Archive for January, 2010

Online networking, be it business or social, is all the rage. But how far and effectively can it spread? Rupert Bates talks to Ryan Briggs and Jason Leonard, founders of The Construction Network.

In days gone by if you put the words construction and network together you got an oxymoron. Network in a bar after a construction awards ceremony certainly and swap business cards on a golf day. But the following morning, regardless of any alcohol intake, all talk of working in unison, under an industry banner, would be forgotten.
‘We’ve got our own problems to worry about,’ was the cry, rather than recognising the power of interaction, communication and the sharing of ideas, opportunities, expertise and indeed problems, as well as the ability to promote and facilitate the recruitment of young people to the construction sector.
That is all changing through progressive individuals and companies embracing online social and business communities and this month sees the launch of The Construction Network (tCn). Working primarily through web channels and social media, tCn will take the chronic issue of skills shortages; pass it through schools, colleges and universities, out to employers through trade bodies and associations, through suppliers and on to the end-user with improved, sustainable products - a virtuous circle indeed.
The men behind tCn know all about team work. Founder Ryan Briggs was a professional footballer with West Ham, playing in the same youth team as England internationals Joe Cole and Michael Carrick. As a talented midfield player he knows all about linking and distributing and Briggs spent 10 years in construction recruitment.
Founding member Jason Leonard is well known to the construction industry at large, but best known for being England’s most capped rugby player. Ex-chippie Leonard has been involved in the building game since he was 12, helping his carpenter father Frank.
“Jason has always been passionate about helping young people. He has been amazingly supportive and proactive and has access to some serious players, vital to the initial success of tCn,” said Briggs.
Leonard, who will head the tCn Organisers Group, said: “We want to bring together people who are passionate about making a positive impact on the industry.” The networking website will start at grass roots levels, tackling the skills shortage head on. We are determined to attract school leavers and students to construction,” said Leonard.
“Through relationships with leading organisations, tCn will also champion best practice, health and safety and environmental awareness. “The latest news, issues and developments can be discussed within specific sectors,” added Leonard.
The Construction Network’s official partner is the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Michael Brown, CIOB deputy chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be a part of this exciting venture. The technology really does allow us to engage our fragmented industry in a way that has never been possible before. The network will link users together and create a free exchange of information with the potential to generate business opportunities as well.”
tCn is currently signing up 40 associate members, made up of key industry organisations, with the likes of Balfour Beatty, Loughborough University, JCB, Glenigan and Travis Perkins on board. On a housebuilder level, discussions are ongoing with the HBF and the NHBC. Show House magazine, What House? and Tailored Home are also confirmed as associate members.
“We want tCn to become the most effective place for people in property, construction and the built environment to interact online, improving communication. The initial response has been incredible, giving large, influential organisations the chance to get involved and tell us what they want from the site,” said Briggs.
Industry suppliers can also promote their products and services. “Whether it be the procurement manager, specifier or decision-maker they need to get access to, the site will offer the most relevant and concentrated communities of people who directly make a difference to their bottom line,” added Briggs.
The revenue model for the site will be through company subscriptions and online advertising opportunities.
“tCn for individuals will be free, although they must satisfy specific criteria to gain access and keep a level of exclusivity. Organisations can have a presence on the site to enable their staff to use the network, build contacts and interact,” said Briggs.
“We will also offer independent news, reviews and interviews with key individuals and organisations within the industry.”
This initiative is as exciting as it is bold; a massive opportunity that the industry, especially housebuilding, must embrace. The online market is by definition infinitely deep, but often lacking purpose, poise and relevance.
Construction is a huge potential network, but tCn will ensure there are specific fields and communities to feed and inform specialist sectors, while companies can create their own profiles on the site.
Online communication offers boundless viral opportunities, but viruses can be dangerous. Housebuilding will not turn from dinosaur to avatar overnight, but the industry’s supply chain is its lifeblood and the linking of trades, professionals and peers is as compelling as it is obvious, if we get it right and keep it current, interactive, engaging, provocative and agenda-setting.
That is the challenge tCn faces. The fact that it is starting with schools is encouraging; at a stroke identifying where the future of the industry stands or falls and hitting a target audience for whom the internet and social media platforms are both second nature and second life.

www.tcn.uk.com

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