8 February 2011

An evening of innovation was on the menu for an audience of Costain’s top customers and stakeholders in London last week.

The central London event showcased the official launch of the Costain ‘app’ for the Apple iPad. The application can deliver a plethora of timely information to customers and stakeholders, including news from Costain and from around the construction industry as well as commentary on developments such as new legislation or policy changes that may affect the sector. Information available through the device is updated regularly.

The app has been available since last November, with the iPad increasingly being used by senior Executives, says Costain’s Group Strategy & Business Development Director, Stephen Wells.

“Costain Board members have had iPads since last October and Executive Board meetings are now conducted entirely without paper.

“We’re now rolling it out across the senior leadership team. Increasingly it’s seen as the way to connect both internally and with the external world.”

Wells hosted last week’s event, giving a presentation on the Choosing Costain strategy and on ‘Communicating in the 21st century’.

Group Technical Director, Bill Hewlett and Group Innovation Manager, Tim Embley meanwhile, presented a series of five case studies that demonstrated innovation and the application of technology ‘at pace’ in ways that delivered cost savings while also giving a glimpse of future technological advances.

As well as their Costain roles, both men have an input into organisations that have an influence on the construction industry and beyond. Hewlett is a vice-president of the Institution of Civil Engineers while Embley chairs a Government committee on infrastructure research.

Group Finance Director, Tony Bickerstaff and Group Systems & Technology Director, Bill Price presented the ‘app’ and the fact that it is ‘first to market in the sector’. They also covered the Company’s aspirations on how it revolutionises communications between Costain and its customers and stakeholders.

Guests had a chance to network and also to win an iPad in an ‘innovation quiz’.

 

Ends