Latest News: Guide to winning more work contracts
With the COVID-19 pandemic subsiding and the economy returning to pre-2020 levels, now is the time for tradesmen and contractors to get back to work like never before. To help our community get back to work, we’ve put together some simple tips on how tradesmen can win more contracts. Check it out and thank us later!
It’s true: after 3 years of labour shortages and social distancing regulations, contractors throughout the United Kingdom and beyond are returning to worksites en-masse. However, with the rush to return to work, contracts have become all the more competitive. Now, more than ever, contractors and tradesmen must step up and demonstrate that hiring them is a positive business decision.
How contractors can get more business.
When it comes to winning more contracts, there are lots of steps a tradie can take to show that they’re a cut above the rest. These steps can include:
- Not underestimating your ability;
- Remaining approachable & contactable;
- Demonstrating experience & expertise;
- Working with a reputable, reliable supplier; and
- Going after tenders in the right way.
Whilst there are lots of other ways of winning more work, we at Armaflo feel that the above points are the most important to consider. Keep reading to find out more…
Step ① – Believe in your business
It’s a simple fact that running a small business means winning work. In many cases, you may rely on your stellar reputation or on the power of word of mouth. However, just because you’re a small business doesn’t mean you should be put off going for the bigger contracts. Believe in yourself!
Here at Armaflo, we’ve seen several examples where larger contracts are up for grabs for smaller businesses – especially if they pair up and cooperate before the bidding process. Fundamentally, you shouldn’t view your size as any kind of disadvantage.
By putting yourself forward as a small business or sole trader, you can provide your clients with that personal element of customer service that can sometimes be lost with smaller businesses. You can also offer areas of personal specialisation, as well as a higher degree of flexibility. What have you got to lose?
Step ② – Rely on the right supplier
When it comes to meeting tight project deadlines and satisfying the demands of your customers, the extent of your skill and experience is extremely important. Equally important, however, is your choice of supplier. There’s a few reasons as to why this is a key consideration:
- Stock Availability: With today’s material shortages, it’s vital that you can turn to a supplier you can rely on. Before agreeing to a large-scale project, you should be sure that you can bring the right tools and parts to the table. If you don’t take this step, you risk missing a project deadline and the approval of your customer.
- Delivery Times: So – you know that your supplier has the stock you need, and that’s great. However, this is of little concern if your delivery is going to take weeks, or even months to arrive. Bearing this challenge in mind, it’s essential that you rely on a supplier who can deliver your products to you at short notice at a time that’s convenient to you.
- Product Quality: In the world of construction, durability, efficiency and overall product quality are everything. Unfortunately, many wholesale suppliers offer cheaper products that sacrifice quality. In this regard, it’s important to find a balance between products that do their job well and products that meet your budgetary requirements.
Step ③ – Approach Tenders the Right Way
Finally, and perhaps most importantly is our final piece of advice: approach tender contracts in the right way. This is particularly important where public sector and large corporation contracts are concerned; who will often offer a valuable opportunity to compete for contracts.
Whilst public sector departments often have a list of preferred suppliers, these lists are very rarely set in stone. At this point, it’s vital that you take the time to understand the needs of the client before you get to work on your tender application.
Getting this right isn’t always easy, and in some cases, it pays to approach others in your industry who have already done similar work. Overall, it’s essential that you are honest and realistic about what your business can currently achieve. Always remember that a customer may rule you out in future work if you’re unable to manage the workload.
Last but not least, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve got the right levels of insurance and legal protection. Take our advice and get public liability insurance today – your potential clients will see that as a huge box ticked!
Win More Work: Work with Armaflo Today
Here at Armaflo, we pride ourselves on our huge inventory and top-notch customer service that’s kept our clients coming back for decades. For guidance on finding the perfect product for the job, contact us today for a chat!
