In a sector where margins are razor thin and deadlines are non-negotiable, outdated procurement practices are holding contractors back
The construction industry has always been about building for tomorrow – but when it comes to how materials are sourced and procured, many contractors are still stuck in yesterday.
Manual quote chasing, endless phone calls, and limited supplier options all add up to lost time, missed opportunities, and higher costs.
With growing pressure to deliver faster, more sustainably and more competitively, the spotlight is now on digital procurement – and one company is leading the charge.
Rethinking materials procurement: Why change is no longer optional
Traditionally, materials procurement in construction has been a time-consuming and fragmented process. Contractors often rely on local contacts or repeat suppliers, with limited visibility into market options or pricing trends.
This might have worked in the past but in today’s hyper-connected and data-driven environment, it’s no longer enough.
Inconsistent pricing, limited competition and reliance on manual processes are not just inefficient, they’re costing contractors real money and competitive advantage.
Meanwhile, major players in the industry are turning to technology to gain an edge. Digital platforms are helping them secure better pricing, increase transparency and improve project planning. Contractors who don’t evolve risk being outpaced by competitors who are already benefiting from smarter procurement solutions.
Building smarter: Why digital platforms are a game changer
The shift to digital procurement isn’t just a trend; it’s a strategic evolution. Contractors are discovering that by embracing platforms that automate, simplify and centralise the materials procurement process, they can unlock huge value across every stage of a project.
Here’s how digital procurement is transforming the landscape:
Speed & efficiency: What used to take days – getting quotes, comparing prices, confirming availability – can now be done in minutes. This saves time, reduces admin and keeps projects on track.
Broader supplier access: Digital platforms connect contractors with a nationwide network of suppliers. This opens the door to better deals, improved lead times and alternative options when materials are scarce.
Transparency & control: Real-time visibility over procurement activity helps contractors stay compliant, meet client requirements and make data-driven decisions that reduce risk.
Compare pricing and lead times across multiple suppliers.
Track carbon emissions associated with each quote.
The Build Chain helps contractors futureproof their procurement strategy by giving them the tools and insights they need to make faster, smarter decisions.
For those ready to embrace change, the benefits are real and immediate – and The Build Chain is leading the way.
The Build Chain: Putting power back in the contractor’s hands
The Build Chain is a digital procurement platform built specifically for the construction industry. It connects contractors and housebuilders with a trusted network of over 500 suppliers across the UK – all through a single, easy-to-use interface.
Instead of chasing quotes the old-fashioned way, contractors using The Build Chain can submit a single enquiry and receive responses from multiple suppliers in real time. This not only saves hours of admin but also ensures fair pricing and better availability without compromising on quality.
The platform is more than just a quote tool; it’s a full procurement solution designed to streamline operations, enhance visibility and support better project delivery.
As Paul Leivers, managing director from PML, said: “Faster quotes, lower prices, and more supplier choice – The Build Chain is a game changer!”
Winning more work with data-driven procurement
Contractors who want to stand out when bidding for work – especially with Tier 1 contractors or public sector clients – need to do more than just offer a competitive price. Increasingly, clients want to see evidence of efficient procurement processes, sustainability strategies and supplier diversity.
This is where The Build Chain’s real-time analytics and reporting tools give contractors a competitive advantage.
Compare pricing and lead times across multiple suppliers.
Track carbon emissions associated with each quote.
Generate procurement performance reports for use in tenders and project reviews.
By using The Build Chain’s built-in analytics, contractors can clearly demonstrate their commitment to transparency, efficiency and sustainability – key factors in today’s competitive tendering environment.
A smarter way to meet sustainability targets
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. Clients are under pressure to reduce their environmental impact, and that expectation is quickly passed down to contractors.
The Build Chain helps contractors respond by offering tools that make it easier to source materials locally, cut emissions and measure their sustainability efforts in real time.
Every quote through the platform includes an ESG savings percentage, helping contractors make informed decisions that support green objectives. From transport distance tracking to emissions reporting, sustainability is no longer a mystery; it’s measurable and actionable.
For contractors who want to not just meet but exceed their ESG commitments, The Build Chain makes it simple.
Futureproofing procurement in an uncertain market
The construction industry continues to face major challenges, from rising material costs and supply chain disruptions to labour shortages and net zero expectations. In this unpredictable climate, control, flexibility and adaptability are more important than ever.
The Build Chain helps contractors futureproof their procurement strategy by giving them the tools and insights they need to make faster, smarter decisions.
It’s not just about cost savings (although there are plenty of those). It’s about winning more work, building stronger supplier relationships and staying ahead of industry change.
“Manual quote chasing, endless phone calls, and limited supplier options all add up to lost time, missed opportunities, and higher costs.”
It’s time to take control of procurement
For contractors and housebuilders ready to move away from outdated systems and toward a more connected, competitive way of working, The Build Chain offers the clarity, speed and strategic edge needed to thrive.
There’s no longer any reason to put up with clunky processes or limited supplier options. The tools to modernise your procurement – and your entire business – are already here.
So, the question isn’t if contractors should go digital, it’s when.
And the answer? Right now.
*Please note that this is a commercial profile.
The post Why the future of construction procurement belongs to the fast, the flexible and the digital appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
