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News I published 09 June 2021

The influence of contractors in the decision-making process varies based on the type of contract

Developer contractors work more with design-build contracts

Contractors see themselves as most influential in product and brand choice. Overall, more than 50% of the contractors have a say in the design process, and more than 80% have the power to influence product or brand specifications. The increasing number of developer contractors enables a more integrated value chain which empowers the contractor even more in the decision-making process.

Developer contractors are more likely to organise different services of a project within their organisation (e.g. architectural, engineering) and work with design-build contracts rather than with traditional contracts. Consequently, developer contractors are more influential, especially in the design process but also in material and brand choice, than non-developers.

They are also more empowered

As can be seen in the image below, developer contractors are indeed more influential in the final decision making than non-developers. They have in fact greater influence in all parts of the process. But mostly they are end-decision makers in brand and product choice. Non-developers are more often co-decision maker in these phases.

Knowing the DMU is the key to success

Overall trends, like a more integrated value chain structure and increasing amounts of design-build contracts, cause the DMU of the construction sector to evolve. To optimise effectiveness of marketing strategies, manufacturers need to keep up to date with how these trends affect the role of the key stakeholders in the construction process to be sure to target the right people.

For more information on trends affecting the DMU in the construction sector, we refer you to the H2 2020 report of USP Marketing Consultancy’s European Contractor Monitor.

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