Winning new business in the construction industry is no easy feat. In a sector characterised by intense competition and high stakes, having the right tools to demonstrate your company’s capabilities is crucial. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is a professional Capability Statement. This document can help you open doors, build strong relationships, and ultimately secure those all-important projects.
In this post, we delve into the most effective Capability Statement tips for construction companies, answering frequently asked questions and providing insights on how to craft a document that sets your business apart.
What is a Capability Statement?
A Capability Statement is a concise document that outlines the capabilities, achievements and skills of your construction business. It acts as a representation of what you offer to potential clients, what distinguishes you from competitors, and your track record of success. A well-crafted Capability Statement often includes case studies of completed projects, showcasing your business’s expertise and reliability.
For construction companies, Capability Statements are often used to establish relationships with Tier 1 or Tier 2 builders and to gain work in the government sector. Tailoring the content specifically to your target audience is essential for making a strong impression and building lasting relationships.
Why are Capability Statements important in the Construction industry?
Competition for projects is fierce, especially in the building sector. Potential clients and collaboration partners need to quickly understand what sets your business apart and why they should choose you over other companies. A professional Capability Statement provides a snapshot of your business’s strengths and achievements, making it easier for decisionmakers to see the value you bring to their projects.
Key Components of a Capability Statement in Construction
Naturally, the amount of content you wish to include will dictate the number of pages in your document. For many smaller businesses, a single page summary is sufficient, whereas medium to large building companies usually need multiple pages. The list below refers to multi-page capability statements.
List of Topics to choose from:
1. Cover Page – Include your business name, logo, ABN/ACN, and full contact details.
2. Business Overview/Introduction – Provide a brief introduction to your company, including your history, mission, and vision.
3. About Us – Highlight your company’s mission, vision, and core values.
4. Unique Selling Proposition (USP) – Define what sets your company apart from competitors. This could be unique methodologies, specialised services, or proprietary technology.
5. Services Provided – Detail the construction services your company offers, from project management to specialized trades.
6. Core Competencies – Showcase your primary areas of expertise and the skills that make your company exceptional.
7. Track Record – Outline your experience with detailed case studies of past projects, emphasising your success and reliability.
8. Major Client List – Include a list of key clients, especially any high profile brands, you’ve worked with to build credibility.
9. Meet the Team – Profile your key team members and their qualifications.
10. Geographic Areas of Operation – Specify the regions or cities where your company operates.
11. Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Information – Detail your WHS policies and practices to demonstrate your commitment to safety.
12. Environmental Management – Describe your approach to environmental responsibility.
13. Quality Assurance – Include any ISO 9000/9001 certification or other quality assurance credentials.
14. Insurance and Compliance – Provide details of your insurance coverage and compliance with industry regulations.
15. Professional Associations – List any industry bodies or professional associations your company is a member of.
16. Awards and Recognitions – Highlight any awards or recognitions your company has received.
17. Community Involvement – Showcase your company’s engagement with and contributions to the community.
18. Client Testimonials – Incorporate testimonials from satisfied clients to build trust.
19. Customer Service Philosophy – Outline your approach to customer service and client satisfaction.
21. Call to Action – Clearly state how you want the reader to contact you (phone, email, website).
Steps to Prepare a Winning Capability Statement
- Identify Your Target Audience – Understand who you’re targeting and what they’re looking for in a construction partner.
- Draft an Outline – Create a rough outline of the document, listing all key sections.
- Tailor Content – Customise each section to address the specific needs and concerns of your target audience.
- Showcase Your Capabilities – Use your case studies and past projects to illustrate your capabilities and successes.
- Draft Each Section – Write detailed content for each section, ensuring clarity and professionalism.
- Format Professionally – Use consistent formatting and design elements to create a polished document. Presentation is key in making a lasting impression. Consider using graphic design tools like Canva or hiring a professional designer to create an eye-catching layout and maintain your brand identity. This investment can significantly impact how potential clients perceive your business.
- Proofread and Edit – Check for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors, and refine the content for clarity.
- Third Party Review – Have an external party review the document to catch any overlooked errors or areas for improvement.
- Finalise and Convert to PDF – Once finalised, convert your document to PDF for easy sharing and professional presentation.
- Distribute the Document – Send the Capability Statement to prospective clients and partners or upload it to your website.
Displaying Your Capability Statement
Decide whether to display your Capability Statement on your website or provide it on request. If the document contains sensitive or client*specific information, you may choose to offer it only upon request to maintain confidentiality.
By following these Capability Statement tips for construction companies, you can create a powerful document that effectively showcases your strengths, builds credibility, and wins new business in the competitive construction industry.
Seeking Professional Assistance?
At The Professional Writer, our experienced team collaborates with Australian small business owners to create quality, business-winning Capability Statements. We take the time to talk with you about your business and who you’re targeting, we learn precisely what makes you the best choice for the projects you’re aiming for, allowing us to help your company put its best foot forward with an outstanding Capability Statement.
We specialise in extracting the best information about your business and writing a Capability Statement that makes your company shine brightly. Once the text is written and approved, we can assist you with a Canva template or refer you to a professional graphic designer to add the finishing touches to your document. Visit our Contact page to complete the enquiry form and organise a quote—get ready to win more business.
Want to read more about our work with other clients? Check out our Client Success Stories for a glimpse of the fabulous outcomes we’ve achieved for hundreds of satisfied customers.
If you found these tips helpful, please share them with your business associates or LinkedIn connections.
Are you interested in learning more about Capability Statements? Explore the following resources:
- How to Write a Winning Capability Statement – Especially for Australian businesses
- Capability Statement tips for Australian tradies
- Work with an expert team of Capability Statement writers
For those needing a single-page document quickly, check out our Capability Statement Kit. Specifically designed for Australian tradies, this kit is invaluable for tender submissions or when you need to present a Capability Statement to a potential Tier 1 or Tier 2 builder ASAP. It’s the ideal tool to help you create a concise, single page capability statement in a hurry.
The kit includes:
- A 16-page, step-by-step instruction booklet with expert guidance
- An editable Capability Statement template in Word and link to a Canva template you can also use
- A bonus checklist
All this for just $107 AUD + GST! This kit is perfect for start-up tradies, those on a limited budget, or anyone needing to produce a document swiftly. Investing in the Capability Statement Kit could be the key to winning your next tender.
