Expert Hub

All your questions answered

Article
The construction industry is struggling, but are things getting better?

It’s no secret that things in the construction industry at this moment in time are not in the best of health. There’s hardship everywhere you look and unfortunately, it’s a very difficult time for many.   At some point, there will be a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, but the question on the lips of many is when is that light going to start to become brighter?  In this article, we will look at the current state of the construction industry and analyse where potential shoots of positivity could come from in the remainder of the year.  What’s actually happening at present?  The picture is a somewhat bleak one, with construction companies folding at the highest rate in a decade, according to the Financial Times.  According to the government’s Insolvency Service, 4,280 companies in construction went under between June 2022 and 2023, which was 16.5% more than the previous year.   The picture didn’t improve for the rest of 2023, with it being reported by insolvency practitioner Begbies Traynor in January 2024 that 7,849 firms were at risk of collapse.  That report from Begbies Traynor also highlighted that construction was the number one industry under significant financial distress.  Is there any positivity on the horizon?  The good news is yes, although it may still be a harsh ride until the end of the year. Currie & Brown have recently published their April 2004 UK construction market outlook and there are positive signs ahead.  They are forecasting that there should be an increase in construction activity, although there is a risk this “could strain the current limited labour and contracting resources.”  As such, they are hoping for a more staggered approach instead of “a synchronised rush where everyone pursues projects simultaneously.”  In addition, they believe that despite the slowdown, there is ample long-term demand and they feel that companies who can position themselves strategically will be best placed to deal with the spike.   The upturn isn’t just predicted by Currie & Brown, either. S&P Global believes that a painful six month period of decline is now over, as March 2024 saw the strongest increase in new orders since May 2023.   This is especially encouraging as it has shown that a period of growth is coming to the construction industry, which is really important.   The Glenigan Index isn’t quite as optimistic in the short-term, but does believe non-residential construction is showing signs of life, which is good.   Reasons to be hopeful  The Currie & Brown report is certainly a ray of sunshine amidst an otherwise cloudy backdrop and a much-needed one at that.   Naturally, there is still a long way to go, as per the Glenigan Index, but the S&P Global insight was especially positive.   As outlined in this article, we understand that things are very tough for everyone at present – whether you’re a small firm or a nationwide giant. If you have any concerns that we may be able to help with, feel free to get in touch with us. You can do so here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
How a speedy supplier can improve your supply chain

The famous saying “slow and steady wins the race” certainly is true in some aspects and when it comes to a project, you can’t rush quality. However, it doesn’t always apply.   This is especially the case when you need service from your supplier quickly – be it getting a quote, making an order or receiving a delivery.  In this article, we will explain just why speed from your supplier matters and how it can make your life a whole lot easier.  More time to prioritise the things that matter  With a speedy supplier, everything falls into place much easier. You aren’t spending your day waiting around for a quote, you aren’t falling behind schedule because your deliveries are late and you can order what you need within seconds.   This allows you time to solve other issues and to focus on the things that really matter on your projects, whatever they may be.   Irrespective of what project you’re working on, being efficient helps significantly and if you can find a way to ensure that with your supplier, it all helps.   Speaking of help, what can Multifix do when it comes to speed?  Speed is one of the things prioritise so much at Multifix – and especially prioritising it while not compromising on our reliability or quality of service as a result.   For example, we’ve worked especially hard to be in a position where we can guarantee that you’ll have a quote back within half an hour.  In addition, should you be on our customer portal, it’s possible to make an order within 30 seconds. Everything on the portal is aimed at your convenience and that includes speed.   As for deliveries, 75% of our deliveries are on-site before 12pm midday. In some cases, we’ve been able to have goods ready before site work even starts.   When it comes to making your life easier, these are things we’ve found really help.   Rapid resolutions  We know how much speed can make an impact on your lives and your work projects, so that is one that will always remain one of our core customer values.   One aspect of our speedy service is our delivery though, which we are delighted to say has a 99.3% success rate. To find out exactly where we deliver to, click here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Video
Customer Portal overview - top features that will help your business

In this video, you will get an idea of what the top features are on the Multifix Customer Portal, in view of you understanding what you can do to get the maximum out of your portal account. Guides are here: https://multifixuk.com/expert_hub/portal-onboarding If you are unsure as to what user you are, see here: https://youtu.be/a8aaywvVmfs

Read more → 2 min watch
Video
Meet the brickwork team!

When you need an order placed, have a query or just getting started on your journey with Multifix, this video will help you understand the role in the brickwork team and who you need to speak to! Contact Darryl | E: [email protected] | M: 07848 459595 Contact Christian | E: [email protected] | M: 07841 513 687 To get your quote/place an order call sales: 0203 248 4086 or email: [email protected]

Read more → 1 min watch
Article
I don’t have time – what do I need to know about Multifix?

We get it, you might not have time to hear us out properly. So here’s a super quick run-through of what we can offer you: - Fast and reliable delivery service – 99.3% success rate, 75% arrive before midday, next-day delivery as standard and your order can be live-tracked - Quality products, whatever you need – whether you’re in carpentry, brickwork or firestopping, we supply products from some of the best brands on the market - Expert staff – our team members have many years of experience behind them, so you’ll always be speaking to someone knowledgeable  - A personal touch – we remember your name, you get a call before delivery and we strive to give you a quote in 30 minutes - Customer portal – power to order in seconds, have proof of deliveries and invoices in one place, set up requisitions and impose spending limits  If you wish to find out more about any of these, give us a quick call and we’ll answer your queries. You can find out how to contact us here.  Sounds interesting? To see what else we can offer you, watch this video to find out more.  

Read more → 1 min read
Article
How can Multifix prove that they can give expert advice?

One thing that you’ll often see companies claim is that their staff members are experts in their field and that they’re extremely knowledgeable.  However, that isn’t always the case and it can be annoying for you to ring up a supplier, place an order and not get what you want, due to a lack of knowledge or experience.   At Multifix, we’re incredibly proud of the expertise within our team and we frequently make mention of it. But how can we prove that to you, especially if you’re someone who hasn’t used us before?  In this article, we will explore why we say what we do and how we can back up the claims that we make.   Staff with years of experience  When people join Multifix, they tend to stay. As an example, all of our account managers and customer service specialists have been with the company for several years – some of whom have been with us for over a decade.  Naturally, this is huge testament to the great work they do and the environment they’ve helped to create, but along the way, they’ve gained more and more experience and knowledge within their roles.  As such, when you speak to them, you can be assured that you’re speaking to an expert and that they’ll be able to handle your query with confidence.   Regular training   It’s no secret that things change in construction – whether it’s new regulations, new products or new technologies and it’s important to us that we keep our eye on the ball.   That’s why we frequently have training sessions for our staff, so that they are well versed with new developments, as and when they arise.   We’re more than happy to welcome in external experts to pass on their knowledge to our team, so that they are better equipped to take your query.  We see things first-hand  Another thing we do at Multifix is that we frequently go out on the road to see our customers and to see how they’re doing with their projects.  This is great for a number of reasons – not only can we see how things are going and whether our customers are satisfied with our service, but we can gain a better understanding of what you need from us when we’re out in the field.   These experiences help us immeasurably and speaking to you to find out what your key issues are and how they can be prevented has also allowed us to become more knowledgeable to handle your questions.   Sticking to our word  As with every form of life, your word should be your bond and that’s very much the case with us. When we say that we have a team of experts ready to take your query, we really mean it.   Our entire operation is built around doing what is best for you and that includes having extremely knowledgeable staff members to assist you wherever they can.   To find out more about how we can help you, please feel free to get in touch with us. You can do so by following this link.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
Does Multifix offer 60-day payment terms?

At Multifix, we have always been very open with our payment terms, which are 30 days net EOM and this applies whether you’re buying with us for the first time or have been with us for years.   However, some of you have asked whether we extend that limit or are able to extend it – namely to the tune of 60 days.   The answer to this question is yes we do, but we don’t offer it as standard. In this article, we will explain why this is the case and when and how 60-day terms can be acquired.   What does Multifix offer as standard?  As mentioned above, our standard payment terms are 30 days net EOM. This means that customers have 30 days to pay off their balance with us.  We do this because we understand the construction industry can be difficult at times and goalposts can be moved without warning for contractors.  As such, having the buy now pay later scheme in place is beneficial for our customers and it allows us to offer the best possible service we can to you.   How can I get 60-day payment terms?  If you wish to explore extending your payment terms with us, you need to put a request in with us in writing so that we can action it.   This would also need to be made clear to us before you order, so we can have everything ready in place accordingly.   Once we have your request, we can assess whether we can action it and then we’ll let you know very quickly whether we can do so or not.   Being flexible  As we said earlier, we understand that sometimes things move unexpectedly and you can be caught cold in construction, which can be a very stressful experience.   If we can help this by giving you 60-day terms when needed, then we will do all we can to make sure that we can make this happen for you.   If you would like to contact us to see if we can provide this for an upcoming order, you can get in touch with us here. 

Read more → 2 min read
Article
Solutions for high-rise buildings that Multifix provides

When constructing high-rise buildings, there is a lot of thought that goes into it and the products that are used must be of outstanding quality.   In this article, we will outline some of the quality solutions that we have available for you when it comes to high-rise construction and how they can help you.   Ancon channel system and ties  First up are the Ancon channel system and ties. The channel system has been designed to tie a masonry leaf to either steel, timber or concrete frames through a layer of insulation, while the ties work with the channel when tying outer brickwork to the existing frame.   The channel system is available in 2700mm lengths, with each pack containing 10 lengths. Whether you’re using concrete screws or high-thread self-drilling screws, it can be affixed to brickwork.  The channel system also features alternate 5.3mm and 9.5mm diameter holes. This is so that both fixing types and a 16mm opening can accept a drive socket.  You can see the channel system here, while the channel ties can be found here.  Visqueen non-combustible DPC   Visqueen’s non-combustible DPC is hugely popular and it’s easy to see why. It is a 0.6mm composite DPC and cavity tray system, which is supplied in 20m length rolls.  It is available in 300mm, 450mm, 500mm, 600mm, 700mm, 800mm and 900mm widths, while should you need special 100mm and 150mm widths, these are also available.   It is incredibly strong and very difficult to tear, while it is also A2 – s1, d0 and BS EN 13501-1:2018 fire-certified, making it compliant with UK Building Regulations.   The upper surface of the DPC is red, which allows installers to understand orientation, so towards the direction of moisture penetration.   The Visqueen non-combustible DPC is available via special request and has a three-to-five-day lead time, so if you would like to order, you can do so by getting in contact with us.   Timloc non-combustible weep vents  Weep vents are important and the Timloc non-combustible ones that we stock are of great use for those working on high-rise projects.  The Timloc weep vent allows the cavity to drain freely without obstruction and is diecast in A1 fire-rated metal, in addition to being coated by a two-part electroplated coating.   The weep vents are very quick and easy to position and are basically invisible within the mortal joint, so they won’t detract at all from the brickwork appearance. They also come in a pack of 50.  To see our Timloc non-combustible metal weep vents, click here.   ARC fire stop slabs  Providing up to three hours of fire integrity, the ARC fire stop slabs can be fitted either horizontally or vertically within external masonry walls and are manufactured from non-combustible rockfibre mineral wool insulation.  This offers up to three hours of fire integrity, while the fire stop slabs are also foil-faced, which provides a smoke barrier. They can also suit cavity widths of up to 450mm.   The fire stop slabs can either be cut to size on site, or can be factory finished, while they are also third-party certificated by IFC.   Much like the Visqueen non-combustible DPC, the ARC fire stop slabs are available by special request and have a three-to-five-day lead time, so please feel free to contact us to find out more.   The best for the job at hand  At Multifix, we want you to have the best materials and products possible for your work with high-rise projects.  In addition to the four solutions mentioned, we have a very comprehensive range that can cater your needs, which includes Visqueen Zedex Non-Combustible Flexi Preformed Units, otherwise known as flexicorners. You can find out more about those here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
What does it mean to be FORS credited?

One thing you may have seen us shout about is that we have FORS silver accreditation for our fleet of vans, which we have achieved for a few years now.   But what does it mean? And more importantly, what does it mean to you? Does it make much difference to your delivery service?  In this article, we will explain why it’s so valuable to us and why it’s of benefit to you and offers you peace of mind when choosing us as your supplier.   First, what is FORS?  FORS stands for Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, which does what it can to set the standard for safer, smarter and greener road transport operations.   FORS, which is a voluntary accreditation program, gives companies a framework and sets benchmarks for them to help operators boost performance in environmental impact, safety and operational efficiency.   Being with FORS allows you to have further training, to put in place safer working practices and to commit to higher standards as a company.   So if you’re Silver-rated, what does that mean?  FORS have three ratings; bronze, silver and gold, with gold being the top. To achieve these ratings, lots of things have to be put into place to ensure you achieve them.   By having Silver accreditation though, FORS believe that “you employ good practice and comply with the requirements laid out by the FORS Standard.”  It also means that we’ve added some additional safety measures to our fleet, too. These include cameras and proximity sensors.   What does that mean for me, though?  For you, it means that when you order with Multifix, you can rest assured that our fleet and drivers have been proven to be safe, well-trained and efficient by an independent regulator.   It means that you can order with us knowing that your delivery will be reliable and that the route planning for it to get to you will be done with care and diligence.   Pushing for more  Having Silver accreditation from FORS is a huge badge of honour for us, but we aren’t content with just settling. In accordance with FORS requirements, we are always looking at ways we can improve.  Our Multifix fleet of vans go all over the country carrying valuable goods for projects. To see where they deliver to, click here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Article
Visqueen Zedex Non-Combustible Flexi Preformed Units: What are they? And do Multifix stock them?

One common question that we get asked by Brickwork Contractors is whether we stock Visqueen Zedex Non-Combustible Flexi Preformed Units, otherwise known as flexicorners.   The answer to that question is that you can purchase them through us, but as they’re a bespoke product, they’re not something we hold in stock.   As such, the ordering process is a little different. In this article, we’ll explain how to purchase them through Multifix and also what makes flexicorners so valuable.   Firstly, what are these flexicorners?   Flexicorners are manufactured from non-combustible DPC and are 90-degree corner units that can be used both internally and externally. They also have a 150mm vertical rise and a 100mm vertical fixing flange.  In addition, if a flexicorner has been incorporated into a brickwork outer leaf, each unit is suitable for a cavity width of up to 50mm.  Otherwise, they are available for cavity width ranges 40-100mm, 100-150mm, 150-200mm, 200-250mm and 250-300mm.  How can I order a flexicorner from Multifix?  As mentioned earlier, flexicorners are bespoke products, so there’s a different process before we can supply them to you.   First, we would need the drawings involved with the project to understand the product dimensions that you need and to enable us to provide you with an accurate quote.   The lead time for bespoke flexicorners is five to seven days from quote approval, depending on the size of the flexicorner or the quantity.  What other benefits do flexicorners have?  The flexicorners have a host of other features, which make them valuable assets for brickwork specialists. They are compliant with UK Building Regulations for fire safety and are A2 – S1, d0 and BS EN 13501-1:2018 certified.  They are also off-site factory manufactured, which reduces the risk of any water ingress, while they also provide an allowance for any site tolerances.   Most importantly though, they are part of the Visqueen Zedex Non-Combustible DPC System, which means they can be used in residential dwellings, in addition to low-rise and multi-storey residential public, commercial and industry developments with a masonry inner leaf.  Giving you the best tools for the job   Product quality is something that we insist on at Multifix as, where possible, we want to give you the best tools and the best products for the job.   With the Visqueen flexicorners, we believe we have that and we are more than happy to supply you with them for your projects and needs.   If you would like to speak to a member of our expert team about the flexicorners or to put the wheels in motion for an order, you can contact us here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Article
How the Multifix customer portal is the management tool you need

A common misconception regarding the Multifix customer portal is that it is only for placing orders. It’s great for doing that, but that’s just one of its features.   In fact, the portal can help you greatly from a management perspective and really help you save a lot of time in the process, with a lot of valuable information readily available.   In this article, we will go through three of the ways that it can be the management tool that you need, thanks to some of its features.   You can track your order and get an accurate ETA  Once you’ve made an order of anything, all you want to know is when is it going to turn up. Construction is no different, but finding out can be a bit of a faff.   However, with the customer portal, finding out is incredibly easy. With a few clicks, you can see exactly when your delivery is going to turn up and can plan accordingly.   All you have to do is click on the van icon by your order under the Despatched tab and you’ll get a screen giving you an ETA and a delivery progress bar.   It’s worth noting that you do not need to have placed an order on the portal to have access to this feature. Getting an ETA will be available to you, no matter how you order.   Of course, if something happens on the road, you can also see that and factor it in. You also have the option to live track our drivers, so you can see exactly where your delivery is!  Our drivers will still call you 10 minutes before they’re due to arrive to give you a heads up, but knowing when they’re set to arrive can be a huge help.  To see how to track your order, you can watch a short video on how to do so here.   You can access proof of deliveries and invoices  Searching for a proof of delivery to check an invoice can be hugely frustrating and time-consuming, but the portal has something in place to help with that.   With the portal, you can access all your proof of deliveries (PODs) and invoices with relative ease, containing all the information that you need.   Through the portal, you can either download a PDF copy of either a POD or an invoice, or you can print off a copy straight away.   While you still may need to print off copies for your records, it won’t be a disaster if you lose one, as you can download as many copies as you need from the portal.   You can see how to do so by watching this video.  You can set up spending limits   There’s a lot to juggle in a managerial role and that can be difficult to stay on top of, but the portal can be of a huge help to you in that regard.   One way of doing so is setting up spending limits, which can help improve cost control, mitigate risks and stop impulse purchasing.   Through the portal, you can put spending limits on your account, which gives you a great deal of control from a managerial perspective, while also reducing unnecessary spending.   Having that element of control as a manager can only be a good thing and is something that the portal can provide with very little fuss.  To find out how to set up spending limits, click here for a video explanation.   Making your day-to-day easier   One of the main reasons we created the portal is because we wanted to make things easier for you – to save you time and to make things more efficient.   We fully accept that some people don’t wish to use the portal for ordering and that’s fine. We understand it isn’t for everyone and we wouldn’t want to put a barrier in the way of your great relationships with our team.   However, we do believe in its ability to be an outstanding managerial tool and the three reasons listed are perfect proof of that.   If you would like to find out more on how the customer portal can help you, read this article on how it can make your life easier.  

Read more → 4 min read
Article
Do I get a dedicated team if I work with Multifix?

Taking the decision to work with Multifix is one that we hope will be very beneficial and productive for you. That is certainly what we will strive to deliver for you, as standard.   But aside from our reliable delivery service and extensive range of products, what do you actually get by having Multifix as a supplier? More specifically, do you get a team that will work with you to achieve your goals?  In this article, we will explain the type of support that you get from us when you join Multifix and highlight what team environment you can expect to find yourself in.   So what happens when I decide to work with Multifix?  Regardless of whether you’re in Carpentry, Brickwork or a Fire Stopping Contractor, you will be given a team to support you when you join Multifix.   This consists of a Customer Service Specialist, an Account Manager and a Business Development Lead.   All three of these people will be working with you to make sure that you get the very most out of your Multifix partnership and will be on hand to answer any query you have.   Your first point of contact would be the Business Development Lead, who will sort out your prices for you and deal with any issues you may have when you onboard with us.   After that, the Account Manager will be your point of contact for anything more technical or for any enquiries that you may have.  Finally, if you need to order something and you aren’t using the portal, then your best point of contact will be the Customer Service Specialist.   The only sector this is different for is if you’re a Fire Stopping Contractor, in which case you’ll have the services of an Account Manager and a Customer Service Specialist at your disposal.   Experts to cover all bases  The reason why we share the load between multiple people is for a few reasons, but mainly so that you aren’t just limited to one person for all your queries.  If you only had one point of contact, they could be on another call, away from their desk, ill or on holiday, which would leave you somewhat stuck as a customer.  We don’t want that for you, so we give you multiple points of contact, all of whom can help you beyond their specialist roles if the need arises.   We’re proud to have a number of knowledgeable experts within our team and having access to three of them at any point can boost efficiency.   Putting you first  One of the core principles of the company is to treat our customers with the utmost respect. We like to have strong relationships with our customers, including being on first-name terms, as we feel this is more personal.   By assigning you with a team of three keen to help and informative experts, we feel this goes a long way to securing that, in addition to giving you everything you need.   If you would like to speak to us about working with Multifix, we’d love to take your call or email. You can find out how to get in touch with us here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
Delivery and collection – what we offer

When it comes to work, convenience is a huge aspect. There are naturally things you can’t control, but everyone tries to make what they can control convenient.   That applies to ordering as well, as while that process can be as convenient as possible, how you receive it may not.   That is why we have both delivery and collection options available, but which is best for you? And how quickly can we turn things around? In this article, we’ll seek to clear up everything you need to know about delivery or collection.   What delivery options do I have available?  Depending on where you’re located in the UK, our method of delivery varies, If you are inside our geographic area, then it will be our own vans that deliver your goods.  We are very proud to offer a reliable delivery service, with 75% of deliveries arriving before midday. In addition, we also offer next-day delivery, to help you get what you need faster.    You can see where we deliver to here, but please note that we are always looking at ways in which we can expand our geographic reach. As such, keep an eye on that link as we will put any changes there.    Our drivers will give you a call when they are 10 minutes out and will also insist on a signature upon arrival to sign over the goods. They will also take a photo of the items when they have been successfully delivered, as proof of delivery.   In addition, via our customer portal, you can live-track your delivery. This will give you a rough estimated time of arrival, so you can plan your day accordingly.   If you are out of our own-van delivery area, then we will still ensure your goods are reliably delivered to you, as we have partnered with a pallet network. This will also be live-tracked and the pallet drivers do normally call in advance like our own drivers do, however this isn’t something we can guarantee.  What happens if I want to collect my items?  If you wish to collect your items, that is absolutely fine. In fact, if you are able to do so and you are based in London, this is possibly a more effective way of getting what you need, especially if you’re in a hurry.   The address for our warehouse is Trinity House, 111 River Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 0EG.   In order to do this though, it is best to get in touch with us over the phone, even if you order via the portal. On the portal, it’s possible to set your sender address as the Multifix warehouse, which immediately alerts our customer service team so they can make it a click and collect order.   However, it’s best to still get in touch over the phone, so that we can best guide you. We don’t want you turning up and waiting for a while, because the wait is determined by what you’ve ordered.   Generally speaking though, we can have most orders ready and processed for you an hour after you hang up the phone with us. Naturally, if it’s a large order, it may take a bit longer to collate.  When you arrive at the warehouse, there is a signposted collection point for you to go to. This is located by the side shutter with the ramp. When you get there, someone will be on hand to take your query.   Determining what’s best for you  Ultimately, it’s about convenience for you. If you’re passing through or live nearby, it may be better to come and collect.   However, you may not have time to do so, even if you do live nearby. In this instance, delivery will be your best bet. What’s important to us though is that you have the option to do either.   If you would like to get in contact with us at Multifix to discuss either delivery or collection, you can do so by clicking this link.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
Just how much impact has Brexit had on UK construction?

It’s been nearly a decade since the British public made the decision to leave the European Union and we continue to feel the impact of that every day.   In terms of industry though, the UK construction industry has certainly had some notable changes since the referendum, which have brought their own challenges.   In this article, we will take a look at how things have changed since the vote in 2016 and how those changes impact the UK construction sector.   Construction costs have shot up  Things have gotten a lot more expensive for people in UK construction since the decision to leave the EU and at an alarming rate, too.   As reported by The Guardian, data analysis from both the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Eurostat, the central EU database, showed that the cost of materials, including steel, cement and timber, rocketed up by 60% between 2015 and 2022.   Rising costs affected everybody in Europe, be it from the Covid-19 pandemic or general supply chain problems, but the UK was stung the most. For context, in the same period, the average rise for EU countries was 35%  The reason for the 25% increase compared to the average rise across EU countries comes down to things like added costs, admin or bureaucracy and it is smaller firms who will feel the pinch a lot more.   Across the same time period and according to the same data analysis, the cost of labour also soared – in the UK, it rose by 30%.  This is also significantly more than other EU countries. For comparison, Denmark and the Netherlands saw their cost of labour rise by 14%.   There’s been a notable shortfall in the UK labour force  It has been estimated by a thinktank that 330,000 people have left the UK labour force since Brexit, which includes the construction industry.   As a result, the situation has gotten pretty dire – so much so, that in July 2023, the UK government relaxed visa rules for foreign builders to try and combat this.   Jobs such as bricklaying, carpentry, roofing and plastering, amongst other construction jobs, were all added to the ‘shortage occupation list’, which offers a huge incentive to those from abroad.   If you have a job role on the shortage occupation list, you are eligible for 80% pay in addition to a skilled worker visa and a lower application fee, assuming you have a sponsored job offer and can speak English.   As per UK law, employers are allowed to offer 80% to EU migrants instead of the full 100% they’d have to pay domestic citizens, if they are filling a job listed on the shortage occupation list.   Construction worker shortages have always been problematic, but not quite on the post-Brexit level. Since Brexit, EU workers need a visa to work in the UK, which became a major issue after Covid-19, when a lot of EU construction workers returned home.  The change will no doubt help with the dwindling figures, which is great for the construction industry.   Making the most out of challenging circumstances  The construction industry, perhaps more so than any other industry in the UK, has always found a way to be resilient in the face of adversity. It is determined, dogged and strong.   In a post-Brexit world, that is no different. The challenges are very much real and have a big impact, but those in UK construction still find a way to deal with it as best they can and bounce back.   If you would like to read more articles on construction, you can find several – in addition to videos – on our Expert Hub. You can find that here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
Apprenticeships at Multifix – the story from those involved

Cameron Duke, our Accounts Apprentice, is currently undertaking an AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 2 in Accounting and has opened up about his experiences with the scheme.   How did the apprentice opportunity open up for you at Multifix?  I was at school looking for apprentice opportunities to progress in accounting and after looking at multiple websites, I noticed there was a listing for an apprentice scheme in the course I was looking to take. After that, things went from there!  What made you go for an apprenticeship instead of going to college or university?  I spoke to family members that are in an accounting role, so my uncle is a taxation specialist, while my nan and my aunt both work in accounting or finance related roles. They advised the course to take and to go through work experience as it’s more valuable than going to university.  With the courses I will partake in, I’ll come out with the same qualification that I’d have received going to university by the time I’m 21, which will hopefully be a chartership in accounting through the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), or the CTA (Chartered Tax Adviser).  I’ll also have no debt and I’d have six years’ worth of work experience with the same relevant qualifications.   How do you find juggling your coursework and your actual work?  It’s fine, it can be tricky at times with what’s needed from the course as it requires a lot of time and effort, but luckily I have day release once a week, which lets me focus solely on that coursework.   Multifix don’t have to do this, but they do so to try and better the course for me.   You mentioned the day release, but how else do Multifix support you on your scheme?  They fund the course and they provide the work alongside it, too. For the ACCA and CTA, which are the chartership courses I’ll look to partake in, you need three years of work experience in an accounting or finance-related role, so that helps a lot towards that.   How have you found the exams?  They’re manageable, but the pass rates do differ. I’ve passed all the exams I’ve sat and the most recent one, which was a costing exam, I achieved 95%. Overall, I’m working towards a distinction, so all is going well.   What are your personal aspirations from the apprentice scheme? The experience and knowledge can then lead to me working in practice and hopefully, I’ll eventually own my own practice. I’d love to have my own firm specialising in both taxation and audits and insurance.  What advice would you give to anyone looking for an apprenticeship?  From my own personal experience, I’ve generally found it easy to balance studying with my work. I think it has been the right choice for me, but I think people should do what’s best for them and go for it if it’s of interest to them.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
Large orders v small orders – what’s better?

As people, we are prone to falling into a convenience financial trap. 30% of us, according to YouGov, are likely to prioritise a monthly payment for a service rather than paying up front, for example.   It makes sense, to some extent. Whether it’s car insurance or streaming services, it’s less noticeable for your bank account to see a small fee go out than a large one, even if you end up paying more across a year.   However, this can translate into other buying habits, too. This is especially the case when it comes to ordering what we need as and when, instead of forward planning.   But is it better to forward plan and get a large order in? Or does it make more sense to get things as and when you need them?  In this article, we will look at both options and what their respective pros and cons are.   What are the pros of ordering as and when?  The main pro to ordering as and when is the convenience aspect. If you just know what you need, you can get that without really needing to think of much else, other than getting the project done.   This also requires minimal effort, as it’s just a case of sourcing exactly what you need rather than mapping out what else you could need for a future project.   However, while you end up getting what you require, that’s about as far as the pros go when it comes to ordering as and when.   So what are the cons then?  The cons of only ordering what you need, more often than not, means that you end up placing multiple orders, when just one would’ve done.   This has a financial cost as well, as the cost of multiple invoices is going to be more than just one invoice. One £500 order will be a cheaper order to process than 10 £50 orders, even though the initial outlay is more.  As such, while the initial outlay might not seem too bad, there is a notable knock-on effect if you’re making several small orders. Additionally, depending on where you are ordering from, you may have to pay a carrier charge if your order cost is under the minimum order threshold.   What about bulk buying? What are the pros for that?  With bulk buying, you can forward plan much easier, as you will have everything you need. You order it all once, then it’s done and you don’t have to worry about it.   It also saves you money as it’s only one order to process, while it also saves you time in a sense as it’s only one delivery to factor in your day as well.   In that sense, it’s arguably more convenient to bulk buy than it is to get things as and when, because once it’s done, it’s done.   Are there any cons, though?  One of the reasons why we order as and when is because we have little time. When you bulk buy, you need to allocate some time so you can work out exactly what you need to order.   Finding this time can be problematic for some, even if the results are ultimately very good, so this can be a concern.   Also, with a big bulk order, you may have to factor into account who is going to take the items and store them away. You may need to take employees away from their tasks for a few minutes to assist.  In addition, a lack of storage on site can be a problem for some.   Deciding what’s best for you  In our opinion, we believe that bulk buying is a better option out of the two. It sets you up for longer, is only one order to process and leaves you more organised.   It also wards off the possibility of delivery fees and while there may need to be a group effort to itemise everything, it’s worth it.   However, ultimately it depends on what is best for you and your business. Maybe you prefer ordering as and when because it’s more convenient for you, but that of course comes with costs in processing multiple orders.   But, if that works for you and continues to do so, then that can only be a good thing. It’s certainly worth factoring in the benefits of bulk buying, though.   If you would like to speak to a member of our staff about as and when ordering or bulk buying, you can get in touch with us here.  

Read more → 4 min read
Article
What’s the true cost to your business of placing multiple orders?

Whether you’re buying for yourself or whether it’s on behalf of a business, it’s essential to extract the most from your purchases.   This is why the topic of ordering is always one for discussion as, depending on how you process it, it can vary in total cost.   We are frequently asked about what the average cost of an order is, but that’s a little difficult for us to answer.   The reason why it’s difficult is that there are a few variables to consider, but on average, the cost of processing an order in the UK ranges between £4 and £25.   That is according to research from the Hackett Group and from Gartner, as per Process Flows, which should give you some idea. However, the general go-to figure for the cost of an order is £50.   But why is it that much? Why does it vary so much? And how expensive can an invoice be?  £4 to £25? £50? Why is that average so different and why is the go-to fee much higher? The short answer is that the cost of actually processing an order varies from business to business, as some will go about it completely differently than others.   Some may do it manually, which can pose a whole heap of challenges, while others may use automation to process their orders.   Automation is by no means 100% risk-free, but it certainly cuts down on human error and can save time for others elsewhere.   Manual ordering can also slow things down, as bits of paper can physically be left somewhere for ages without actually being processed. This also has a cost as it can run the risk of a late payment.   What is even considered when it comes to working out an order cost? Things like payment fees, the total cost of the software involved (if there is any), the full cost of the headcount, staff time, whether it’s late or on bad supplier terms, as well as processes.   All of these things are factored in when getting an average estimate of what processing an order actually costs.   You also have to factor in things like accommodation, heating and lighting, which all sounds rather odd, but literally every part of the ordering process has to be priced up.    How to reduce the cost of ordering  Some of this cost can be offset by planning ahead and placing larger orders, which may be more of an outlay initially, but could save more down the line.  For instance, one £500 order will be a cheaper order to process than 10 x £50 orders, even though the initial outlay is more.   You can find out more about the pros and cons of larger orders vs smaller orders here, but as it is just the one order, there is a lot less to factor in to the overall cost.   What else might help?  One thing we have at Multifix to help streamline the buying process is our customer portal, which can make an impact thanks to the speed of it.  All of the important information, such as proof of delivery, invoice etc, can all be found in one place as such. To find out more about the Portal and how it can help you, click here.   Furthermore, if you would like to speak to a member of our team to discuss invoices or the Portal further, you can get in touch with us by following this link.

Read more → 3 min read
← Previous 1 3 4

If you haven't seen what you need, an expert will help
you find the solution you need.