The final part of the BuilderScrap.com Draft Strategy for Sustainable Construction.

There were no consultation questions relating specifically to innovation, however, several comments were made by respondents regarding the Innovation chapter and these are summarised below:

1. The main points made on innovation were:

Support for R&D or Knowledge Transfer Some suggested that sustainable construction might not act as a direct driver for change within the industry since its economic benefits might be long-term or hidden. The industry was unlikely to fund research into sustainability or sustainable construction on its own; Government support and / or additional fiscal incentives for R&D might be needed. Some attached importance to the testing, demonstration and independent third party certification of new products or services. Greater certainty on funding streams for developers and end-users would assist product development.

Innovation Measurement The consultation document suggested using the BERR Community Innovation Survey to track a target of increasing the numbers of “innovation active” companies in the sector. Respondents felt that some work was needed to clarify “innovation active” in the context of the sector and develop challenging benchmarks and targets recognised and
accepted by the industry.

Learning from overseas Some respondents said the UK construction industry could benefit from greater awareness of overseas experience.

Regulation and standards Some suggested that Building Regulations should aim to be more outcome based and non-prescriptive to assist innovation.

Thanks for reading.

Finishing the BuilderScrap series on helping small business contractors,  today we’re discussing marketing.

One reason it’s so hard for some contractors to say no is that they have no plan for generating business except to take whatever comes along. In other words, they don’t market their services. For companies that started in the 00′s, marketing may be a completely foreign concept. After all, the phones started ringing at the end of the 1991 recession, and, in most parts of the country, they only stopped ringing six months ago. Unless you actively do something to keep customers interested they will stop. Don’t take your reputation for granted. Even satisfied customers will forget about the wonderful job you did for them if you don’t keep in touch with them two or three times each year. It doesn’t take much — free maintenance check-ups in the spring and Autum, a card at the holidays, a phone call after a big storm to ask about damage — but you have to make the effort.  Some business happens by itself, but it’s not always the right kind of business.

If you know what kind of work is most profitable for you, market to prospects who are most likely to hire you to do it. Begin with past clients, then ask for referrals. It won’t hurt to spend a little money on a brochure and postage for a mailing, or a spot at the local home show, or sponsorship of a football team. Spending 2% to 3% of total revenues on marketing will pay for itself many times over in new and repeat business.

Sage advice yet again!

The fourth post in our series on helping small business contractors, BuilderScrap makes a very quick but important point!

We understand that it’s almost impossible it today’s economic climate to turn down a contract. But sound accounting and estimating practices won’t save you if you’re taking on jobs that you shouldn’t be doing. Early on, it may make sense to take every job that comes along. But don’t be fooled into thinking that all projects are equally profitable and all customers worth working for. Nobody is good at everything. By comparing profit figures for different types of jobs — and then comparing job size — you’ll begin to see a pattern. Focus on the types of work and the project size that nets you the most profit. Remember, bigger isn’t always better — it’s the percentage you put in your pocket when it’s over that counts.

Focus on what you do well, encompass all the other aspects detailed in this series. Balance these factors to help with the decision making process.

Good Luck