Getting your construction business organised: how to hit the new year running

Get in early and book your barrier hire, plus 8 other things you can do to get ready for a great 2022!

As we come hurtling towards the end of 2021, it’s a great time to take stock and assess how to improve your business processes and efficiency over the next 12 months.

Our key takeaway: book your concrete barrier hire early!

We are already seeing lots of activity around road projects starting early next year, so we predict a potential shortage of MASH TL-3 rated concrete barriers.

In addition to looking ahead to your upcoming projects and sorting out your hire now, we’ve put together a list of other things you can do to help you get the most out of the lead up to December and the quieter time over the holiday period.

1. Get your PO’s in and lock in your equipment hire early

As mentioned, concrete barriers in particular are being booked well ahead of time so get in now to reserve the quantity you’ll need for any projects kicking off in early 2022. And whilst you’re thinking about upcoming jobs, why not book in your excavators, compaction equipment and all your other gear as well?

2. Take stock of the plant and equipment you own and consider adding to your fleet

What has the last 6 -12 months looked like for you? Have you seen a more frequent need for any specific equipment? The pandemic may have impacted this, but overall, if you’ve seen an increased need for certain equipment you might consider buying a second-hand hire machine to round out your fleet. We turn over our hire stock often, meaning our used equipment for sale is low-houred and relatively new. Take a look at what’s currently available here. We’ve also got flexible hire-to-buy options if that works better for your business.

3. Arrange servicing and testing & tagging for all your owned equipment, tools and appliances

The holiday period is a great time to organise servicing and maintenance when it’s less likely that you’ll need the equipment at short notice. Review what needs to be serviced, tested, repaired or replaced in your yard or depot.

4. Check any other compliance matters such as SWMS and safety procedures

It’s not the most exciting job, but reviewing your paperwork and knowing that everything is up to date, current and in order will really put your mind at ease in case of a snap audit or WHS blitz. Chat with your safety manager and look at any big-picture improvements that you may not typically pick up on in toolbox talks or safety meetings. For example, minor repetitive incidents in one area of your yard might indicate that the entire area needs a redesign. Take a root cause analysis approach to really get to the heart of the issue so you can create a safer workplace for your team.

5. Review your team’s skills and brush up on training

Your team are most likely capable and skilled in their day to day role, but have any staff shown a particular interest in upskilling or learning about a different part of the business? Do you need more operators who have tickets for specific equipment? The holiday period is a good time to review how you can develop your staff and help them learn new skills, benefiting both them and your business.

6. Streamline your processes where you can

Review any systems and processes that have slowed you down recently: what is frustrating and time-consuming in your business? How could you improve this or approach it a different way? Do you have suppliers that aren’t up to scratch? Take a step back and see if you can pinpoint things that are causing bottlenecks or causing a reduction in your team’s efficiency.

7. Work on relationship building

Now is a great time to check in with your customers and see what they’ve got on the board over the coming months. Reaching out to current customers and understanding their upcoming needs will help you better plan your workload.

8. Spend quality time with your family!

It’s not all about work of course – this year has been tough on many so make sure you carve out some time away from work to spend time with your friends and family.

Reach out to Orange Hire for advice, support and service

We’re here when you need us, for all your hire queries, fast & competitive quotes, and the most reliable equipment on the market.

For more information about our complete range of shoring services and equipment, visit your nearest branch, email [email protected], or call our friendly team of experts at 1800 UR HIRE.