Meet Oliver, the owner of a start-up building company, and a graduate of the HBXL Business Management Skills Bootcamp. Undertaking the fully funded course, enabled Oliver to get his own business, properly off the ground. He now offers internal renovations and project management along the border between England and Scotland. Having started out as a carpenter, then project manager and now a building company director, he’s putting his combined skills to good use – alongside the training he received from the HBXL team. We wish Ollie the best of luck for the future. Here’s what he had to say about his time on the course.
What is your construction experience?
Previously I was working with a construction company that was based in London. We were supplying customers with loft conversions, rear extensions, side extensions and full refurbishments.
And your current plans?
Following a move, I’ve just set up a construction company and I am the director of the company. My aim is to undertake similar Works albeit not such large jobs initially, but to grow that way as time goes on. The company will start with works such as full interior renovations, bathrooms kitchens to a high standard using the correct trades where required.
Why did you join the Skills Bootcamp?
With my previous company I was running more of the project management side of the company and doing less of the day-to-day running quoting etc. And although I did have basic understanding of the background Works I was looking to expand my knowledge prior to starting my new venture.
What did you want from the course?
Confidence in quoting was quite a big skill I wanted to address and in a way whereby I could justify exactly what I was quoting on, and ensuring consistency between quotes along with how to mark-up profit vat etc.
How did you find the Skills Bootcamp?
I thought the HBXL Business Management Skills Bootcamp was really great. I think the structure was sound and the delivery, all the people from HBXL were great and yeah I just really thoroughly enjoyed it.
What did you like most about the course?
Mostly the sessions on the profit and loss sheets, how to mark-up and how much you can mark up, and how to sell yourself. Also, aspects of marketing. I think it’s great.
What did you gain from the course?
As previously mentioned, the profit and loss sheets, continuous monitoring of cash flow I think is a really important part of a business. Also, if you’re looking to expand your business to start charging the overheads now as opposed to waiting. Because obviously if you want to grow you need to get that cash in beforehand and include that in the markup to the customer.
Has the course changed the way you work?
Yes. I have had two jobs confirmed and both of them I turned up in a clean vehicle with note paper, laser measure, clean branded clothing. The first one was quite a small job so I was happy not to have an interim payment plan in place. However I put an interim payment plan in place for the second job I got confirmed. So, I think for me specific examples would be to turn up clean, with note paper, look like you’re keen. And also the interim payment plans is a big one that I’ve included.
So, the course has given you new opportunities?
Well, I’ve gone from zero jobs to two confirmed jobs and a few other with quotes out, in the space of months. I think it’s definitely given me a confidence boost to take the plunge and get going.
Would you recommend the course?
I have already been pushing it on some of my other friends who are in construction. I believe it will help them get a better understanding of the whole process from start to finish. I’ve actually mentioned some parts of it to friends who are completely different career paths as well.
How do you feel about the time you invested?
It’s definitely made me look at this new start with a lot more positivity and confidence. I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders having finished the course and getting into the real world of construction on my own.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I think it’s great that the students on the course can stay in communication with the HBXL Skills Academy. We can have meetings and chats with the team with any of the questions you may have forgotten to ask on the course.
The Skills Bootcamp turned into a start-up business for Oliver. It had a powerful effect on his plans for the future. Want to become your own success story? Explore our Skills Bootcamps and CITB courses.
