IBISWorld data reveals that the number of businesses in the UK’s construction sector has grown by about 4.7% every year between 2015-2020. This industry’s steady growth has increased its competitiveness, making it imperative for construction companies to do more to enjoy success. Luckily, you can do many things to make your construction brand stand out from competitors and become successful. Here are some tips you should know to succeed in the competitive construction industry.
1. Learn How To Close More Deals
Closing more deals is key to success in the construction industry. There are several strategies that you can use to increase your sales and boost your profits. From following expert roofing sales tips and honing your negotiation skills if you work in roofing to understanding how to write proposals and bids if you’re a general contractor and offering discounts and freebies when possible, you can increase your chances of closing more deals and getting repeat customers. You should also review your sales process regularly to identify areas where you can make improvements. Develop a sales pitch tailored to your potential clients’ needs and focus on building trust with them. Finally, digital tools such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems or live chat software can be used to streamline communication with prospects and close deals faster.
2. Protect your clients’ environments
Construction is a messy job that can litter and destroy sites after finished work. It isn’t uncommon to see mud, dirt, debris, and landscapes destroyed after construction projects are completed. However, cleaning up after construction projects is crucial to ensure that the site is safe for all and aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, remove all construction materials, sweep thoroughly, and wipe the dust off surfaces if applicable. In addition, you can vacuum all floors and clean windows carefully to ensure that the property looks spick and span. Cleaning up after a project is a final touch of perfection that can impress clients and solidify your reputation as an excellent contractor, so always do this after finishing projects to stand out from others.
3. Use advanced building materials and products
The quality of the building materials and products you use significantly impacts the outcome of your projects. Therefore, investing in the best materials available from reputable companies like Irvine Materials Inc. (IMI) is essential to ensure high-quality results that enhance your reputation as a leading construction company. Consider utilizing ready-mix concrete and sustainable plant-based materials for your construction projects, as they offer durability and environmental benefits. Also, you can purchase quality products like Renderoc HB45 for soffit repairs and any projects that require reinforced concrete to be repaired.
4. Review your recruiting and hiring practices
It is no secret that skilled young labour is difficult to come across these days, posing a significant threat to the construction industry due to the ageing workforce. Consequently, it is prudent to look beyond your immediate needs to plan for the future and guarantee your company’s success in the years ahead. For this, you can partner with universities and training programs to tap into a hidden labour pool to get candidates as soon as they graduate. In addition, although women account for only 11% of the construction industry’s workforce, they can be an excellent addition to your construction team. Therefore, consider filling vacancies in your construction company with competent female candidates.
5. Utilise training options to keep staff highly skilled
It goes without saying that keeping staff well-trained and keeping training levels high in such a high-pressure job is a no-brainer. You can offer training from CITB courses (also known as The Construction Industry Training Board) to help keep your staff up to date. CITB funds various training initiatives and apprenticeships to help individuals gain the necessary skills and qualifications for the construction industry. When given training, employees are sure to have a higher efficient work rate and ensure that everyone is kept safe, especially as safety is always the number one priority on the construction site.
6. Prioritise Networking
A reported 38% of all professionals find it challenging to maintain their business relationships. However, success in the construction industry goes beyond merely building structures since it is essential to have ties that can grow your business in various ways. Fortunately, you can access excellent networking opportunities by seeking out trade organisations that will offer you opportunities to become certified and meet new client prospects. These organisations can also help you learn about industry trends and offer you the chance to speak about your services. Additionally, build great relationships with other players in the construction industry, like suppliers and subcontractors, to access new job opportunities and grow your business over time