Don’t devalue your products or services
While politicians and some media commentators – none of whom actually run a business themselves – will try and tell you that “the recession is over”, you know better. It is still very difficult out there.
That said, there is a noticeable improvement across all building services market segments, be it industrial, commercial or domestic. New-build is definitely showing signs of growth while refurbishment/replacement continues to gather momentum.
However, a common problem across all market segments is the price-driven rather than value-for-money mentality. If we’re honest, this is not just a hangover from recent years but something that was prevalent in the boom times also.
Now that we’re starting afresh there is an opportunity to break that cycle. Going forward consultants, contractors and product suppliers must work together to educate clients – at all levels – as to the importance of value-for-money over price.
Thankfully, there is a market pick-up – don’t throw it away by undervaluing/devaluing what you offer.