Adrian Hurley appointed president of BESA, aims to tackle UK building safety and net zero goals

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsPeopleSustainability

Adrian Hurley takes leadership of BESA for 2024-25

Adrian Hurley C. Eng has been elected as the President of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) for 2024-25, as reported by BESA.

Hurley is the managing director of FP Hurley & Sons, a contractor founded by his grandfather 75 years ago.

He has been an active member of BESA since 2019 and previously served as Vice President.

At BESA’s AGM, Hurley expressed his pride in leading the Association during its 120th anniversary year.

He highlighted BESA’s history and its role in providing leadership and expertise to help members navigate future growth opportunities.

Hurley emphasised: “The Association will once again provide leadership, guidance, and expertise to ensure members seize the opportunities for growth and diversification that are essential to the future of our businesses and the people we employ.”

Urgent need for building retrofits in the UK

During the BESA President’s Lunch, Hurley spoke about the importance of commercial building retrofits and called on the government to prioritise this work.

He noted that many of the UK’s 30 million buildings urgently require upgrades, particularly to support the country’s net zero goals.

Hurley said: “The deployment of new technologies, like heat pumps, is exciting and progressive, but there is so much we could still do to improve the performance of what is already built and installed.”

Hurley also warned that the large-scale retrofitting and refurbishment work could face delays due to a shortage of skilled workers.

He suggested that a combination of innovation, digital technology, and better recruitment practices would be needed to meet the demands of this task.

Increasing diversity and improving training in the building sector

Hurley raised concerns about the low number of women entering the building engineering sector and the trend of many leaving the industry before reaching their full potential.

He stressed that BESA is committed to improving training, attracting new talent, and providing opportunities for individuals already in the industry to enhance their skills.

“BESA is relentlessly pursuing ways to improve training and attract new talent,” said Hurley.

He also announced that BESA would be restructuring its training and skills services, aiming to better support members in proving their technical and professional competence and compliance with industry standards and legislation.

Commitment to the Building Safety Act following the Grenfell Inquiry

Following the publication of the final report from the Grenfell Tower disaster public inquiry, Hurley urged BESA members and the wider industry to fully commit to the Building Safety Act.

He described the Act as “groundbreaking legislation that goes far beyond safety into every aspect of our work.”

Hurley reminded members that the Grenfell Inquiry had been highly critical of the construction industry, highlighting many systemic failings.

He also stressed that building safety must not come at the expense of performance, arguing that buildings should provide both safety and comfort.

Hurley added: “Buildings need to be comfortable and have good indoor air quality.

“They need temperature control, and healthy levels of natural lighting and space.”

Adrian Hurley appointed president of BESA, aims to tackle UK building safety and net zero goals: Summary

Adrian Hurley has been elected as President of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) for 2024-25.

Hurley, managing director of FP Hurley & Sons, aims to lead BESA through a period of growth, focusing on retrofitting existing buildings and supporting net zero targets.

He highlighted concerns about the shortage of skilled workers needed to complete building retrofits and called for better recruitment and innovation.

Hurley also addressed the need to increase diversity in the sector and improve training programs.

Following the Grenfell Inquiry, he urged the industry to fully commit to the Building Safety Act, stressing the importance of building safety alongside performance.

BESA unveils 2024 industry awards shortlist with record-breaking entries

by EventsFeatured NewsFire Engineering

Record number of entries for BESA Industry Awards 2024

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has revealed the shortlist for its 2024 Industry Awards after receiving a record number of entries.

The awards celebrate individuals, teams, and companies responsible for excellence in building services engineering.

The awards will be announced on October 17 at a ceremony hosted by Tom Ward at The Brewery, Chiswell Street, London.

Headline sponsor Mitsubishi Electric, along with support from CIBSE and the Installer Show, is backing the event.

See the shortlist here

New categories introduced to reflect industry focus

This year, BESA introduced several new award categories, including the Retrofit Project of the Year.

This category highlights the industry’s growing focus on refurbishing existing buildings to meet net zero targets and improve occupant well-being.

Another addition is the Training Provider of the Year Award, acknowledging BESA’s training partners.

This reflects the industry’s increased emphasis on enhancing skills and professional standards in line with tighter regulations.

Recognition of apprentices and emerging talent

BESA has continued its tradition of celebrating emerging talent within the building services sector.

The Rising Star of the Year award, introduced this year, recognises young engineers from BESA member companies.

The awards also include the relaunched Manly Trust Management Training Award, designed to support a promising individual with leadership potential.

Inclusive recognition of sector-wide excellence

While some awards are exclusively for BESA members, many categories are open to the entire sector to ensure a broad representation of expertise.

Categories recognise achievements across the full supply chain, covering manufacturers, distributors, contractors, engineers, and clients.

An expert panel of judges, including current BESA President Claire Curran and President-elect Adrian Hurley, evaluated entries.

Members of the BESA NextGen Network also participated, ensuring that younger professionals had a voice in the decision-making process.

BESA announces 2024 industry awards shortlist: summary

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has announced the shortlist for its 2024 Industry Awards, marking a record number of entries.

The awards, set to take place on October 17 in London, will recognise excellence across building services engineering.

New categories, such as Retrofit Project of the Year and Training Provider of the Year, reflect the sector’s focus on net zero goals and skills development.

The awards continue to highlight emerging talent, including the introduction of the Rising Star of the Year award.

An expert panel, featuring BESA’s leadership and members of its NextGen Network, judged the entries.

UK construction sector sees broad reforms due to Building Safety Act

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Reform efforts underway in UK construction

The Building Safety Act is spearheading broad reform efforts within the construction and building engineering sectors in the UK, as reported by BESA.

Introduced in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Act is described by industry professionals as a tool for implementing a series of regulatory changes that aim to reshape the industry’s culture fundamentally.

Nick Mead, technical director at Laing O’Rourke and chair of the BESA Building Safety Act Advisory Group, emphasized the wide-ranging impact of these changes during BESA’s ‘Behind the Built Environment’ podcast.

He noted the numerous revisions to Building Regulations that now affect every building, not just the high-risk ones targeted by the Act.

Mead highlighted ongoing legislative changes, including procurement bills, new fire regulations, and the Architects’ Bill.

Industry urged to embrace cultural change

Mead noted that some individuals still believe the changes do not apply to them despite the ongoing legislative updates.

He stated: “All these things are coming through on the back of the Act… it’s every building we build, every structure.” He also stressed the importance of the industry driving change, as recommended by the Hackitt Review, highlighting that government bodies are not equipped to implement these changes alone.

Mead added: “They’re the people with the skill set. The civil servants and the government [are] not contractors, and builders, and building services engineers.

“They write a standard [and that’s] guidance, which points you in a direction.”

He encouraged the industry to embrace the cultural shift, suggesting it would lead to significant improvements and restore pride in their work.

Launch of BESA’s new ‘Play it Safe’ awareness guide

BESA recently introduced its ‘Play it Safe’ awareness guide to address knowledge gaps within the industry regarding the Building Safety Act.

The interactive guide employs football terminology to illustrate the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, making it easier for everyone from apprentice pipefitters to design engineers to understand their part in ensuring building safety.

Mead highlighted the guide’s importance in extending understanding of the legislative framework, particularly for smaller contractors further down the supply chain.

He acknowledged that while larger contractors are adapting, many others face challenges.

He also expressed hope that the Building Safety Regulator would consider the capacity limitations of smaller firms while enforcing compliance.

Challenges and integration in the building services sector

Discussing the broader implications of the Building Safety Act, Mead mentioned that clients and consultants are beginning to understand the Act’s requirements, though architects still face a steep learning curve.

He believes the changes will ultimately enhance quality but might initially be challenging for clients who must adapt to stricter project management practices.

Mead stressed the need for greater integration within the building services sector, advocating for a systems engineering approach.

“There’s got to be far more integration. In the building services world, we build systems.

“A pipe doesn’t work on its own without it going into a heating system.

“We must think of buildings as systems now, and system engineering is the way our industry [will] survive and develop,” he said.

He urged professionals to take responsibility for their actions, emphasizing the consequences of decisions made on-site.

Mead also noted the increasing likelihood of regulatory bodies imposing temporary holds on projects to ensure compliance before resorting to more severe actions.

UK construction sector sees broad reforms due to Building Safety Act: Summary

The Building Safety Act, introduced after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, is driving widespread reforms in the UK construction and building engineering sectors.

Nick Mead from Laing O’Rourke highlighted numerous changes, including procurement bills and new fire regulations, affecting all buildings.

BESA’s ‘Play it Safe’ guide aims to help the industry understand their roles under the Act.

Mead stressed the need for industry-driven change and greater integration within building services, while regulatory bodies may impose project holds to ensure compliance.

BESA Annual Conference 2024 to focus on industry safety, sustainability, and efficiency

by EventsFeatured NewsFire Engineering

BESA Annual Conference overview

The eighth Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) Annual Conference will take place on Thursday, 17 October at the Brewery in London.

As reported by BESA, the conference aims to inspire a better building engineering services industry for a safe, sustainable, and efficient future.

Registration for the one-day event is now open.

Sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric, the conference is designed to appeal to a broad range of industry professionals, including young engineers, manufacturers, specifiers, and procurers of building services projects.

Young engineers can attend free of charge.

Focus on roles and risks

Presenters and debaters will discuss the ‘four Rs’ of Roles, Responsibilities, Risks, and Rewards.

These sessions will give delegates insights into growing legislative pressures and associated contractual risks while highlighting business opportunities for building services specialists.

This year’s conference will feature more panel discussions and fewer lengthy PowerPoint presentations, in response to feedback from previous delegates.

The programme will cover a wide range of technical topics, with a common thread of competence and compliance in line with increased legislative scrutiny from the Building Safety Act.

Skills and training emphasis

The conference will showcase BESA’s ‘Play it Safe’ awareness campaign, which helps supply chain members identify their roles and responsibilities under the Act.

This will include a detailed legal and commercial update, offering practical guidance on avoiding potential legal pitfalls.

There will also be a significant focus on skills, with sessions aimed at ensuring all BESA members and others in the building services sector have access to appropriate training.

These sessions will cover support and advice for contractors on how to provide evidence of their skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours (SKEB) in line with new safety and performance standards.

Net zero and emerging technologies

Net Zero will be another key topic, with a focus on ensuring the industry has the right skills and experience to retrofit and refurbish the UK’s existing buildings to meet climate change goals.

Sessions will discuss heat pump technology and the transition towards lower global warming refrigerants, along with safety concerns linked to flammable gases.

Young engineers from BESA’s NextGen Network will play a prominent role, leading several sessions on emerging technologies and industry mentoring.

They will also demonstrate how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve productivity and project quality using digital-led building maintenance as an example.

Indoor air quality and offsite fabrication

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) will feature prominently, focusing on retrofitting buildings to address health issues caused by poor ventilation and air filtration, particularly in social housing.

Offsite fabrication of building services modules will be scrutinised, with discussions on its potential to improve productivity and address skills shortages.

The conference will also spotlight the commissioning process, with leading practitioners sharing their experiences and frustrations over the lack of time and resources dedicated to this essential service.

Updates and new standards

Several updates to BESA’s technical guidance will be unveiled, including a new version of the DW145 standard: ‘Guide to Good Practice for the Installation of Fire and Smoke Dampers’.

This update is particularly relevant in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, as scrutiny from insurers and fire officers has increased.

Water efficiency, performance, and management will be on the agenda for the first time, with input from the regulator OFWAT, which will examine the industry’s ability to address water shortages and hygiene issues.

The conference will include an exhibition area and will be followed by the BESA Industry Awards, also sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric.

SKILLcard launches digital version for technical and health & safety qualifications

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringTraining

New digital SKILLcard system introduced

Engineering Services SKILLcard has launched a digital version of its traditional plastic cards.

The new system allows users to access all their technical and health & safety qualifications through a mobile phone app, as reported by BESA.

Managed by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), SKILLcard has provided over 50,000 building services engineers with evidence of necessary qualifications for 22 years.

The digital version offers a single, continuously updated point of access for all qualifications, enabling site access via a QR code that can be scanned using the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) ‘Smart Check App’.

Benefits of the digital transition

The introduction of a digital option will reduce the time between applying and using the card.

Access is available immediately after approval, which is expected to encourage more applicants and ensure broader use of the cards.

Chris Major, BESA’s head of operations, said: “We are moving with the times and providing a more seamless service that should make everyone’s lives easier.

“SKILLcards play a crucial role in ensuring operatives have the right qualifications for the job they are being employed to do on site.”

Response to the Building Safety Act

The Building Safety Act is increasing scrutiny of competence and compliance across the sector, prompting the creation of the digital SKILLcard.

This development aims to make workforce skills instantly available, transparent, and constantly updated.

Reducing plastic usage is another benefit of transitioning from physical cards.

BESA is also exploring ways to reclaim and recycle plastic SKILLcards once they are no longer needed.

Major commented: “Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down in landfill unless it is captured and recycled.

“As the trade body for an industry that is at the forefront of efforts to develop a more sustainable built environment, we see this as an important way of demonstrating that we practice what we preach.”

Role in the 2025 Construction Industry Strategy

SKILLcard supports the government’s 2025 Construction Industry Strategy by helping clients verify workers’ qualifications and health and safety training.

The card is used by trade operatives, those with supervisory and managerial responsibilities, self-employed workers, agency workers, and job seekers in the building engineering services sector.

BESA has collaborated with the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA), the Institute of LEV Engineers (ILEVE), and the Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA) to produce new cards for specialist sectors to meet stricter skills requirements.

For more information about engineering services SKILLcards and application procedures, visit: www.skillcard.org.uk.

BESA highlights safety risks of flammable refrigerant gases in HVAC systems

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BESA releases new technical bulletin on flammable refrigerant gases

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has alerted the industry to the growing safety risks posed by the increased use of flammable refrigerant gases in air conditioning and heat pump systems.

Published in time for this year’s World Refrigeration Day, the Association’s latest technical bulletin (TB57) points out that there are currently no UK regulations governing the purchase and installation of systems using R290 (propane) because, as a hydrocarbon, it falls outside the scope of the F-Gas Regulations.

BESA notes that propane use is growing rapidly and is expected to accelerate further as refrigerant gases with higher global warming potential (GWP) are phased out.

European Union rules and UK adoption

Under new European Union rules, stationary split air conditioning and heat pump equipment with capacities below 12kW will be required to use F-gases with a GWP below 150 from the start of 2027.

For larger systems, the GWP must be below 750.

This regulatory change means the most commonly used refrigerants in these systems will be phased out and replaced by R290 in many smaller systems.

Although the UK is not bound to EU legislation, it is expected to adopt similar rules due to its commitments under the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment, aimed at minimising the global warming impact of refrigerant gases.

BESA acknowledges that while R290 is an effective refrigerant with low GWP and high heat transfer performance, its high flammability poses a significant safety risk during installation, maintenance, and retrofitting.

Safety and training for engineers

BESA is calling for all technicians and engineers working on R290 systems to receive appropriate specialised training for handling flammable refrigerants.

Keegan Farrelly, BESA technical engineer, emphasised: “Working with R290 raises major concerns due to its highly flammable nature.

It is classed as an A3 gas, which is the highest level of flammability and means it could even be ignited by static electricity.”

Farrelly added: “With a flammability limit of just 1.7%, even a very small amount of R290 in a room is enough to pose an ignition risk.

“Most properly qualified engineers could work perfectly safely with this gas, if they have undergone training that covers the specific technical challenges and risks of working with flammable gases.”

BESA’s technical bulletin highlights the specific risks from the growing number of heat pump installations using R290 and the need to carry out extensive risk assessments for both new and retrofit applications.

It also stresses the importance of ensuring the area around the unit is well-ventilated.

UK election campaign renews focus on technical apprenticeships

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringTraining

Government promises increase in apprenticeships

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has welcomed the renewed focus on technical apprenticeships triggered by the general election campaign.

The Conservative Party has pledged to deliver 100,000 ‘high skilled apprenticeships’ annually by the end of the next parliament as an alternative to university degrees, which it claims do not offer value for money or good employment prospects.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimates that one in five students, approximately 70,000 each year, would have been financially better off not attending university in terms of lifetime earnings.

The Office for Students reports that nearly 30% of graduates do not secure skilled employment or further education within 15 months of graduation.

The proposed government initiative would represent a 30% increase in new apprenticeship starters.

Labour’s apprenticeship and skills proposal

Labour has also introduced its own proposal, a ‘growth and skills levy’, which would allow employers to allocate up to half of the government funding they receive to train existing staff in high-level technical skills, including building retrofit and engineering.

The party has committed to reserving at least 50% of the training levy funds for apprenticeships and aims to create 150,000 traineeships for young people.

BESA has highlighted that while technical apprenticeships are valuable alternatives to degree courses, employers require significantly more financial support to accommodate the increased number of apprentices proposed.

According to the IFS, the training levy raises around £550 million more from larger employers than is currently allocated to apprenticeship funding.

BESA’s involvement in apprenticeship standards review

The Building Engineering Services Association, representing employers across the building services engineering sector, has recently collaborated with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) on a comprehensive review of apprenticeship standards.

The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed new funding arrangements for building services apprenticeships, including £12,000 a year for the new building services engineering (BSE) installer course, £17,000 for BSE craft person, and £18,000 annually for BSE service and maintenance apprentices.

These funding bands will take effect from the new academic year starting in August.

Helen Yeulet, BESA’s director of competence and compliance, said: “We are pleased to see technical apprenticeships getting high level political attention, which comes hot on the heels of the very positive funding news from the DfE.

“We have been working hard on behalf of our employers to update and improve apprenticeships to help plug the industry’s skills gap. Confirmation of funding is a huge step forward.”

The current state of BSE apprenticeships

According to DfE data, 15,570 apprentices started working in the BSE sector during the academic year up to last July, a 20% decrease from the previous year.

However, the BSE technician and professional categories experienced growth, albeit from a relatively low starting point.

The larger operative category saw a 9% decline.

BESA believes that recent changes to courses and the confirmation of government funding will encourage more employers to invest in apprenticeships in the coming years.

Yeulet added: “Apprenticeships offer great value for money and represent an excellent option for people of all ages looking to learn new skills and improve their employment prospects.

“We are encouraged that this is being debated by the main parties during the election and will continue to work with the new administration to turn the vision for a future powered by apprenticeships into reality.”

Read IFSJ’s exclusive interview with Xact on the advantages of apprenticeships in the fire sector.

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors optimistic about growth prospects, says BESA report

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured News

BESA reports positive outlook for MEP sector

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractors are increasingly optimistic about their future growth prospects, according to a new report from the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA).

The Association’s latest annual Top 30 Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Contractor report, produced in partnership with construction consultancy GHCS/GH Engage, found that the sector’s largest companies are in good spirits despite experiencing severe difficulties over the past few years.

Collective turnover is up by 16% compared to last year, and most reported robust growth prospects for the next two to five years.

The report did note recent high-profile insolvencies in the sector, such as Michael J Lonsdale, and ongoing consolidation.

However, it also highlighted a more hopeful outlook among senior managers, with many firms indicating they had “turned a corner”.

Market value and technological advancements

The UK M&E contracting market is worth approximately £20 billion and constitutes around a fifth of the UK construction sector’s GDP.

Interviewees for the BESA report stated that this value is likely to increase as building engineering services become more sophisticated and technology-driven.

Gokhan Hassan, managing director of GHCS/GH Engage, said the report showed that the industry was “heading in the right direction” but warned that financial challenges would persist for the next two to three years.

BESA’s chief executive officer David Frise agreed that market conditions remain “tough” and that profitability is still “relatively low.” He praised many of the sector’s larger firms for refocusing their businesses on high-value, fast-growing sectors such as data centres, research, and healthcare, and for “avoiding low bidding as much as possible.”

Net zero targets and risk perception

The report indicated that growing pressure on clients to meet net zero targets and increased investment in refurbishment and retrofit of existing buildings are contributing to improving market conditions.

However, investors remain cautious towards construction-related businesses.

Frise said: “The sector is seen as ‘risky’ and cash poor by the money markets and shifting that perception will take some time.

“However, our report and interviews with leading contractors demonstrate that most large MEP firms have a strong foundation for progress and are focused on reducing their exposure to risk, which should play well with insurers.”

BESA also noted that project bank accounts would play a larger role in industry financing over the next few years as more clients recognise their potential to insulate from risk while ensuring better cash flows through supply chains.

Recovery and future growth

Abdul Tantouch, head of content at AMA Research, highlighted the M&E contracting market’s “significant resilience” after rebounding from a 12% decline in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tantouch added: “The sector has not only recovered to pre-pandemic levels but is now on a trajectory of robust growth.

This is being driven by the integration of innovative practices and technologies aimed at advancing towards net zero carbon emissions.”

Tantouch said the market is expected to achieve a value of almost £21 billion next year, supported by key trends such as increased demand for data centres and green energy solutions.

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) legislation is also expected to fuel further growth as commercial building owners and managers look to avoid unlettable ‘stranded assets’.

Challenges in productivity and skills

Despite the positive outlook, the industry faces significant challenges in productivity and skills, according to BESA.

Increasing digital skills within the workforce and improving diversity are essential for sustained growth.

Frise said: “The financial stability of our largest firms is important because it feeds down through supply chains and has a direct impact on the profitability of thousands of smaller, specialist contractors.

“It is, therefore, heartening to see our top 30 in a better place following the extraordinarily challenging conditions created by the unprecedented combination of the pandemic, Brexit, and the war in Ukraine.”

IFSJ Comment

The latest report from the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of the MEP sector.

Despite the challenges faced over the past few years, including high-profile insolvencies and ongoing financial headwinds, the sector shows resilience and optimism.

The report highlights a significant increase in collective turnover and a positive outlook for future growth, driven by advancements in building engineering services and a focus on high-value sectors.

However, the report also underscores persistent challenges, particularly around financial stability and investor perception of the sector as ‘risky’ and cash poor.

Addressing these issues will be crucial for sustained growth.

The emphasis on digital skills and diversity within the workforce is also a key takeaway, pointing to the need for continued investment in these areas.

The Building Safety Act aims to address longstanding issues in construction, says LABC chief

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Overview of the Building Safety Act

The Building Safety Act is poised to fundamentally change the construction industry’s approach to safety and culture.

As reported by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Lorna Stimpson, CEO of Local Authority Building Control (LABC) in England and Wales, described the act’s impact as unprecedented in its scale during a BESA podcast.

She emphasised that the act targets various critical aspects to correct persistent issues in the construction sector.

Cultural change and industry responsibilities

According to Stimpson, the Building Safety Act centres on cultural shifts within the construction industry, which are crucial yet challenging to measure.

“It’s about people doing the right thing for the right reasons and putting safety first,” Stimpson said: “There will be hard times coming for the whole industry, but we’ve got to be better.”

She highlighted the industry’s role in redefining competence and standards, suggesting that real competence extends beyond theoretical knowledge to include practical experience and behavioural integrity.

Enhanced accountability and upcoming deadlines

Stimpson further outlined that the act demands better documentation of standard practices, which should not be seen as an additional burden but as a verification of due diligence.

The government has recently extended deadlines for building control officers in England and Wales to register with the building safety regulator, in response to a request from Stimpson, reflecting the act’s immediate administrative impacts.

She also stressed the importance of ongoing education and adaptation within the profession to keep up with continual innovations in construction materials and methods.

Comments on the Building Safety Act

Stimpson concluded her discussion by noting the need for increased recruitment into the building control profession, acknowledging its ageing workforce and the necessity of training new entrants to sustain and support the act’s long-term objectives.

IFSJ Comment

The introduction of the Building Safety Act was a critical step towards rectifying long-standing safety and ethical practices within the construction industry.

By focusing on cultural change, enhancing accountability, and broadening the definitions of competence, the act provides a framework for more responsible construction practices.

As the industry adapts to these changes, the act’s emphasis on integrity and continuous improvement will likely influence the overall quality and safety of building projects, contributing positively to the industry’s future.

BESA introduces new support network for young engineers

by Featured NewsFire Engineering

BESA launches dedicated group to support young engineers

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has initiated a new network aimed at supporting young engineers and new entrants in the building services sector.

Named the BESA NextGen network, this initiative replaces the previously established ‘Future Leaders’ group, formed in 2017 to support promising young professionals within the industry.

The newly formed network broadens its focus, offering technical knowledge, career support, and networking opportunities, not just to young engineers but also to those in non-engineering roles within the sector.

Goals and objectives of the NextGen network

According to BESA, the network is open to both members and non-members, facilitating a more inclusive environment for professional growth and development.

Ryan Walton, the first chair of the NextGen network and a specification engineer at Panasonic Heating and Cooling, commented on the new initiative: “It is a real honour and a great opportunity to work with my fellow young engineers through this exciting initiative.

“We have a lot to offer the Association and the wider industry, but it is often hard for us to make our collective voice heard.”

Challenges and opportunities

Walton further noted the difficulties young professionals face in the industry, particularly when networking with more seasoned engineers: “It can also be an intimidating experience for younger people to network with older, more experienced engineers, particularly when they are just finding their feet in the industry.

“So, we believe having our own community will help us develop our own priorities and then use BESA’s established and respected platform to help shape the industry’s agenda,” he said.

Strategic importance of the NextGen network

The creation of the NextGen network is part of BESA’s strategic initiative during its 120th anniversary year, aiming to empower younger members to drive innovation, particularly in digital technologies.

BESA also hopes the network will promote a culture change within building services firms, attracting diverse talents necessary for future challenges.

Graeme Fox, BESA’s technical director, highlighted the importance of networking within the industry: “Business relationships are all about networking – developing connections and friendships which are crucial to making the construction industry work.

“The BESA Next Gen network is a critical pathway to creating those connections for people still relatively new to the sector.”

Future plans and initiatives

The network has already started influencing the content for this year’s BESA Annual Conference scheduled for October 17 in London.

Young members will host their own panel discussion and participate in several sessions, reflecting their views and priorities.

IFSJ Comment

The introduction of the BESA NextGen network represents a thoughtful approach towards integrating young professionals into the building services industry.

By providing a platform for growth and expression, BESA is nurturing future industry leaders and ensuring the sector remains vibrant and responsive to technological advancements and cultural shifts.

This initiative also highlights the importance of inclusivity and mentorship within professional communities, fostering a collaborative environment that is crucial for both personal and industry-wide development.