Innovative new company overcomes an industry bottleneck

– and makes purchasing of structural beams ultra easy.

At a glance

Web store and mobile app

Web store and mobile app enable 24/7 ordering of structural beams

Live system

Live system carries 400-500 products, with configuration options

Potential £1 million of purchases

Buy a Beam forecasts potential £1 million of purchases per month

Instant quotes

Contractors benefit from instant quotes and a streamlined buying process

Automations

Suppliers get an automated way of capturing smaller orders, freeing up time for staff

"It was a strong relationship from the outset, characterised by great customer service. I met with Nick, the MD, and felt I was getting a personalised service; I wasn’t just an account number."

Tom B, Managing Director, Buy A Beam

About Buy A Beam

New business Buy A Beam set out to bring a ‘Just Eat’ style marketplace experience to the supply and purchase of structural beams in the construction industry.

The Challenge

Traditionally, buying structural beams has been a slow and unwieldy process. Once drawings are accepted, clients want to get moving quickly. But contractors have had to wait for quotes – and drive to fabricators to make their purchase. Tom Baker, the MD of British steel supplier Baker Steel Trading, saw an opportunity for an online marketplace for procuring structural beams. So he launched a new venture – Buy A Beam.

Our Solution

As a Microsoft Gold Partner, One Beyond used the latest technology to create Buy A Beam's mobile app and web store. This offered automated order processing, invoice and job sheet management, and digital product selection and customisation, making purchasing easy. Customers enter a postcode and select a supplier from that area. They can see products, customise them, create orders and manage these digitally.