In a difficult market, companies are often tempted to cut back on their investment in IT to reduce overheads in the short term. However, selective investment in systems which can reduce cost through greater efficiency and add value can be a more effective approach. Thus despite the current climate in the UK Housebuilding sector, many are investing in COINS to support their short and longer term goals.

 Award winning Scottish housebuilder Manor Kingdom is installing a system replacing E Vision, following the successful implementation of COINS in Manor Kingdom Southern.

 John Lougher, Regional Managing Director for Lagan Homes, was already aware of the benefits COINS could bring from his time as Managing Director of Persimmon Homes South Midlands Region. He said in support of the company’s decision to buy the COINS housebuilding solution, ‘We needed a system that was proven, that could support our planned growth and catered for the fundamentals of housebuilding. COINS ticks all of these boxes.’

Similarly, members of the senior management team of Bromford Housing Group have based their decision to buy a COINS solution for a new subsidiary to build private homes on their knowledge of its capabilities and benefits gained from previous roles in Barratt, David Wilson and Morris Homes.

Nicholas King Homes, the most recent regional housebuilder to select COINS made the decision based on Nick Bilsland’s experience. Appointed as Finance Director in 2005, Nick is a strong advocate of COINS having previously implemented the system within  Country and Metropolitan five years ago.

 Others housebuilders large and small, less familiar with COINS from past experience are also showing their appreciation of its benefits over their existing core solution: Redcliffe Homes of Bristol have replaced Intellect, Newmarket-based Highland Homes are replacing Sage and Leighton & Henley are replacing manual systems with a COINS solution. Rigsby Homes from Windsor also have decided to replace Exchequer, which was only installed 12 months ago, with a hosted COINS solution.

The COINS investment programme specifically for housebuilders continues to grow with the addition of new business modules, most recently the Cost Value Reconciliation and Lettings modules (see article below). Also a full communication programme; over recent months this has included a series of Product Showcase days and a specific Housebuilders Showcase held at Beaumont House, Old Windsor. Over twenty housebuilding clients were represented at this event. Presentations covered many of the newer modules of COINS including CVR, Workflow, Data Marts and Supplier Relationship Management as well as updates on recent enhancements to Forecasting and Bill of Quantities.