Every quarter we meet with a different group of insightful business leaders from across the North. Our roundtable discussions have proved to be a valuable time of connection and an opportunity to learn from and share some of the pains the industry faces and some of the opportunities on our doorstep.

As bespoke software developers who specialise in innovative solutions for the construction industry, we enjoy hosting these discussions as well as actively supporting an industry that is crucial to the economy in the North.

2016 has already proved to be a significant year, rich in industry highs, lows, and unknowns. In this whitepaper we look at one core process that runs throughout; the process of procurement. Our discussion focused on three particular areas that pose issues for the notoriously inefficient process.

• Sub-price tendering – Is it worth it and what is the real cost to the industry?
• The Public vs Private Sector – Box-ticking or building relationships, how do contractors win work?
• PQQs – Useful or an efficient way to compare offerings?
• EU Referendum – are there benefits we can reap from remaining or will we have to ride the storm of a possible Brexit?

We then took some time to consider what might be done to improve the process and lessen some of the pains our business leaders are experiencing. With regards to the EU referendum, some of our attendees have two business plans in place, depending on the way the vote goes. Whatever the outcome, the referendum has already caused greater uncertainty and concern. Despite this however, we found we were in a room of optimistic business leaders, all expecting growth for their companies over the next twelve months.

It was an excellent morning, held in the impressive Imperial War Museum North, with lunch over looking a very sunny MediaCityUK. We’d like to thank the companies represented – Delta Simons, Space Zero, Bellenden Ltd, ADT Workplace, BAM Nuttall and James Robertshaw.

Hope you enjoy the paper. If you’d like to contribute to our next roundtable event and subsequent whitepaper, please get in touch with us.