construction business, Construction Zone has evolved into a specialist interior construction firm with a sister company, Zone Design, operating in parallel. Together, they offer a seamless concept-tocompletion service – or can plug into external design and delivery teams – depending on what best serves the project and client. “We started as a design and construction business,” recalls Director Cavin Chait. “Over time, we made a strategic decision to split the two components. That allowed the design team to work with other contractors and the construction team to work with other architects and designers. You just get more knowledge in the industry that way – more ideas, best-practice policies, and smarter ways of delivering projects.” Today, Construction Zone operates across every Australian state, with projects ranging from compact quick-service restaurant (QSR) rollouts to large-format entertainment venues and workplace interiors. Growth has been steady and deliberate, and the business now turns over approximately $35 million annually, with financial performance that outpaces many much larger firms. BUILT FOR A FAST-PACED INDUSTRY If traditional tier-one construction is a marathon, Construction Zone’s world is more of a sprint. The company specialises in internal fit-outs and refurbishments where timeframes are measured in weeks, not years. “In the larger construction game, it’s quite a slow process,” explains Leigh Gathercole, who was brought into the business as general manager to spearhead the construction side after years of experience on major high-rise and tier-one projects. “Just getting a planning permit can take six months to a year. Our clients want projects delivered in six to fifteen weeks. It’s fast, high-paced, and not everybody is suited to it.” That speed shapes everything: the way project managers are resourced, the way suppliers are engaged, and the way decisions are made. There’s simply no room for long delays appointing consultants or waiting weeks on trade pricing. 15 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 11 CONSTRUCTION ZONE
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