About Our Directors
Paul Smith B.Eng (Hons), C.Eng. M.I.C.E. – Managing Director
Paul has 37 years of experience in construction – 23 years in Antigua and 14 in the UK. Following an honours degree in Civil Engineering, he joined what is now one of the largest construction companies in the world, Laing O’Rourke, as a Site Engineer.
Gaining experience in setting out major construction projects in London, Derby, Glasgow and Edinburgh, he rose quickly through the ranks and before his 28th birthday was a Project Manager on a US $30m project. By the time he was 31, he had built high-rise office blocks, balance cantilever bridges, major subterraneous subway stations and a huge enablement project for a hundred acre commercial park in the UK.
Leaving the UK, Paul settled in Antigua and soon got to work on establishing a new breed of construction company on the island he would now call home. His intention was to ensure all his staff were permanently employed, giving them a certainty of their future and a sense of pride in the company.
Paul introduced apprenticeship training schemes for the young to give them a brighter future. This is reflected in the core staff of whom the majority have been employed by the company for over fifteen years. In more recent years, Paul has taken on a range of complex projects and the company has grown across the twin-island state, specialising in high-end private residences.
Tony Cantwell B.A. (Hons) FCIOB, FCMI, FinstLM – Director of Company Operations
Tony is a proven construction professional with an excellent track record in the successful delivery of high profile and challenging major projects in the UK, Middle East and the Caribbean. Tony’s experience spans 38 years in the Construction Industry during which time he has worked in diverse civil and building projects including the Hotel & Resort sector, Education, high-end Residential Homes, Custodial, and Oil & Infrastructure.
Holding several senior roles within Tier One Main contractors and Project Management Consultancy, Tony has developed his industry knowledge and increased his business acumen to become an effective, personable leader.
As the Director of Operations for CG Construction, Tony is fully responsible for the company’s operations, safeguarding existing best practices, implementing new policies and procedures. He aims to sustain and facilitate development for the long-term growth and success of the business within Antigua and Barbuda.
What We Do
Building Construction
We have completed over fifty high-end house builds and commercial projects ranging from US $450k to $5m.
Insurance - Care, Custody and Control
Whatever your build options, insurance is a MUST. Our insurance covers third party liabilities AND negligence. Without this, as the land owner, you become responsible for negligent acts. You have peace-of-mind with us. All coverage is automatic. Most builders do not have this insurance.
Testimonials
Testimonials
“His forward planning for the provision of materials and labour were generally excellent and he always had practical ideas for overcoming the many challenges we faced during the works.
I can recommend Paul wholeheartedly, and I would use him again without hesitation.”
“The quality of the finished job exceeded our expectations as a result of a quality driven culture that extends from business owner to site operatives. That attitude continued through the post construction period and minor defects were attended to promptly and without question.”
“We have strong relationships with several local and international partners that make building with us an easier process. Purchasing in the USA or the UK is easy and shipping and consolidation is an efficient process. Many high-quality products to compliment your property are already held in stock on Island. This relieves the uncertainty of where to go and what to buy. Because they are strategic partners we get excellent rates unattainable elsewhere, and we are able to pass that advantage on to our clients as well as associated warranties.”
PAUL Smith – director
Contracts for Peace-of-Mind
Flexibility in the build remains an important part of the service provided by CG Construction. All build decisions must be stipulated in contracts, which carefully represent what the parties have agreed to; this ensures conflict is kept to the minimum. Different types of contracts suit the variety of clients we cater for. Regardless of the preferred contract, all parties will understand their obligations in very specific and clear terms.
We offer three options:
Fixed Price Contracts
We offer our clients fixed price contracts, agreed upon in advance for the project at hand. The scope of works is outlined in a bid document and cemented as final. If our client decides at a later point to make changes, they will be treated as a variation to the agreed contract cost. In this form of contract, any risk is placed in the hands of the contractor, which may come at a premium, but fundamentally gives the client peace of mind in regard to finances.
Fixed Management Fee Contracts
Clients can enjoy the benefits of our fixed management fee, tied to our contracts as a set management cost to the projects. Costs are recorded and passed onto the client directly. The fee covers all management costs, including transport, insurances and consultation fees.
Cost Plus Contracts
This is the basic cost of the contract, plus a percentage added for full management of the project. This popular form of contract allows our client to be flexible with changes. However, there is higher level of risk to cost over-runs, caused by external price increases not covered in the original bid.