Roadshow - how can the construction sector join the digital revolution?

Construction Alliance North East (CAN) has revealed that it will join digital agency Mediaworks for an Evolution or Extinction Roadshow this Wednesday (July 7).

The hour-long roadshow will see CAN vice-Chair and Federation of Master Builders (North) Director Caroline Meehan and Mediaworks’ experts deliver a free digital health check for the region’s construction firms.

Research suggests digital transformation is a priority for 72% of construction companies globally, but one in three businesses in the sector spend less than 3% of their total turnover on digital technologies.

Meehan is eager to engage the audience on commerce, consumer behaviours, and working environments in an increasingly digital world.

“I cannot stress to North East builders how important it is for the future to have a digital presence and to understand how to develop and grow your business through digital platforms,” she said.

“Understanding the value of digital platforms and what they can offer, from a simple Google local listing, through to engaging with clients and prospects on social media platforms, through your website ranking for services, through searching where your current and potential clients are looking for new contractors.”

She added: “As business owners who do not tend to sit at a desk all day and may not have huge amounts of time to dedicate to your business’s digital presence, this event will be incredibly valuable in helping members understand the potential impact digital can have on their business post-pandemic.”

Mediaworks, a Newcastle-based digital marketing agency, says it has helped to transform the online landscape for a number of leading UK construction firms, improving their digital offerings and allowing them to enhance their business efficiencies.

With construction and agriculture trailing behind other markets, chief executive of the firm, Brett Jacobson, believes the roadshow can be the start of the journey for the region’s construction sector.

“Since partnering with CAN towards the end of 2020, we’ve been greeted by a forward-thinking community,” he said. “Their digital transformation is still only scratching the surface but there is scope for North East firms to really disrupt the market and create a clear, competitive advantage.”

He added: “We will utilise experts from commerce, brand, performance marketing and website development on the roadshow and we aim to inspire those working in commercially-focused roles to embrace digital change and become the market leaders of tomorrow.”

Construction Alliance North East, a regional lobbying organisation, was formed in 2015 to better represent regional SME contractors in the North East, with key priorities focusing on carving out procurement streams and representation in the tendering process, as well as lobbying for fair payment practices across the industry.

“In our experience of dealing with business growth and development, digital has never been at the forefront of our conversations,” CAN Chair Ken Parkin said. “The Covid-19 pandemic brought the online space squarely to our attention. Mediaworks has supported our work in enhancing our digital offering and we are excited to share these insights with our network, to give construction firms the tools to own their future.”

‘The Evolution or Extinction: The Time For Digital Transformation Is Now’ roadshow will take place at 1.30pm on Wednesday July 7. To register for the free-to-join event, you can click here.