We recently hosted the first of our Lunch & Learn session for 80 Laing O’Rourke team members, sharing some of the essential lessons we’ve learned from our extensive experience on major rail programmes worldwide.

The presentation, led by Max Woodward-Smith and Sean Harrion, explored the complexities of delivering large-scale rail projects and highlighted strategies that drive successful outcomes.

Max and Sean drew on case studies from rail mega-projects worldwide, with the discussion focused on practical insights into governance, risk management and collaborative contracting.

Collaboration + culture = success

The session emphasised the importance of:

• Clarifying integration and systems accountability
• Commercial resilience
• Transparency and trust
• Early involvement and collaboration
• Leveraging digital tools
• Strengthening safety and quality culture

These reflections underline a consistent message that major rail programmes succeed where governance, collaboration and data-driven decision-making intersect and are prioritised.

As Laing O’Rourke Commercial Director, John Pryor noted, “Collaboration is key, under clear, concise agreements.”

More about Systech’s Lunch and Learn programme

Delivered by our multi-disciplinary experts in commercial management, project controls, planning, contract and claims management, and dispute resolution, these sessions provide actionable strategies grounded in live project experience.

These informative sessions form part of our commitment to knowledge sharing and capability building across the construction sector.

We are already seeing positive outcomes from these sessions, and the feedback from Laing O’Rourke reinforces the value of sharing lessons learned to improve project performance.

So if you’re interested in us hosting a Lunch & Learn at your organisation, contact Max Woodward-Smith (email link).

Below is a full list of Lunch & Learn topics:

• The trials and tribulations of major rail programmes: Our learnings from major rail programmes in the UK and Canada.
• A global perspective on collaborative contract delivery models: The importance of true collaboration in driving project outcomes.
• Projects don't go wrong, people do: Key learnings from major energy and transport programmes to get your project off to a good start through effective mobilisation.
• Can you prove it: How data expertise wins disputes.
• Records, records, records. If it's not written down, it did not happen: Learnings from our contrasting experiences on power plant mega projects in South Africa.
• Letters of intent: And subsequent problems in agreeing contract terms.
• The dark art of delay analysis: Bridging the gap between commercial and planning.
• Using time impact analysis to determine concurrent delays.
• How the Building Safety Act 2022 has fundamentally reshaped construction delivery: Key impacts and implications of this advancement in the industry.
• The pros and cons of liquidated damages vs general damages in Subcontracts and how to apply them
• The Art of the Handover: Commercial and Operational Insights from Global Transport Projects

To learn more, get in touch with Associate Director, Max Woodward-Smith