HBXL is inviting building firms to put themselves forward for a full 60 days of free software and training to help positively re-start their businesses following the Covid-19 lockdown.
The initial 100 software and training grants for small to medium sized residential construction firms are available throughout the UK on a first come, first served basis – and the training starts in late April 2020.
It’s designed to be ideal for forward-thinking owner-managers keen to raise their game in a challenging economic climate, and use the enforced site shutdowns to become digital-savvy and more resilient.
Building firms can choose from three training options:
CAD training – aimed at firms wanting to offer a wider service. They’ll be given the opportunity to use builder-friendly CAD software tools to draft Planning & Building Regulation standard plans and elevations and client-impressing 3D visuals.
Estimating training – aimed at firms looking to focus in on more profitable projects in the future. They’ll be shown how to speed up estimating, improve accuracy, ensure the hidden costs of building are covered in a project, and produce professional-looking quotes.
Take-off training – aimed at firms who regularly receive building plans from clients. Trainees will learn how to trace plans using one software tool and import it into another to get an instant estimate, along with schedules of materials, labour and plant.
To support the delivery of the training, firms will be provided with fully working, industry standard software – PlansXpress, EstimatorXpress and the Take-off & Estimate Kit – for a 60-day period.
Free online software skills course
Trainees will also be appointed a dedicated Account Manager, and given access to a free online software skills course, delivered in four parts. This will also be made available on demand. On completion of the course, the trainee will be awarded a certificate of attendance.
All UK small building firms in the residential sector qualify for the scheme. The only conditions are their availability to undertake the training during the specified period. And they cannot already be HBXL software users.
Adrian Wild, founder of HBXL is very aware that the COVID-19 crisis has put building firms in a perilous state of limbo: “It’s clear to us that many are struggling to see a way forward, which is why we want to help by making software accessible to all.
“Far from going into hibernation, builders want to use their enforced downtime well. They are keen to ensure that there will be a business for their employees and sub-contractors to come back to when the lockdown is over.”
HBXL has previously been in talks with the government about a digital programme that would support their housing targets in the Industrial Strategy Construction Sector Deal. This scheme, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, follows similar lines.
Building firms can apply for the free training at www.hbxl.co.uk/software-training-grant/ They can also call 0117 916 7898 to speak to a member of the HBXL team about the scheme.
