Unity Doncaster

Ahead of the Sheffield City Region Development Conference we spoke to one of the region’s leading firms in the built environment industry – EDGE PS.

Q. EDGE PS are a multi-disciplinary property and construction consultancy, well known across Yorkshire, the Midlands and further afield in the UK – but for those new to the firm tell us a little about the company and the work you do…

EDGE are multi-disciplinary property and construction professionals we formed to provide an exceptional service through our in-depth knowledge and the quality of our people.  With a collaborative culture founded on mutual respect and trust we’re committed to developing strong and sustained relationships with our people, partners and clients.  Working together we deliver lasting, successful, quality outcomes as well as a positive legacy.

Q. Inward investment conversations are at an all time high in the Sheffield City Region. What do you think makes it such an attract location?

Sheffield City Region is so well placed, being centrally located with great connectivity through the road and rail networks, Doncaster Sheffield Airport, and access to the ports. London is also only 90 minutes away on the train and HS2 is intended to improve on that. We are also home to two well respected universities in the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam they both have exceptional links to renowned research and partnerships with industry.  Specialist sectors such as aerospace and healthcare technology have made Sheffield their home.  Added to all of that, Sheffield has a vibrant retail sector, great sports and leisure facilities, outstanding bars and restaurants and has the Peak District on the doorstep. Something for everyone and the best of almost everything.

Q. Do you think the Sheffield City Region is well positioned to bounce back post Covid-19? Do you see many changes happening within the region?

With everything Sheffield City Region has going for it, with the investment that has already been secured as well as the reputation of it’s people as inventive, hardworking and resilient Sheffield will “get on with things, quietly but effectively, irrespective of the challenges faced”. (madeinsheffield.org)

Q. One of the most exciting projects happening in the region is Unity, a 250-hectare scheme which is one of the largest regeneration schemes in the UK. You’re playing a vital role in this project by managing the delivery of the project – tell us a bit about the project and work you’re doing on the project…

We’re delighted to have been appointed as Project and Cost Managers.  As a multi-disciplinary property and construction company, we operate all over the country with offices in Nottingham, Birmingham and London as well as Sheffield.  With both of our founding directors, Nick Phelan and Lee Simmonite having lifelong connections to the city, Sheffield was the second office we opened.  It is very exciting for the whole team to be involved with Unity, playing a vital role providing assistance to the JV with the awarding of construction contracts, project control and financial management of the contracts. 

Q. A partnership approach must be crucial in delivering a project of such size – and a collaborative culture is something embedding into your firms’ values. What’s the secret to great collaboration?

As a business our collaborative culture is who we are  and we work closely together with our partners to deliver often challenging programmes within constrained timescales and budgets.  Sharing and living our values – Excellence, Dedication, Genuine, Effectiveness.  As individuals we are professional, enthusiastic, and committed, as a team we are dedicated to providing an exceptional service through our experience, in-depth knowledge and the quality of our people.

Q. You’re working on numerous other projects across the region – give us a flavour of the work you’re doing with the likes of Capital&Centric?

Capital & Centric are restoring life to the 19th Century historic Cutlery Works, Eyewitness Works. Creating design-led apartments that are combining contemporary design with years of history.  It’s at the heart of a residential led regeneration scheme and the first in this region for them, we’re pleased to be working with them on this landmark building, providing  our professional services.

Q. You’re one of the exhibitors for our upcoming Sheffield City Region Development Conference. Who’re you looking to meet at the conference? 

We’re delighted to be part of this event, it’s such an exciting time for investment and development and we’re looking forward to meeting people at the conference who share our love of the region.

You can meet EDGE PS are numerous other firms working across the Sheffield City Region at our conference here: https://www.built-environment-networking.com/event/sheffield-city-region-development-conference/