Latest News

To adapt and pivot your building business might sound like some kind of yoga class crossed with a complex mind game. By pivot I mean, change business direction, and that’s because nothing stays the same. So even if you think your business is holding its own, it may not be in twelve months’ time. In today’s competitive construction industry, doing what you’re doing now might not be enough to keep your firm thriving. Whether you’re a one-man band or have a team behind you, there’s a whole world of opportunities out there to grow your business and stand out from the crowd. It’s all about pivoting your services, adding value to what you offer, and making your firm the preferred choice. I mean, Netflix started life mailing DVDs to customers…

We have lots of support to offer as part of our Building Firm Foundations hub on the website. In the meantime, let’s take a look at six ways you can do just that, with a little help from HBXL – the software and training experts who have their fingers on the pulse of what UK builders need to stay ahead of the game.

Offer Design and Planning Services

Let’s start big. Why not expand your offering by helping your clients with the design and planning stages? Many homeowners have very little knowledge when it comes to the technicalities of planning permission, building regulations, or even the best way to lay out their new extension. If you can step in at this early stage, you’re not only making life easier for them, but you’re also securing more of the project for yourself.

This is where HBXL’s PlansXpress comes into play. It’s a user-friendly piece of software that lets you create professional building plans without needing to be a fully qualified architect. The software gives you stunning 3D models to help sell the dream. Imagine being able to offer clients a complete service—from the initial idea to the final build. Not only does this make you a one-stop shop, but it also keeps everything streamlined and under your control.

Boost Your Estimating Game

So you’re already producing estimates, but are you doing it as well as you could be? Accurate, detailed estimates can be a powerful tool for winning business. But they can also be a headache if you’re doing it all manually. This is where you can up your game by making sure your estimates are not only spot-on but also presented in a professional, easy-to-understand way.

HBXL’s EstimatorXpress is a game-changer here. It helps you create detailed estimates that factor in everything from materials and labour to overheads and profit margins. With professional-looking estimates, you’ll impress potential clients from the get-go. And because the software makes the process quicker, you’ll have more time to focus on the other parts of your business.

Focus on good project management

Project management isn’t just about keeping an eye on the calendar and hoping things will go smoothly. It’s about being in control of every aspect of the build, from materials arriving on time to making sure you’ve got the right trades on site when you need them.

But let’s be honest – keeping track of all that can be a nightmare. Introducing BuildProjex our new job and task management software. It’s an app. In the cloud. You and your team can use it on the laptop, tablet and phone, wherever you are. It’s designed specifically for builders, making it a breeze to schedule tasks, manage resources, and keep everything on track. You can show your clients that you’ve got their project in hand, which builds trust and could lead to repeat business or referrals. And let’s face it, you can’t aim higher if you’re not organised…

Outsource to win bigger jobs

The larger, more complex projects tend to return a better profit. You may want the work but whilst you could do the build, you’re not confident about the costing side of it. That’s where the HBXL Estimating Service comes in. Our professional estimators use EstimatorXpress which updates material prices monthly. Our team can identify potential issues and provide recommendations, that you might not have seen. It’s like a fresh pair of eyes.

Upskill, pivot, stay sharp

In a rapidly changing industry, keeping skills up to date is crucial. HBXL offers free Skills Bootcamps that share valuable knowledge to help your business excel. The benefits are huge. Better business leadership, increased efficiency, best practice, new skills, new tools for improving profitability… I could go on. Currently we offer short courses on estimating, CAD and Business Management. Find out more here.

Improve your marketing

Marketing your building firm properly is crucial. Who is your ideal target customer? How can you appeal directly to them? How can they hear about your building firm? These are all questions you must know the answers to. Make sure you have a social media presence, and better still a website to show off your services and completed projects. Don’t skimp on this, it will make a difference. Watch this video on promoting your business.

Final Thoughts on how to adapt and pivot your building business

In a crowded market, standing out is key. By adapting and pivoting your building business to offer more than just the basics, you can add value for your clients, secure more work, and build a reputation that sets you apart from the competition. And with the right tools and training, like those offered by HBXL, making these changes could be easier than you think.

So, why not take a step back, think about how you can expand your services, and start turning your building firm into a construction powerhouse? Give our team a call on 0117 916 7898 or try our software for free here.