According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)’s Digitalisation in Construction report 2023, over half of those working in the construction industry are failing to adopt digital practices[1]. In 2022, it was estimated that there were over 900,000 small businesses in the sector[2], with many of these lacking in resource, time, or training to digitalise their processes and systems.
Taking this feedback from the industry, built environment digital experts, RLB Digital, in conjunction with the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment at Nottingham Trent University under the Innovation Driven Procurement Project funded by the Construction Industry Training Board, has created a Digital Landscape for SMEs in Construction guide to support those working in SMEs within the sector with the digitalisation of their organisation.
Acting as a starting point to help business owners feel more confident about running their businesses digitally, the guide supports SME owners in their understanding of what digital tools are available, how to choose the right ones and how to embed them in their business.
Anne Bowerman, RLB Digital Business Analyst comments, “We currently have a very tiered approach to the adoption of digital within the built environment. We hope this guide can support those who might want to begin their digital journey but need that additional support to get them started.”
Dr Emmanuel Manu from the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment at Nottingham Trent University comments, “The RLB team has been instrumental in supporting us and the Innovation Driven Procurement Project to make this guide become a reality. This interactive guide can support education and adoption of digital technology within the sector at every level.”
The guide is free and can be accessed here.
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