Keynote sessions at BESA Annual Conference
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has confirmed two speakers for the BESA Annual Conference will take place on 16 October at the Brewery in London.
According to BESA, keynote speakers will include construction lawyer May Winfield and Build UK chief executive Suzannah Nichol OBE.
Winfield will deliver a morning session on artificial intelligence and liability in construction.
Nichol will close the day with a focus on collaboration and growth across the sector.
The event will bring together more than 200 delegates and will be divided into two main streams.
Focus on artificial intelligence and legal risks
BESA reported that Winfield’s keynote presentation is titled “Implementing AI: Will You Get Sued?”.
It said her session will consider how artificial intelligence is being used in construction and the associated risks around contracts and data.
The association added that Winfield will explain how firms can integrate technology responsibly and safeguard their projects.
She has almost 20 years of experience as a lawyer in the construction industry.
Collaboration and growth in construction
Nichol will deliver the afternoon keynote address under the theme “Building Better Together: Transforming Construction for Growth and Efficiency”, BESA confirmed.
It explained that her presentation will look at how the supply chain can improve productivity, support infrastructure and housing delivery, and strengthen the next generation of workers.
The association said Nichol will set out practical steps that firms of all sizes can take to secure future economic resilience.
Her address will also cover how businesses can deliver safer and more sustainable projects.
Procurement and value-driven business models
BESA chief executive David Frise said: “Come and be part of the conversation shaping the future of our industry.”
He added: “A key theme running throughout the day will be how to address the impact of the race to the bottom on cost which has hindered business success, damaged the sector’s reputation and undermined innovation, quality, and long-term performance.”
Frise continued: “Moving the business model away from short-term, price-driven procurement to one that prioritises long-term value and whole-life performance will be an ambition that dominates several sessions and discussions.”
He said the conference will examine what outcome-based procurement looks like in practice and how to implement it from design through to operation.
Technical and business challenges on the agenda
BESA indicated that the conference will also examine technical challenges such as heat pump performance and water quality.
The association reported that business tools and advanced engineering processes will be highlighted across the programme.
It added that speakers will discuss how innovation can help firms achieve compliance and efficiency.
Workshops will also encourage delegates to share their approaches to tackling ongoing business challenges.
Recruitment and skills development
BESA director of competence and compliance Jill Nicholls said: “In too many cases, we are still training tomorrow’s generation to do yesterday’s jobs.”
She added: “Our employer members and NextGen network of young engineers are helping us shape a skills model that is more fit for purpose and reflects the rapid pace of change across our industry.”
The organisation explained that sessions will focus on recruitment approaches and how training can equip workers with the skills required for compliance.
It noted that competence across multiple disciplines will be central to the discussions.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The BESA Annual Conference will include content relevant to building services professionals working in fire and safety.
Sessions on outcome-based procurement could influence how fire safety responsibilities are designed into contracts and projects.
Workforce development discussions will also address how new training models can prepare engineers for compliance across areas including fire systems.
The conference will bring together stakeholders from across construction, offering opportunities for the fire and safety sector to engage in wider debates on risk, regulation and project delivery.
BESA Annual Conference 2025 to focus on business growth and skills: Summary
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has confirmed that the BESA Annual Conference will be held on 16 October in London.
The event will feature keynotes from construction lawyer May Winfield and Build UK chief executive Suzannah Nichol OBE.
Winfield will focus on artificial intelligence and legal risks in construction.
Nichol will discuss collaboration, growth and skills across the sector.
BESA chief executive David Frise said the conference will address procurement models and value-driven business practices.
Technical topics such as heat pump performance and water quality will be included.
Recruitment and training models will also be examined to support future workforce competence.
The event is expected to bring together more than 200 delegates.