London Build 2024: Insights and trends from the show floor

This year’s London Build proved to be another exciting and productive event for the construction sector!

On the Fonn stand, we connected with a wide variety of industry professionals, gaining valuable insights into current challenges and needs. From improving communication to streamlining document management, the conversations we had over the two-day event revealed several trends driving innovation and change in the industry.  

Communication and collaboration challenges 

One of the most common themes we observed this year was the need for better communication and collaboration tools. Many companies shared how they are struggling with multiple information streams and channels, leading to inefficiencies and miscommunication. For example: 

• Contractors – Several noted a reliance on consumer tools like WhatsApp (using up to 50 groups at a time!) alongside spreadsheets and generic document storage solutions. This patchwork approach creates silos, increases manual processes and slows down workflows. 
  
  
• Developers – Many expressed a need for a streamlined platform that provides a "single source of truth" to improve project visibility for managers and improved collaboration for site teams. 

Mobile-first solutions allow organisations to centralise communication and workflows as they look for ways to improve project coordination. 

A push towards paperless processes 

The construction sector is increasingly embracing digital transformation, with many companies aiming to eliminate paper-based workflows. We heard from many visitors who were frustrated with outdated and manual systems: 

• Health & Safety leaders – They highlighted the need for digital forms and emphasised that critical forms are still being signed manually, creating inefficiencies and risks. One housing association alone was managing thousands of pages of scanned data at a time, making finding important information nearly impossible. 

• Main contractors – Many expressed an urgent requirement to go paperless. One contractor specifically mentioned the need for a unified solution that reduces manual input and supports scaling their operations as they grow. 

Digital, mobile-friendly solutions provide an opportunity for these companies to simplify their document management processes, reducing risks associated with outdated or incorrect drawings and information. 

Streamlining project management and pre-construction 

Efficient project management remains a top priority for the industry, with companies recognising the need to streamline workflows and improve reporting: 

• Main contractors – They noted that their reliance on spreadsheets and manual inputs is slowing down their pre-construction processes. They want solutions that not only save time but also enhance accuracy and transparency. 

• Developers – Several shared their experiences of finding some construction project management platforms clunky and lacking in robust reporting capabilities they needed for their business, emphasising the importance of easy to use - ‘one-click’ reporting. 

These insights strengthen the value of intuitive, scalable project management tools like Fonn, which provide the flexibility and user-friendly interfaces that dynamic and growing companies are in need of. 

Cost-saving measures: A core concern 

Finally, in the face of rising company costs, many people we spoke with were actively exploring ways to save money while improving project efficiencies. Our conversations highlighted: 

• A need to reduce costs associated with manual processes, such as processing timesheets and tracking workforce locations, which many found to be time-consuming and inefficient. 

• An increasing focus on streamlining operations to improve productivity and cut unnecessary expenses. 

Solutions like Fonn, designed to eliminate manual processes and optimise workflows, offer a compelling opportunity for businesses aiming to achieve greater cost savings without compromising on quality or scalability. 

Takeaways from this year’s London Build 

London Build 2024 highlighted some major trends in today’s construction and property sectors including: 

• Improving communication: Companies want to consolidate multiple communication channels and establish a single source of truth. 

• Digitising paper-based workflows: The move toward digital forms and paperless processes is essential for improving efficiency and reducing risks. 

• Streamlining Project Management: There is a strong demand for tools that simplify workflows, reduce manual inputs, and provide actionable insights through reporting. 

• Cost-Saving Initiatives: With rising costs, businesses are focused on streamlining operations, reducing manual tasks, and achieving greater efficiency to save money. 

• Demand for User-Friendly Solutions: Many companies are reevaluating their current tools, looking for alternatives that are intuitive, scalable, and provide better value for money. 

At Fonn, we’re excited to continue helping businesses tackle these challenges with a platform that focuses on streamlining communication, digitising workflows, and delivering robust, easy-to-use tools which boost operational efficiency and accelerate business growth. 

Are you ready to transform your construction processes? Contact us to learn how Fonn can help your business streamline operations and embrace the future of construction technology.