Podcast Summary
Identifying Needs and Offering Solutions: Recognizing outdated and inefficient processes in industries can lead to innovative solutions and profitable businesses. Entrepreneur Richard Burns transformed the modular classroom industry with self-sufficient, solar-powered, and quick-to-install classrooms, generating £200,000 monthly revenue and significant cost savings.
Entrepreneurship involves identifying unmet needs and creating innovative solutions. Richard Burns, a business owner on today's podcast, exemplifies this by recognizing the outdated and inefficient modular classrooms in schools and transforming the industry with his self-sufficient, solar-powered, and quick-to-install classrooms. Despite initial challenges such as expanding nationally, breaking into new markets, and changing people's perspectives, his business has already generated an estimated monthly revenue of £200,000 and is projected to save significant costs compared to traditional building methods. This inspiring story serves as a reminder that identifying needs and offering unique solutions can lead to successful and impactful businesses.
Modern construction methods: Using massive screws instead of traditional foundations reduces environmental impact, increases stability, eliminates rising damp, saves time and resources, and can be used for various structures.
Modern construction methods, such as using massive screws instead of traditional foundations, offer numerous benefits including reduced environmental impact, increased stability, and elimination of rising damp. This method, also known as helical piling or ground screw foundation, is gaining popularity worldwide and can be used for various structures, from farm buildings to offices and even skyscrapers. The process involves screwing large screws into the ground to act as foundations, providing stability without the need for digging up large areas or using concrete. This not only saves time and resources but also reduces the carbon footprint of construction projects. Additionally, the lack of contact with the ground eliminates the risk of rising damp, making the buildings more energy-efficient and healthier for occupants. The use of this method in businesses, such as zoos and farms, can lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.
Modular Construction with Ground Screws: Ground screws in modular construction save time, labor, and money compared to concrete foundations, with a single 30 student classroom requiring 70 screws at £70-£75 each. They also offer environmental benefits by reducing concrete use and carbon emissions.
Ground screws used in modular construction offer several advantages over traditional concrete foundations. These screws, which are expensive and require a high-torque drill, effectively function like piling in the ground by displacing soil and packing it in. A single 30 student modular classroom requires approximately 70 ground screws. While the cost of a single screw is around £70-£75, the overall cost savings compared to concrete foundations come from faster installation time, reduced labor, and avoiding the cost of removing and disposing of soil. Additionally, ground screws offer environmental benefits by reducing the amount of concrete used and the associated carbon emissions. Overall, the use of ground screws in modular construction offers a cost-effective, time-efficient, and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional concrete foundations.
Modular buildings with eco-friendly foundations: Modular buildings with foundations on screws instead of concrete pads are eco-friendly as they allow trees and vegetation to grow. They include solar panels, batteries, and help with planning permission. Cost can be spread out. Designed to look permanent and personalizable.
Using modular buildings with foundations on screws instead of concrete pads is kinder to the environment as it allows trees and other vegetation to grow without damaging the concrete or being damaged by it. This method has been used in countries like Scandinavia for a long time but is still gaining traction in the UK. These modular buildings, which can include classrooms, come with a package deal that includes the structure, solar panels, batteries, and even help with planning permission. The cost can be spread out through a rental or purchase plan. Despite their permanent nature, they are often referred to as temporary buildings due to their construction method. These buildings are designed to look like an extension of a home rather than a temporary structure and can even be personalized. The company aims to expand nationally while retaining brand quality by continuing to build the structures themselves with their teams. They also aim to change people's perspectives on new methods of construction and break into new markets through creative marketing.
Outbound marketing at industry events: To expand a business into a new market, shift from inbound to outbound marketing by participating in industry conferences and exhibitions with a modular display to showcase offerings and generate leads. Regular attendance can lead to long-term success.
Expanding a business into a new market requires a shift from inbound to outbound marketing. This can be a challenge for business owners who are used to relying on inbound leads. A creative and effective solution could be participating in industry conferences and exhibitions, where potential clients are actively seeking new products and services. Building a physical presence at these events with a modular display can help showcase the business's offerings and generate leads. Additionally, budgeting for regular attendance at these events can lead to long-term success. As the business owner in this discussion noted, their best B2B customers for Teddytastic and Party Pieces came from exhibitions.
Networking in Education Sector: Networking with CFOs/COOs and head teachers in the education sector is crucial for marketing success. Find them at conferences, industry publications, and utilize platforms like School Mailing for contact information. Showcase finished projects with compelling visuals and testimonials to build trust.
Attending industry events, networking with peers, and gathering testimonials are crucial for reaching decision-makers in the education sector. Schools, particularly those in multi-academy trusts, are often led by CFOs or COOs with budgeting power. Head teachers can influence these decisions but are not the sole decision-makers. To effectively market to schools, businesses should find out where these leaders gather, such as conferences or industry publications, and establish relationships. Additionally, showcasing finished projects with compelling visuals and testimonials on websites and through targeted direct mail campaigns can help change perceptions and build trust. Lastly, utilizing platforms like School Mailing can provide valuable contact information for schools across the country.
Niche Recommendations and Talent Investment: Word-of-mouth recommendations, especially within the same niche, can build trust and credibility for a business. Investing in talent by promoting from within and focusing on high-level hires, as well as producing a professional video, can attract great people and clients.
Word-of-mouth recommendations, especially from individuals within the same niche, hold significant weight in building trust and credibility for a business. This was emphasized through the example of how two strangers from the same country instantly connect on a deeper level while on holiday. James, who runs a business with over 1000 employees, shared that he has been successful in recruiting talent by promoting from within and focusing on hiring high-level individuals, while leaving the management tasks to others. He also suggested investing in producing a professional video to showcase the business to potential clients, such as head teachers. The key to building a great team, according to James, is to continually work on personal development and attracting great people. The construction industry, specifically, requires identifying and promoting those with an entrepreneurial spirit to lead and inspire the team. Overall, the importance of building trust through recommendations and investing in talent was a recurring theme in the discussion.
Modern energy-efficient classrooms: Investing in modern, energy-efficient classrooms can significantly improve learning environments for students, reduce operational costs, and yield potential profits of 20-35%.
Investing in modern, energy-efficient modular classrooms can significantly improve the learning environment for students while also reducing operational costs for schools. For a substantial investment of £167,000, schools can have a new classroom maintained and heated efficiently, with energy costs covered. This not only benefits the students by providing a more conducive learning environment but also helps teachers and the school as a whole. The return on investment is promising, with potential gross profits ranging from 20% to 35%. Additionally, by focusing on the education sector, the business can establish itself as an expert in this niche and potentially attract private equity and venture capital investments as it grows. The transformation from outdated porter cabins to modern classrooms not only brings about a positive impact on the learning experience but also aligns with the goal of providing the best education possible in a respectful manner to students and teachers.
Entrepreneurship & Relationships: Passionate entrepreneur Richard from BGR Modular Classrooms and BGR Group showcases resilience, clear vision, and strong relationship skills in building his business. Attend his events or visit his websites for more info. James Inclair offers events on growing businesses, check jamesinclair.net for tickets.
Richard from BGR Modular Classrooms and BGR Group is a passionate and innovative entrepreneur with a strong focus on building relationships and commercial awareness. With a score of 6.5 out of 8 on the 8 Traits of Great Entrepreneurs, he demonstrates untold amounts of resilience, a clear vision for his business, and a knack for mastering relationships with people. For those interested in learning more about Richard's business or attending one of his events, they can visit bgrmodularclassrooms.co.uk or bgrgroup.co.uk. Additionally, James Inclair, the podcast host, offers various events and seminars for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. These events cover topics such as buying companies, raising finance, and marketing property. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit jamesinclair.net. Overall, this conversation highlights the importance of passion, innovation, and building strong relationships in entrepreneurship.