Case Study: Building a Stronger Digital Foundation for the Federation of Master Builders with SKUNKWORK

Client Profile: Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry, representing thousands of builders, contractors, and tradespeople. FMB aims to promote quality standards and support members through a variety of resources, including training, advocacy, and networking opportunities. A robust digital presence is crucial for FMB to engage with its members, provide valuable information, and facilitate seamless communication and resource management.

Challenges Faced

High Staffing Costs

FMB’s in-house digital team comprised several key roles essential for maintaining and enhancing their online platforms. The associated costs were substantial, limiting FMB’s ability to invest in other critical areas.

Limited Scalability

As the FMB expanded its services and membership base, the need for a scalable digital solution became apparent. The fixed in-house team structure made it challenging to adapt quickly to the increasing demands on their digital platforms. This lack of scalability led to delays in rolling out new features, updates, and resources, negatively impacting the user experience and the ability to meet members’ evolving needs.

The inability to swiftly scale operations hindered FMB’s capacity to launch new campaigns, update content regularly, and manage the influx of member inquiries and interactions efficiently. This limitation was particularly problematic during peak times when the demand for resources and support surged.

Skill Limitations

While FMB’s internal team had significant expertise in their respective areas, there were notable gaps in skills required for a comprehensive digital strategy. For instance, while the graphic designers were adept at creating visually appealing content, there were challenges in implementing complex UX/UI enhancements and optimizing the website for search engines.

This skill gap meant that FMB frequently had to outsource specific tasks, leading to inconsistencies in execution and increased costs. Coordinating between various external vendors and the internal team further complicated project management and slowed down the implementation of key initiatives.

Restricted Hours

FMB’s digital operations were primarily confined to standard business hours, from 9 am to 5 pm. However, the needs of their members extended beyond these hours, requiring 24/7 support to address urgent inquiries, technical issues, and timely updates. The restricted hours meant that any critical issues arising outside business hours had to wait until the next working day, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and lost opportunities.

Ensuring round-the-clock availability and responsiveness was crucial for FMB to maintain high levels of member engagement and satisfaction. Delays in addressing issues or updating content could undermine the trust and reliability members expected from the organization.

Solution: SKUNKWORK’s Subscription-Based Services

FMB partnered with SKUNKWORK, subscribing to the “Complete Remote Tech Dept” package at £1,495 per month (£17,940 annually). This comprehensive package offered a suite of services designed to address all of FMB’s digital needs efficiently and cost-effectively.

Benefits Realised

Cost Efficiency

By switching to SKUNKWORK’s subscription model, FMB realized substantial cost savings. The total annual cost for their previous in-house team was £260,767. In contrast, the subscription service cost £17,940 annually, resulting in savings of £242,827 per year. These savings allowed FMB to reallocate funds towards other critical initiatives and improve overall operational efficiency.

Comprehensive Expertise

With SKUNKWORK, FMB gained access to a wide range of digital services, streamlining their digital strategy and eliminating the need to manage multiple vendors. The dedicated account manager ensured seamless communication, while the AI onboarding assistant facilitated a smooth transition. The holistic approach provided by SKUNKWORK covered all aspects of FMB’s digital presence, from website maintenance to content creation, ensuring consistent quality and timely execution.

Scalability and Flexibility

The subscription model enabled FMB to scale their digital operations as needed, adapting to business requirements without the hassle of extensive recruitment processes. This flexibility allowed them to quickly respond to new initiatives and changing demands, ensuring they remained agile and responsive in their digital strategy. The unlimited tasks and page creations meant that FMB could launch new campaigns, create additional resources, and expand their digital footprint without worrying about resource constraints.

Conclusion

By partnering with SKUNKWORK, the Federation of Master Builders transformed their digital operations, achieving significant cost savings and gaining access to a comprehensive suite of services. The shift to a subscription-based model enhanced their scalability, flexibility, and efficiency, driving sustainable growth and improving member engagement in a competitive digital landscape.