PROFIT MARGINS
It gives you live forecasts of cash flow, sales, and expenses. It’s particularly useful for modelling ‘what if’ scenarios: like taking on a new member of staff or delaying a big supplier payment. Builders can track performance against project targets, toggle between views (monthly, quarterly, annual), and identify issues like supplier dependency or rising costs before they hit the bottom line. Once your data is in place, Futrli can automate
Futrli can help with this, but even a simple spreadsheet is better than nothing. “The key thing,” Wilkes says, “is to stop getting caught out by surprises.”
Price with confidence because you deserve it
One of the benefits of better financial visibility is that it gives you confidence
to charge what you’re worth. “I see so many good builders
undercharging because they’re scared of losing the job,” says Wilkes. “But once you understand your break-even point – and how much profit you want to make – you stop second-guessing your price.” Wilkes encourages builders to build profit into every quote from the start. “Profit isn’t greedy. Profit is what allows you to pay your
“You should know – right now – whether this month is profitable. If you don’t, that’s the first thing to fix.” Greg Wilkes
your management reports. “You don’t need to build fancy spreadsheets,” Burrow assures. “There are over 75 report templates – cash flow, P&L, executive summaries. Find one that’s 80 per cent there and tweak it.” It’s not just dry numbers. You can add visual elements – top-paying customers, biggest debts, supplier summaries – to help
you (and your stakeholders) understand the bigger picture.
team properly, invest in better tools, grow your business, and take a break without stress.” You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. FMB members have access to helpful resources – from
It is, of course, important to remember that software is only a tool to give you visibility. You still need discipline to use it regularly and act on what it tells you.
pricing templates to business webinars to peer support from other builders.” The overarching goal of your business shouldn’t just be to get more work – it’s about building a better business that gives you freedom and stability, and rewards you for the effort you put in. Profit doesn’t come
Manage cash like a pro and watch your business grow
According to Wilkes, one of the biggest dangers for builders is the feast-and- famine cycle. “You get a deposit, spend it on materials, finish the job, then have to wait weeks to get paid – and meanwhile, you’ve got no cash for the next one.” This is where a clear cash flow plan makes all the difference. “Builders need to stop firefighting and start forecasting,” he says. “That means knowing when your big outgoings are coming – like VAT, payroll, insurance renewals – and planning for them.”
by accident – you need to plan for it. But once you do, everything else gets easier.
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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