Growth Mini Series: Six Key Signs You're Ready to Take On Bigger Projects as a Subcontractor

In episode 103 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin breaks guides UK subcontractors through the essentials of scaling up to larger projects. He outlines six key indicators of readiness, including financial health, team capacity, and robust safety practices. Jacob also shares practical risk management strategies, from project selection and pricing to contract review and insurance requirements. Emphasiwing the value of professional advice, he encourages listeners to approach growth with careful planning and risk awareness. This episode kicks off a mini-series focused on helping subcontractors achieve sustainable, profitable expansion in the construction industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Importance of quality workmanship in the UK construction industry
•  Know the signs your subcontracting business is ready to take on larger projects.
•  Plan cash flow, maintain capital reserves, and price jobs realistically to manage financial risks.
•  Do thorough due diligence on clients and contracts to avoid payment and liability issues.
•  Create detailed project plans and scale up safety and compliance for bigger jobs.
•  Ensure adequate insurance, understand bonding, and seek expert advice when needed.

BEST MOMENTS:

"Bigger projects mean bigger contracts, more prestige, and hopefully bigger profits. But—and it’s a big but—they also mean bigger risks and bigger challenges and bigger risks.”

"It’s okay to be out of your comfort zone, but you don’t want to be out of your depth."

"If a project isn’t priced to make a reasonable profit, it can actually harm you, not grow your business."

"It’s better to set a realistic program up front than agree to a fantasy program and fail."

"When it comes to compliance, you need to scale up your professionalism to match the project."

 

Jacob is on a mission to help the 1 million SME contractors working within the construction industry. If you've taken something of value from this episode, please share the podcast with someone you know, and pass the value on.

HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty and Kier. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/qs.zone/

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