The Build Chain connects subcontractors and SME housebuilders with nearby suppliers, fostering a tight-knit local supply chain that fuels projects with efficiency and sustainability
The platform allows subcontractors and SME housebuilders to submit enquiries for materials and connect instantly with relevant new suppliers.
This leads to benefits like cost savings, a quicker procurement process, and increased efficiency.
Additionally, The Build Chain is designed to make it simple to adopt a diverse, local supply chain.
Why is a local supply chain so important?
Using a local supply chain can make a significant difference to the sustainability of a construction project. Using materials suppliers that are local to site reduces the distance materials have to travel to get to site, reducing the carbon emissions associated with transportation.
It can also boost the local economy and shorten delivery times, ensuring the project moves smoothly.
In addition to the environmental and commercial benefits of adopting a local supply chain, a growing number of clients are beginning to mandate the usage of local suppliers in construction projects.
Therefore, it’s important for construction companies to have a strategy in place for meeting these requirements.
By prioritising local sourcing, subcontractors and SME housebuilders can contribute to sustainable, efficient and resilient construction practices.
How does The Build Chain enable a local materials supply chain?
When an enquiry is submitted through The Build Chain, it is automatically matched to relevant suppliers within a 30-mile radius of the site’s postcode.
This ensures that subcontractors and SME housebuilders only receive quotes from suppliers that are close to their sites.
Each quote received via the platform also includes a percentage rating that demonstrates the potential carbon emissions saved from the furthest to the nearest supplier to the site postcode, allowing users to make informed decisions about the impact transporting materials to site has on their project.
The Build Chain takes away the manual element of searching for suitable local suppliers, making it quick and easy to source materials in a more sustainable way.
The importance of supply chain diversity
Diversity in the supply chain is another aspect that can significantly impact the success of a project. From ensuring reliability in uncertain times, to potential cost savings, subcontractors and SME housebuilders that have alternative suppliers to fall back on are
positioning themselves to deliver projects smoothly and successfully.
“Using a local supply chain can make a significant difference to the sustainability of a construction project.
Using materials suppliers that are local to site reduces the distance materials have to travel to get to site, reducing the carbon emissions associated with transportation.”
Relying on a small number of suppliers can leave construction companies vulnerable to
disruptions such as materials shortages, price inflation and other unexpected events.
Having a larger number of suppliers available can add a layer of resilience that might not
be there otherwise.
A wider supply chain can also have benefits such as the ability to be flexible, improved access to innovative new materials and better adaptability should the requirements
of a project change as work progresses.
By diversifying their materials supply chain, companies are investing in the future of their
business. It’s a proactive approach that enables organisations to thrive and enjoy long-term success.
How does The Build Chain help subcontractors and SME housebuilders create diversity in their supply chains?
The Build Chain removes the manual, repetitive legwork of finding new suppliers making it easy to diversify supply chains and reap the benefits of doing so.
The platform removes the need to carry out tasks like web searches, phoning round different suppliers and sending enquiry emails; instead replacing these activities with one simple enquiry form that is automatically distributed to multiple suppliers.
There’s no need to chase for quotes: they’re all delivered to a single dashboard for easy comparison.
The result is a varied supply chain consisting of different suppliers. Because the enquiry is
automatically distributed and suppliers respond directly, no time is wasted in contacting suppliers who can’t meet your requirements.
There are currently over 500 branches on The Build Chain, consisting of a variety of specialist and generalist independent merchants, allowing subcontractors and SME housebuilders to receive quotes from a variety of different suppliers and diversify their supply chain with more ease than previously possible.
How The Build Chain works
- Sub-contractors and SME housebuilders submit enquiries for materials.
- The enquiry is instantly matched with relevant suppliers within a 30-mile radius of the site’s postcode.
- Suppliers provide quotes ready for subcontractors and housebuilders to compare in one dashboard.
- Subcontractors and housebuilders then buy direct from their chosen supplier.
With new suppliers joining The Build Chain on a regular basis, it has never been simpler to expand and diversify your supply chain without sacrificing the need to source locally.
Neil Sheldon
CEO
The Build Chain
Tel: +44 3300 532 193
*Please note: This is a commercial profile.
