Business North October 2021

| 5 Consultancy drives projects forward Kelly Deeks LM Consulting is managing the construction of Bupa Care Services’ Totara Gardens development in Whāngarei. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Whangārei: LM Consulting L M Consulting is a dynamic project man- agement company currently focused on the education and commercial sector. Liz McKenzie founded the company in 2015 and now has five staff and established relationships with external consultants and suppliers in Northland and Auckland A point of difference is LM Consulting’s expertise in the area of special needs building modifications. The expertise was developed after a close family member had a serious accident more than ten years ago and Liz be- came acutely aware of how the built environ- ment impacts people’s lives. “I know first-hand the difficulties people with disabilities have in the community, and I’m thrilled to be able to make a difference, especially to students who can access their classrooms and the areas their friends are in without these barriers,” Liz says. “They have enough barriers in their lives without build- ings making it difficult for them to get in and around.” Three years ago, LM Consulting joined with Mandeno Design, and Construction Manage- ment Group to win the design and build con- tract with the Ministry of Education for special needs property modification projects from the Auckland Harbour Bridge to Wellsford and West Auckland. The three firms have complet- ed more than 145 projects together in the last three years. LM Consulting creates 10-year property plans with Northland and Auckland schools, helping them to prioritise then manage their budgets, as well as run each project from start to finish. “We are proud of our reputation for being focused on the customer’s needs and building collaborative relationships. Whether it’s replacing the carpets or completing a major redevelopment, the same principles apply to the way we work.” LM Consulting has now won an exclusive opportunity to add a sizable project to its port- folio with the management of the construc- tion of Bupa Care Services’ Totara Gardens development in Whangārei. Stage one, comprising 12 villas, a show home, and a temporary community centre is now complete with residents moving in, and the whole development, with 14 apartments, 78 villas, and a 56 bed care home will be com- plete in 2024. This success has illustrated the company’s ability to add value to a global corporate client by delivering a project that considers the needs of the end users of the facility. “When planning your next significant con- struction project, contact us,” Liz says. “Our expertise and collaborative approach will be refreshing and will get you re-invigorat- ed about your project.”