98 | CONSTRUCTION CAPE - 20th Anniversary Strong relationships pivotal to success CAPE’s impressive portfolio encompasses many iconic projects including building refurbishments and seismic upgrades. “Our clients keep coming back to us as they know we are an open, honest and reliable contractor. We are very thankful for the support we’ve had from our clients, as well as our subcontractors and suppliers through the years, and for their continued loyalty.” When Dave Howes launched CAPE in 2005, his vision was to offer fast, professionally managed interior fitouts for commercial and retail tenants. Through the intervening years, the vision has delivered many fruitful partnerships and an impressive portfolio that has grown to encompass building refurbishments and seismic upgrades. As the company marks its 20th anniversary, there is much to celebrate. CAPE started modestly enough with Dave and an accountant working out of a two-desk office. Dave was already a seasoned construction professional by then, having accumulated a decade’s worth of industry experience in South Africa, UK and New Zealand. By 2006, Adrian Spalletta had joined Dave in the business. Like Dave, Adrian came well-equipped with a solid track record in managing construction sites. Together, Dave and Adrian have steered CAPE very capably over the past 20 years, and continue to serve as managing director and project director respectively. Rounding out the senior management team today as CAPE’s commercial director, is a more recent arrival, Simon Sheldon, whose extensive experience as a quantity surveyor, commercial manager and director is a real asset for the company as it continues evolving. CAPE has come a long way since the early days. Today, the company employs a 20-strong team, from a diverse range of countries, working out of a modern office and warehouse base in Penrose. Each new project is overseen by one of CAPE’s project managers, who work alongside a dedicated team of site managers. They set a high bar on Health & Safety as well as quality assurance. CAPE’s in-house quantity surveyors ensure that budgets are efficiently controlled and maintained for clients, and Cape’s directors stay actively involved in the day-to-day running of projects. Clear communication, safe practices and adhering to best practice green principles are hallmarks of how CAPE operates, with every project treated as a flagship. Developing strong, long-term working relationships – with clients, subcontractors and suppliers – has played a pivotal part in the company’s story of longevity and success. “Most of our work is based on repeat business, and it’s predominantly negotiated on an early contractor involvement basis,” explains Adrian. “Our clients keep coming back to us as they know we are an open, honest and reliable contractor. We are very thankful for the support we’ve had from our clients, as well as our subcontractors and suppliers through the years, and for their continued loyalty.” An early notable project was for Southern Cross Healthcare (29 Customs Street West). A good relationship with the architect on this project paved the way to further work. T T to page 100 T T Kim Newth “Then, in 2007, we got asked by Westfield to start doing carpentry works at Westfield Albany; we were the first retail fit-out company for the New World fit-out there. “We ended up being involved right through to the end stage doing some of the smaller retail fit-outs there, and that allowed us to grow further,” says Adrian. “Around the same time, in 2007, we started our working relationship with developer Andrew Krukziener on a project to refurbish an iconic building, the Fisherman’s Wharf.” Specialising in all aspects of commercial and residential plumbing • Plumbing • Backflow • Drainlaying • Gasfitting • CCTV • Hot water solutions Ph 09 354 4548 Email info@sxplumbing.co.nz 130B Main Highway, Ellerslie, Auckland 1051 PO Box 15032, New Lynn, Auckland 0640 Representing Excellence Master Plumbers • Certifying Plumbers • Certifying Drainlayers • Certifying Gasfitters
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