PROJECT PACKAGES
A collection of off-the-shelf project packages to help builders complete loft conversions and garden rooms with greater ease and speed has been launched by Build Aviator. Builders simply choose the layout option they need, tailor to any specific requirements, and will have a professional, detailed quote for their customer in minutes. When ready to start on site, they will also find a comprehensive materials list that includes everything from nails to plant hire.
http://www.buildaviator.co.uk/by-design
DEVELOPMENT FINANCE
With access to funding an on-going challenge for developers, Land & New Homes Network has created LNH Funding to unlock potential development sites. It sees the introduction of a panel of specialist development finance brokers and insurance brokers, that are ready to help small and medium-sized house builders fund and insure schemes across the country.
QUESTION-ANSWERING PORTAL
At the heart of the new Construo portal lies its question-answering engine. Construction professionals can pose real-world questions – specific to their jobs or more general – to the entire Construo base. They can then register votes for their favourite answers, and the system’s upvoting/downvoting system ensures that the best questions and answers remain prominent on the portal, thus highlighting the biggest industry issues.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
A peer-to-peer platform connecting vetted tradespeople with clients in real time, the Tradee On Demand app deploys a vetting process to onboard ‘Tradee Experts’, highlighting instantly available traders, setting competitive rates, and championing per minute prices. A two-way review system benefits customers and tradespeople alike, with tradespeople on the app also able to avoid high rates for leads, paying monthly subscriptions for listings, and time spent doing quotes.
ACCOUNTING
Small construction and trades businesses can streamline business processes, and navigate new domestic VAT reverse charge legislation, thanks to several new apps which integrate with Sage Business Cloud Accounting. These solutions are designed to relieve the burden of administration by automating everyday finance and people management tasks, as well as keeping on top of payments and cash flow.
https://www.sage.com/en-gb/sage-business-cloud/accounting/
LOANS
Specifically targeted at new build residential developments with a sub-£1m funding requirement, a new product from Paragon Development Finance is designed to support UK SME builders. It will also enable Paragon to support clients during the earlier stages of their business growth as they mature to larger-scale projects, and complements its existing residential development product range of loans from £1m to £30m.
https://www.paragonbank.co.uk/business/loans/development-finance
DIGITAL TOOL
By using a new Rockwool online flat roof zoning tool users can draw a plan outline of a roof, then create zones before setting properties for each area. Further details can be incorporated via the tool, including rain noise performance (BB93); airborne noise reduction; thermal performance; and product mechanical strength. Once inputted, it then recommends the best stone wool insulation for each roof zone.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Housebuilders can download a checklist from the Norbord website which will help in the selection of the perfect product. The checklist is just one of many resources available, including a fully interactive and downloadable product guide, details of projects using the manufacturer’s popular boards, answers to frequently asked questions and samples and brochures.
https://www.norbord.co.uk/housebuilders/
SKILLS TRAINING
A new guide providing tradespeople with training tips and practical business advice has been published by heating and utilities training provider, Skills Training Group. It contains a detailed breakdown of the existing support packages available, as well as tips on a wide variety of topics from gas safety to digital marketing – and highlights upskilling opportunities.
ONLINE COMMUNITY
All those who register with Medite Smartply’s new members-only community will receive an exclusive prize for doing so, and be in with the chance to win a prize bundle from power tool brand, Milwaukee. The chances to win will continue going forward with a monthly prize draw for all those who upload photos of their Medite MDF projects. The most celebrated projects will be in with a chance of winning £1,000 worth of Milwaukee prizes every 30 days.
