At the turn of 2020, the UK construction industry was at a pivotal point, having just secured £100 billion from the National Infrastructure Strategy. Then came COVID-19, and with it, economic devastation which has led to a slew of job losses across the board.
With a predicted 7,000 job losses in the industry, where are the signs of stability or growth?
“Now is a new dawn for companies supporting each other,” says Robin Hayhurst, CEO of Property Projects Consultants, who has recently founded a new peer to peer platform for the construction industry.
“People are starting to re-evaluate what is important and prioritise their work life balance.”
Overcoming Business Mistakes
The Board of Peers, a new virtual peer to peer group for contractors, sub-contractors and property developers, will help industry professionals overcome ongoing challenges.
“One of the problems with running your own business is that you get bogged down with so many things,” Robin explains.
“It’s a troubling time for the construction industry but, by sharing knowledge, we can all get through this crisis”
Robin Hayhurst, Property Projects Consultants
“Finding more work, sorting out your clients, catching up with the paperwork – these can all slow you down if you don’t have support. It’s a very common mistake for business owners.”
This is why Robin advises coaching for all professionals in the industry, adding that many people may not even be aware that they need coaching.
“Often people confuse business coaching with life coaching. A life coach will get you focused, but a business coach will help to make your company the vehicle for you to fill your personal goals.”
The Benefit of Teamwork
While Robin has forged a career as a property coach and consultant, he’s also keen to extol the benefits of group support.
“With these sessions, you can bring a problem to the board. As a team, we’ll decide which is most urgent, and work together to come up with a solution. But it needs to be considered – one that we’ve reached by asking all the relevant questions. You need to understand how you got there.”
Having different perspectives has proven instrumental for many people in the construction industry, with peer to peer groups solving many issues such as:
- Buying sites
- Terminating employees
- Taking on new staff”
“Above all, peer to peer groups save time. There aren’t enough industry specific ones out there, so that’s something I’m hoping to change with The Board of Peers.
“We need to honest and upfront with each other. If you are not willing to do that, then peer to peer groups or coaching aren’t for you.”
“It’s a troubling time for the industry,” Robin concludes, “but by sharing knowledge, we can all get through this crisis.”
If you would like to participate in an upcoming peer to peer group, please call Property Projects Consultants, on 03301 331778, or visit propertyprojects.co/events.
For an accompanying read, please visit Are Peer to Peer Groups Essential for Property Development?
