Building confidence in 2014 with the help of HBXL

It's happening! There's confidence out there and it's building!

The Office for National Statistics has reported that the British economy grew at the strongest rate in six years in 2013, ending the year on a strong note as the recovery became more entrenched, with a 0.7% growth in the fourth quarter. It took the annual growth rate to 1.9%, the strongest since 2007 before the financial crisis took hold.

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) the recovery is well underway now and the future appears to be turning increasingly bright. 

Builders warned small sites and refurb work remain top priority for HSE

Builders involved on small sites and refurbishment work are being advised to make sure their paperwork is up-to-date or face risking an untimely fine from Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

Vigilance still needed despite doubts on the fee for intervention

Builders are being urged to maintain a high level of vigilance in the running of their businesses to ensure that they do not undertake a material breach of health and safety law and receive a fine under the controversial Fee For Intervention (FFI) scheme.

The biggest upgrade to date for PlansXpress

HBXL have released a brand new feature-packed version of PlansXpress - version 4. The builder-friendly CAD drawing software was an instant hit when it was first launched in 2007 - winning the InterBuild New Product Awards in 2008. And things have just got better. This impressive new fourth edition has been really 'souped up' by our developers.

In consultation with existing PlansXpress users we have made speed and performance the main focus of our new release - but of course we didn't stop there!

Software helps building firm keep its customers happy

Keeping the customer happy is paramount if you’re going to succeed in the construction business. And that means ensuring everyone knows where they stand from the initial quote to the final bill.

That’s according to Mark Jones, managing director of leading Cornish building firm MJ Building Services, which is continuing to expand operations from the Tamar to Land’s End since launching in 2001.

Rapid rise in material costs impacts on builder's profits

With the economy showing increased signs of recovery, builders are being advised to keep a keen eye on their margins or risk a slower than expected improvement in business or even making a loss on some jobs.

The warning comes from HBXL, the building software specialist company, which is expecting a marked increase in the cost of building materials in the New Year as demand starts to outstrip supply across the build sector.

Health & Safety Xpert now comes with simplified RIDDOR reporting.

On 1 October 2013 the revised Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR 2013) came into force.

Working with the company’s health & safety consultants HBXL have made the relevant changes to the HSE’s RIDDOR reporting update throughout the Health & Safety Xpert software – including all the individual documents and the user guide. Users of the software simply have to download the new version of Health & Safety Xpert to access the new information.

HBXL will continue to make sure users of the software stay on top of regulation changes in the future - including the significant CDM changes coming in 2014.