Alternative building solutions developer Hydraform International held a two-day conference on its business development plan for existing and prospective clients at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, in Boksburg, last month.

Themed ‘Hydraform: Committed to your Journey’, the conference aimed to enhance clients’ knowledge and understanding of the wider business processes involved in running a successful business underpinned by the company’s unique technology.

The conference covered topics, such as how to develop a business plan, what successful marketing entails, how to cost projects correctly and effective human resource management. The conference also addressed a range of industry-related topics including how to reduce operating costs, improve on quality and maintain machinery for optimal output, potential business opportunities in Africa and effective block production management.

“The idea of the conference is to connect existing and prospective clients and guide them on how to run a successful Hydraform business,” sales and marketing director Nazlie Dickson explained.

“The intended outcome of the conference is to improve on quality and efficiency at our clients’ sites and also guide potential clients on how to plan for their Hydraform investment and projects. This is also a great opportunity for like-minded clients to come together, network and maybe even do business together in future,” Dickson commented.

“Hydraform is looking to build closer relationships with its customers through greater support and commitment to their projects. We want to see our customers’ businesses grow from strength to strength.”

Dickson presented at the conference, specifically on the cost structure of a block yard and/or construction business that used Hydraform machinery. She also demonstrated the benefits of the Hydraform Network platform.

Dickson also presented a detailed breakdown on when clients could expect a return on investment – typically within 12 to 15 months, depending primarily on production rates – and demonstrated the significant cost reductions when using the Hydraform solution, compared with using conventional brick and mortar methods.

She said the company could, on request, advise on how to optimise efficiencies to ensure greater profit margins.

“Not everyone wants to run a block production centre – some clients . . . prefer to focus on the construction aspect. In aid of this, Hydraform will accredit client block yards – thus ensuring conformity with company standards and specifications – and facilitate a working relationship between the production centre and the various construction companies or contractors using Hydraform bricks,” said Dickson, adding that this would ensure that brickmakers and end- users benefited from ties to the company.

She also explained that the company did not offer franchise opportunities and that there were no royalty or associated fees. “The company does not ask for a percentage of the profits and the resultant start-ups are not part of the Hydraform brand. Rather, the company provides the tools, training and technical assistance for entrepreneurs to start their own businesses, thus assisting in job creation, community upliftment and the growth of the local economy.”

Dickson concluded that the conference was one of many initiatives by Hydraform to support clients on their journey to brick and block-making business success.