Overseas cargo shipping can be daunting for newcomers. The challenges of unexpected delays, unforeseen fees, or damaged goods can be disheartening. Grasping the core essentials can minimize these hurdles. This guide demystifies international shipping, providing businesses and individuals with the tools for smooth cargo transit. Dive in to navigate your shipping journey with assurance and ease.  Types Of Cargo Shipping Methods  Venturing into international shipping exposes one to various shipping methods, each tailored to different needs and cargo classifications. Choosing a shipping method that aligns with your cargo type and priorities is vital. This decision can significantly influence your shipment’s cost, efficiency, and safety. For instance, businesses utilizing overseas cargo shipping in Virginia or another location must consider proximity to ports and the nature of their goods when choosing a shipping method. Here’s a brief overview:  By understanding the distinct features of each method, shippers can select the one that aligns best with their cargo type and shipping priorities. Choosing wisely at this stage is vital for both efficiency and economy in shipping. The Do’s Of Overseas Cargo Shipping  Navigating the complex world of international shipments requires a blend of knowledge, foresight, and careful planning. Here are some essential reminders to ensure your cargo’s smooth journey:  By adhering to these best practices, shippers can significantly enhance the chances of their cargo reaching its destination efficiently and without issues. A little foresight and preparation can often prevent more considerable headaches down the line.  The Don’ts Of Overseas Cargo Shipping  While there are numerous steps you should take when shipping internationally, there are also pitfalls you’d be wise to avoid. Steering clear of these common mistakes can save both time and money, ensuring a smoother experience:  Being conscious of these don’ts can help you sidestep many common pitfalls in international shipping. A successful shipping experience often hinges not just on what you do right but also on the mistakes you avoid.   Conclusion  Navigating international waters with your cargo need not be a journey filled with uncertainty. With proper guidance and choices, smooth sailing is entirely achievable. Remember, success in overseas shipping often lies in attention to detail and nurturing the right partnerships. As you gear up for your next shipment, understand that your global reach awaits. Trust in proven strategies and embark with confidence.

Want to succeed in today’s fast-paced business landscape? Stay informed and connected to the latest trends, understand them, and adapt to those that make sense for your business.  The salon and spa industry is no exception to the winds of change – as the expectations of clients evolve, staying on top of design trends is essential for setting your business apart from your competitors. If you’re looking for inspiring design trends for your salon or spa, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we explore the latest trends that cater to modern salons and health spas, focusing on the ones that blend wellness with a pleasing aesthetic experience. Sustainable Materials Sustainable materials are not only good for the environment, but they’re also typically extremely durable and do not negatively impact the health and well-being of your clients.  When incorporating sustainable materials into your salon or spa, it’s good to consider every aspect of your space. When it comes to materials, opt for eco-friendly options like reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and low-VOC paints whenever possible. Energy efficiency also matters, so swap out traditional lighting fixtures for LED lights that consume less energy.  You may also want to install programmable thermostats to regulate heating and cooling efficiently. Additionally, recycling and composting stations in staff areas can encourage responsible waste management, demonstrating your commitment to a greener future. Biophilia Biophilia is certainly no new trend in spas, but it’s become even more popular these past few years. This trend, which centers around reconnecting with nature by bringing the outdoors inside the salon or spa, is more relevant than ever in our increasingly digital world. To implement biophilic concepts into your space, prominently display lots of indoor plants and opt for natural elements like stone finishes and wood textures. If possible, design your space with outdoor seating areas or gardens for clients to enjoy before or after their treatments. The soothing presence of nature can have a profound impact on their overall experience. Large windows that provide lots of natural light and offer glimpses of outdoor greenery can also help make your indoor space more inviting and relaxing. Technology Integration We live in digital times, so embracing technology is essential for businesses wanting to stay competitive and successful. The basics include having a user-friendly, mobile-responsive website that allows clients to view services and easily book appointments. When it comes to integrating technology into your physical space, consider using touchless systems, such as contactless check-in and payment options, smart mirrors with customizable lighting, and automated fragrance diffusers.  If you want to go all in, consider installing immersive virtual reality rooms so your guests can meditate in beautiful or otherworldly environments. Technology can also help you manage client appointments more efficiently: salon appointment software solutions are ideal for streamlining scheduling and helping you track client preferences and histories. Minimalist Aesthetics A design that emphasizes simplicity and functionality, minimalism is at home at salons and spas. Adopting this aesthetic is easy as long as you remember the mantra: less is more. Stick to a monochromatic or limited color palette, incorporate clean lines in your furniture and decor, and maintain clutter-free spaces. You can also use soft, natural colors like beiges, grays, and browns to create a serene atmosphere. True minimalist design also prioritizes functionality, so it’s important that every piece in your space serves a purpose and contributes to the overall sense of tranquility. Furniture should be comfortable, eco-friendly, and simple but sleek. Decor is, of course, allowed (encouraged even), but it, too, should have a purpose. Wellness-Focused Design To create a truly holistic experience for your clients, one that goes beyond beauty and treatments and leaves a lasting impression in their memory, embrace design that focuses on improving the health and well-being of your clients. Include elements like calming color schemes, ergonomic seating, and soundproofing to create serene wellness zones. If you have a spa, designate areas for activities like yoga, meditation, and perhaps even nutritional consultations. The idea is to offer a range of wellness services, whether that’s mindfulness sessions, aromatherapy workshops, or simple herbal teas, to encourage a slow and memorable wellness experience.

Despite the perils usually associated with investing in private student accommodations, the business is still in high demand. With over 4 billion in investments last year alone, it’s clear that many believe this is the way to go!  But whether investing is a good decision entirely depends on your objectives and requirements. However, we get to make a case for it.  Take a company like ASN Capital Student Living, for instance, and how it has steadily climbed the ladder in everything student accommodations. This only goes to show that there could be hope in the industry. Here are reasons why investing in private student accommodations is worth the expense:  Universities alone are not able to house all students as they no longer have the infrastructure in place to do so. This is a fact! As campuses admit thousands of students, it may become difficult to offer them all accommodations as there aren’t enough rooms available, especially for first year students. This is where private accommodation comes in! Students can partner with each other and rent a room to alleviate the costs. A campus operates on a rotational basis. If a few students go home for a break, others enroll, and vice versa. Having accommodations is a move that will generate finances year in and year out. Even better is that students will still attend school during a recession, making these accommodation units recession-proof.  Because private accommodation is a buy-to-let investment property, it will yield a higher net income than a traditional but-to-rent property. This primarily works well for houses in multiple locations.  Purpose-built accommodation serves the same purpose that student halls do. They come with sturdy areas, WiFi, standard rooms, and more. They are also strategically located near campus and are close to shopping areas, work opportunities, and local nightlife, making them attractive to students.  Custom-built student accommodation includes property management. While the university itself may provide it, you may choose to hire expert managers to oversee your property. It comes with an.   “on-ground” investment approach that’s both active and proactive.  There is nothing more disappointing than tenants who are constantly moving out of your property. But with students, it’s different. As it takes a couple of years to complete a degree, you can expect students to rent your apartments long-term. Investing in student accommodation means tenant consistency, one thing that many landlords may not have.  While it may be hard to follow up with students regarding rent, it’s best to retain their parents’ content information and career on payment terms directly. Every parent wants their child to live a comfortable campus life; thus, you can be rest assured that they’ll act as rent guarantors. In case of any mishaps, you can always reach out to them.  You don’t have to worry about a dwindling amount of rent. With student accommodations, the rent amount is consistent all across the UK. This doesn’t give one tenant the upper hand over the others. It means that students will pay a specific minimum for any accommodation unit that they choose.  Generally, students are less demanding than adults. They won’t need a lot of fancy fixtures and may be patient enough when it comes to repairs. This puts you at a significant advantage as a property owner as you can ensure them without worrying.  If you decide to let go of your property later on, you can sell it at a higher price than what you paid. You only need to wait a few years and scoop up the profits.  Summing Up Investments are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They are diverse, as they come in different shapes and sizes. However, when investing in student accommodation, you’ll be spoilt for choice.  The fact that property investment is associated with decent earnings makes it a significant financial choice that will yield results and give students what they are craving!  Also, this kind of property investment comes with a 0% Stamp Duty rate that represents significant savings compared to typical buy-to-let residential units. 

The article was written with the help of Chris Atkins, a Chief Innovation Officer at The Gap Partnership. This special report on the hot topic of biflation examines the paradoxical state of affairs in which both inflation and deflation occur in the economy. Navigating these challenging and complex conditions requires a range of highly tuned commercial skills. This article shares a four-point plan for negotiators to equip themselves with tools and strategies to face into biflation. Increasingly our clients are coming to us because they are caught in the biflation vice: pressure from governments and consumers to reverse the significant inflationary pricing we have experienced over recent years while still trying to recoup current and historical commodity price increases. So, what are we seeing and how can we most effectively address this paradox? The current situation First, there is a perception that commodity cost increases have halted. Unfortunately, that is not the case. There is undoubtedly a slowing and, in some cases, a reversal of the shocking escalation that we saw last year. But in the longer term, the trend remains upwards. It is also true, as can be seen from this shorter-term chart, that certain critical commodities continue to rise sharply. Second – and here’s the real paradox – many consumer goods companies are reporting that offtake remains strong despite inflation, so accepted price elasticity models are nullified by the ubiquity and scale of the increases we have seen. If this paradox is reality, it’s highly unlikely that reductions in consumer price will produce volume gains, and we know from using our cost increase cost decrease profit calculator that, even in ‘normal’ economic conditions it’s rare to offset price decreases by real volume-related profit benefits. This calculator helps you to quantify, in simple terms, the value of any potential price increase or the cost in margin absorption of missing your target. It makes compelling reading! In this reality, both the retailer and their suppliers are likely to lose margin, which is not good in an industry already under wage and margin pressure. You could call it a true lose-lose situation. What to do? It would be easy to ignore biflation. Consumer goods companies have become increasingly confident and adept at negotiating price increases, not just annually, but several times in a year. And these increases have been accepted by the consumer with little change in buying behavior. This year it will be different. The pressures are different, attitudes are different, and the power balance has shifted. With that in mind, here are some points to consider: ONE: Don’t become complacent. The landscape has changed, but do you know what aspects have altered and by how much? What is the real situation of your counterparty and how can you turn this from a lose-lose to a win-win? TWO: Get forensic. Sweeping statements about the scale or even the reality of cost of goods increases are being more scientifically challenged with increasingly sophisticated should-cost modelling. Don’t find yourself on the back foot of your counterparty’s analysis. It is critical to understand your cost drivers and margin enhancers. THREE: Be rigorous. Market dynamics, competitor approaches, inflation fatigue, government intervention, consumer sentiment: all of these will have an impact on the trajectory and success of your negotiations. Ignore them at your peril and carefully monitor the ebb and flow of the marketplace to identify the optimum timing. Negotiation planning should not be a function of your corporate calendar, but of optimizing results. FOUR: Unify communications. There is an increasing need for external communications teams to be involved in planning, so they are aware, aligned and prepared for any resulting trade or mainstream publicity as, increasingly, positioning is played out in the public domain. Additionally, check the messaging of your corporate communications. Annual reports paint the best picture of profitability. How will your counterparties read those messages? These considerations will be the difference between successfully navigating the turbulent waters of biflation, or getting caught in the maelstrom. Only two questions remain. How ready are you? Have you started planning yet? To find out more about how The Gap Partnership can support you with the challenges that biflation presents, please get in touch. We’d be delighted to help. 

If you own a construction company, then you know how difficult it can be. Every business is difficult to run due to the way that the market is at the moment, but all this means is that you should be putting in more effort. There are certain things that you can do to ensure that your business sees better results, but you’ve got to know what they are to be able to do them. That’s what we’re going to be taking a look at in this article, so if you’re interested in finding out more, keep reading. Use The Right Software Making sure that you use the right software is going to make your business 10x more efficient which is not something you can afford not to be. People now are looking for high-quality service with fast results, and that means that your business has to be fast while maintaining your standards. It’s hard, we know that it’s hard, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not possible. For example, there is field service management software that you should be looking into if you are not already using this which allows you to manage your ongoing projects with ease.  Do some research into different softwares, and work out which you think are going to be the best. That way, you can purchase them, and start using them as soon as possible. Have The Right Equipment Another thing that you are going to need to do in order to give your construction business the best chance at seeing results is to have all of the right equipment. Have you ever had to turn down a job because you didn’t have the right equipment to cater for it? This is bad for business. As such, you either need to purchase all of your equipment for your construction business, or you need to rent it from somewhere that allows you to rent as and when you need it. This is not a good option for all construction businesses, so ensure that it fits your needs and schedule if you’re going to do this. Offer Excellence Every Single Time Finally, you need to offer excellence in every single project that you complete. If there is even one that is below the standard that you have set for yourself then this is going to follow you around which is not what you need. Offering excellence is not something that you can afford to skimp on, so make sure that you’re checking the quality of all of the jobs that you do going forward. As you can see it’s just going to be about finding different things that you can try, and ensuring that you’ve got everything you need to be successful. Remember that it’s important to remain as competitive as possible, or else your business is going to sink faster than you can say goodbye. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you manage to see some better results sooner rather than later.

In the world of defence engineering, where cutting-edge technology and precision are paramount, renowned defence contractors play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of military capabilities. The military industry is continually looking for new ways to improve its infrastructure, hardware, and overall capabilities. Defence contractors contribute significantly to the creation and delivery of cutting-edge defence systems in order to accomplish this. We shall examine the developments and difficulties in military engineering contracting in this blog, illuminating the vital role it plays in defending countries and preserving international security. The Importance of Defence Engineering Contracting Defence engineering contracting combines the skills of government organizations, military personnel, and contractors from the commercial sector. These collaborations are essential because they help different stakeholders transmit information, technology, and resources. Defence contractors frequently lead the way in research and development and are essential in making abstract concepts a reality. Advancements in Defence Engineering Contracting 1. Technological Integration Modern technology’s seamless integration into military systems is one of the main developments in defence engineering contracts. Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, robots, and cyber capabilities have proliferated quickly in recent years. Defence contractors embraced new technologies quickly and incorporated them into their designs, giving armed forces better situational awareness, increased productivity, and improved decision-making. For instance, the deployment of AI-driven autonomous systems has revolutionized several facets of defence operations. Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have grown into indispensable tools for operations including reconnaissance, surveillance, and information gathering. These devices extend mission endurance, decrease dangers to human operators, and enable operation in hazardous or inhospitable locations. 2. Additive Manufacturing Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has been another game-changer in defence engineering contracting. The technology allows for rapid prototyping, cost-effective production, and on-demand manufacturing of complex components. Defence contractors have embraced additive manufacturing for creating custom parts and components, optimizing supply chains, and reducing lead times. Furthermore, the ability to print spare parts in the field has drastically improved logistical support for deployed forces. This technology ensures that military equipment remains operational for more extended periods, even in remote or challenging environments. It also reduces the reliance on traditional supply chains, making the military more agile and self-sufficient. 3. Cybersecurity Solutions With the increasing reliance on interconnected and network-centric systems, cybersecurity has become a critical aspect of modern defence engineering. Contractors now invest significantly in developing robust cybersecurity solutions to protect military infrastructure and sensitive information from cyber threats. Defence contractors work closely with cybersecurity experts to develop secure communication networks, encryption algorithms, and intrusion detection systems. The goal is to build a resilient and impenetrable digital fortress to safeguard critical defence assets from cyberattacks. 4. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Advancements in defence engineering also encompass a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. Military operations are energy-intensive, and traditional sources of energy can be cumbersome during deployments. Defence contractors are now actively developing and implementing greener solutions to reduce the environmental impact of military activities. Military bases and stations are using renewable energy sources, such solar and wind power, to run more effectively and responsibly. In order to reduce fuel consumption and increase operational range, military equipment and vehicles are also being equipped with energy-efficient technologies. Challenges in Defence Engineering Contracting While advancements in defence engineering contracting have brought about significant improvements, the industry also faces several challenges that must be addressed: 1. Budgetary Constraints Defence projects are often expensive endeavors, and budgetary constraints can pose significant challenges. Governments and military agencies must strike a delicate balance between investing in cutting-edge technologies and staying within allocated budgets. This challenge requires contractors to be innovative and cost-conscious in their approach to project execution. 2. Regulatory Compliance Defence engineering is subject to strict regulations, both in terms of technology transfer and compliance with national and international laws. Export controls and restrictions on sensitive technologies can impact the flow of information and materials across borders, making collaboration and international partnerships more complex. 3. Intellectual Property Protection Intellectual property (IP) protection is a critical concern for defence contractors. The research and development efforts put into creating advanced technologies and systems need to be safeguarded from theft or unauthorized use. Balancing the need for collaboration with the protection of valuable IP requires meticulous planning and well-defined contractual agreements. 4. Evolving Threat Landscape As technology advances, so do the threats faced by military forces. Defence contractors must continually adapt to the evolving threat landscape and develop solutions that can counter emerging challenges. This requires staying ahead of adversaries and investing in research and development to maintain a competitive edge. Final Thoughts Defence engineering contracting is a dynamic and complex field that continually evolves to meet the challenges of modern warfare. Advancements in technology have significantly impacted defence systems, making them more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable. Renowned defence contractors play a crucial role in these advancements, leveraging their expertise to enhance national security.

In a world marked by the relentless march of technology, even the most cherished traditions are not immune to the winds of change. Bingo, a beloved pastime that has brought generations together, is no exception. As the digital age sweeps through every facet of our lives, the venerable bingo hall finds itself at a crossroads, faced with the challenge of embracing innovation while preserving the essence of community and excitement. In this exploration, we uncover the art of modernising bingo halls in a digital world, a delicate dance between tradition and transformation. Redefining the Bingo Experience The heart of bingo lies in the thrill of anticipation, the camaraderie of shared excitement, and the satisfaction of marking off those numbers. Modernising the bingo hall involves enhancing these core elements, not replacing them. Enter digital devices and applications tailored for bingo enthusiasts. By integrating touchscreen tablets or smartphones, players can effortlessly track their numbers and engage in interactive games. This marriage of tradition and technology ensures that the gameplay remains familiar while infusing it with a touch of modern convenience. Online Connectivity and Virtual Halls The internet has opened new avenues for social interaction and entertainment, and bingo is no exception. The concept of virtual bingo halls has gained momentum, offering players the chance to partake in games from the comfort of their homes. This shift expands the player base beyond geographical boundaries, allowing friends and families scattered across the globe to gather online and share a game. All leading online bingo platforms integrate chat features, bringing the social aspect of the game to life in a digital environment. Revamped Rewards and Gamification In the digital world, gamification reigns supreme. Modern bingo halls are leveraging this trend by introducing innovative reward systems and gamified elements. Loyalty programs, interactive leaderboards, and virtual collectables are just a few examples of how bingo is adapting to the preferences of a digitally native audience. These elements not only heighten engagement but also infuse an element of competitiveness, driving players to return for the thrill of victory. Streaming and Live Experiences Streaming technology has revolutionised how we consume content, and bingo halls are embracing this trend to provide live experiences. Imagine tuning in to watch a live bingo session, with charismatic hosts calling out numbers, interacting with viewers, and even hosting mini-games between rounds. Streaming platforms not only amplify the entertainment value but also bridge the gap between physical and digital bingo halls, creating a unique fusion of the two. Data-Driven Personalisation Personalisation is the hallmark of the digital age, and bingo halls are leveraging data to tailor experiences. By analysing player preferences and behaviour, modern halls can curate game schedules, themes, and promotions that resonate with their audience. This level of customisation not only enhances player satisfaction but also establishes a deeper connection between players and the venue. Embracing Change, Preserving Tradition Modernising bingo halls in a digital world is a careful balance between honouring tradition and embracing change. As bingo aficionados seek convenience, connection, and novel experiences, bingo halls that successfully navigate this transformation are poised to thrive. By intertwining the time-honoured excitement of the game with the allure of technology, these modernised halls ensure that bingo remains a vibrant, relevant, and cherished part of our cultural fabric.

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become an essential part of every industry’s marketing playbook – and the construction sector is no exception. However, your social media approach determines whether or not you stand out in this cluttered marketplace.  Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or diving into the realm of construction startups, stay tuned as we journey through practical steps to ramp up your social media strategy and transform your online presence into a beacon for potential clients. Identify Your Target Audience The initial and paramount step in crafting a social media strategy for your construction company is defining your target audience.  Start by identifying who you want to reach, whether it is residential homeowners, commercial business owners, or perhaps real estate developers. Also, identify platforms they frequent and know the language that resonates with them. Understanding their preferences, online habits, pain points, and needs can significantly guide your content creation process.  Polish Your Social Media Profiles Once you’ve established your target audience, it’s time to work on your social media profiles.  Your profiles serve as the first point of contact for potential clients navigating from your social media posts to your business page. It’s essential that they find a good representation of the services you offer.  Firstly, ensure uniformity in branding across all platforms, with similar logos, color schemes, and taglines. Include contact information and website links in the bio section. Next, leverage the ‘about’ sections effectively to articulate what sets your company apart from others in a brief yet engaging way. That way, you will create a professional image and construct trust with potential clientele.  Craft Engaging Content and Employ Linkage Content is the cornerstone of your social media strategy. In order to make a memorable impact, it’s crucial to create and consistently share comprehensive, appealing posts that spark user interest.  Utilize a mix of text-based posts, captivating images of your projects, insightful articles about construction, and behind-the-scenes footage from job sites. You may also use online tools to generate AI GIFs instantly, which you can share alongside your posts.  Furthermore, don’t hesitate to link back to other relevant content you have online. For instance, suppose there’s a blog article on your website about home renovation tips. You could present snippets from this article on social media and then include a link leading viewers back to the full-length blog post on your site for more information.  This method not only aids in driving traffic to other online resources but also helps position you as an authoritative industry figure while cultivating deeper client engagement.  Leverage Construction Hashtags and Keywords Incorporating hashtags and keywords specific to your industry is another key tactic for broadening your social media reach. Construction-related hashtags can be particularly effective on platforms like Instagram and X, formerly Twitter. They can help increase the likelihood of your posts being discovered by individuals who are interested in or searching for construction content. Similar to hashtags, construction-focused keywords should be included within your content wherever possible. Use terms that reflect the kind of services you provide or the type of projects you undertake. This practice helps to improve search engine visibility, allowing clients who are actively seeking out specific types of construction work online to easily find and connect with your business. This, in turn, attracts new followers who have a keen interest in what you offer.  Run Promotions for Followers Discounted services, referral bonuses, or gifting branded merchandise are perfect examples of promotions you can offer to stimulate engagement and grow your followers. You could also hold contests where the winning prize could be a free consultation or discount on a future project. This strategy not only rewards loyal customers but further encourages them to share their positive experiences with your company. This word-of-mouth marketing most often leads to an increase in visibility and potential new clients.  It’s vital, though, to ensure that these promotions align with your business model, are feasible within your current budget, and are appealing enough to your target audience.  Implement Targeted Advertising Campaigns While organic reach is essential, targeted advertising campaigns on social media platforms can significantly elevate your online presence.  Such campaigns allow you to reach a broader audience or hone in on specific groups based on demographics, interests, or browsing behavior. This means your ads are more likely to appear before individuals who are most likely to be interested in your services. Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn offer sophisticated targeting options that enable you to create ads specifically tailored for certain segments of your audience. Additionally, the data collected from these campaigns can provide critical insights to further refine future marketing efforts. The goal is to ensure you create striking and informative ad content that clearly nails down what sets you apart as a construction company. Foster Engagement With Your Audience Social media is not just about broadcasting; it’s about conversing.  So, strive to respond promptly to comments, questions, or any direct messages on your posts, as it gives an impression of attentiveness and can help build trust with potential clients. Additionally, consider asking for followers’ opinions on aspects related to your industry or reactively commenting on posts relevant to you.  Regular engagement such as this portrays a more personal side of your company and may result in higher follower loyalty. It can also provide valuable feedback and insight into your target audience’s behaviors, preferences, and needs, allowing you to refine your approach accordingly.  Measure Success through Analytics It’s essential to gauge the effectiveness of your social media efforts.  The good news is that most social media platforms provide insightful data about reach, engagement rates, follower demographics, and more. You can also invest in other tools to help you study other metrics, such as likes, shares, comments, and re-posts, as they offer direct feedback on how engaging your posts are. Track website traffic driven from social links, too; this can indicate whether followers are taking that next step toward becoming customers.  Using this data, you can understand

Customer satisfaction in the construction industry has reached an all-time high in recent years of 82% compared to the previous 77%. But defining customer service in construction isn’t as straightforward as you would believe and ensuring high service, with quality materials, can be more complicated than in other industries. Essentially, you still need to deliver on the promise you made when quoting for the contract, ensuring each aspect of your work and how you and/or your team and subcontractors provide the service. By definition, customer service within construction is;  “the Project Owner’s perception of the degree to which the Project requirements have been fulfilled”. So where do you go from here, and how should you improve your customer service for all round satisfaction throughout any project? Customer Centric While the phrase “the customer is always right” is outdated and often false on many levels, that doesn’t mean you should take charge and walk over any suggestions the customer might have for the work they require. While they may not know a lot about the industry or how to bring things to life, they will still have ideas and suggestions, and instead of ignoring them and brushing them off, listen to what they have to say and what it is they want then talk them through their options for this, how it would work if it’s possible and what this would look like completed, if you have better alternative suggestions you can give them these on top of their wishes so they have all the information to hand to make the right decision. If they can visualise it, they can understand it better and know the implications in the future. Use Quality Materials It goes without saying that cutting corners on materials can lead to a poorer finish, lower satisfaction rates and a higher risk of failure, problems or issues down the line. And while margins are undoubtedly tight in the industry, taking chances with untested or unknown parts or those not finished to the highest spec can be a bad decision all around. Choose HVOF for metal fixtures and fittings for a longer lifespan, higher quality and improved performance for your parts; avoid substandard products or untested parts that can cause problems down the line. You can still remain competitive without cutting corners on material costs. Don’t Over Promise It can be tempting to beat your competitors to the post and win the job, but failing to deliver on your promises, missing deadlines, subpar quality finishes and using untrained workers can be detrimental to the completed work and your reputation. Be realistic about what you can offer and why, and give yourself a reasonable timeframe – “in time, not on time” Your experience should be able to determine this for you and be honest at every step of the process. While you may not have the most exciting offer, a realistic one with a job completed well and on time is preferable for every customer. Be Upfront One of the main complaints in the construction industry is that someone goes back on their word or that communication is poor. If there will be issues, complications or extensions to work, be honest and tell the customer. If it will take weeks because you are extremely busy and not the one week you quoted, tell them not to flake out or rush the work to get it done on time and below standards. Suppose there are issues with the works, delays on parts or supplies, or you need to adjust the quote, tell them right away instead of hiding it or leaving it as a nasty surprise in the final invoice. Be Professional While the customer is rarely right, never mind always right, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be professional and offer them exceptional service. These days people are quick to complain about anything and everything, while compliments aren’t as forthcoming. Be professional and courteous at all times, talk to the customer, make them feel included and answer any questions or concerns with honesty and sincerity. While you might not be a miracle worker, by being honest and open with them and offering a polite and efficient service, they will be more at ease with you and be less likely to find fault if they feel heard and understood throughout the process. Customer service is not as straightforward in construction as it is in other industries, but that doesn’t mean it’s less important, far from it; it just means that you need to know how you can make the best impression the first time and through the job to help customers feel confident they have picked the right person for the job.