Although the economy is slowly but steadily climbing our way clear of recession, many businesses remain nervous about long-term financial commitment and continue to adapt low risk growth strategies. Growth however often goes hand in hand with investment. Whether organic, seasonal or contract specific, growth often requires additional space either on-site or off-site for handling and storage. No one can afford to turn away from lucrative business opportunities but few want to risk long-term capital expenditure either. So how do you expand your operation, capitalise on growth whilst keeping investment to a minimum?
Temporary buildings - a fast and low cost solution
To solve this dilemma many businesses are using temporary buildings to expand their on-site operational and storage capacity. Not only do they keep investment low, but the turnaround time is very fast (just days to transport and build) creating the potential for a fast and healthy return that can then be ploughed back into the business.
Temporary buildings are engineered using an industrial grade aluminium frame and a range of wall and roof systems which add varying degrees of insulation - from open canopies through to chilled storage units. Many of the benefits come from this modular frame which is lightweight but extremely strong and durable. The lightweight qualities enable easy transportation and an installation time of literally days and as no foundations are needed on level hard standing - keeping costs, time and disruption to an absolute minimum.
On the flip side, strength and durability combined with compliance to the required British Standard for structural safety means these buildings can be used indefinitely and as an alternative to a permanent building - ensuring huge savings, no long-term financial commitment and minimal risk. Sounds good, but what if growth declines and the space is no longer needed? No business wants to be ploughing resources into unused dead space.
Flexibility of temporary buildings
This is where temporary buildings really come into their own as they are available on hire contracts as well as purchase. The unique construction technique of anchoring buildings down to level hard standing means dismantling and returning to the supplier or relocating to another site is a fast and simple process that leaves little evidence of the buildings existence in the first place. It is this technique that allows the hire options; something which enhances the low risk benefit and allows them to literally expand and contract their operation in line with demand.
UK wide businesses that have ongoing long-term requirements for new facilities often choose temporary buildings over permanent structures as a business strategy. Typically they are used for additional storage, warehousing, loading space or production areas, temporary buildings are widely used by manufacturers, logistics companies, waste and wholesale businesses.
For many of these sectors, the ability to quickly capitalise on growth opportunities whilst keeping tight control of costs and risk is essential to remain competitive and successful. If additional space is part of their growth strategy then a temporary building can go a long way to achieving the kind of improvements and profits that are typically associated with prosperity.
Boothby Fanshawe is the author of this article on temporary building. Find more information, about temporary buildings here
