Competitive Advantage Newsletter
 
May 2009
 Business opportunities
In This Issue
Marketing to Architects
BSI Responsible Sourcing
Good news for the Housing Market
Statistics
Greetings!
In last week's Building there was an interesting article about innovation. The focus was on a new approach to using products and services in construction. Much of what was said applies equally to business processes. A new approach is required, recognising that the external environment is changing, driven by negative factors such as the recession, but also new opportunities like sustainability.
At Competitive Advantage we can help you take on these challenges. Making you aware of new developments and information through this newsletter. By publishing research reports to keep you informed, delivering training or providing resource to help you undertake projects our aim is to help you and your team be fully prepared to face the industry's challenges and opportunities.
Marketing to Architects
If you market to architects here are two initiatives that you will be interested in.
 
For some time World Architecture News has been working to identify project opportunities for architects. Just launched is an expanded service which identifies the architects who have secured these projects when they are still at the concept stage, and have not been submitted for planning approval - the point when they normally come onto the radar. Called Early Bird Leads this early information will be a key advantage for specification sales, providing the opportunity to be involved ahead of your competitors.
 
Also just announced - CIMCIG in association with RIBA Enterprises, are running a half day seminar "Marketing to Architects" on 22nd September in London. This event will look at how architects' needs are changing and review the key methods of selling to architects; NBS specifications, CPD, the role of the Sustainability Consultant and specifier communication channels. I will be one of the speakers, presenting the findings from my report Specifier Communication Channels. Places are limited so book early if you wish to attend.
BSI Responsible Sourcing
The proposal to expand the concept of responsibly sourced timber to cover all building materials has been previously mentioned in this newsletter. It has now progressed from a BRE concept to a British Standard draft. The draft is available for review and comment up until 31st July 2009. This will be an important development with implications for all companies supplying the UK construction market.
Good news for the Housing Market
 
Building site There are indications that the housing market may have bottomed out. In their March survey RICS said that new buyer enquiries rose for the fifth consecutive month and our own Housebuilder Watch, published this week, found that after the dip in optimism in the past year, there has been a sharp climb in national and regional developer optimism since January's survey (see report summary).
 
Last week the Homes & Communities Agency published guidance for developers and local authorities to bid for the Kickstart Housing Delivery Programme, with £400 million of funding available to unlock sites that have stalled.
Statistics 
 
Finally, a useful reference document is "Construction statistics: Sources and outputs". Published by the Office of National Statistics, it claims to "lists the known sources of information available on the construction industry and their outputs." Although not as comprehensive as they claim, it is a useful reference source.
Chris Ashworth
Competitive Advantage Consultancy Ltd
 
Phone: 0844 6698728
 
Chris Ashworth 
CA Logo
 
Our Services 
Join Our Mailing List