An award winning Wiltshire building business is looking to expand thanks to the help of a revolutionary estimating software package.

FMB member Brian Godwin and his wife Pauline, who live in Highworth, have been running their business for the past 10 years building extensions right across the Cotswolds.

But it wasn’t until recently that they came across EstimatorXpress, the estimating software package from HBXL, whilst working on an outstanding renovation of a castle-like project overlooking the Cotswold Water Park in Ashton Keyes. Straight away they realised the potential the software had.

The project itself was nearing completion when the couple decided to give the software a go and the rest, as they say, is history.

Following completion of the building work, which included a series of unique turrets, the property has since won the Category 2 award for a renovation project in the prestigious Master Builder of the Year Awards run by the FMB.

And over the course of four months, the couple have used the software to quote for 13 more projects including new builds, renovations and extensions worth £½ million!

Brian said: “We were absolutely delighted and a bit shocked to be honoured at what is regarded as the most important building awards in the calendar year.

“Despite not being particularly computer literate EstimatorXpress is really easy to use. Basically I give Pauline the measurements and she just types them in. We can now complete an estimate for an extension in an evening and well before Coronation Street starts!

“What it has given us is complete control over the financing of a project. Before we were paying £150 per job to a quantity surveyor so we’ve already saved around £2,000 back on the 13 new projects.

“In addition, the software gives us real flexibility when printing a breakdown of costs and gives us control over the amount of detail we provide to a customer.”

For Pauline, who looks after all quotes for the business, purchasing EstimatorXpress was the best business decision they had ever made.

Pauline said: “The software enables us to get our quotes out a lot quicker and has really impressed the clients. By presenting so much detail we can position the company as one that is at the forefront of new technology.

“In addition we’ve been able to take hold of the financial reins, which has made a huge difference to the business. Everything is at your fingertips and the detailed building drawings makes inputting the dimensions so easy, even for me!

“As a result, turnover has increased by 50% and we’re now looking to expand by taking on more people.

But it’s not only a growing business that beckons for the Godwins, but fame as well, for Brian has been approached to help out on a project that is set to appear on The Discovery Channel!

Brian added: “Since winning the award, we’ve been asked to help out on a project that requires specialist stone work. As it’s an area we cover, it looks like we’ll be on the small screen sometime soon!”

Click here for further information on EstimatorXpress or alternatively call the HBXL Sales Team on 0870 850 2444.

Issued on behalf of HBXL by Martin Powell Communications. For further information contact Laurence Phillips on T: 01275 394400 or e-mail laurence@martin-powell.com