad atmosphere spoiled the trip.
Now all business calls must be made off the boat and in private. You can talk about social stuff when you are working, but talking business at social events is harder to manage.
Would you ever invite a potential client on the trip?
Trying to butter up a future client by taking them on the trip would not work. Living on the boat is like staying in a caravan – you get to know each other extremely well. I don't think this is the way to impress clients.
