Jobhawk has developed the UK’s first online marketplace that enables subcontractors to major construction companies to efficiently recruit and hire self-employed tradesmen. The solution is cloud-based and accessed via smartphones, tablets and PCs.
Most UK construction jobs are not advertised. Instead, subcontractors call around to find available labour – while self-employed tradesmen call around to find open jobs. This is time consuming and difficult when they’re all busy on construction sites – a textbook example of an inefficient market.
Jobhawk is an efficient, digital marketplace. Tradesmen have increased visibility of open jobs, and subcontractors have increased visibility of available labour. Instead of wasting time calling around, Jobhawk makes it easy for them to connect, and agree terms and start dates, without needing to talk on the phone.
Development of a robust MVP was recently completed, including a website for subcontractors, and Android and iPhone apps for tradesmen. We're now rolling out a market trial targeting bricklayers and carpenters, which have a high percentage of self-employed and a high velocity of projects. Several major subcontractors in London and the South East are already participating.