Revolutionary software that streamlines estimating, designing and project managing for small builders has been developed by Bristol firm HBXL.
Called BuildingWorks, the subscription-based platform offers a range of user-friendly features and is aimed at builders, quantity surveyors, architects, small scale developers and designers. 
The software was in development for seven years by HBXL founder, former builder and property developer Adrian Wild through its subsidiary Integro Software Construction.
The team at HBXL, which is based at Future Space – the tech and science innovation hub on UWE’s Frenchay campus – worked in conjunction with the university and Innovate UK to bring it to market.
Adrian, pictured, wanted smaller building companies to have access to the same level of smart technology enjoyed by larger housebuilders.
This new ‘digital construction’ product will be beneficial for SME builders to help them realise their BIM (Building Information Modelling) potential. 
HBXL Group operations director Joanna Mulgrew said: “The new product is intended to fill a gap in the market – it’s the first of its kind. There’s never before been software where the drawing of the building takes place at the same time as estimating the cost.
“With the current housing shortage, a lack of government funding and planning and financial obstacles smaller construction firms can help deliver a proportion of the housing needed.”
HBXL moved to Future Space just over a year ago as it was working with UWE professors, who were advisors on the project.
Joanna added: “Being based at Future Space is great as we have such close access to experts with advice readily available.
“It’s a fantastic workspace and being in a learning environment is valuable to us due to the developmental nature of our work. Having a relationship with UWE is highly beneficial as the software has been presented in a number of lectures and staff have encouraged students to try BuildingWorks.”
Future Space centre director Elaine McKechnie added: “As a tech company, doing something unique in the construction sector, they are an ideal fit for Future Space.
“We describe Future Space as a ‘collaborative community’, so it’s fantastic to see the union between HBXL and UWE Bristol on such an innovative project.
“HBXL’s journey from working with the university team to moving into space with us is a great example of how this works in practice to grow and develop business and innovation in the region. We look forward to supporting the HBXL team in the continued development of their software.”
The current software modules available on the BuildingWorks platform provide design and estimating functions. The HBXL team is now working on adding more features to provide health and safety, contracts and energy performance tools. The final goal is to provide SME builders with a complete end-to-end software solution.
