Project agency grows faster than market despite issues in construction 40%

Velox is a technical project agency within construction, installation and civil engineering. "We support clients of construction projects with capacity issues by connecting them to experienced and qualified professionals on a project basis," says Michel Lentink, Team Lead of the Construction Department. "What we do differently than others? Instead of reactively filling vacancies, we act proactively. Through the smart use of recruitment automation, we have insight into the manifest and latent needs of clients and candidates across the country and at any time. Superficial relationships are of no interest to us. Instead, we create close relationships. Within our unique way of working, quality, security and delivery reliability are paramount."

"For example, in the areas of engineering, (BIM) modeling, work preparation, execution and project management, we monitor the click, read and search behavior of clients and candidates on velox.nl and our other communication channels. By assigning points in response to that behavior, we have insight into the interest and availability of those clients and candidates." A successful approach, figures show. In 2019, Velox grew 50% compared to 5% in the market. In 2020, despite nitrogen, PFAS and corona issues, growth of 20% is expected, while the market shows a decline of 20%." Not surprisingly, the firm is among those nominated for prestigious awards, such as an FD Gazelle and Werf& Award and among the Flexmarkt Turnover Rankings Top-100 and Top 250 Growth Companies. "The implementation of digital applications has had a major, positive impact on our performance, but is certainly not the only thing that leads to success."

Lasting relationships are a must

Velox's team consists of passionate and committed consultants who maintain continuous contact with their stakeholders. "We distinguish two processes," says Lentink. "One part of the consultants focuses on community management in the candidate market. These consultants have optimal insight into our professionals and their core qualities, the projects they are working on and when they become available again. Other consultants - including myself - are in constant dialogue with project developers, consulting firms, engineering firms and (medium-)large contractors in the utility and residential construction industry. We take stock of future projects, when project phases start and our desired support on them."

Velox professionals are currently working on projects such as the Feringa Building at the University of Groningen, the A-Pier at Schiphol Airport, the Cooltower in Rotterdam, the booking.com headquarters in Amsterdam, the RIVM headquarters in Utrecht, the temporary housing for the Lower House in The Hague and Valley in Amsterdam.

Always ready

Based on data such as type of project, location, required qualifications and references, Velox creates a longlist of professionals who are available at the desired time and have the right core qualities. "All professionals on this list are approached personally," Lentink said. "This leads to a qualitative shortlist, from which the customer selects a number of candidates with whom he would like to start discussions. From Velox we guarantee a single point of contact, who also offers support where necessary during the introductory/ job interview. If there is a match, we take care of all administration and contracts. During the project we keep a finger on the pulse by regularly informing you how the project and the work are going, whether there are any questions and whether additional guidance is required."

Quality assurance

"To ensure the quality of our professionals in projects, technical knowledge, personality and project performance are critically tested," Lentink emphasizes. "As a result, as soon as professional becomes available, we always have a complete file available of their technical knowledge, completed training, certificates, (VCA and safety) diplomas and previously completed projects. The complete file is reviewed by us, saved and shared with the client, who can then make an initial candidate screening." Clients and professionals alike appreciate this method of working. "Because we invest a lot of time in contacting clients and professionals, we can move quickly and accurately when capacity issues arise, which significantly increases the chances of a good match."

Flexibility provides security

Right now, construction, installation and civil engineering are going through an interesting time, Lentink notes. "For the next two years, most companies' order books are full. There is a great demand for capacity, for people. However, we also know that there is ambiguity at play and uncertainty. Will all the projects go ahead? And what does the future look like?" Velox responds to this by offering customers complete flexibility. "Especially in these times, our services fit perfectly. After all, customers can scale up and down flexibly when the order book changes or when unexpectedly their own personnel drop out." Another development Lentink sees is the rapid rise of digitalization in the contracting industry and among project developers, consulting firms and engineering firms. "We also have an active role in this. For example, by training professionals and providing extensive advice, so that they can also enter projects perfectly in the modern age."