RE-START: PRACTICAL ADVICE AND TIPS FOR BUILDING FIRMS DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

This page is where you will find tips, advice and a series of ‘Action Plans’ on how to get your game face on, prepare for battle, and come back positively from the Covid-19 crisis. We’ll keep adding to the page so keep coming back!

• How to make it on to the homeowner’s shortlist – make sure you stand out
• Business Strategy – planning for the future
• Business Health – think health & safety and contracts – how to stay legal!
• Marketing – social media and more
• Finances – getting paid, cash flow, profit…
• Other useful resources – links to key websites during the crisis

Here at HBXL we don’t underestimate the task ahead of the building community. Some firms will be able to return to their already full order book and get back on the tools. Some will have to rebuild their business with less work and a reduced crew. Promised jobs won’t materialise. Most will be struggling to make payments with zero income.

But we’ve always been impressed by builders’ determination and resilience as Adrian our founder explains here. So we are going to help with practical suggestions using our combined knowledge and experience, during a time that can be often overwhelming. The HBXL Group has been supporting businesses for 20 years. That support has never been more important than now.

HOW TO MAKE IT ON TO THE HOMEOWNER’S SHORTLIST

What are you offering that makes you stand out from the competition. What can you say about yourselves that others aren’t? Here are some really valuable tips and ideas.

Action Plan: Stand out from the competition with stunning pictures – read our advice >>

Action Plan: Add solar panels to your service – and make money with little effort – we explain how >>

BUSINESS STRATEGY

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day issues, but now’s the time to look at the bigger picture and think about what you ideally want to achieve with your business in the future.

It’s not about the risk of change – it’s the risk of not changing – tackle what’s stopping you go digital? >>

Our guide to going after the higher value customers – the kind of business you need to be >>

Do you wish you could charge more than you do – read our invaluable guide to get out of the recommendation rut >>

Find a quiet spot, make a tea, turn on the computer and let one of our guys show what we can do for your business >>

BUSINESS HEALTH

Is your business in good shape? If you’ve been putting off getting on top of all your legal paperwork, aim to crack it over the next few weeks. Don’t risk fines, penalties or worse.

Action Plan: Give your customers all the right contractual paperwork >>

MARKETING

How do potential customers find you? Are you using social media to your advantage? We’ll bring you tips on getting in front of the homeowner.

FINANCES

Let’s face it there’s no business with no funds in the bank. We’re going to be giving you important pointers on getting paid.

Action Plan: Make sure you get paid with stage payments >>

Refer to our page here with the latest information on the government’s support for small businesses >>

OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES

FMB

https://www.fmb.org.uk/about-the-fmb/policy-and-public-affairs/responding-to-coronavirus-covid-19/

FSB

https://www.fsb.org.uk/campaign/covid19.html

HSE

https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/coronavirus.htm

ACAS

https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus

Tax helpline

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/coronavirus-covid-19-helpline