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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| 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!
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
Customer satisfaction to plain speaking software
‘Plain speaking’ software from HBXL has helped Lincolnshire based Kuno Jackson Builders not only win a regional award from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) but develop a successful business in and around the area in which it operates.
Providing work from extensions, loft conversions and new builds, the Sleaford-based building firm was awarded the FMB’s Yorkshire & Trent’s regional title in the small renovations category in its Master Builder of the Year awards.
A nationwide search to find the best builders in the UK nominations must come from a satisfied client and builders are judged on their technical ability together with their customer service skills.
With thirty years’ experience in the construction industry, Boss Kuno Jackson has used HBXL’s EstimatorXpress for more than a decade and said the quick, accurate and up-to-the-minute software had played a crucial part in the firm’s success and it clinching the award.
“The client said the quote was highly detailed and professional and came with an FMB contract produced on our ContractsXpert software which Kuno uses alongside his EstimatorXpress package.
Providing work from extensions, loft conversions and new builds, the Sleaford-based building firm was awarded the FMB’s Yorkshire & Trent’s regional title in the small renovations category in its Master Builder of the Year awards.A nationwide search to find the best builders in the UK nominations must come from a satisfied client and builders are judged on their technical ability together with their customer service skills.
With thirty years’ experience in the construction industry, Boss Kuno Jackson has used HBXL’s EstimatorXpress for more than a decade and said the quick, accurate and up-to-the-minute software had played a crucial part in the firm’s success and it clinching the award.
Kuno said: “I have used EstimatorXpress since it first hit the market and have sworn by it ever since to price up everything from small household renovations to £5m building projects.”
Nominated by client Annette Southcott in Lincoln, Kuno said the software provided clear information that clients large and small could grasp.
He added: “It’s all about communication. We can provide a plain English print off for the client and back up every quote giving them complete confidence in the work in hand and exactly what it will cost. This helps avoid some of the breakdowns you see when customers believe the builder has either exceeded or not completed the work expected.
“It is also possible, given full information from the client, to complete a substantial quote in a day whereas before we used this software it could take up to two weeks. We save a massive amount of time using EstimatorXpress.”
HBXL sales and marketing director Joanna Mulgrew said they couldn’t have wished for better testimony as to the effectiveness of the software.
Joanna said: “Both Kuno Jackson and his client Annette Southcott were present at the Master Builder of the Year Awards and were clearly very happy with the software and quotation provided.
“We were also pleased to hear Kuno describe HBXL’s customer support as excellent. Nine other firms that use our software were also shortlisted for an award from the FMB.”
For further information on any HBXL product please call T: 0845 1234 065 or visit the web site www.hbxl.co.uk
For further information on any HBXL product please call T: 0845 1234 065 or visit the web site www.hbxl.co.uk
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| More info | Online demo | Chat online |
| Call 0845 1234 065 | ||
Monday, 15 April 2013
New service makes estimating complex projects a breeze
Keeping on top of the work
schedule, making sure materials are on site at the right time and managing the
contractors are just a few of the tasks builders up and down the country have
to deal with on a daily basis.
Combine this with quoting
for new jobs and even the most systematic, organised and assiduous of builder will
find their time management skills are tested to the full.
According to research published
in Professional Builder magazine, estimating is still regarded as being the
most time consuming part of a builder’s daily routine especially if the quotes
are quite complex and there are multiple requests to be getting on with. There
just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to get everything done!
For those fortunate enough
to be on the busy side, there is another way to get estimates for more complex
projects such as loft conversions and large residential projects completed
seamlessly and quickly, without compromising the day-to-day stuff that still
needs the builder’s full attention and comes in the form of the new HBXL Estimating Service.
The latest
innovation from the leading building software developer it will save builders
from having to take time out from their busy schedules to price up work and
produce quotations. It will enable them to get on with work in hand, win new
projects and manage the jobs they currently have on.
Joanna
Mulgrew, marketing director at HBXL said: “We all know that producing quotes
and estimates still takes
out the most time in any single day and to produce a totally accurate estimate
for more complicated projects can and does in some instances take up a whole
day – possibly more if the plans are particularly taxing such as an extension
combined with internal alterations. Producing quotes should be straightforward
but often takes longer than anticipated.
“The beauty of
this new service is that once the builder has sent us the plans of the project
they need a quote for they can focus on the jobs in hand knowing that within a
guaranteed time frame they will receive a fully itemised cost break down and
totally accurate customer quotation.
“The problem is that many builders don’t always have the time to price up
accurately the cost of a build so they either lose the job because of delays in
getting back to the client or don’t make the money they should have on the job
because it was priced up in a “quick and dirty” fashion.
“Sometimes it may take several days just to get prices back from
suppliers. This all takes time out from what they are good at, namely building.
“The HBXL Estimating Service is cheaper than asking someone in the office
to do it, not to mention the opportunity cost of losing out on work as you
haven’t been quick enough to quote or missing out on building time.”
To make use of
the service all builders have to do is send the plans to HBXL where expert
estimators will price it quickly and accurately. Prices range from just £79 for
a garage, £140 for an extension or loft conversion and £199 for a new build.
The builder
will 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: “We
confirm delivery date of the estimate before we start on a quote, with small
jobs taking between three and four days and larger projects taking about seven
to ten days maximum.
“All the
builder needs to know is that we never miss a deadline!
“It’s a
fantastic solution for builders who want to present professional estimates but
are either too pushed for time to do it themselves or aren’t engaged with using
IT and computers.”
For details on the
HBXL Estimating Service please call T: 0845 1234 095 or visit the web site www.estimating-service.co.uk
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
April News
The message this month is about 'standing out' from your competition.
HBXL software is widely-acclaimed for giving building firms a massive edge in a hugely competitive market. And we've yet more proof. A staggering 10 building firms from across the UK who were finalists in the prestigious Master Builder of the Year awards a fortnight ago are HBXL software users.
HBXL software is widely-acclaimed for giving building firms a massive edge in a hugely competitive market. And we've yet more proof. A staggering 10 building firms from across the UK who were finalists in the prestigious Master Builder of the Year awards a fortnight ago are HBXL software users.
At the Awards ceremony in London, we met one of the building
firms and the homeowners who nominated them – and you can read why they are
such EstimatorXpress fans, in an article here.
Yet another example of ‘standing out’ can also be found in
our Case Study on Brad Wheeler who believes the detail he can put into his
quotes is really winning him business. See more of his review here.
And if you want to start standing out yourself we’ve some
very special April Offers that will give your business the boost you’re
looking for. See here.
Here's to a constructive month!
Here's to a constructive month!
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