4 Keys to Quality Commercial Parking Lot Paving

Commercial parking lot paving isn't a job you want to entrust to just anyone. Your parking lot is one of the first points of contact customers have with your business and how it looks and functions can impact your bottom line.

A well maintained, clean and evenly paved lot with quality asphalt tells your customers that you value their entire customer experienace and appreciate their patronage, from door to door.

If you're in need of a parking lot expansion or upgrade and you're wondering what features  define a quality commercial parking lot paving job, familiarize yourself with these important technical principles.

Four Key Features of Good Commercial Parking Lot Paving

In simple terms, the features that define a quality paving job can be broken down into four categories:

#1 Smooth integration of existing pavement.

If you want to expand an existing parking lot, or integrate existing pavement into a refurbished, precision saw-cutting is an essential first step. The smooth transition form old pavement to new, is important for the consturction of any high-quality pavement project. Learn more about this process with these helpful case studies:

• Commercial Asphalt Parking Lot Removal, Installation

• The Hunger Task Force Re-surfacing and Repaving Project

#2 A good gravel base.

Did you know? The most important part of your new asphalt parking lot is the sub-base. Without a proper gravel foundation, the parking lot will buckle  under the weight of vehicle traffic. Installation of sub-base takes experience and percision. Take a look at these additional resources to learn more:

• 4 Best Practices in Asphalt Installation
• Base Stabilization at Glen Mills School

#3 Proper drainage.

Water needs to have somewhere to go. Carefully designed drainage systems prevent buildups of standing water and long-term damage to the parking lot. Learn more:

• The Complete 7-Step Process For Asphalt Pavement Installation

• Porous Pavement and Your Commercial Asphalt Parking Lot Installation Project

#4 Attention to detail

While the asphalt is hot and fresh, skilled workers use hand rollers and plate compactors to ensure an even surface and sharp edging. This attentiont o detail means that the final product, a new driveway, parking lot or roadway, looks great and it built to last. Take a look at some of our completed projects in our photo gallery.

At Wolf Paving, we take great pride in building some of the longest-lasting and best-looking asphalt parking lots in the Madison and Milwaukee area. Our professionals use advanced equipment and precision techniques to integrate existing pavement, lay gravel foundations, create proper drainage channels, and add detail to parking lot asphalt.

CLICK HERE: Request A Free Estimate Now for Your Next Paving Project

If you'd like to see examples of some of our finest work and hear from satisfied past customers, visit our gallery or read our testimonials. You can also contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation about your commercial paving project.

With more than 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to commercial driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

For more information on Wolf Paving or torequest a free estimate for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

The post 4 Keys to Quality Commercial Parking Lot Paving appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

100m Wear bridge pylon to be lifted into place

https://t.co/D48dixZLI8 thanks for following us! Have a great day :) #pavingcontractor

https://t.co/D48dixZLI8 thanks for following us! Have a great day :) #driveways #pavingcontractor

— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) January 30, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

January 30, 2017 at 02:23PM

Liverpool council building to become luxury hotel

https://t.co/T7vbuMEqXR thanks for following us! Have a great day :) #pavingcontractor

https://t.co/T7vbuMEqXR thanks for following us! Have a great day :) #driveways #pavingcontractor

— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) January 26, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

January 26, 2017 at 02:12PM

TIMco LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE NEW CAVITY WALL FIXING

TIMco, one of the UK’s largest independent wholesale suppliers of screws, fixings and power tools accessories, has introduced the innovative cavity wall fixing, Zip-Fix, to its newly extended range of products.  The fixing is an ideal heavy duty hollow wall anchor that’s suitable for use in plasterboard, concrete block, cavity walls and ceilings.

The new product, one of more than 700 new items in the latest TIMco brochure, is available in bags of ten and provides the ideal anchor for hanging radiators, TV brackets and cabinets.  The Zip-Fix anchor can be used on a number of substrates including plasterboard (12.5 and 25mm thick) as well as 15mm dense board and block and, with safety factors applied, is capable of holding weights between 30 and 60kg.

Simon Midwood, Managing Director of TIMco, comments; “This is an exciting new addition to our range and illustrates the increasing depth of products we now offer.  This product has been developed to provide merchants and their customers with a quality and easy to use fixing that’s capable of acting as a plasterboard fixing in home, office or industrial spaces.  We’re excited to offer it to our customers and to be continuing to build the range in the future.”

Zip-Fix is designed to be used in four easy steps:

1. Drill – make a 13mm hole in the substrate (with a 50mm cavity clearance behind the substrate)
2. Push – face the thumb tab upwards, insert the metal toggle through the hole so it pivots down behind the substrate.
3. Zip – Zip the nylon collar towards the wall so that it sits into the drilled hole, then snap off the nylon arms.
4. Fix – Secure the fixing with an m6 screw into the threaded part of the Zip-Fix and tighten until secure.

Earlier in 2017, TIMco released details of its new biggest ever catalogue that contains more than 5,500 products including; advanced wood, multi-purpose, self -drilling and self-tapping screws as well as roofing and construction screws.  This is in addition to an extended range of fixings and fastenings as well as a comprehensive range of supplementary products such as industrial tapes, protective films as well as security solutions.

TIMco is head quartered in Nantwich, Cheshire, imports and supplies product lines from around the world to distributors throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.  The company was established in 1970 and now employs 110 members of staff from it offices in the UK, Ireland and Taiwan.  For more information, visit www.TIMco.co.uk.

The post TIMco LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE NEW CAVITY WALL FIXING appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

A brief guide to industrial doors, from sliding tents to high speed doors

The field of industrial doors includes many different models, and each one is conceived for specific uses and have special features.

Let’s see some of the main types of industrial doors, their peculiarities and their most common applications!

• Sectional doors: one of the main peculiarities of these types of doors, which are also used in residential contexts, is their vertical opening. The fact that they open vertically brings a big advantage, since this permits to save space both in front and behind the door itself. Also for this reason sectional doors are very versatile and can be used in various different contexts.

Sectional doors can be both manual and motorized (in this case they can be equipped with remote automatic control) and the safety of the lifting system is guaranteed through special safety devices.

• High speed doors: this model is used in those spaces where it in necessary to open and close the door very quickly. The quickness of the system that characterizes the opening of high speed doors brings many advantages: first of all, it permits to save energy and maintain the temperature inside a given space; moreover, using this type of doors you can separate different processes inside the same building, which helps improving productivity.

High speed doors are also appreciated because they do not require special maintenance and are easy to install.

• Strip curtains: these inexpensive doors are made of PVC and are very durable and versatile. Perfect for cold store areas, strip curtains are used for the opening of large warehouse. They reduce temperature loss and allow the passage of people and machines.

• Folding doors: the perfect model if you need robust and wide closures, folding doors can be personalized and equipped with windows to improve visibility.

• Sliding tends: this model is notably appreciated because it is a cheap solution for both large and small spaces.
• Fire doors: it is necessary to use this type of doors in all of those spaces where there is a high fire risk. Fire doors are an important protection for both people and goods and need to be certified and built in accordance to specific norms.

• Flap doors: a cheap solution that you can use when you need to isolate various rooms inside the same building but you do not want to prevent people and machines to move easily from one room to the other. Made of PVC, flap doors are resistant and flexible.

These are some of the types of industrial doors that you can find on the market. Choose the one you prefer according to your needs and to the field of application!

The post A brief guide to industrial doors, from sliding tents to high speed doors appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

New national Vulnerable Road Users course for construction industry

CLOCS commends new national Vulnerable Road Users course for construction industry

Considerate Constructors Scheme creates e-learning course on Best Practice Hub to achieve greater awareness of vulnerable road users

London, United Kingdom, 18 January 2016: The Best Practice Hub – the construction industry’s free to access online platform for sharing best practice – has produced an e-learning course about Vulnerable road users.

Launched on 9 January, the course is designed to increase knowledge and understanding of the risks construction activity can pose to vulnerable road users and provides practical methods which can be adopted to minimise these risks. It is available to all registered Best Practice Hub users.

A fundamental part of the course is to provide participants with an understanding of CLOCS – the national standard for Construction Logistics and Community Safety – and how it can be adapted for any type of construction activity across the UK.

Other learning sections include current road safety legislation, the Highway Code and details of other important road safety programmes including FORS – the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme.

The course, which is eligible for CPD, has already received a huge uptake, with hundreds of individuals from Scheme-registered sites, companies and suppliers completing it.

To drive higher standards nationally, the Scheme has also introduced a dedicated section about the CLOCS Standard on the Best Practice Hub as well as additional questions about CLOCS in the 2017 Monitors’ Checklist.

Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive Edward Hardy said: “All types of construction activity can involve potential risks to vulnerable road users. It is, therefore, essential that the industry knows and understands these risks and does all it can to minimise them, both for the general public and the workforce.

“The Vulnerable road users e-learning course and section about the CLOCS Standard on our Best Practice Hub provides an easily accessible and practical way for everyone within the industry – including site managers, contractors, suppliers and clients – to raise safety standards for every road user and pedestrian affected by construction vehicles.”

CLOCS Project Director Derek Rees commented: “The CLOCS team commends the Considerate Constructors Scheme for creating the Vulnerable road users e-learning course and providing a dedicated CLOCS section on the Best Practice Hub. Both resources provide an invaluable way to help raise awareness of the daily risks presented to pedestrians and cyclists and how the industry can effectively manage the impact vehicles accessing sites have on the local community and workforce.”

Click here to visit the Best Practice Hub.

Click here to take the Vulnerable road users e-learning course.

Click here to view the CLOCS section.

The post New national Vulnerable Road Users course for construction industry appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

5 tips for tackling a listed property restoration in 2017

5 tips for tackling a listed property restoration in 2017

If you have been thinking of getting your listed property spruced up, whether it’s an extension or re-structuring the foundations, there are fundamental things that you will need to consider before.

Sarah Khan, a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) and Jonathan Clark who is a member of the RIBA conservation group share their top tips on approaching a listed building restoration.

1. Be particular with restoration scale

According to RIBA accredited Conservation Architect Sarah Khan if you plan on doing work to both the interior and exterior of the building, you’ll need to apply for listed building consent and planning permission. If your listed building is in a conservation area, you’ll need to take this into account.

2. Restore for reasons of practicality not trends

Late last year it was announced that the Buckingham Palace will undergo a 10 year refit. Work will start in April 2017 and will focus on replacing 33-year-old boilers, electrical cables and pipework. The most common misconception people have is that just the façade of a property is listed says Sarah, find out everything you need to know about your property from your local council.

3. Materials will shape how far you can restore

The restoration projects of the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) includes using original gold paint for the face of the clock, prepare yourself for the fact that the use of cheap, modern materials will often not be possible, advises Sarah.

4. Surround yourself with the right craftsmen and architects

The biggest challenge we faced was undoubtedly dealing with the conservation officer. It was a process of negotiation and convincing them that our proposals would materially enhance the building and bring it into the 21^st century in a sympathetic way – says Jonathan Clarke, founder of Jonathan Clark Architects.

5. Strike a balance between replica and restoration

Your restoration plans should clearly highlight how you will be preserving your listed building, it could be anything from not chopping down an old tree in your garden to using 10,000 bricks from original building (part of Battersea Arts Centre restoration plan.)

Sarah and John share their experiences working with listed building restorations as part of the Hiscox cover stories campaign, read their full interview here.

The post 5 tips for tackling a listed property restoration in 2017 appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Construction firms’ risk losing custom by playing generic music on hold

January 17, 2017 – Construction firms’ call handling standards have come into question as the result of a major new study into telephone practice.

The research conducted by audio branding specialist PHMG, which audited 185 firms in the construction industry, discovered the large majority risk losing custom by subjecting customers to generic music and audio while on hold.

Typically, waiting on hold is seen as a major bugbear but 54 per cent of construction companies still leave customers listening to nothing but generic music. A further 26 per cent subject them to beeps, while 16 per cent leave callers in silence and four per cent force them to listen to ringing.

No companies were found to employ brand-consistent voice and music messaging – viewed as the best practice approach to handling calls – less than the national average of two per cent.

Mark Williamson, Sales and Marketing Director at PHMG, said: “Call handling remains a critically undervalued element of customer service and marketing. A previous study of 1,000 UK consumers found 73 per cent will not do business with a company again if their first call isn’t handled satisfactorily.

“Therefore, it is important companies do their utmost to improve the experience. The research shows there is still work to be done in providing an experience that keeps callers engaged and entertained.

“Generic music, beeps, ringing or silence convey a message that the customer is not valued, which will only serve to compound any annoyance felt as a result of being made to wait on hold.”

The research also found 92 per cent of construction firms do not even use auto attendant messaging to greet customers who call up outside of normal working hours.

It also seems call handling standards have not significantly improved when comparing the results to a similar study conducted in 2013. The number of companies playing repetitive music has increased by 23 per cent during that period while the number using brand-consistent voice and music has stayed the same.

“The trends over the past three years suggest construction firms believe generic music is enough to keep callers entertained but this can actually have the opposite effect,” added Williamson.

“An existing, generic piece of music should not be repurposed to convey a message it was never intended to, as its characteristics may not match those of the company.

Hearing is one of our most powerful emotional senses so the sounds customers hear when they call a business will create a long-lasting impression. Every element of a music track, whether tempo, pitch or instrumentation, will stir different emotions so traders should ensure they convey the appropriate brand image.”

The post Construction firms’ risk losing custom by playing generic music on hold appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Driveway Pavers

Driveway Pavers In The North East

Driveway Pavers based in the North East installing Driveways throughout Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and Teeside.

Our specialist driveway pavers have been installing quality driveways throughout Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and Teeside since 1980. We believe that each driveway should be unique and it should be created with a little imagination. Over the years we have developed a good eye for detail when it comes to installing driveways. No matter how small or how large your driveway our team can create a finished look you will be proud of.

Huge choice of colours and textures

As technology has advanced over the years, so has the choice of products, colours and designs available. We offer a huge choice when it comes to paving blocks, finishes, colours and textures. Matching edging, manholes, kerbs are often available to match your block paving. Not only can edging add strength to the driveway, it can also have a big visual aspect when it comes to the divide between the garden and paving.

Marshalls Approved Contractors

Furthermore, our team of driveway pavers are Marshalls Approved Contractors. This ensures homeowners of quality workmanship along with the benefits of the Marshalls Product Failure Guarantee of 10 years and our 5 year Installation Guarantee.

For your peace of mind, all our pavers are qualified to a minimum of NVQ level 2 and supervisors qualified to level 3. Machine operators are qualified CPCS and NPORS operators. This ensures you that your driveway is built on foundations to current British Standards. All of our driveway pavers are employed by the company, we do NOT subcontract to other companies.

Leading Paving Brands

As well as Marshalls we work with other leading brands such as Thomas Armstrong, Bradstone, Natural Paving, Tobermore and much more.

Finance For Your Driveway Project

At this time of year, money can often be a little tight after the festive break. However, with our Finance deals such as 0% Finance and Buy Now Pay Later they can make it easier to have your new driveway installed before the summer months. Find out more about our Finance offers

 

Keep informed of all our latest news

If you would like to keep informed of all our latest news, offers and work. Please join our Facebook Page. 

The post Driveway Pavers appeared first on Driveways, Block Paving, Patios, Newcastle, North East | Driveway Company UK.

Government awards £1.2bn roads funding to councils

Councils across England are today finding out their share of £1.2bn local roads funding for the next financial year.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones announced funding to improve roads, cut congestion and improve journey times includes money from the new National Productivity Investment Fund, announced in the Autumn Statement and the Pothole Action Fund.

It also includes £75m which councils can bid for to repair and maintain local infrastructure such as bridges, street lighting and rural roads.

The government has today also published further information about what the funding will be spent on – the latest step in the economic plan to stimulate the economy and build a country that works for everyone.

A key part of this is putting in place improved transport links including better roads, to help people access work, school and services.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “The funding we have allocated today is focused on relieving congestion and providing important upgrades to ensure our roads are fit for the future – helping to build an economy that works for everyone.

In a further effort to reduce the number of potholes the Department for Transport will begin a new innovative trial, in partnership with Thurrock and York Councils which could revolutionise the way potholes are identified and managed.

A pothole-spotter system, mounted to refuse collection vehicles, comprising of high-definition cameras, integrated navigation system and intelligent software will be deployed to identify road surface problems before they become potholes.

The DfT will also support plans for a new motorway junction on the M11, near Harlow in Essex. This will help to ensure the delivery of 15,000 homes and support continued growth in the local economy.

The new junction, to be known as Junction 7A, will sit to the north of Harlow, and will cut several minutes from journeys to Stansted and Cambridge.

The scheme will provide better access to the motorway both for new residents and for the existing inhabitants of Harlow and Sawbridgeworth; plus less congestion on the existing junction 7. The project will be part-funded by Essex County Council, and could begin construction in 2019.

The post Government awards £1.2bn roads funding to councils appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Kier bags first £42m affordable housing grant

Considerate Constructors Scheme announces 2017 monitoring Checklist

Considerate Constructors Scheme announces 2017 monitoring Checklist

New Checklist brings greater focus on key issues of:

• tackling illegal workers
• encouraging an improved road safety culture

 

London, United Kingdom, 6 January 2017: The Considerate Constructors Scheme – the national Scheme to improve the image of the construction industry – has announced a new Monitors’ Checklist.

The Checklist, which came into effect on 1 January 2017, is the key method which Scheme Monitors use to assess and score sites, companies and suppliers’ performance against the Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice.

The Scheme has identified two pressing issues requiring a more concerted effort from the construction industry – tackling illegal working and improving road safety.

Although the 2017 Checklist has undergone minor changes in all five sections, there are new questions within the Specific Data section – which captures key information and identifies trends within the industry. The first set of questions have been introduced to encourage sites, companies and supply chains to examine how they are ensuring the legitimacy of their workforce:

• Are there processes in place to ensure subcontractors (and subsequent subcontractors) are conducting right to work checks?
• Are physical spot checks conducted to ensure minimum standards of right to work checks are taking place within the supply chain?

Two questions have also been added to encourage greater adoption of a more considerate road safety culture. The questions assess the extent to which CLOCS – the national standard for Construction Logistics and Community Safety – is embedded across Scheme-registered sites, companies and suppliers.

• Is the company a CLOCS Champion?
• Is this site operating to the requirements of the CLOCS Standard?

This enhancement to the Checklist will gauge the level to which those registered with the Scheme are helping to raise safety standards for every road user and pedestrian affected by construction vehicles. Recognising this important industry standard for the protection of vulnerable road users has been part of the Scheme’s monitoring Checklist for a number of years. In October, the Scheme became a partner in delivering the CLOCS Standard, further strengthening its support of this important initiative.

Commenting on the new Checklist, Chief Executive of the Scheme, Edward Hardy said: “With over 18,000 monitoring visits to sites, companies, and suppliers every year, the Scheme is the central part of instigating change to help raise standards and improve the image of the construction industry.

“The Scheme’s monitoring Checklists are the backbone to effecting this change, and we are pleased to be introducing greater focus on helping to address the critical issues of tackling illegal working in construction and helping to embed a culture of safety through greater adoption of the CLOCS Standard.”

Click here to read the new Checklist.

The post Considerate Constructors Scheme announces 2017 monitoring Checklist appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Co-op to spend £70m opening 100 stores in 2017

Protect Your Asphalt Pavement From Winter Weather With These 6 Tips

You might be surprised to learn that it is not necessarily the harsh cold temperatures that can negatively impact your asphalt surface. It is actually the freeze thaw cycle that happens continuously all winter long. When ice and snow begin to melt, it creates pooling water on asphalt surfaces, which can compromise the integrity of the surface. On top of that, as water freezes it expands. Expanding water in small potholes and cracks can increase pressure, creating cracks and can cause further damage to your asphalt surface. The use of hot-mix asphalt is important in colder climates because it is engineered specifically to withstand freezing and thawing cycles.

Protect your asphalt investment from the winter weather with these helpful tips!

1. Clear your pavement of debris before the snow hits

To make sure your asphalt is in great shape once all of the snow melts, it is important that you set it up for a great start. This means, a thorough asphalt or street cleaning service. Consider getting your asphalt professionally cleaned for two key reasons. The first, to reveal any issues, like cracks or potholes, which should be repaired immediately. Secondly, to ensure that large pieces of debris don’t freeze and damage your asphalt surface over the course of the long, cold winter. Large debris can cause problems with snowplows and damage your asphalt surface. So cleaning your asphalt surface in advance will keep your asphalt looking great come spring.

2. Crack fill and sealcoat (if there is still time!)

For a proper curing, seal coat needs a nightly temperature of at least 50 degrees. It is likely that in your area, sealcoating is no longer possible, but if your asphalt surface needs some pre-winter TLC, consider doing some crack filling to help prevent further damage to your surface over the winter.

3. Pay attention to pooling water

If you see pooling water now, you could see a pothole in the spring. Consider making repairs to compromised areas of your asphalt surface. Or schedule a spring service now with your local and reputable asphalt repair contractor to ensure your paving repair job can be fixed early, before the problem grows (literally) as the weather warms up.

4. Shovel regularly

One of the key methods to protect your asphalt surface is to keep it free of standing water and snow over the winter months. The simplest method to do this is to shovel regularly. By taking the time to remove snow before it can melt and cause damage, you’ll keep your asphalt surface clear and prevent water damage.

Using a plow to remove snow is very efficient, but be cautious, plows can snag in small cracks and potholes and cause surface damage to your asphalt pavement. If you are looking to hire professional help for snow removal, make sure you do your homework. Consider a professional snow management team with experience in your area using commercial grade equipment.

5. Think Twice Before You De-ice

If you have a professionally installed asphalt driveway, you don’t have to worry about salt damaging your surface or causing potholes. But, there are environmental effects you should consider before your apply salt to your surface. Salt in water runoff affects plants and animals as well as local waterways. Did you know that studies have shown increased salinity in rivers, lakes and drinking water as a direct result of roadway salting? So while there are benefits to salt use, it is important to shovel and plow snow away first and use deicers sparingly. At Wolf Paving, we choose to use a mix of sand and salt because we find this is the best for melting, improving traction and having as little impact on the environment as possible.

6. Repair Potholes

Pothole repair as the weather turns cold can be a tricky process if you are not a trained professional. It is, however, important to repair potholes in the winter to prevent them from spreading and causing further damage. At Wolf Paving, we are pothole paving experts. In fact, we have custom cold-mix asphalt designed specifically for Wisconsin winters and pothole repair. Take a look at our video on the cold mix asphalt process, from start to finish. 

At Wolf Paving, we own the materials and plants, which allows us to control the entire process and provide you with the highest quality custom asphalt mixes to meet your specific paving needs.

Is your asphalt prepared for the cold winter weather? Follow our tips to protect your asphalt surface and save money from costly repairs in the long run.

With 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

It’s not too early to request a quote and get on our list for spring projects! Call Wolf Paving today! For the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

 

The post Protect Your Asphalt Pavement From Winter Weather With These 6 Tips appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

How to grow your construction company in 2017

How to grow your construction company in 2017

When you look at some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs – we’re talking about the likes of Richard Branson and Steve Jobs here – the one thing they have in common is relentless ambition.

They turned small startups into giant multinational corporations with eye-watering turnovers and profit margins by embracing a winning mindset that privileges innovation and development.

Adopting a similar approach will also help you grow your construction company into an even more successful operation in 2017 – despite the shaky political and economic future the industry is facing.

So your business doesn’t get stuck in a profit-destroying rut next year, we’re sharing a few top tips for careful expansion. Take a look.

#1: project the right image

To chase – and win – bigger contracts and projects, you need to project the right image of yourself as a capable and experienced construction expert.

Part of that means setting yourself up with the necessary infrastructure, like creating new headquarters from which to push business development. Instead of working from a makeshift onsite base, look at finding an office or shop to let that’ll impress future clients.

But you also need to build a strong brand identity that instantly communicates the ethics and quality you constantly provide in your work. Your first step should be hiring a graphic designer to revamp your logo.

#2: invest in up-to-date technology

The construction industry has been teetering on the edge of a digital revolution for the past few years but looks set to become much more heavily reliant on technology in 2017. To beat the competition, you’re going to have to stay on top of all the latest advancements.

Software to manage scheduling, pay, inspections and safety records is definitely worth an investment, purely for the amount of otherwise wasted admin time it can save you.

One of the most useful digital tools to consider buying is Building Information Modelling (BIM). Essentially, it creates 3D models of building plans, and its benefits – from reducing errors to attracting new business – are transforming worksites around the UK.

#3: build a strong team of employees

Up until now, you’ve probably kept your company ticking over by taking on a lot of the key responsibilities yourself, but it’s not a healthy approach to uphold as your workload expands.

You need to build a team of trustworthy employees who can help manage the important tasks, so that you can keep standards high even as you get busier – and the trick to accomplishing exactly that is hiring people smarter than you.

Complement your own skill set by employing staff who’ll provide expertise in a variety of different areas – accounting, law, marketing – and there’ll be nothing your business can’t handle.

Do you have any other top tips on how to successfully grow a business? Have an insight into the future of the construction industry in 2017 you’d like to share? Leave a comment and let us know.

The post How to grow your construction company in 2017 appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Hewden cranes on the block

https://t.co/56usPTTpkY thanks for following us! Have a great day :) #pavingcontractor

https://t.co/56usPTTpkY thanks for following us! Have a great day :) #driveways #pavingcontractor

— Driveway Contractor (@drivewaysuk) January 3, 2017

from Twitter https://twitter.com/drivewaysuk

January 03, 2017 at 06:04PM