People skills drive profit for SOL Construction

Chris Truman, director of design and build and Martin Burton, director of contracts at SOL Construction paint a fascinating picture as they discuss future operations at the Nottingham based firm.

Chris Truman, director of design and build and Martin Burton, director of contracts at SOL Construction paint a fascinating picture as they discuss future operations at the Nottingham based firm.

Founded in 1967, SOL has cemented a highly regarded reputation built on the foundations of professionalism, proficiency and integrity.

This combination has made SOL a leading name in the UK construction industry.

The company has a portfolio of award winning projects in commercial, industrial, retail, residential and public buildings, with the capacity to undertake projects valued from GBP 100,000 to over GBP 15m.

SOL Construction has worked hard at providing customers with a quality product and through its farsighted approach to training and coaching has managed not only to fulfil its promise to customers but to maximise its own profitability.

This medium size construction company has recognised that size really does matter - medium size is just about perfect! "It gives us the right blend of being close enough to the customer, having a hands-on approach to managing our own team, but also gives us the scope to make strategic decisions taking the business forward profitably".

"It's important not to loose sight of what is needed day-to-day but still have a focus on where we need to drive SOL and what we need to put in place to achieve it".

"Our aim is for a unified workforce".

"It is very much a people business, be it focusing on client requirements or our own teamwork," commented Chris Truman.

Chris joined the company in 1980.

He has been the director of design and build since 1988 and is one of the three main-board of directors.

He spoke of the unique morale within the company and trust between colleagues due to their 'open door policy'".

"If problems arise we will deal with them as a team, employees - and the business do not flourish in a blame culture and as a medium sized company we know that effective communication is a key driver to our business success" he added.

Director of contracts, Martin Burton, has been with the company for 6 years.

He is passionate about SOL's people driven approach and focused on the continual development of the business.

SOL is one of only six-construction companies in the UK to have signed up through the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) to a research and training programme with specialists BSRIA.

The management team will begin a mentoring programme in April beginning with a workshop on business strategy following on to an examination of supply chain management.

The objective of the programme will be to take a strategic overview of the company and develop a sound strategy for its future development.

SOL's dedication to improving training standards is a reflection of the nationwide concern and focus of CITB who have been given a 5 year licence to promote and manage the delivery of training and training grants to UK companies who want to invest in the future of the industry.

These grants are funded by a levy paid by companies registered with the CITB as well as other sources such as the Learning and Skills Council.

There is ample evidence showing that investing in training improves productivity, and a productive business is potentially a more profitable one.

SOL Construction have given employee development priority status in their bid to increase profitability.

Together with their cousins, SOL West Midlands, the companies take on teams of apprentices each year and work closely with local schools to offer quality work experience and attract future employees to the industry".

""The construction industry as a whole does not have a particularly vibrant image to attract enough young people - which is a key problem we and CITB recognise and want to address" commented Martin Burton.

The CITB conducts ongoing research into attitudes towards construction and has promoted the industry through advertising, used by the trade in 2004's "Positive Image Campaign", and in events such as National Construction Week.

The possibilities offered by vocational qualifications and careers have also been highlighted recently by the Government announcement of education reviews early this year.

The plan was announced to create specialised diplomas that will provide assessment in both academic and vocational areas of study, offering young people an alternative path towards skilled employment or further education.

Martin Burton commented, "We are committed to building a positive image for the construction industry, it is an attractive and rewarding career but it has struggled against competition from the explosion of IT related courses and jobs in particular".

"Although there is now evidence to show that this fashionable career may now have reached a peak there is a growing need in all areas of construction".

"I get an incredible amount of job satisfaction from taking a project from a conceptual drawing on paper to the reality of a building".

"The good news is whatever level you enter into the industry there is scope to grow your own abilities providing you make your career with a reputable business." The last word really has to be a demonstration that SOL's strategy based on sound communications and training from trainee up and director down turns a tidy profit.

Financial director, John Heard said, "The result is clear from overall Company performance, which in the five years since 1st April 2000 has been remarkable with a year on year average 13% per annum increase in turnover and 14% per annum increase in operating profit.".

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