Following a spate of high profile insolvencies last year, it is heartening to see news that Structure Tone, a specialist fit out and refurbishment firm based in London, is reporting a £1.28m pre-tax profit, particularly when they reported a £130,000 loss the previous year. This is proof if ever it was needed that perseverance and professionalism will win out over pressure and pessimism. 

Who is Structure Tone?

Structure Tone is a subsidiary of the American STO Building Group, which turns over more than $10Bn per annum and is one of the largest construction contractors in the country. UK-based Structure Tone delivers workplace fit-outs and refurbishments for various different industry sectors, including media, finance and life sciences. 

The firm utilises both Traditional and Design and Build procurement routes and can deliver projects of all sizes and complexities. The company's ethos is to always deliver value for the developer while creating modern and efficient facilities for the occupier. 

Structure Tone prides itself on delivering a diverse portfolio of projects in which London's buildings are transformed with the addition of floors, creation of additional space and the movement of building cores, all of which create bespoke and functional spaces designed to maximise productivity, enhance sustainability credentials and build resilience into their client's strategies and plans. 

What measures have Structure Tone implemented to achieve profitability?

Structure Tone attributes its financial success to a number of factors, including having the trust and financial backing of its parent company, an improvement in its quality control processes, better project management, prompt payment of suppliers and a strong focus on close-out activities. These factors combined have created a stable foundation upon which the company is able to thrive.

In fact, Structure Tone's order book is bulging to the point that the company has created a new team near Cannon Street Station in London specifically to manage jobs with an order book value of £5M and below. It has also reported that many of its upcoming projects are as a result of repeat business from existing happy customers - surely the ultimate accomplishment for any construction company!

Exploring these factors in greater detail:

Quality control

There are many regulations governing quality control in UK construction, and Structure Tone is cognisant of the importance of remaining abreast of all developments in this area. The company recognises the importance of implementing a right-first-time methodology, not only for adhering to cost and delivery timeline parameters but also for avoiding unnecessary rework, delays and disputes.

Project management

Advanced project management is necessary to ensure that as many projects as possible complete on time, in accordance with quality specifications and within budget. Effective project management of refurbishment projects can help construction companies to avoid or overcome hazards while minimising costs. By employing proactive and professional project management talent, construction companies can improve their stakeholder communications and optimise their timescales.

Payment of suppliers

Structure Tone places immense value on its supply chain and prioritises on-time payments, helping its suppliers to avoid insolvency, developing strong working relationships and securing a long-term supply of the goods and services that it requires. 

Close-out activities

Following a defined close-out process for every building project ensures that client acceptance occurs in a timely fashion, that post-project evaluations are conducted, that lessons are learned for continuous improvement and that all loose ends are tied up. These include disbursing all project resources to ensure that no money is inadvertently wasted on systems, staff and facilities that are no longer required. By implementing a solid close-out process, construction companies can be sure that their product satisfies their client's requirements and solidifies their standing in the marketplace.

Want to know more?

Build Space has access to the talent that your business needs to embed the lessons learned from Structure Tone. We provide project professionals to the construction industry on temporary and permanent assignments, and often to satisfy short notice requirements. We are hugely experienced in the fields of new build, fit out and refurbishment, so whatever project your business is embarking upon, please contact us today to find out how bolstering your team with Build Space sourced talent will help you to realise your strategic objectives.