Posts by Marc Brady
What I want for residential builders in the UK today
I recently came across a story that stopped me in my tracks. It was about Alfred Nobel – yes, that Nobel, of the Nobel Prizes. Apparently, when his brother died, a newspaper accidentally published Alfred’s obituary instead. He was more than a little disappointed by how he was described. That moment made him rethink what kind of legacy he wanted to leave behind. It changed the course of his life.…
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Why good Project Management is essential for every building project
Project management – even the smallest build deserves a well-run plan Extensions, loft conversions, refurbishments carry the same risks as a new-build. Deadlines, budgets, subcontractors, suppliers, unexpected design changes… there’s a lot that can go wrong on a residential building project. And for many small construction businesses, profit margins can be tight. One delay, one miscommunication, or one mis-priced item can erase the money you expected to make. As an…
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Skills Bootcamp: Project & Job Management skills for successful building projects
Want to plan, manage and deliver construction projects more effectively? During the online Project & Job Management Skills Bootcamp, you’ll benefit from professional advice from experts in their field. You’ll gain practical experience in project scheduling, budgeting and digital job management. You’ll also learn about leadership, communication, sustainability, health and safety, compliance and managing the people involved in a construction project. You’ll receive valuable guidance on protecting cashflow and profit.…
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Fully funded online Skills Bootcamp – CAD for Construction
Check when our next fully funded or 90% funded CAD for Construction Skills Bootcamp starts online. This is your chance to gain skills in CAD drawing specifically for construction. And use those skills as another profit centre for your own business or as a stepping stone to a new career. You’ll learn to produce building regulation quality building plans and elevations for houses, extensions and lofts under the supervision of…
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Fully funded online Skills Bootcamp – Estimating skills for a thriving construction firm
Check when our next fully funded or 90% funded Estimating Skills Bootcamp starts online. Want to improve the accuracy of your estimating? Want guidance on business growth? You’ll be taught best practice when it comes to profit margins and overheads, contracts, deposits, stage payments. Want guidance on business growth? You’ve come to the right place. You’ll hear about planning for success, promoting your business, moving it upmarket and much more.…
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Fully funded online Skills Bootcamp – Business skills for a successful construction firm
Check when our next fully funded or 90% funded Business skills for a successful construction firm Skills Bootcamp starts online. Find out what might be holding you back. We’ll give you advice, tips and training on the important practical issues you might face. Feel more confident. Want consistent, sustainable profit? Does it feel like 2 steps forward, 3 steps back? This course comes at just the right time. The construction…
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How builders can turn estimating software into a profit-making tool
Here’s the thing about estimating software and profit. You want to make proper money from your building company. It makes business sense. But there’s a good chance that whatever you’re doing right now, isn’t cutting it. It isn’t giving you a good enough return on your time and effort. We’re regularly asked questions on the topic of money and profit – actually it’s the number two question (after ‘how do…
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Why builders lose money on residential projects (and how to stop It)
Construction estimating mistakes can be a nightmare. If you’ve ever finished a job and thought, “Where’s the profit gone?”, you’re not alone. Many builders lose money not because they can’t build, but because the numbers weren’t right from the start. At HBXL we say: you make your money on the laptop, you spend it on site. Get the estimate wrong, and there’s almost certainly no way to claw it back…
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AI construction software: Why builders still need trusted tools
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere right now. Whether it’s writing emails, generating images, or crunching data, AI is the big thing across every industry – including construction. For busy builders, the thought of getting a quick estimate or contract at the click of a button sounds tempting. But when it comes to running a professional, profitable building business in the UK, caution is essential. At HBXL we embrace new technology…
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Customer story: Integrated construction software is a winner
See how integrated construction software has made a huge difference to this building company. Ryan Greenwood started his construction business, Precision Carpentry & Joinery, with business partner James Tonry, in 2007. Today they have an 11-strong workforce, supplemented by sub-contractors as and when. The business, which works out of a substantial workshop in Haverhill, operates across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex. And Professional Builder Magazine wanted to find out more. HBXL…
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Why job management tool BuildProjex could save you £60K+ a year
If your building firm is growing – or you’re planning to grow – it’s natural to assume that more jobs will mean more time on the road, more phone calls, more checking in with your team, and probably the need to hire a site manager to help keep everything on track. But before you head down the road of recruiting, it’s worth considering whether software could do the job instead.…
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Customer Story: Why Norfolk-based building company is loyal to HBXL
You can’t beat a customer story to give you a practical, realistic insight into a product, in this case HBXL software. Matthew Bee, founder of Norfolk-based We Are Builders, is clear about what underpins his business success: professional estimating and project planning software from HBXL. A loyal user since 2009, Matthew has come to rely on HBXL tools to deliver high-quality residential improvements. “When I’m in front of PlansXpress or…
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