pentagon technical services

Expert Insight: Cost & Commercial Management in Construction with Martin Beards

Explore how Pentagon Technical Services delivers expert construction cost management from early-stage estimating to final account resolution.

In the complex world of construction delivery, cost and commercial management can make or break a project. We sat down with Martin Beards, Director of Cost Management at PTS, to explore how dedicated commercial consultancy—from early-stage estimating to final account resolution—protects margins, strengthens project delivery, and provides true commercial certainty.

Why Cost and Commercial Management Matters in Construction Projects
At PTS, we believe that a project’s success isn’t just about delivery—it’s about commercial strength and certainty throughout the entire lifecycle. That’s why cost and commercial management sits at the heart of what we do. It’s the layer that protects the client’s financial interests from day one.

We don’t just track numbers—we provide strategic, data-led guidance that allows our clients to make informed, confident decisions across all project stages, from conception through to completion. We align closely with our clients during early stages to define objectives, priorities, and budgets. We make smart assumptions, build solid projections, and drive realistic pricing—right from RIBA Stage One.

When you control the commercial flow from the start, you protect the business’s entitlements through to final account. That’s the difference we bring. We’ve already proven the value of this approach on past projects.

How PTS Supports Clients During the Pre-Contract Phase
We help define scope, prepare detailed estimates, produce project cash flow forecasts, and support risk analysis. This isn’t just about pricing—it’s about creating commercial clarity that eliminates grey areas and reduces unwelcome surprises further down the line.

Commercial Control Post-Contract: Protecting Budgets and ROI
That’s where our real-time commercial control kicks in. We assess contractor claims and variations, manage cost reporting, monitor compliance, and ensure all commercial risk is actively tracked, managed or mitigated.

Our team works closely with site teams and PMs to ensure every cost decision is strategic. We don’t just protect your budget—we aim to strengthen your ROI by staying proactive.

The Value of Commercial Performance Audits in Construction
Our audits help identify:

  • Scope gaps from tender
  • Lost revenue through unclaimed variations
  • Inaccurate cost reporting and forecasting
  • Commercial risk areas you didn’t even know were there

We then provide clear recommendations and actions. Clients often uncover hundreds of thousands in missed value. For us, it’s not just a report—it’s a roadmap to commercial improvement.

What Sets PTS Apart in the Construction Consultancy Space
Our clients work directly with dedicated, senior-level commercial professionals, not juniors learning on the job.

With myself and Fidipe, our Associate Director and MEP Cost Manager, you get a combined depth of experience in cost planning, estimating, risk analysis, contract negotiation, and lifecycle commercial consultancy. We bring insight and rigour to every stage—whether that’s value engineering at Stage One or navigating complex change control mid-project.

Why Early-Stage Estimating is Crucial to Project Success
Fidipe is an exceptional cost estimator—he combines technical knowledge with a forensic attention to detail. His ability to take partial information and build robust, forward-thinking estimates is a game-changer for our clients.

That’s especially crucial in Stage One and early feasibility phases, where assumptions need to be intelligent and justifiable. We give our clients a price per square metre that they can actually stand behind—not an optimistic guess that breaks down later.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Commercial Partner for Your Project
If you want to protect your margins, strengthen your investment returns, and have the confidence that your commercial interests are always being prioritised—we’re your team.

We’re not here to tick boxes. We’re here to make sure your commercial strategy drives your project forward.

If you’re navigating the challenges of early-stage feasibility, tender planning, or final account preparation, PTS offers a depth of commercial expertise to help you stay financially aligned at every step. Explore more of our commercial services here.

Interested in our commercial support services or a cost audit? Contact the team today to learn how we can help you manage risk, improve accuracy, and boost project profitability.