How a small construction business became more focussed and profitable

How a small business was able to become more focussed and profitable from attending a HBXL Skills Bootcamp in Business Management.
Annie, a Skills Bootcamp Learner, is smiling proudly in the photo

“I finally understood my business - and everything changed”

‘It was so worth it… I learned so much. It’s been so useful”. Praise indeed!

Annie is co-owner of Adyta, a specialist insulation business installing hemp-based, bio-based insulation systems - a premium, sustainable product requiring technical knowledge and skilled installation.

She started the business in 2023 with her partner Jack while still working full-time. Jack runs the site team; Annie handles everything else - finance, marketing, admin, quoting.

By her own admission:

“I genuinely had no idea how to run a business.”

Like many small businesses in the construction sector, the work was coming in - but the return didn’t reflect the effort going in. That’s why Annie signed up to the HBXL Business Management Skills Bootcamp.

The turning point: business modelling

Through the 64-hour online course, Annie says the biggest breakthrough came from understanding her business properly. “The business model tool was epic.”

Annie adapted the spreadsheet she was given and:

  • Built a clear overhead and cost structure
  • Factored in profit and business development - not just costs
  • Planned financially for 5 and 10 years ahead
  • Understood exactly what each job needed to deliver.

“Now I know exactly where all the money is. There’s integrity in that.”

The result: confidence, clarity - and profit

Crucially, increasing prices didn’t mean losing work.

“We’re still winning the work. People are happy to pay when they understand the value.”

With clearer pricing came:

  • Better conversations with clients
  • Stronger justification for premium services
  • Confidence in explaining why prices are what they are

The business is now moving into sustainable profitability - for the first time.

Beyond numbers: professionalism that matches the price

The course didn’t stop at spreadsheets. There was support with marketing, presentation, organisation and much more. Annie implemented dozens of small but powerful improvements:

  • Professional email signatures and domain emails
  • Clear positioning of insurance and consultancy value
  • Website improvements (with HBXL tutor feedback)
  • Marketing language that reflects a premium service.

“All those little things make you look more professional — and they add up.”

The mindset shift

Perhaps the biggest change wasn’t technical - it was mental.

“My whole business is different after finishing this course…the sessions on mindset were invaluable.”

Annie now prices with confidence, understands the company’s worth, and knows her business is built to last - not just survive the next job.