The National Federation of Builders (NFB) in collaboration with the Southern Counties Builders Association (SCBA) has launched a new handbook for building contractors, aimed at helping the construction sector utilise AI in business operations to improve business productivity.
The launch of the handbook coincides with the release of the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan which the Government says will help turbocharge growth and boost living standards. The IMF has estimated that if fully realised, AI could add 1.5% to the UK’s productivity, equating to an additional £47 billion of added value each year for the next decade.
The new guidance, published by the NFB, entitled ‘AI: A Handbook for Contractors’, is freely available to all construction businesses and covers what the trade association considers to be the most critical information needed to operate AI effectively:
- An introduction to AI and what it is
- Who the guide is for and how to use it
- Health warnings on using AI
- How to prepare for using AI in your business
- 3 levels of AI tools for use in business: entry, intermediate and advanced
- Step-by-step guide on how to practically use ChatGPT
The NFB commissioned data and analytics consultants, Datacove, to research and write the handbook, including speaking to construction companies of different sizes, work types and digital maturity, to ensure it would be applicable to the widest audience.
Chair of the SCBA, Kevin Hogwood said: “This guide delves into the rapidly expanding role of AI in construction, exploring how it is reshaping the industry’s landscape. From design and planning to project management and on-site execution, AI is becoming an indispensable tool for increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing safety. The integration of AI technologies is not merely a trend; it represents a fundamental shift in how we conceive, construct, and maintain the built environment.”
Chair of the NFB, Mark Wakeford added: “This guide has been developed to inform and support your investments into Artificial Intelligence. Informing and supporting members is why the NFB exists and as the industry’s use of technology and AI increases, we see our role in ensuring that our members can invest in the areas that will make them and their businesses resilient and more profitable.”
The handbook is free and available to download at https://ask-nfb.builders.org.uk/documents/artificial-intelligence-a-handbook-for-contractors/
