Construction sector software specialists HBXL has extended its popular estimating service to enable builder’s merchants to offer speedy and accurate quotes to their customers.
With the service, the leading building software and services company not only supports builder’s merchants establish better working relationships with local building firms but helps them increase market share and improve profit margins.
Thursday 23 May 2013
Thursday 2 May 2013
Up-to-date paperwork helps prevent untimely fine from HSE
Building firms could be doing more to prevent unnecessary fines from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
It follows reports of ‘significant’ failings across the UK during a month-long inspection initiative which in some areas resulted in one in three construction sites falling foul of the law.
With the introduction of the new Fee For Intervention (FFI) back in October 2012 it means those found in breach of the regulations could end up paying a minimum fee of £750 and highlights the need to be constantly on top of all things relating to health and safety.
However, according to HBXL the building software specialist, many cases that are found to be in some form of breach, could have been prevented simply by keeping the paperwork up-to-date.
Joanna Mulgrew, sales and marketing director at HBXL said: “The latest round of inspections clearly shows that the HSE is not going to let up in its drive for greater site safety. With the introduction of the FFI, building firms need to be right on top of their health and safety obligations otherwise they could end up with an untimely fine.
“Many builders might not be aware of the new FFI so it’s vitally important they brush up on what it all means.”
Joanna is warning the potential cost could hit building firms hard at a time when many are struggling to survive with fines potentially rising to a whopping £10,000 depending on the offence.
She added: “The fee is aimed at prompting all businesses to comply with the regulations and will especially penalise those who try and finish a job ‘on the cheap’ by ignoring the law and putting people at risk.
“All building firms, no matter how small, have a duty of care to their employees and the general public. As far as reasonably possible, they must safe guard the health, safety and welfare of all on site. That’s the law!”
But according to Mulgrew, prevention rather than cure is the best way to avoid a hefty fine and recommends builders consider HBXL’s Health & Safety Xpert software that provides all health and safety paperwork required on any job at the push of a button which is then ready for review and implementation on site making sure builders are running a safe project.
Developed in partnership with leading health and safety professionals, Health & Safety Xpert encourages an active approach to health and safety on building sites across the country.
All users have to do is tell Health & Safety Xpert what they are building and it simply does the rest, automatically producing Company Health & Safety Policies, Risk Assessments, COSHH Assessments, Method Statements, Construction Phase Health & Safety Plans, forms required by the HSE, and many more essential documents.
It has already proved to have saved builders huge amounts of time, quickly guiding them through the crucial paper work that’s required under current UK law, including the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974 and Construction Design Management (CDM) Regulations 1994.
Joanna added: “The software enables builders to keep pace with ever stricter compliance requirements. All users have to do is tell the software what they are building and it will present the hazards and suggest control measures to put in place to ensure there are no breaches in regulations.
“Health & Safety Xpert is just so fast, cutting down the time it would normally take by hand to produce all health and safety paperwork. Added to which it’s also linked-up to the very latest regulations - so those who use it will never need to worry again!
“It’s infinitely cheaper than a fine and more importantly helps prevent those working on site getting injured.”
It follows reports of ‘significant’ failings across the UK during a month-long inspection initiative which in some areas resulted in one in three construction sites falling foul of the law.
However, according to HBXL the building software specialist, many cases that are found to be in some form of breach, could have been prevented simply by keeping the paperwork up-to-date.
Joanna Mulgrew, sales and marketing director at HBXL said: “The latest round of inspections clearly shows that the HSE is not going to let up in its drive for greater site safety. With the introduction of the FFI, building firms need to be right on top of their health and safety obligations otherwise they could end up with an untimely fine.
“Many builders might not be aware of the new FFI so it’s vitally important they brush up on what it all means.”
Joanna is warning the potential cost could hit building firms hard at a time when many are struggling to survive with fines potentially rising to a whopping £10,000 depending on the offence.
She added: “The fee is aimed at prompting all businesses to comply with the regulations and will especially penalise those who try and finish a job ‘on the cheap’ by ignoring the law and putting people at risk.
“All building firms, no matter how small, have a duty of care to their employees and the general public. As far as reasonably possible, they must safe guard the health, safety and welfare of all on site. That’s the law!”
But according to Mulgrew, prevention rather than cure is the best way to avoid a hefty fine and recommends builders consider HBXL’s Health & Safety Xpert software that provides all health and safety paperwork required on any job at the push of a button which is then ready for review and implementation on site making sure builders are running a safe project.
Peace of Mind
Developed in partnership with leading health and safety professionals, Health & Safety Xpert encourages an active approach to health and safety on building sites across the country.
It has already proved to have saved builders huge amounts of time, quickly guiding them through the crucial paper work that’s required under current UK law, including the Health & Safety At Work Act 1974 and Construction Design Management (CDM) Regulations 1994.
Joanna added: “The software enables builders to keep pace with ever stricter compliance requirements. All users have to do is tell the software what they are building and it will present the hazards and suggest control measures to put in place to ensure there are no breaches in regulations.
“Health & Safety Xpert is just so fast, cutting down the time it would normally take by hand to produce all health and safety paperwork. Added to which it’s also linked-up to the very latest regulations - so those who use it will never need to worry again!
“It’s infinitely cheaper than a fine and more importantly helps prevent those working on site getting injured.”
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| More info | Online demo | Chat online |
| Call 0845 1234 065 | ||
Estimating service ideal solution for developers wanting decent return
Property developers wanting to ensure a decent return on any project are being advised to take a look at a new estimating service developed by HBXL.
Called the HBXL Estimating Service it’s the latest innovation from the leading building software developer and will provide property developers a totally accurate budget on how much a project will cost.
With 90% of building projects going over budget, the availability of this new service means developers will be able to work out the likely profit margin at the start.
Detailing what’s required right down to the very last screw, the accuracy of the new service means nothing is missed and is a great way for house builders to project what they are likely to make.
In addition, the service provides build programmes which helps plan cash flow and when materials are needed on site.
The ability to timetable and co-ordinate what materials are required and when means no costly items are every overseen, a problem which could (and been known to) result in a project being delayed or even jeopardise the whole thing!
Joanna Mulgrew, marketing director at HBXL said: “To have a highly accurate, up front estimate at the beginning of a project is essential for any developer or house builder. It means the profit margin is known and assists with the management of cash flow.
“To also have a realistic build programme, which is supplied as a report, will also help save money. As any developer knows, time is money and running over on any programme will cost, especially if a lender is involved.
“What we’ve done is taken the hassle out of not only producing the estimate but putting together a sensible build programme.
“The cash flow report, which also comes with the service, is very useful especially for those developers needing to secure finance from third parties.”
To make use of the service all developers or house builders have to do is send the plans to HBXL where expert estimators will price it quickly and accurately.
Ideal for new builds, apartments, conversions or multi-site developments prices start from £140 for a loft conversion and £199 for a new build.
The developer will then receive a detailed estimate report pack outlining a summary of the project’s cost, detailed cost breakdown for materials, plant and labour, cost breakdown of each build phase, cash flow projection and a build program for when each part of the project will take place.
Builders will get a customer quote as a Word file, including mark-up, which can be easily edited before it is shown to customers so the builder doesn’t even have to write up the quotation.
Joanna added: “Using a professional estimating service puts the developer in control of the project, allowing them to assess quotes from suppliers and subcontractors while managing costs successfully.
“To neglect using a service which provides a sound cashflow plan, build programme and also expedites the time developers spend on estimates doesn’t sound like good business sense.”
For details on the HBXL Estimating Service please call T: 0845 1234 095 or visit the web site www.estimating-service.co.uk
Called the HBXL Estimating Service it’s the latest innovation from the leading building software developer and will provide property developers a totally accurate budget on how much a project will cost.
With 90% of building projects going over budget, the availability of this new service means developers will be able to work out the likely profit margin at the start.
Detailing what’s required right down to the very last screw, the accuracy of the new service means nothing is missed and is a great way for house builders to project what they are likely to make.
In addition, the service provides build programmes which helps plan cash flow and when materials are needed on site.
The ability to timetable and co-ordinate what materials are required and when means no costly items are every overseen, a problem which could (and been known to) result in a project being delayed or even jeopardise the whole thing!
Joanna Mulgrew, marketing director at HBXL said: “To have a highly accurate, up front estimate at the beginning of a project is essential for any developer or house builder. It means the profit margin is known and assists with the management of cash flow.
“To also have a realistic build programme, which is supplied as a report, will also help save money. As any developer knows, time is money and running over on any programme will cost, especially if a lender is involved.
“What we’ve done is taken the hassle out of not only producing the estimate but putting together a sensible build programme.
“The cash flow report, which also comes with the service, is very useful especially for those developers needing to secure finance from third parties.”
To make use of the service all developers or house builders have to do is send the plans to HBXL where expert estimators will price it quickly and accurately.
Ideal for new builds, apartments, conversions or multi-site developments prices start from £140 for a loft conversion and £199 for a new build.
The developer will then receive a detailed estimate report pack outlining a summary of the project’s cost, detailed cost breakdown for materials, plant and labour, cost breakdown of each build phase, cash flow projection and a build program for when each part of the project will take place.
Builders will get a customer quote as a Word file, including mark-up, which can be easily edited before it is shown to customers so the builder doesn’t even have to write up the quotation.
Joanna added: “Using a professional estimating service puts the developer in control of the project, allowing them to assess quotes from suppliers and subcontractors while managing costs successfully.
“To neglect using a service which provides a sound cashflow plan, build programme and also expedites the time developers spend on estimates doesn’t sound like good business sense.”
For details on the HBXL Estimating Service please call T: 0845 1234 095 or visit the web site www.estimating-service.co.uk
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 |
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| More info | Samples | Contact us |
| Call 0845 1234 095 | ||
More great new features and enhancements to come!
Here is a quick heads up on more changes to come over the next few months. Keep an eye out for the instruction to download when the time comes! And if your Support & Updates isn’t up-to-date then give us a call on 0845 1234 085 or do it online here and make sure you're ready.
EstimatorXpress Update:
Laminate flooring workbook
Solid flooring workbook
Capturing PC Sums & Provisional Sums and presenting in quote?Quotation updates
Merge job reference number into quotation
Merge enquiry date into quotation
Ability to add charts and graphs into quote
Summary cost table at start of quote
Contents page in quote
Picking up areas to display in quote
VAT on quote amend to text for non VAT projects
PlansXpress Update:
Sections
French doors representation handles sidelights for larger doors
ContractsXpert Update:
Update to Scottish contract.
The F220 and F222 have been updated to include text/details about cancellation
And a ProjectXpert update is coming soon too! Watch this space!
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