"I never thought my company would be able to get council work - but through Build Norfolk I have been able to grow my business from 1 to 14 staff in just three years - we are diversifying and growing rapidly thanks to the work we got through the network and the business development help we received from Business Link. I have also just taken on my first apprentice, a school leaver I met at the first Build Norfolk careers event."
"We attended the first Build Essex event in September 2009, and, as a direct result of this, were successful in gaining work valued at approximately £100K thanks to the relationships made at Build Essex. We have also already priced £1.8m of work for other Build Essex main contractor partners and are waiting to see if we have won any. As a direct result of this year’s Build Essex Construction Marketplace we have tenders coming in from at least three companies (Barnes, Denne and Mansells) and conservatively I know the total of the works to be priced will be in excess of £3.69m. Not a bad days work."
"I think this has been one of the most interesting events I have ever taken our students to. Well organised from start to finish. So much for the students to do - obviously a lot of effort put into the planning" - Marshland School
"Hands on activities stick in pupils minds. It was a fun event but more importantly the students learned what was involved in each trade and profession and what they need to do to pursue their chosen careers" Acle School
"This event has been a great day for young people to find out more about the building trade and what it has to offer" David West Limited (who gave a carpentry demonstration that attracted the interest of many of the students)
"Build Norfolk provides a mechanism to use procurement in support of wider social, economic and environmental obligations, offering real long-term benefits. It helps to deliver against the challenges of sustainable development, developing effective partnering and integrated supply chains, whilst improving cost efficiency and accountability and engaging construction SMEs in business improvement activities.
This supports two of our key ambitions for Norfolk: to create aspirational people with high levels of achievement and build a vibrant, strong and sustainable economy.
The success of the Build Norfolk network has demonstrated the expertise of MNL and our Property Department in taking a fluid idea - networking facilitation within the construction industry in the East - and solidifying it into a successful and enduring initiative.
Together MNL and our Property Department have harmonised the differing objectives of target-led business support organisations and competitive companies - by co-ordinating available resources from partner organisations that have traditionally been in competition with each other.
They have publicised and therefore maximised the opportunities this success has created - aswith the extension of Build Norfolk across the East of England via a series of county based networks using the same model, such as Build Hertfordshire and Build Essex.
Working as a team MNL and our Property Department have skilfully proved their capability to diversify and grow the concept by extending it into other areas such as 'Sustainability' and the highly successful 'Build Your Construction Future' careers convention.
I have no hesitation in recommending those who wish to build their supply chain capacity and capability and stimulate awareness of careers in the built environment - to explore how the ‘Build’ network model can work for you in maintaining and building on the well being of your local construction industry"
"I write to express our support of the 'Build' initiatives being developed and implemented by Moore Networking in the Eastern region. It has provided a delivery vehicle and some much needed joined up thinking in tackling some very important and fundamental issues that currently face the construction industry today. Many of these important subject matters tackled have been dealt with in a fragmented fashion up to now by various different companies and agencies. The 'Build' Initiative attempts to combine forces across the board to deliver change from the top down. This integrated approach seeks to utilise clients, contractors and support agencies to maximum effect and deliver results with regard to;
"It has been difficult up to now to get our supply chain to undertake the initiatives required by our clients. The build network gives us a stronger voice and allows us to drive through initiatives utilising the power of our clients and all partners within the network ensuring that change happens. Following some initial 'Build' networking events we have;
The 'Build' initiatives have started to deliver much needed change with regard to the procurement of services delivered to our clients. They have a social conscience that seeks to support local communities by utilising local labour and local materials. They aim to identify training needs and support training at every level where it is required by society utilising the skills and available funding highlighted by the training support agencies embedded in each network. Best Practice initiatives will be driven by the contractors and delivered by the supply chain on the projects undertaken ensuring enduring legacies on every project constructed and continuous improvement will be delivered to all businesses utilising this joined up approach to project delivery."
"We heard about Build Hertfordshire and attended the launch event back in March 2009. We met several of the Hertfordshire main contractors and registered on the Build Hertfordshire website. As a result of this we were contacted by ConstructionSkills who were able to assist us on a query that we had in regard to Business Planning for the future of our business.
We have also attended lectures held by Business Link which we were put in touch with because of Build Hertfordshire.
Also, we were contacted by both Borras Construction and Ashe Construction and have undertaken work for both of them. As a result of our initial work we have been offered to price larger jobs for both organisations. The Build Hertfordshire concept of putting our business in touch with prospective clients and training is really help us!"
"I met May Gurney for the first time at the first event at Stockbrook Manor. My company was invited to bid for work on Felmore Primary School which then led to another project at Willowbrook School. The works on County Council funded projects to date are valued at c £300K and we are now one of May Gurney’s preferred suppliers for their Essex supply chain. As a result of this year’s annual Build Essex Construction Marketplace we are confident of winning work from other contractors estimated to be worth c.£400K."
"I can honestly say it was the best event I’ve attended in my long career."
