Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
UK Construction Directory
Search our 146,423 companies....

Construction News

12/10/2012

Building On The Recession

Whilst the debate rages over whether Britain and Europe are in single or double dip depression, one thing is certain: businesses in general and builders in particular are facing very uncertain times.

With banks lending less and the prospect of even tougher austerity measures on the horizon, confidence is at an all time low affecting economic growth and investment.

But is it really that bad in the building trade? One company that doesn’t share the gloom has thrived through good times and bad by helping the building industry secure new business for the past 23 years. Active Planning Leads realised very early on that by concentrating on potential customers who already have the funds but are yet to start their project, the long and time consuming process of prospecting could be dramatically reduced and results substantially improved.

As Managing Director Ian McLean says: "The heart of our system is unique but very simple. We gather extensive data directly from planning offices around the country and, as soon as any new planning application is made, generate detailed information which is extremely valuable to our clients. With literally thousands of applications being made every week ranging from simple installations to complete housing and large mixed developments, there is work enough for just about any building related trade."

-- Advertisement --
hss

The comprehensive planning data is collected and updated daily and published every two weeks. Of course, just handing over a huge list of planning applications would challenge any company but Active Planning Leads bespoke software uses selective processing so that a customer can choose a certain type of work in a given area and receive only relevant information - information that's up to date and a gold mine for anyone looking for building work.

Although a planning application may be made for an extension or refurbishment, ultimately the build may require the services of tradesmen, material suppliers, ground workers, bricklayers, plumbers, carpenters and electricians. But it doesn’t stop there! Roofing, carpets, flooring, bathroom and kitchen installations will be needed as well as painting and decorating, windows, drives and paths and even a garage or conservatory.

"We make the whole process as simple as possible for our clients," Ian explains. "Every two weeks we send them a spreadsheet or address labels so they can target our leads. All they need to do is send each address a suitable letter, mail merged to save time, and offer their services. The letter will reach targeted buyers who have already committed and have the funds. They're just waiting for their applications to be approved. To make things even easier, we can also supply a full mailing and letter writing service if required."

Because the letter is targeted and sent at exactly the right time, the returns are much higher. In fact, individual builders right up to large corporations have used Active Planning Leads as their most effective sales tool year after year.

Not only is the service suitable for every building trade or industry, it’s also cost effective, reliable and proven. Perhaps most importantly of all, it really does work in good times as well as bad.

For more information please contact Active Planning Leads. 08456 448814 or [email protected]

Latest Construction News

24/07/2026
Planning approval has been granted for the redevelopment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (CPNSC), marking a major milestone in securing the long-term future of one of the UK's most significant sporting venues. The decision allows the project to move forward to the next phase, creating
Read More
24/07/2026
Designer Group has been appointed to carry out the mechanical and electrical (M&E) works for the redevelopment of West One in London, a major refurbishment and rebuild located above Bond Street Underground station. Originally developed in the late 1970s, the existing West One Shopping Centre is bei
Read More
24/07/2026
The London Irish Centre has appointed Sisk, one of Ireland and Britain's leading construction firms, as the main contractor for the £36–£38 million transformation of its home at 50–52 Camden Square. Work is due to start in early 2027 and the centre is planned to reopen in Q1 2029, marking a major s
Read More
24/07/2026
Network Rail has confirmed that Botley Road in Oxford will remain closed beyond the end of August, delaying the previously planned reopening agreed when the programme was revised in January 2025 to prioritise getting traffic moving again. During recent drainage excavation for the new road layout, t
Read More
24/07/2026
Network Rail and The Arch Company have agreed a multi-million-pound transaction to transfer a selection of London property assets into Arch Co's ownership, marking a further milestone in their ongoing partnership. The package comprises a mix of railway arches and other investment properties — inclu
Read More
24/07/2026
More than 100 builders came together in Oxfordshire for the FMB's National Conference, which doubled as a milestone celebration of the Federation's 85 years supporting the trade. Staged on 9–10 July at the Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa, the event welcomed 156 delegates for a Business Conference under t
Read More
24/07/2026
Established in 1996, The Access Flooring Company—distinguished from copycat businesses—marks three decades of excellence by reinforcing its position as the UK's premier specialist in raised access flooring, raised floor configurations, and advanced pedestal floor system technologies. Marking its la
Read More
24/07/2026
NFRC is urging members to help shape a new Government strategy for built environment professions, as the sector adjusts to the Building Safety Regime and renewed expectations on competence, professionalism and accountability. NFRC recently took part in a Build UK forum with the Building Professions
Read More
24/07/2026
Fire safety in homes and buildings is under closer scrutiny than ever. Whether you’re replacing a door, adding a glazed screen or partitioning a space, using the correct fire-rated glass is essential. The Glass Shop Online supply certified fire-rated glass and help customers navigate the requiremen
Read More
23/07/2026
Mace Consult has been appointed across six lots of Transport for London's (TfL) Professional Services Framework 3 (PSF3), strengthening a long-running collaboration and positioning the firm as a leading delivery partner on major infrastructure across the capital. Under the framework, Mace Consult w
Read More
BRICOFLOR UKPro Structures LtdLakeside HireRockbond SCP LtdDaniel Keane Architectural TechnologistsCAS Ceilings & InteriorsA1 Grab HireIron Works UK LtdAshdan Consulting LtdChambers Joinery