The Competitive Contractor

Shortage of resources, larger and more complex projects while costs of materials rise is keeping leaders of construction companies awake at night. Is it possible to do business and be successful in the current climate? This is the question many current leaders and owners of construction companies are trying to answer.  Chris Pearce joins us in Episode 35 of the Competitive Contractor podcast....

Throughout 2020 and 2021, the COVID 19 pandemic has given prominence to ongoing issues in the construction sector as contractors struggle with issues like supply chain delays and rising costs. It's clear a new approach is needed. A new approach to leadership, a new approach to investments, a new approach to collaboration and most certainly a new approach to engaging with our teams. We know from pa...

Projects are getting larger and more complex. Budgets, delivery timelines and requirements are tighter than ever before. For the industry to be sustainable, what do you think clients and the construction industry need to do differently going forwards? What is the role of innovation and what can clients and contractors do to encourage more collaboration, between and within their teams? In this epis...

For this week's episode of The Competitive Contractor, we invited Alastair Blenkin to discuss his passion with technology as well as the positive and transformational change it's having on the Construction industry. There was a time not so long ago when we would not associate the construction industry with technology, and even if organisations wanted to adopt technology, there weren’t too many opt...

Episode 31 (#1 of Season 4) of the Competitive Contractor podcast discusses the impact and changes technology is having on the Australian construction industry. The adoption of technology within the construction industry is growing traction at a rapid rate across both tier 1 and 2 organisations, government entities and smaller construction companies. Undeniably, technology and digital intervention...

We bring you the recording of a webinar that discusses a topic that is at the centre of many conversations and an area many industry professionals voted for industry leaders and executives to address first.   This is the recording of the second online event in the "Transforming Australia's construction industry - a group up approach" series.  The panel consists of leaders who have walked...

Episode 29 of the Competitive Contractor Podcast focuses on Smart and steady wins. It's an episode that shows what you and your organisation can achieve through steady effort over time.  A very timely discussion as at times I feel the industry doesn’t value the impact of continuous improvement, transformation and investment in innovation. BAU activities get prioritised over long term initiati...

Recently there has been a lot of dialogue and discussion on industry culture. Some have raised the issue of trust, some raised the issue of shifting responsibility and blame while some have referenced the term succeed at all cost. I needed to explore this further. Why is this the case? Is profitability the main agenda in the industry, pushing off all other social responsibilities of businesses? An...

Episode 27 of the Competitive Contractor Podcast discusses the introduction of technology in construction companies. Enabled by technology, the construction industry is edging closer to the meeting point of theory and practice. At the same time we are gliding rapidly from a place with limited technology tools to a ConTech marketplace with too many choices. The industry is becoming smarter and it w...

Episode 26 of the Competitive Contractor Podcast discusses why ‘working on the business’ is as important as working in it. Construction business owners have big dreams that begin with small steps, which at the start are big decisions and investments. As time progress, some make it big, and some don’t. What are the secrets of those who have made it big? What did they do early on and what are they d...

Episode 25 of the Competitive Contractor Podcast discusses innovating for the greater good. There is a lot of hype about technology in construction and what it is capable of but its seldom these days that we associate innovation in our industry with materials and methods. There remains so much opportunity to improve our materials, especially reducing its environmental impacts and so much opportuni...

Episode 24 of the Competitive Contractor Podcast discusses actions needed to progress the construction industry. Construction is a unique industry. What we do helps other industries, society and communities to progress but as an industry, there is reluctance and hesitation when it comes to progress. Maybe there are valid reasons why progress is too slow for many of us. The big questions are - are...

Episode 23 of the Competitive Contractor Podcast discusses the topic of innovation in doing business. Taking a business that is doing well to a new level is one story but taking a business that was left with only 3 staff to now approaching $100M in revenue in a few years is what exemplary transformation is about. What were the key ingredients of this transformation? Was it challenging? In this epi...

Episode 22 of the Competitive Contractor Podcast discusses the topic of incentives in the construction industry. Incentives or paying staff for performance is a topic many construction businesses talk about and consider, but struggle getting off the ground. While it looks simple on the surface, there are a lot of dimensions to it ranging from financial to psychological. Does paying for performance...

Season 3 of The Competitive Contractor podcast launches today with Scott Power , the Chief Executive Officer of the BMD Group . In Episode 21, titled “ Seeing things differently ”, Scott discusses factors other than great visions and ambitions that build thriving and successful construction companies. BMD’s story is inspirational. Over a 41-year history, BMD has grown from a small business to beco...

Episode 20 coincides with the end of 2020 and for the benefit of the listeners, I thought to go over episodes that generated discussions and conversations. As the Competitive Contractor podcast grows and adds on episodes, it is still important to remind ourselves of the gems contained in the earlier episodes.  I take the opportunity to thank all guests and everyone who supports this initiativ...

In this episode, I cover how construction business owners and leaders can maintain momentum. Challenges that crop up in business daily are often distractions, diverting time, energy and focus away from strategic initiatives. While overcoming challenges help with the short term and are important, the importance of strategic goals and initiatives should be underrated. I share an approach I use for m...

In this episode, I respond to a question on productivity posed during our Building Successful Construction Companies webinar. A topic not usually talked about but it is a significant contributor to two of the pressing issues facing the construction industry - labour shortage and project overruns. Industries such as manufacturing, mining and healthcare have seen vast improvements over the past deca...

In this episode, I respond to a question on the outlook for the industry. While 2020 has proven all predictions incorrect, it still helps to plan and forecast what lies ahead. In this podcast, I review a few sources of data which paints quite a promising future for the construction industry. A lot of is driven by initiatives of the government but indications are that private sector projects will p...

In this episode, I respond to a question on how forums and industry events such as conferences and webinars help young professionals. I discuss how such forums are a win-win for professionals and their employers. Imagine playing tennis where every good shot reflects on the scoreboard. In this forum, business owners and leaders will gain tips to perfect the shots ensuring their business scoreboard...

In this episode, we look at how you can set and attain your business goals.  Be crystal clear about the goals Form the right team from the start Define the roles of everyone involved Review often (Wayne Bennett way!!) Work to the final whistle The Competitive Contractor podcast is brought to you by Shivendra & Co. 

In Episode 14, I discuss a topic that is very close to and probably the favourite part of Shivendra & Co's service offering. Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) are an essential part of construction businesses (or any business). It helps trigger behaviour and actions that drive a business towards its goals and aspirations. But while it is easy to understand the concept, many businesses in our i...

In Episode 13, I discuss daily huddles. This is a mixed bag when it comes to implementation as there are businesses who live by this, whereas there are others who just don’t have the time to apply this. Daily Huddles is like sugar – you know what it tastes like after you’ve implemented it. And here’s what we know from successful construction businesses – they actively take time out to have these d...

In Episode 12, I discuss planning and budgeting. A topic that many businesses think of doing but don’t get around, causing them lost opportunity and potential. From promptly investing in areas of growth, diverting resources to emerging opportunities early enough and stopping $ leakage in a timely manner, planning and budgeting allow you the opportunity to look ahead. And here’s what we know from s...

The next 10 episodes of the Competitive Contractor is focused on helping owners, directors, general managers and leaders of construction companies and contractors prepare for 2021. In Episode 11, I discuss steps you can take today, without any investments, to win more work and start building a strong pipeline for 2021. Winning new work is a major worry for construction business owners, general man...