June 2020

Steps to stay in control
SMALL STEPS TO A BIG DIFFERENCE
As businesses across many sectors start to emerge into a new and different working
environment, Stuart Nicholson from Marley shares some steps contractors can take to
ensure they stay in control of their destiny during challenging times.
Travel, shopping, enjoying leisure pursuits,
meeting relatives and friends, or popping
out for a meal – all activities we have long
taken for granted. The Coronavirus pandemic has
meant we have all had to adjust to a new normal;
one where restrictions, staying alert and thinking
twice have become part of our everyday lives.
Traditional freedoms have been altered by a
changing landscape, and for many, the feeling of
not being in control will be commonplace.
Yet, many people and businesses have also
shown flexibility, fortitude, and resilience in
recent months to protect themselves and those
around them and to try and retain some sense of
normality during unprecedented times. Shopping
locally and supporting hard-pressed charities are
just two examples where individual decisions
have made a difference to the prospects of
important community functions.
And, as the construction industry begins to
rebuild itself, contractors can also follow suit by
taking a few steps to take control on site, drive
business success and underpin future growth:
1Reassurance: Taking control of your
reputation and what potential customers
hear about you depends so much on the
products you use, as well as the quality of your
workmanship and customer service. At a time
when some homeowners may be cautious with
their spending, it is crucial they feel reassured by
what you are offering. By specifying a complete
roof system such as Marley’s, not only do you
have the reassurance that all the component
parts have been tested to work together and are
of the highest quality, but you can also offer
customers the reassurance of a 15 year
guarantee.
2Growth: As homeowners have
spent such a lot of time at
home recently, many of
them will have been
considering how they want to
improve their homes. Some
will feel their home is suddenly
a lot smaller than it felt before
with the family all under one roof for
weeks on end.
As a result, homeowners may be open to the
prospect of an extension, especially with the
relaxation of the planning laws. Therefore, it
might be a good opportunity to make sure
websites, social media channels and any other
marketing communications used are fully up to
date. Ensure there are some examples of recent
projects, which may help to drive business growth
from homeowners who are seeing their homes in
a new light.
3Site safety: Of course, safety relating to
COVID-19 is crucial on site so social
distancing and regular hand washing for
20 seconds are a must, but as many builders and
roofers are outdoors during the summer, it is also
important not to neglect sun safety.
Here are some simple sun safety precautions to
follow on site:
• Keep a shirt or jacket on and opt for tightly
woven fabrics which help to form a barrier to the
sun’s harmful rays.
• Do not leave exposed skin unprotected. Use
sunscreen with an SPF of at least 25 and
remember to reapply regularly. Make sure you
also use an SPF lip balm.
• Always wear a hard hat, preferably with a
brim and flap that will cover the ears and the
Left: Stuart Nicholson, Marley.
back of the neck.
• Drink plenty of water and
stay hydrated.
• Check your skin regularly
for unusual spots and moles, or
changes to them.
4Efficiencies: Being as efficient as possible
on site is also a key element of feeling in
control. One way to enhance efficiencies
further is by looking at the way you work with
suppliers. For example, sourcing a complete roof
system from one manufacturer means you only
have one supplier to deal with, helping to save
time.
5Technology: From technical tools to online
apps and live chats, it is worth taking
advantage of the services and support
offered by manufacturers. Not only will this
assistance support contractors on the job, but for
quieter times it can help build-up additional
knowledge for future business growth.
As society gets familiar with a new way of living
and interacting during a period where we may not
be able to influence many elements of our daily
life, there is an opportunity for contractors to
reassess their businesses and current position.
Investigating how taking small actions today can
help protect themselves, their customers and
ultimately their companies for the coming months
and years, makes good business sense.
Contact Marley
01283 722588
www.marley.co.uk
@MarleyLtd
30 TC JUNE 2020