Continuous Improvement
Continuous Improvement
Telephone Questionnaire
April 2008
As an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in customer satisfaction, we have, as a follow up from our newsletter conducted a quick telephone questionnaire to gain honest feedback from our most valued customers.
Results coming soon!
Industry Newsletter
Feb 2008
With our first two pilot issues receiving a very encouraging response, we decided to continue our drive to improve communication with our customers by publishing a third issue of our 'Constructive Dialogue' newsletter.
The articles range from current news at Sibmar to major subjects that are currently influencing the UK construction industry from a contractor’s point of view.
Industry Survey
Dec 2007
As part of our commitment to improving our customer service, we carried out our Annual Customer Survey for 2007 with clients, architects and surveyors across London and the South East.
The questionnaire rates satisfaction levels across a wide variety of areas and measures how each area is rated in terms of importance.
The research enabled us to identify areas where we can further improve the service we provide, and as a result, we have been able to further enhance our understanding of our customers’ ever-changing needs.
We are also very pleased to report that the survey showed a very high level of satisfaction in every area!
Expanding Our Workforce
Nov 2007
With an enormous growth in our business, expanding our workforce further was essential. A number of new team members have been employed and our offices have just under gone further development, providing additional high-tech office space to support all our workers’ needs. By providing a professional environment to work in and encouraging effective employee collaboration, we are able to service our customers' needs efficiently and professionally, whilst also providing a strong platform for us to further expand our operations in the future.
Sibmar Eliminate The Paper Culture
Oct 2007
In line with our environmental policy we are dedicated to reducing paperwork by automating our site communication systems. We have therefore equipped all of our Site Managers with High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), a high-speed broadband protocol that enables them to access, download, share and send large e-mail attachments via their lap top computers. This has helped free up time for the job they do best, managing the site!
At the same time reducing dramatically the amount of paperwork that we produce.
HR Expansion
Feb 2007
Another step towards improving our management of the HR department is the addition of a new senior member to our expanding team. Apart from the usual HR duties of payroll and staff management, our HR department now focuses on improved communications within the company, continuous management of our training and development plan and well structured inductions of every new staff member joining the company even at the most junior level.
The department is now gearing up to apply for the Investors in People standard. Given their systematic proactive approach to HR functions, we believe they are well placed to attain this standard. Their endeavours do not stop here and the latest news is about a company get-together being organised called ‘Sibmar Day’. This will be an annual event which will give us the opportunity to share our knowledge and experiences, brush up on topical issues distribute awards for excellence and generally celebrate our successful teamwork.
CHAS
Jan 2007
The growing popularity of CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) in the construction industry is not the only reason we got ourselves the badge. Although we have always maintained an impeccable health and safety record thanks to our systematic approach towards the subject, we decided to apply for CHAS as it's stringent vetting process provides prospective public and private sector clients with confidence in their chosen contractor as well as clear up-to-date information on accredited companies.
This makes the tender selection process clearer and easier for clients and much more convenient for them to have a clear understanding of the accredited contractor's Health and Safety standards. This surely makes comparison between competing contractors much more efficient and also ensures that all member contractors are carefully audited on a regular basis.
Image Makeover Exercise
Nov 2006
You may have noticed that we have recently had a complete image makeover. This includes change of our logo, a complete revamping of the website and all newly designed marketing and promotional material. This change in marketing strategy is a result of our customer survey carried out earlier this year.
We realised that our old look did not reflect our forward thinking outlook and our advanced knowledge of construction method and techniques. Also, the company has now grown considerably from where it had started 27 years ago and so it was felt the time had come for it to have a new look which truly matches the current personality of Sibmar.
If you have any comments about our re-branding please feel free to write to us at feedback@sibmar.com. We would love to hear from you.
Waste Management Plan
July 2006
We have set up a waste management plan in collaboration with the BRE. We also utilise the SmartWaste system to monitor our EPI’s (Environmental Performance Indicators). This not only helps us manage the effects our work has on the environment, but also helps us save a lot of useful resources.
Training Plan With CITB
June 2006
We have got our annual training plan approved by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). We were assisted by our CITB advisor David Griffiths to produce a document containing details of every one of our employee’s profiles and skills, along with their training plan for this year and beyond. This efficient document also helps us monitor how we are doing on our training goals and whether we are achieving our targets.
Tree Plantation
May 2006
We have started the practice of planting a tree for every piece of feedback received from the client. It is just an excuse to do our bit for the environment: It also helps us to try and maintain the same level of consideration throughout the organisation.
We also think it is a wonderful gift to plant a tree in someone’s name and send them a certificate made out of re-cycled paper. Our environmental partner Trees for Life, have been a great support in this cause.
Industry Survey
Apr 2006
We carried out an extensive customer survey with clients, architects and surveyors all across London and parts of Essex. It not only highlighted feedback regarding Sibmar; it gave us general industry opinion on issues such as accreditations, energy efficiency, MMC and marketing methods adopted by contractors.
This is yet another example of Sibmar making major in-roads in understanding our customers ever-changing needs a little bit better.
Advanced Document Management Equipment
Mar 2006
Our new networked document management system helps us manage all our important documents efficiently. It enables us to maintain an online archive of all our paperwork, instead of printing out reams of paper and filling up shelves. It also makes the whole process of retrieving the required document so much more efficient. And because it also receives and sends emails, we can conveniently print all our drawings in-house.
Knowledge Transfer Partnership
Feb 2006
Sibmar has entered into a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Kingston University. This is a DTI initiative, where medium-sized companies can access the latest knowledge available in our modern universities and then utilise it to improve their businesses. The partnership is about building stronger and more efficient business processes, in order to enable Sibmar to work with a systems-based business model.
Paperless Meetings
Jan 2006
Sibmar has taken a new step to modernise the work processes, while being considerate towards the environment. We have set-up a system where all our meetings take place in the conference room, using a projector and laptop. Not only are the meetings more efficient with everyone being on the same page with discussions, but it also reduces the usual amount of paperwork.
IT Upgrade
Sept 2005
The IT systems were upgraded to meet the need for a faster and efficient network. Now our employees have access to laptops as required, which can be connected to our head office server through VPN access. This allows for flexible working hours and access to files while onsite.
Office Refurbishment
May 2005
The office was refurbished to make it more accessible to people with disabilities, in addition to the overall layout and design being modified on the basis of sound ergonomics. Now every employee is within three metres of at least one copier/fax machine. The layout also encourages easy communication in the office, which in-turn promotes a friendly environment.
Cable Detection Equipment
Mar 2005
We have now got company-owned Cable Avoidance Tools at all our sites, and have trained employees to use them accordingly. Having this service in-house means we no longer need to outsource any more, creating a safer working environment.