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BITA helped build a school in just 7 days in Cape Town with a Building Blitz
NetWorks
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Director & CEO of Klicksense
Cutting, Bruno Welch
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NetWorks is published by BITA Ltd. Its entire content is protected by copyright 2025 and all its rights reserved. Reproduction without prior permission is forbidden. Every care has been taken in compiling the content of the magazine, but the publisher assumes no responsibility in the effect arising therefrom. Readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information which is contained in the magazine. Neither BITA Ltd or NetWorks accept any liability for views expressed, pictures used or claims used by advertisers.
WELCOME
ook at ourselves, constantly double guessing whether we are doing the right thing. This is a challenge that leaders are facing on a daily basis. Life is not fair, and we can agree on this but it’s being true to oneself that is the key to keeping on track. As we take a closer look to values, we must be honest to both ourselves and those around us. Our values become the cornerstone of our success, and it is what we stand for.
Sometimes these are truly tainted when we make change and suddenly you realise that change has exposed flaws but correct the problems and exposes the true honesty and intentions of those around us. Those of which we believed in, supported and depended on, but this is life, and we must continue to learn. This issue looks at values of honesty and integrity, and it reflects what this organisation truly is all about.
As president of BITA, I have the privilege of working with an extraordinary team, whose dedication and passion drive the BITA community forward. Our success is a result from the hard work of our committed staff who are loyal and understand that they are part of a team, who go above and beyond, have a can-do mentality and a solid culture which reflects the honesty and integrity BITA possesses. As we pivot into various sectors, they too have the same issues but may have a different culture. However, values stay the same and this is why BITA can grow and educate. Better practice is the food for life, we need to nurture and retain the honesty, generosity of spirit, passion as we challenge the fake world of AI, the greed of nations and the dishonesty that threatens the fabric of our community.
Being true to ourselves starts by supporting one another. I have made changes to make this a better world and ask you to support the mission and continue to build this wonderful community with me. Let’s stand together and thrive.
PAUL WHITNELL President
BITA Contributors: Klicksense, Marcelle Micallef, Eden Bray, Henri Scott, Emil van Zweel , Mary Wardell, Joseph
WHO KNOW PEOPLE THAT HELP PEOPLE
The Cornerstone of CWA
Honesty & Values in Construction
London Calling: Meet the New Board
Nationwide Article
Using a SSAS or SIPP to Turbocharge Your Pension
The Power of Online Networking
From Projects to Impact
From Crisis to Opportunity
Join the Mellon Educate Building Blitz
Hard Hats, Heavy Loads & Headspace
The AI Revolution Gains Momentum
Gold-Vision CRM Transforms Team Culture
All About BITA
The Benefits of BITA Membership
The Devon & Cornwall Trailblazers
BITA Members Discuss Gateway 2
Christmas Tree
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IValues & Honesty in Digital Marketing
A Blueprint for Ethical Success
By Henri Scott, CEO and Founder of Klicksense
In today’s digital marketing landscape, businesses rely on agencies and experts to navigate advertising platforms and drive growth. With increasing budgets allocated to online campaigns, transparency, honesty, and integrity have become essential. Without these principles, businesses risk losing money, damaging their brand, and being misled by unethical practices.
Understanding Your Budget
Businesses must know exactly how their marketing budget is being spent. Whether it’s pay-per-click (PPC) ads, social media campaigns, or SEO, a clear breakdown of costs is essential. Ethical marketers provide detailed reports, outlining ad spend, platform fees, and service charges. If an agency is vague about budget allocation, it’s a sign of potential dishonesty.
Full Access to Your Accounts
Clients should always have full administrative access to their advertising and analytics accounts. This includes platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Business Manager, and SEO tools. Some agencies withhold access, making it difficult for businesses to review performance or switch providers. Ethical agencies ensure clients have control over their own data, fostering trust and accountability.
Transparent Reporting
Clear and accurate reporting is vital. Some agencies manipulate data, focusing on vanity metrics like impressions and likes while ignoring critical performance indicators such as return on ad spend (ROAS) or customer acquisition cost (CAC). Honest reporting presents a true picture of performance, even when results aren’t ideal. Businesses should be able to trust their marketing partners to provide realistic insights rather than inflated success stories.
Avoiding Unethical Tactics
Digital marketing requires adherence to best practices and platform guidelines. Some agencies use black-hat tactics such as keyword stuffing, link farming, or misleading ads. While these shortcuts may produce short-term results, they often lead to penalties from search engines and social media platforms. Ethical marketers focus on sustainable strategies that deliver long-term success.
Educating Clients for Better Decisions
An honest marketing partner doesn’t just run campaigns—they educate clients on best practices, industry trends, and potential risks. When clients understand PPC bidding, SEO strategies, and content marketing, they make informed decisions rather than relying solely on their agency. Knowledge empowers businesses to hold their marketing partners accountable.
A Commitment to Ethical Marketing
Digital marketing should be about more than numbers—it should build trust and long-term relationships. Agencies that prioritise transparency and ethical practices not only enhance their own reputation but also contribute to a healthier industry. Businesses should seek marketing partners who operate with integrity, ensuring that their investment is managed responsibly.
Final Thoughts
Honesty and transparency are crucial in digital marketing. Businesses must work with agencies that provide clear budget breakdowns, full account access, accurate reporting, and ethical strategies. By upholding these values and incorporating regular audits, marketing becomes a tool for genuine growth and success rather than a game of misleading numbers and hidden costs.
HONEST REPORTING PRESENTS A TRUE PICTURE OF PERFORMANCE, EVEN WHEN RESULTS AREN’T IDEAL.
Exclusive Call to Action for BITA Members:
As part of our commitment to ethical digital marketing, we offer Bita members a free annual audit. Claim your audit by following the guidelines in our Values and Honesty in Digital Marketing: A Blueprint for Ethical Success campaign, and take the first step towards maximising your marketing budget while upholding the highest standards of transparency.
ETHICAL AGENCIES ENSURE CLIENTS HAVE CONTROL OVER THEIR OWN DATA, FOSTERING TRUST AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
CWA
The Cornerstone CWA Finance of
Bruno Welch Contributing Financial Writer, draws upon in-depth industry research and interviews with the CWA Finance team to highlight the firm’s unwavering commitment to trust, transparency, and integrity
Finance is a London-based specialist brokerage founded in 2011 by Managing Director Bruno Welch. Over the years, it has built a reputation for prioritising trust, transparency, and integrity when advising clients in real estate debt and business and group protection insurance. The firm’s team of expert brokers, with more than a century of combined experience, supports both individual and corporate clients across the UK and internationally.
Upholding Honesty & Transparency
A defining feature of CWA Finance is its unwavering commitment to honesty. In an industry often clouded by complexity, the firm promotes clear communication and
transparency at every turn. By offering unbiased advice and prioritising clients’ best interests, CWA Finance ensures that each financing or insurance decision aligns with a long-term, values-focused strategy. This level of candour fosters enduring relationships built on trust—an invaluable asset in modern financial services.
Real Estate Debt Solutions with Integrity
CWA Finance offers a range of real estate debt solutions, including residential and commercial mortgages, bridging loans (both regulated and unregulated), buyto-let mortgages, commercial financing, and development project funding. Their approach emphasises ethical conduct, from vetting lenders to clearly outlining terms and conditions. By drawing on an extensive lender network and tailoring financing packages to each client’s investment goals, the firm demonstrates that integrity can go hand in hand with innovation in property finance.
Business & Group Protection Insurance
Commitment to Ethical Excellence
At the heart of CWA Finance lies a set of core values that shapes its ethos:
• Honesty and Transparency: Clients receive open, impartial guidance throughout each step of the process.
• Client-Centric Approach: Services are tailored to individual needs, fostering strong, long-term partnerships underpinned by mutual respect.
• Continuous Improvement: The team remains up to date with industry developments, embracing new technologies and strategies to enhance the client experience.
• Community Focus: CWA Finance is dedicated to ethical business practices and invests in initiatives that support financial literacy and well-being within the broader community.
A Values-Driven Ally in Finance
www.cwafinance.com
Beyond property financing, CWA Finance recognises the importance of safeguarding businesses and their employees against unforeseeable challenges. The firm provides key person insurance, shareholder protection, and group policies covering life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection, and private medical insurance. While these services protect financial interests, CWA Finance also sees them as a demonstration of its core values— ensuring stability and peace of mind for businesses and families alike.
While the company’s expertise spans real estate mortgages, bridging loans, and insurance solutions, its defining characteristic is the honest, valuesbased approach it brings to every client relationship. By combining extensive industry knowledge with a steadfast commitment to integrity, CWA Finance has become a trusted ally for those navigating a challenging and ever-evolving financial landscape.
WHILE THE COMPANY’S EXPERTISE SPANS REAL ESTATE MORTGAGES, BRIDGING LOANS, AND INSURANCE SOLUTIONS, ITS DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC IS THE HONEST, VALUES-BASED APPROACH IT BRINGS TO EVERY CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunowelch/
IHonesty & Values in Construction
The Foundation of a Strong Business
Joseph Cutting, A4G. Highlighting the importance of transparent accounting and proactive financial guidance for construction businesses
n the construction industry, trust is everything. From contractors and clients to suppliers, site managers, and accountants, trust underpins every relationship. Without financial transparency, businesses may find it difficult to make informed decisions, secure funding, or maintain healthy cash flow. That is why both accurate accounting and proactive financial advice are crucial.
Accurate Records Matter
Construction businesses face unique financial challenges—including fluctuating costs, project-based revenue streams, and intricate subcontractor relationships. Without clear and organised records, it is easy to lose track of cash flow, profit margins, and tax liabilities. At A4G, we see financial clarity as more than mere compliance—it is about giving business owners the confidence to make the right decisions exactly when they need to.
As a Platinum Xero Partner, we have converted over 300 businesses to Xero, helping them track costs, invoices, and payments in real time—reducing errors and enhancing financial control.
The Role of a Proactive Accountant
A good accountant does not simply file tax returns—they help businesses plan ahead, identify risks, and capitalise on opportunities. In construction, where financial planning is key to project success, having an accountant who understands your industry makes all the difference.
At A4G, we take a hands-on approach, providing strategic advice
that goes beyond compliance. We analyse trends, forecast cash flow, and implement tax-efficient strategies, ensuring our clients do not merely survive but thrive.
Ethics & Transparency in Finance
Honest accounting builds trust and helps safeguard businesses against fraud and mismanagement. In construction— where large sums of money and multiple stakeholders are involved—transparency is essential.
At A4G, we uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring our clients’ finances are managed responsibly. Clear reporting helps businesses secure funding, foster trust, and make sound decisions based on reliable data.
More Than Just Accountants—Your Business Partners
We do not crunch numbers only; we work alongside construction businesses to understand their goals and drive growth. By asking the right questions, we uncover
opportunities for efficiency, risk reduction, and expansion.
Financial transparency builds trust, enhances decision-making, and fuels success. That is why we do not report on past performance only—we help shape your future.
Ready to Take Control?
If you want to ensure your accounting records truly reflect your business’s performance and align with your growth objectives, we can help. A Xero health check will assess the accuracy and efficiency of your financial systems, ensuring that you have the clarity and confidence to grow your business.
Book a meeting with us today to build a stronger, more transparent business.
BITA Chapters
Ambassadors/Collaborators
For more information, contact: office@bita.ie
Birmingham
For more information, contact: jason@pocketbox.co.uk
BITAx
For more information contact: frankie@totallinemarking.co.uk
BITAx - North
For more information, contact: natalie@sportandmusic.co.uk
Causeway Dual Membership (Ireland, N.Ireland, Scotland)
For more information, contact: james.horton@cms-cmno.com
Cork
For more information, contact: cork@bita.ie
Dubai
For more information, contact: dubai@bita.ie
Dublin
For more information, contact: office@bita.ie
Global Forum
For more information, contact: irautenbach@koneqt.com
Ireland West
For more information, contact: aleksandra@bita.ie
Isle of Man
For more information, contact: irautenbach@koneqt.com
Kent
For more information, contact: emma@primeconsultancygroup.co.uk
Limerick
For more information, contact: alec@limerickpost.ie
Liverpool
For more information, contact: adamadvantageinvestment.co.uk
London
For more information, contact: office@bita.ie
Manchester
For more information, contact: as@groupsignature.co.uk
Northern Ireland
For more information, contact: brendan@ghostconsultancy.com
South West (Devon & Cornwall)
For more information, contact: office@bita.ie
Surrey
For more information, contact: marialawless@signatureassociates.co.uk
The London Chapter
Where BITA Began
London marks the starting point of BITA—founded in 2012, it’s now our most established and active chapter. Over time, it’s grown into a dynamic community of professionals committed to building genuine relationships and creating real business opportunities. Most London members come from construction,
with strong links to professional services and tech, creating a diverse network that encourages collaboration across sectors.
A Hub for Connection
BITA London hosts our flagship Construction Networking Lunches, often selling out over a month in
Aidan King
Operations Director for John Sisk & Son Ltd
advance and attracting 240+ industry leaders. These events offer valuable, high-level networking in a relaxed environment.
We also run educational seminars and monthly socials at The Rising Sun on Carter Lane, providing spaces for both professional development and informal connection.
BITA’s Roots
I’m Paul Whitnell, BITA President and founder, originally from Cork, now based in Kent. With a background in politics and sales, I started BITA to connect great people and foster business. That vision has grown into a vibrant network spanning the UK and Ireland.
BITA is known for being friendly and inclusive, but we’re serious about business. Our events and collaborations have supported real growth for our members—and we’re just getting started.
Let’s Talk
If you’re looking to grow your network and find real opportunity, I’d love to connect. Contact me at paul@bita.ie and let’s see how BITA can support your business journey.
Paul Whitnell
Bruno Welch Founder and Managing Director of CWA Finance
Derek Murtagh Managing Director of K&T Electromech Services Ltd
Dermot O’Grady Executive Director BITA Chief Executive at Ardent TideCIS Management
Ferguson Project Leader (Expanded Structures) at Laing O’Rourke
Montague Managing Director of Montague Fine & Rare Wines Ltd
Barden Managing director at BSF Solid Surfaces Ltd
Drew
Eddie Campion Managing Director of Elliott Group
Mark
Nicola
Tara Dixon Chartered Financial Planner
Tiernan Dixon Founder of Superbeam Agency
Troy Gallagher Consultant at BITA
Vince Dignam
The Board You Can’t Afford
A high-calibre peer group of £1m+ revenue business owners driving each other to greater success
The Isolation at the Top
Being a business owner changes you—how you think, how you operate, and even how you relate to others. Yet there’s one area it rarely prepares you for: the isolation at the top.
Early on, every milestone felt like a shared victory. You were in the trenches with your team, all learning together. But over time, the dynamic shifts. You’re not just the founder anymore; you’re responsible for everyone’s livelihoods. Your employees look to you for answers—so whom can you turn to? Who holds you accountable to your own potential?
From Operator to Owner
Many entrepreneurs reach this crossroads and get stuck. Instead of focusing on growth, they become bogged down by daily demands. Their circle of advisers shrinks, and they spend most of their time among employees rather than fellow business owners. The result is not a lack of ambition, but a lack of the right environment.
Introducing the Evolve Mastermind
The Evolve Mastermind was created to fill that gap. This isn’t just another networking group full of lofty dreamers. It’s a carefully curated circle of driven entrepreneurs who have already crossed the £1M+ revenue mark and are poised for the next stage of growth. Every conversation here challenges your thinking. You’ll be surrounded by people who understand the pressures and possibilities of leading a scaling business, and you’ll receive the support and scrutiny needed to propel you forward.
The Format: Simple, Powerful, Proven
• Monthly In-Person Mastermind Sessions
Expect real-world problem-solving, strategic breakthroughs, and authentic accountability. No fluff—just meaningful, results-driven discussions.
• Private Network of Top-Performing Owners
The momentum doesn’t stop between sessions. Stay in touch, receive immediate feedback, and hold each other to uncompromising standards—because growth doesn’t wait for the next meeting.
• Expert Guest Speakers Every Other Month
Learn advanced strategies from leaders who’ve been where you are. Keep ahead of market trends and leave each session with actionable insights.
• Hand-Selected Mentors
Former Evolve members who’ve scaled, exited, or achieved what you aspire to—ready to share lessons gleaned from their own journeys.
Prepare for challenging questions, tough love, and real results.
The Board You Can’t Afford
Think of it as a multi-six-figure advisory board—except you don’t have to hire them all individually. Here, you gain direct access to their expertise, networks, and insights, all in one room.
The Big Question: Are You Ready?
If you’re a business owner generating £1M+ in revenue and feel the weight of making every decision alone, it’s time to step into a room where everyone understands exactly what’s at stake. The Evolve Mastermind is designed for those who want to:
• Scale faster
• Refine their strategy
• Surround themselves with the right peers topush them forward
If that sounds like you, scan the QR code included here or send an email to will@willpolston.com with “MASTERMIND” in the subject line. Share a brief overview of your business and your current biggest challenge. If it’s a match, we’ll discuss the next steps.
Nationwide
Where Protection, Integrity, and Family Values Converge
Nationwide was founded with a passion to protect, delivering an honest, professional service where employees and client alike feel safety and comfort. In a world of ever-changing technological advancements and societal changes are the norm, the core values of honesty and integrity remain as vital as ever. Nationwide is the epitome of protection, integrity, and honesty. Nationwide is not
just a business, Nationwide is a family run business, the passion and values are integral and due to the founders beliefs and support network it has been able to become as successful as it is today.
A little bit of insight into our team; To encourage us to come together our founder created ‘Feed me Tuesday’ where one team member cooks for the rest of the team. This encourages the team to have a meal together, take a break from
A SELECTION OF OUR SERVICES
Virtual Concierge:
Evolved by Nationwide, we offer a twist on traditional concierge services. A remote solution which provides 24/7 access to human assistance, ensuring that residents receive the same but different reliable service at a fraction of the cost. The integration of 24/7 CCTV monitoring further enhances security, aligning with Nationwide’s commitment to transparency and truthfulness.
Biometric facial access control turnstiles:
Where the option of day gateman is not always available, this system allows for continued efficient and effective security. This innovation not only enhances security but also delivers impressive cost savings, demonstrating a commitment to maximising client profits through honest and efficient solutions.
Street sweeper machine:
Introduced to our list of services with the thought of ease for our clients, by having a company with an already established relationship. This reduces more cost for our clients ensuring that public spaces remain clean and inviting, contributing to the overall well-being and aesthetic appeal of the community.
Drone service:
Employing drone operators for property surveys, clients can conduct inspections quickly and economically. This technology not only saves time but also reduces the risks associated with manual inspections, offering a safer and more honest alternative for all involved.
their day and connect openly with each other. Fostering honest communication and relationships.
A little bit about what we do and how we have implemented all the above to feed into our services.
Honesty is key in security and facility management. Modern methods, like CCTV, offer cost savings while keeping safety. We value human presence and believe it to be essential to security, and do not believe that it could ever fully be replaced. We will always have man guarding as an option, people are the heart and soul of the business, the beginning, and the starting point for our founder.
Nationwide believes that transparency and truthfulness are essential in delivering exceptional service and maintaining longlasting relationships. This commitment to integrity is reflected in every interaction, ensuring that clients receive clear, accurate, honest information. Our clients are always at the forefront of our decisions because they are not just our clients, they are our friends, the foundations have been built on the care and services they receive. Nationwide strives to create a culture of trust and accountability, reinforcing our dedication to being dependable in all endeavours.
To add further on our community values our ‘Weapons Down Gloves Up’ initiative, has been founded with life experience to give back to those who do not usually have a voice. The team of
Left: International Womens Day 2024 Centre: London Bita Event Right: Nationwide Team, work night out
volunteers is dedicated to empowering young people aged 16 to 24 by providing them with alternatives to street life. Our initiative stands out for its commitment to ethical standards, channelling all funds raised back into its mission. Unlike other organisations that may compromise on integrity, ‘Weapons Down Gloves Up’ sets a benchmark for honesty and impact. By equipping young individuals with skills and opportunities for meaningful employment, the program not only reduces crime rates but also fosters a supportive environment where youth can envision and pursue a brighter future. Our teams efforts prove that with transparent, ethical practices, sustainable change is achievable.
Thanks for reading! Honesty and integrity continue to be incredibly important to us, as communities and organisations navigate the complexities of modern life. Initiatives like ‘Weapons Down Gloves Up’ and advancements in security and facility management show how these values can inspire positive change. By embracing ethical practices and transparent solutions, we can work towards creating environments that are not only safer and more efficient but also more inclusive and meaningful. As we look to the future, we warmly welcome you to contact us and join us on our journey.
For everyone who engages with us our main goal is to “Provide peace of mind Nationwide”.
BY EMBRACING ETHICAL PRACTICES
AND
TRANSPARENT SOLUTIONS,
WE CAN
WORK TOWARDS CREATING ENVIRONMENTS THAT ARE NOT ONLY SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT BUT ALSO MORE INCLUSIVE AND MEANINGFUL.
Left: Neha and Brian, Fans Supporting Food Banks
Right: Kim, Feed me Tuesday
Refurbishment Project Due for Completion in June
Using a SSAS or SIPP to Turbocharge Your Pension
Roger Reid from Elmtree Commercial demonstrates how you can take advantage of the multiple tax breaks on offer to make your money work harder
Elmtree Commercial offers a personal consultancy service to busy CEOs and business owners and is passionate about helping clients turbocharge their personal pensions by using proven strategies to help them save for retirement in a tax-effective way.
IT COMES
When it comes to commercial property investment, having the right structure can make a world of difference. Enter SSAS (Small Self-Administered Scheme) and SIPPs (Self-Invested Personal Pensions)—two pension structures that allow you not only to invest in commercial property but also to benefit from significant tax advantages.
Recently, Elmtree Commercial helped a client, the Managing Director of a medical research company, to source and buy an office building near Maidenhead through their SIPP. Upon completion of the refurbishment, the pension will lease the first floor to the business and rent the ground floor to a third party. By structuring the purchase through a SIPP (rather than through the business), the client stands to save millions of pounds in tax during ownership and upon the subsequent disposal of the asset.
KEY TAX ADVANTAGES
If you are considering using SSAS or SIPP options for your next property purchase, here are the key tax advantages you need to know about:
1. No Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the Sale
One of the biggest perks of holding a commercial property within a SSAS or SIPP is the exemption from Capital Gains Tax when the property is sold. Unlike direct ownership, which usually incurs tax on the profits when you sell, any gains made within a pension scheme remain tax-free (after accounting for transaction costs and fees).
A Word of Caution – HMRC has strict rules to prevent pension schemes from becoming “property traders.” If you buy, refurbish and quickly sell on properties, you might face significant penalties. The key is to keep investments long-term.
2. Tax-free Rental Income
Another attractive feature is that all rental income received by the pension is exempt from Income Tax. That means, if you rent out the property, the money stays within the pension fund, ready for reinvestment into future opportunities.
Due Diligence & Property Selection –
What are the tax benefits of investing in property via SSAS?
Both SSAS and SIPPs can each borrow up to 50% of their net fund value to help finance property acquisitions. For example, if your pension has a fund value of £300,000, you can borrow up to £150,000, giving you a total buying power of £450,000.
Development & Renovation Within a Pension
You can develop or refurbish a pension-owned property, but it is essential to follow the rules. The pension is intended as a longterm investment vehicle, so speculative property developments (such as rapidly selling multiple properties for quick profits) are not allowed. However, long-term development and renovations can still significantly add value to the property and increase your pension’s portfolio.
Additional Tax Advantage – In scenarios where your company rents the property back from your pension:
• The rental payments can be deducted from your trading profits, thereby lowering your Corporation Tax bill.
• You also do not pay any Income Tax on the rental income accruing to your pension.
3. Buying Property from Yourself or a Connected Party
A SSAS or SIPP can buy commercial property from you or a connected party, such as your own business (as long as an independent valuation is carried out to ensure it is at market level). This creates an opportunity to free up cash from property you already own.
Potential Benefit – If you sell a commercial property you already own to your pension, your company could receive cash from the sale, which can then be reinvested elsewhere.
4. No Inheritance Tax (IHT)
Assets held in a SSAS or SIPP are not included as part of your estate. That means if you pass away, the property can be passed on to your beneficiaries without incurring Inheritance Tax (IHT). This makes pensions an incredibly powerful tool for wealth planning, particularly when transferring assets to the next generation.
Selling a Pension-Owned Commercial Property
When it is time to sell, there are two main exit strategies:
• Sell to a Third Party: The pension receives the sale proceeds tax-free.
• Sell to Yourself or Your Business: You can purchase the property back from the pension, but make sure to get professional advice to ensure everything is in compliance with tax laws.
Is Buying Commercial Property via a SSAS or SIPP Right for You?
In summary, investing in commercial property through a SSAS or SIPP is a strategic move that offers considerable tax advantages and the potential for long-term wealth growth:
• No Capital Gains Tax on a Sale
• No Inheritance Tax
• No Income Tax
• Lower Corporation Tax – your company can deduct rent payments.
I am particularly interested in helping business owners who are renting commercial property from a landlord and want to realise the opportunity of creating a tax-free income in their pensions through sourcing the right commercial property.
If you are looking to diversify your pension portfolio and leverage property investment to significantly boost your returns, I am offering special rates to all BITA members. Contact us today for a free consultation and expert advice on sourcing high-potential commercial properties.
Email: info@elmtreecommercial.co.uk
Phone: 0118 933 1162
Website: www.elmtreecommercial.co.uk
The Power of Online Networking
How Remo Elevates BITA’s Virtual Connections
Networking is a crucial element of business growth, enabling professionals to build connections, explore opportunities, and strengthen relationships. The Business International Trading Alliance (BITA) offers a valuable weekly online networking session every Friday at 8 AM UK time. Open to all BITA members, including those in Dubai, this session uses Remo, a powerful virtual networking tool designed to enhance interaction and engagement.
The Importance of Online Networking
Traditional networking has long been essential for business development, but online networking removes geographical barriers, allowing professionals to connect efficiently. With more businesses operating remotely, virtual networking is an effective way to engage with industry peers, potential clients, and business partners.
Why Online Networking Benefits Businesses
• Wider Reach: Virtual networking connects professionals from different locations and industries without travel limitations.
• Time Efficiency: Eliminates travel time, making it easier for busy professionals to attend without disrupting schedules.
• Cost-Effective: Reduces expenses associated with venue hire, catering, and travel.
• Flexible Participation: Attendees can join from anywhere, increasing accessibility for international members.
• Data-Driven Insights: Digital networking tools offer analytics to track connections, follow-ups, and engagement.
How Remo Enhances BITA Networking Sessions
BITA’s choice of Remo for its weekly networking sessions ensures an interactive experience that closely resembles in-person events.
1. Virtual Tables for Structured Conversations
Unlike standard video conferencing tools, Remo simulates real-world networking with virtual tables. Attendees can move between tables, allowing for targeted discussions and meaningful interactions.
2. Customisable Floor Plans for a Dynamic Experience
Remo provides flexible layouts, enabling organisers to create themed sessions, breakout discussions, and industry -specific networking opportunities.
3. High-Quality Video and Audio for Clear Communication Remo ensures seamless conversations with high-quality video and audio, minimising disruptions and making networking more effective.
4. Integrated Business Tools for Professional Engagement Features like screen sharing, chat functions, and digital business card exchanges help attendees connect and follow up effectively.
5. Global Accessibility for BITA Members in Dubai and Beyond With BITA’s international presence, Remo ensures seamless participation for members across different regions, encouraging cross-border collaboration.
Making the Most of BITA’s Online Networking Sessions
To maximise the benefits of BITA’s networking sessions:
• Prepare an Elevator Pitch: Have a concise introduction ready to make a strong impression.
• Engage Actively: Move between tables, join discussions, and ask relevant questions.
• Follow Up Promptly: Connect with new contacts via LinkedIn or email after the session.
• Use Remo’s Features: Utilise chat, screen sharing, and business card exchange for enhanced networking.
Conclusion
Online networking is a valuable tool for professionals looking to expand their connections and grow their businesses. BITA’s use of Remo for its weekly sessions provides a structured and engaging environment where members can collaborate, share insights, and unlock new opportunities. Whether in the UK, Dubai, or beyond, BITA’s networking sessions offer a powerful platform for business success.
Importing & Supplying Timber to the Construction Industry
At The Timber Group, we import timber through 2 UK port terminals and process and manufacture timber at a state of the art mill to then operate and distribute from 6 branches in the south of England and London. We cover all aspects of the timber trade, including treatments and specialist machining and o er a variety of delivery options for all your timber needs.
Sheet Materials
Treated Carcassing Timber
Formwork
Decking & Landscaping
Fencing
Joinery & Flooring
Specialist Milling & CNC Machining (Pattresses)
Collections
Deliveries to Site
(Including timed, booked in & ‘out of hours’ deliveries)
Scan the QR code for Branch details
(FSC-C004183) & PEFC™ Certified | UKTR Compliant (formerly EUTR) | FORS Silver Accredited | ISO 9001 Quality Management | ISO 14001 Environmental Management
Innovating Fashion
The Story of Dry Dolly and the BITA Connection
By Tara Parkinson, CO-Founder of Dry Dolly
Dry Dolly was created by my sister Rachael and me after we both struggled to find the perfect towel dress. We wanted something that combined the practicality of a towel with the elegance of a dress. After all, who hasn’t needed an outfit that’s comfortable enough to get ready in but stylish enough to wear when someone unexpectedly knocks on the door?
Our hero product, the Dry Dolly Towel Dress, is exactly that—a lightweight terry towelling garment that’s chic, comfortable, and versatile. Produced in Turkey by experts who craft the finest terry towelling fabric, it offers a glamorous, easier alternative to frumpy towel wraps and oversized ponchos.
To take it further, we’ve added accessories that can be styled in multiple ways, allowing you to choose your preferred look or level of coverage. Three of our designs are so unique that they’re trademarked for their versatility.
Whether you’re getting ready for a night out, lounging by the pool, maintaining modesty in a gym changing room, or answering the door in a rush, Dry Dolly is your go-to for effortless, stylish comfort. We like to call it the towel revolution.
Behind the Brand:
Sisters Who Mean Business
Rachael has been at the forefront of entrepreneurship for years. Alongside our third sister, she has been running Asisters, a successful, technology-driven business they founded in the social care sector. With her extensive background in general management and logistics, stepping into a product-based venture like Dry Dolly was an exciting challenge. Rachael is based in the UK, overseeing the UK operations.
As for me, I certainly didn’t have a background in apparel! My project management skills came in handy for planning, and I had to channel my creative side into Dry Dolly’s design and aesthetic. I’ve loved the challenge of navigating our path to quality products! Having lived in the UAE for 24 years, I’ve gained insights
into diverse cultures and styles, helping us create a brand that celebrates individuality and inclusivity while never compromising on classic (not fast fashion) style or function—we’ve even created a modest dress and poncho to meet local requirements.
Running Parallel Businesses: UK & UAE
Launching Dry Dolly hasn’t been without its challenges, especially when managing businesses in two different markets. We launched in the UK in October 2024 with www.drydolly.com and in the UAE in January 2025 with www.drydolly. ae. Running two businesses as separate entities while staying true to our vision has been a balancing act—but it’s paying off! The UAE offers year-round demand for towel apparel, while the UK caters to the seasonal needs of our customers. We’ve also seen a growing demand from expectant and new mums, adding another niche market for us.
From left to right: Tara Parkinson & Rachael Alpha
We’ve leveraged technology to streamline our operations. I have to give a shoutout to tools like Canva, Shopify, and ChatGPT—without them, we wouldn’t have been able to scale as quickly or efficiently as we have. Seriously, AI has been a lifesaver!
Having witnessed the incredible growth and Dubai’s vision firsthand, I’ve seen how the government has created an environment that truly supports and champions new businesses. Raising three children in such a safe, forward-thinking, and visionary setting has been an absolute gift—and the endless sunshine is just a bonus!
The BITA Connection
Every start-up journey reaches a point where you need to step out of your comfort zone, network, and get your name out there. For me, that moment came when I saw Tom Cotter from OceanR posting on LinkedIn about BITA expanding to the UAE. After hearing his inspiring podcast, where he shared how he transformed a humble rash vest into a sustainable success, I knew I had to be brave enough to contact him.
That led me to Paul Whitnell, BITA’s chairman. After an unexpected phone call from the man himself, we ended up chatting for an hour about life in Dubai, UK-Ireland trade, and my time living near Shannon. That conversation was a gamechanger—it set me on the path to helping establish the Dubai chapter of BITA. I was
nervous about my first BITA event. But the moment I walked in, I realised BITA isn’t your typical stiff, formal networking crowd.
The atmosphere was relaxed, welcoming, and actually fun—more like a social gathering than a formal event. Since then, I’ve been hooked and haven’t missed a single BITA meet-up.
Fridays have also become my favourite time of the week. I’ve become a regular at BITA’s online REMO sessions, where I meet inspiring people from all over the world. It’s like having a coffee break with an international network of entrepreneurs who genuinely care about each other’s success.
The Power of BITA: Visibility, Mentorship & Partnerships BITA has been instrumental in boosting Dry Dolly’s visibility, credibility, and connections. The BITA Trust stamp has opened doors to B2B partnerships, while joining the Hospitality Chapter has allowed us to address the untapped need for stylish, functional towel apparel.
IFrom Projects to Impact
Communicating Social Value in Construction for Competitive Advantage
By Jill Willis, Co-Founder of Attract & Engage
n today’s competitive construction industry, winning contracts isn’t just about technical know-how and cost efficiency anymore. Public and private sector buyers in the UK and Ireland are increasingly looking at how projects positively contribute to society, and Tier 1 contractors and private developers are tasked with achieving these social value commitments with the help of their supply chain.
As co-founder of Attract & Engage, a marketing communications agency that helps B2B firms stand out and sell better in the competitive tender process, I’ve witnessed firsthand how effectively integrating and communicating social value can transform businesses. Things like community engagement, environmental sustainability, and workforce diversity—is not just a box to tick but a significant factor in contract awards and business growth for sub-contractors.
KEY POINTS
1. Take Ownership: Don’t wait for clients to define social value for you. Build relationships with social value leads within your company and your clients’. If unsure, ask your estimators or quantity surveyors for guidance.
2. Integrate It into Bids: Understand what your clients expect regarding social value and incorporate these into your bids. Show how you plan to exceed these expectations, demonstrating leadership in social responsibility.
3. Communicate Clearly: Share your social value successes widely. Use platforms like LinkedIn to highlight your initiatives and their impact. Consider regular newsletters or reports to keep stakeholders informed.
4. Engage Proactively: Keep in touch with social value leads through tailored updates and participation in relevant events. Engaging with public sector buyers’ social value initiatives can showcase your commitment effectively.
5. Think Beyond Sponsorship: While local youth team sponsorships are valuable, focus on initiatives that create lasting benefits. This could mean promoting diversity in your workforce, supporting career development for local youth and adults, or enhancing environmental sustainability.
Understanding Social Value
Social value goes beyond traditional metrics of project success. It’s about leaving a positive impact on communities, whether through creating jobs, supporting local businesses, or enhancing environmental quality. It’s become a crucial criterion in many contract tenders, influencing who gets the job.
Why It Matters for Contractors
Prioritizing social value isn’t just about compliance; it’s about staying competitive and winning more contracts. By focusing on social value, contractors can:
• Stand Out: Showcasing strong social value strategies can set you apart in competitive bidding processes.
• Build Relationships: Forge stronger ties with clients who value companies committed to making a difference.
• Reduce Risks: Addressing social and environmental concerns upfront can prevent issues down the line.
• Attract Talent: Being seen as a socially responsible employer helps attract and retain top talent.
EMBRACING SOCIAL VALUE ISN’T JUST GOOD FOR SOCIETY—IT’S GOOD FOR BUSINESS.
How to Make Social Value Work for You
I recently chaired the ‘Building a Better Future for Essex: Integrating Social Value and ED&I’ panel at the Essex Build Expo. Joining me were senior social value leads - Ringway Jacobs’ John Nicholson, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Helen Clements and Kier’s Sarah Woolley. All shared insight to help sub-contractors within the supply chain to leverage social value effectively and differentiate your business.
Take-Aways
Embracing social value isn’t just good for society—it’s good for business. By integrating social value into your strategy, shouting about your impact consistently, and taking proactive steps to exceed client expectations, you position your company as a leader in a more inclusive and sustainable construction sector.
Taking charge of your social value narrative isn’t just about meeting client requirements; it’s about shaping a future where your business thrives alongside the communities it serves.
From Crisis to Opportunity
Restructuring and Exit Planning for Construction Firms
Challenges in today’s economic climate for those in the construction sector are well known, yet this does not mean there is no route out of financial or operational uncertainty.
Often, we find that these firms—though currently experiencing financial distress—remain financially viable. This means there are opportunities either to turn the business around or to facilitate a successful sale, allowing directors to exit on favourable terms.
The latest figures from the Red Flag Alert have shown that the number of construction firms displaying signs of ‘critical distress’ rose by 32.6% between Q3 2024 and Q4 2024 alone.
This makes for concerning reading, and directors seeking to refinance or exit their construction firm may feel their options are limited. However, there are likely more possibilities available than might initially be apparent.
Start with an Objective Review
The first step is an objective review of the company’s current position:
• What is the firm’s income?
• How is the cash flow?
• Are there tangible assets on the balance sheet?
As a director, it is crucial to monitor finances and overall performance. Conduct regular forecasts and adjust them when necessary. While it can be easy to rely solely on an accountant, engaging a professional who specialises in the construction sector is key. Remember, the earlier you confront financial distress, the more options you will have.
WHILE IT CAN BE EASY TO RELY SOLELY ON AN ACCOUNTANT, ENGAGING A
PROFESSIONAL WHO SPECIALISES IN THE CONSTRUCTION
SECTOR IS KEY.
EXPLORE THE POSSIBLE PATHS
Once you understand the company’s position, you can investigate a range of potential next steps—whether you want to expand or exit the business.
1. Diversification
To maximise the value of the company and safeguard its future, leaders may need to consider evolving into new areas to boost revenue. Consulting with specialist construction funders, insolvency experts, and business turnaround professionals can help develop and implement strategies for short- to long-term shifts. This approach allows quick pivots as market conditions change and industry risk factors evolve.
2. Inject New Capital
There is a wide variety of funding options available to construction firms. These include invoice factoring, invoice discounting, asset finance, and refinancing existing liabilities to reduce short- and long-term borrowing costs. While fresh funding can act as a catalyst for growth, caution is advised if the company is already heavily indebted. Professional advice should be sought before entering into any new finance agreements. A construction-sector specialist will be better placed to value assets and understand unique revenue streams, ensuring the business can support additional borrowing.
3. Consider a Management Buyout (MBO)
A potential sale of the business ultimately requires the firm to continue operating successfully without its founders. An MBO offers a strong chance of preserving the culture and knowledge that helped the company thrive. Transferring ownership to those already invested in its success can smooth the transition. However, advice should be sought at an early stage to structure any buyout in a way that benefits all parties and supports ongoing success.
4. Insolvency Options
If financial problems are severe, a formal insolvency process may be the most viable path. Consulting a licensed insolvency practitioner is critical at this point. Whether the goal is to save the company or wind it down in an orderly manner, professional advice can help achieve the best outcome for both the business and its creditors, while ensuring directors meet their legal obligations.
Secure the Right Deal
When deciding whether to refinance or exit the business— regardless of whether the company is solvent, insolvent, viable, or non-viable—it is crucial to secure the right deal for everyone involved. By engaging an insolvency practitioner or business adviser with construction-industry experience at an early stage, you can explore a full range of options and implement a robust plan that satisfies all parties. After all, years of hard work deserve an outcome that truly recognises the efforts of those who made it possible.
Join the Mellon Educate Building BlitzNovember 2025
Mellon Educate is preparing for another transformative Building Blitz Week this November, and we’re inviting passionate volunteers to be part of something truly special! Each year, hundreds of volunteers from diverse backgrounds come together to build and renovate urgently needed school facilities in disadvantaged communities. It’s a week of dedication, teamwork, and unforgettable moments—where you’ll not only make a tangible impact but also experience the deep fulfilment ofgiving back in a meaningful way.
The 2025 Blitz promises to be another remarkable chapter in our mission to provide children with better educational opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or considering your first Blitz, this experience will challenge, inspire, and reward you in ways you never imagined.
If you or your company would like to get involved—whether through volunteering, fundraising, or sponsorship—we’d love to hear from you.Join us this November and help create a brighter future! For more details, visit www.melloneducate.com or contact our team at info@melloneducate.com
WHETHER YOU’RE A SEASONED VOLUNTEER OR CONSIDERING YOUR FIRST BLITZ, THIS EXPERIENCE WILL CHALLENGE, INSPIRE, AND REWARD YOU IN WAYS YOU NEVER IMAGINED.
Hard Hats, Heavy Loads Headspace:
&
Why Construction Needs to Talk About Mental Health... Like, Yesterday!
Let’s not sugarcoat this - Mental Health in construction is in crisis. And ignoring it? That’s costing your business more than just bodies on site.This isn’t a fluffy piece. This is a wake - up call.
The Stats That Should Make You Sweat Let’s get uncomfortable for a second:
• Suicide Rates: In the UK, construction workers are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide compared to the national average.
• Economic Impact: Poor mental health costs UK employers approximately £51 - £56 billion each year.
• Return on Investment: For every £1 invested in mental health interventions, the average return is £5 - 400% ROI (Yes, that’s a better return than most of your current investments).
Still think wellbeing’s a “nice to have”? You’re already behind.
Bricks, Banter & Bottling It Up Construction thrives on graft, grit, and banter. But behind all the “I’m sound, mate” chat? A silent storm.
You’ve got people working long hours, battling deadlines, life pressures, financial strain, and rarely being asked how they really are. And silence, my friends, is dangerous
We wait until someone breaks down before we act - when we should’ve
spotted the signs long before. Mental health isn’t just “crazy people,” breakdowns, meds, or padded rooms.
Mental health is how you think, feel, and behave. Every. Single. Day. Stress, burnout, anxiety, depression - yep, that’s all poor mental health. If you’re telling me you’ve never experienced any of that? I call your bluff
Prevention – Picking Up the Pieces April is Stress Awareness Month. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If the only time you talk about this stuff is when a campaign tells you to, we’ve got problems.
Mental health support should be a permanent fixture—not a marketing moment. We need to stop reacting and start preventing.
Enter #justhaveaconversation—a movement built on one simple but powerful truth: real conversations save lives. No scripts. No BS. Just honest, human connection. And it works.
What’s It Costing You Not To?
Let’s be blunt:
• Absenteeism: Nearly 10% of UK adults took time off for mental health reasons over the past year, with almost half of these absences lasting a month or longer.
• Presenteeism: Employees working while unwell cost UK employers
around £24 billion annually. People Management+4Deloitte United States+4BACP+4.
• Staff Turnover: Poor mental health contributes to increased staff turnover, costing UK employers approximately £22 billion each year. Spill | Employee mental health support.
All of which… yep, cost you money.
While you’re investing in gear, machinery, and tech - your people might be running on empty. You wouldn’t ignore a structural crack - so why ignore cracks in your team?
What You Should Be Doing
1. Talk properly – Real conversations. Real people. No Tick boxes.
2. Bin the tick-boxes – Posters and pizza once a year won’t cut it.
3. Train your managers – They’re your first line of defence.
4. Lead from the top – Culture always starts with leadership.
5. Invest smart – Because £1 in = £5 out. Simple maths.
It’s Not Fluff, it’s Foundation
Mental health isn’t just a “HR issue”— it’s a business risk, a safety concern, and a leadership priority. Strong teams, strong culture, strong business. That’s the real ROI.
FACTS & STATS
• There is still a deep-rooted “sufferin silence” culture amongst men.
• As an industry, construction employs 9% of the UK workforce (say three million people) and the majority are male.
• A 2022 report from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into workplace related deaths, shows that men in construction are four times more likely to die from suicide than the UK average.
• Suicide is a bigger killer of construction workers than falls. The figures amount to as many as nine deaths per week.
UK BUSINESSES HAVE A LEGAL OBLIGATION AND A DUTY OF CARE TO ENSURE THE HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING OF THEIR EMPLOYEES IS ADHERED TO AS PER HSE REGULATIONS.
Want Support That Actually Works?
We’re Work It Well—and we don’t do fluff. From one-off workshops that hit hard to full-blown audits and strategies that transform your workplace culture - we’ve got you. And we back it all with a ROI guarantee... (because once an accountant, always ROI-obsessed).
Ready to talk?
Let’s #justaaveaconversation. Hard hats optional. Straight talking guaranteed Links – www.workitwell.com Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstybirchworkitwell/
The AI Revolution Gains Momentum
As we approach the middle 2025, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transitioned from a futuristic aspiration to an essential part of modern business operations. Although platforms like ChatGPT dominate headlines, AI’s influence reaches far beyond conversational tools. AI is revolutionising sectors including healthcare, finance, transportation, and significantly, construction. By the end 2025, the global AI market is expected to grow by 38%, highlighting widespread adoption and the recognition that AI is a cornerstone of modern industry, not merely a temporary trend.
In my role as an advisor and strategist with a visionary approach to AI, technology, and sustainability, I see the transformative power of these solutions every day. More importantly, I see how vital it is for companies—large and small—to be both well-informed and conscientious about implementing AI, ensuring that they balance innovation with ethical responsibility.
The President of BITA, Paul Whitnell emphasises the importance of using AI sustainably and with the right mindset. Organisations must focus on:
• Ethical AI Development: Ensuring AI technologies are used responsibly, protecting privacy and preventing misuse.
• Sustainable AI: Making AI more environmentally friendly and leveraging its potential to support sustainability in other industries.
• AI Regulation: Staying informed about and complying with emerging AI regulations globally.AI in Construction: Real-World Success Stories
Market Growth and Industry Transformation
The AI revolution in construction has reached a critical inflection point in 2025. The market is projected to grow from $3.99 billion to $11.85 billion by 2029, representing a compound annual growth rate of 24.31%. This explosive growth
reflects the industry’s recognition that AI is no longer optional but essential for maintaining competitiveness.
A striking statistic reveals that only 8.5% of U.S. construction projects are completed on time and within budget, highlighting the urgent need for AIdriven solutions. This challenge presents an unprecedented opportunity for transformation through technology.
Current Examples
• Google’s DeepMind, Energy Reduction: Google’s DeepMind reduced cooling energy usage in data centres by 40%,
significantly cutting costs and carbon emissions. Construction sites can replicate this approach, reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
• Autodesk’s AI, Efficient Building Designs: utodesk’s AI-driven designs have shown up to 30% improvement in energy efficiency and 20% less material usage, lowering carbon footprints and expenses.
• Siemens’, Predictive Maintenance: Siemens’ predictive AI reduces downtime by 25% and energy waste by 15%, showcasing AI’s proactive capability for infrastructure and machinery.
AI IN CONSTRUCTION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Traditionally, the construction industry has often been slow to adopt emerging digital tools. However, in today’s fast-changing environment, construction businesses are discovering how AI can streamline their operations, making them leaner and greener.
1. Predictive Analytics for Project Management: AI algorithms can analyse past project data, current site conditions, supply chain logistics, and even the weather to predict potential delays or cost overruns. This helps managers make proactive decisions, optimising schedules and budgets. As a result, project waste is reduced, and site resources are more efficiently allocated—a vital step toward sustainability.
2. Smart Buildings and Maintenance: AI-powered sensors can track energy usage, temperature, and occupancy rates in real time, enabling automated adjustments that conserve resources. Advanced systems also predict when maintenance is required, preventing breakdowns and extending building lifecycles.
3. Health and Safety Monitoring: Wearables combined with AI can detect when a construction worker is fatigued or in an unsafe environment, triggering immediate safety interventions. This is especially important in large-scale sites, where rapid response can prevent accidents.
4. Prefabrication and Manufacturing: The manufacturing of construction materials is also seeing AI-driven innovations. Robot-assisted factories can produce components more quickly and accurately than ever, minimising waste and speeding up project timelines. When integrated with sustainable material sourcing, these AI-assisted workflows are a game-changer for environmental impact and overall efficiency.
These developments collectively improve outcomes, reduce operating costs, and minimise environmental impact. They resonate deeply with the BITA community, which emphasises sustainability, and underscore why more firms in construction and adjacent industries should take AI adoption seriously.
SURPRISING STATS
AI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s fundamentally reshaping industries with impressive outcomes:
1. Construction Savings: AI-driven project management could significantly reduce waste, potentially saving the industry up to $1.6 trillion annually by 2025 (McKinsey).
2. Urban Emissions Reduction: AI traffic systems in cities like Barcelona cut car emissions by 20%, demonstrating tangible urban environmental benefits.
3. Water Efficiency: Intelligent AI irrigation in agriculture shows a 30% water use reduction, adaptable to construction sites for substantial resource conservation.
How to Prompt AI Systems Effectively
To maximise value from AI tools like Grok,ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude, follow these strategies:
• Define Clear Objectives: Specify outcomes and formats clearly (reports, lists, summaries).
• Contextual Clarity: Provide specific data, e.g., “Given 2023 energy usage (500 MWh), predict efficiency gains for 2025.”
• Role-based Prompts: Assign expert roles to AI for targeted insights: “Act as a sustainability consultant for a midsized construction firm.”
• Iterative Refinement: Treat interactions as conversations, refining and iterating prompts based on responses.
• Verification and Validation: Request credible data or statistics to back AIgenerated insights.
Deep Research and Advanced Capabilities of Current AI Models
Today’s AI models, such as Grok, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude, leverage extensive deep learning research and internet-scale training datasets. These advanced systems not only access vast knowledge repositories but also synthesise information from multiple sources, offering insights previously unattainable through conventional research methods.
Interesting Facts and Capabilities:
• Massive Training Data: Modern AI models are trained on billions of words from diverse sources including books, news articles, websites, and scientific papers.
• Multimodal Integration: Cuttingedge models integrate text, images, and audio to provide richer, more contextually aware responses.
• Real-Time Information Retrieval: AI tools like Perplexity actively search and verify information from current online databases, ensuring up-to-date and accurate results.
Practical How-To’s:
• Fact-Checking and Validation: Prompt models explicitly for verified sources: “Provide recent peer-reviewed studies to support this claim.”
• Complex Data Synthesis: Use AI to quickly summarise lengthy documents: “Summarise the key points from this 50page sustainability report in bullet form.”
• Comparative Analysis: Request AI to perform side-by-side analyses: “Compare the environmental impact of steel versus timber construction, listing pros and cons clearly.”
Effectively harnessing these capabilities enhances decision-making and innovation across various industry applications.
Key Highlights and IndustryShaping Facts
• AI-driven supply chain transparency enables firms to instantly calculate carbon footprints for each material, revolutionising procurement decisions.
• Digital twins—AI-driven virtual replicas of physical assets—cut waste and emissions by simulating decisions before actual construction.
• Generative AI design can reduce material usage by up to 35%, creating stronger, more eco-friendly structures that human designers alone may not conceive.
Why Collaboration Matters: A BITA Perspective
BITA’s core mission—to help people and organisations influence and collaborate more effectively—dovetails perfectly with the rise of AI. As an international community, we encourage members to:
• Share Best Practices: Companies that have successfully integrated AI in one region can advise others on how to replicate these successes under different regulatory or cultural conditions.
• Tap into Global Expertise: Our chapters across the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, Dubai, South Africa, the USA, and Australia allow for a crosspollination of ideas. A construction firm in Ireland might learn from a sustainability pilot launched in Dubai, or a manufacturer in the Isle of Man might adopt best practices from South Africa.
• Attend Educational Events: BITA hosts networking, educational, and social events to foster knowledge exchange. Often, these gatherings include AI demonstrations or workshops. Members can see AI tools in action, ask questions, and forge new partnerships.
We envision a future where AI not only optimises individual businesses but also amplifies global collaboration—driving sustainable development, improving communication, and sparking innovation in every sector we touch.
MOVING FORWARD –NAVIGATING THE AI ECOSYSTEM RESPONSIBLY
If you’re a CEO or a decision-maker who wants to harness AI ethically and strategically, here are some final considerations:
1. Stay Informed: Subscribe to newsletters, attend webinars, or join associations like BITA that can keep you updated on cutting-edge AI trends and regulatory changes.
2. Establish Clear Metrics: Define what success looks like for AI initiatives— be it faster project completions, reduced carbon emissions, or improved customer satisfaction. Regularly measure these metrics to track ROI.
3. Engage Stakeholders: From frontline employees to consumers, consult the people who will be most affected by AI rollouts. Involving diverse perspectives from the start can mitigate risks and strengthen outcomes.
4. Think Long-Term: AI adoption is not a one-off project. It’s an ongoing journey that will likely touch every facet of your organisation. Budget accordingly for updates, additional training, and possible expansions.
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER: BITA’S ROLE
BITA connects innovative minds and industries globally, fostering collaboration and best-practice exchange, especially around sustainability and AI. Whether it’s predictive maintenance in Dubai or zero-waste initiatives from the UK, BITA encourages shared learning, innovation, and collective action to ensure businesses remain at the forefront of AI advancements.
AI, strategically and ethically adopted, provides an unprecedented opportunity to reduce costs, streamline operations, and significantly enhance sustainability efforts across the globe.
For organisations looking to embrace this future, BITA provides the platform for global collaboration, education, and meaningful impact—transforming aspirations into practical, profitable realities.
Gold-Vision CRM Transforms Team Culture
Our journey and how you can elevate yours
Peter Drucker famously said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Even the best strategies fail without the right culture. Poor workplace culture lowers morale, increases turnover, and hurts revenue, blocking success.
On the other hand, a strong culture fosters:
• Engagement – Motivated employees perform at their best.
• Collaboration – Teams communicate better and solve challenges together.
• Retention – Employees stay when they feel valued.
• Performance – A strong culture, paired with standardised processes and tools like CRM, boosts growth.
STRENGTHENING WORKPLACE CULTURE
Mid-way through last year, and after taking a good look in the mirror, we recognised the need to improve our own culture to benefit the team and the business. Here’s what we learned:
1. Assess and Define Your Culture
Use surveys and interviews to identify values, strengths, and areas for improvement. Define who you want to be with a clear mission, vision, and values.
2. Lead by Example
Leaders must embody company values through their actions, decisions, and communication.
3. Foster Open Communication
Keep employees informed about goals, challenges, and progress through regular updates and create channels for feedback and ideas.
4. Recognise and Reinforce
Reward individuals and teams for actions that align with company values. Whether it’s a formal system or a simple public “thank you,” these efforts strengthen cultural alignment.
5. Invest in Development
Support employees with training and leadership development.
6. Measure and Adapt
Cultural change takes time, so track progress with metrics like employee engagement, turnover rates, and customer satisfaction. Stay flexible and adjust strategies based on feedback and results.
Our Journey
When we started this process, we realised how easily culture can become reactive during growth. However, since introducing small changes, like improving our internal communications, holding quarterly All-Hands meetings, increasing team-building activities, and introducing our SQUAD values and recognition program, we’ve seen a shift in morale, collaboration, and engagement. It’s an ongoing process, but even the smallest changes can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
A strong culture isn’t just about morale —it’s a strategic advantage. Prioritising culture leads to motivated teams, satisfied customers, and long-term business success.
Gold-Vision goes beyond As a trusted CRM provider, Gold-Vision goes beyond just software—we build real relationships with our customers. Our fully integrated CRM is designed to fit your business, with expert support that truly understands your needs.
All About BITA
We are ‘the people who know people that help people’ and embody the ethos of being the connectors between those who can offer help and those who seek it. BITA is dedicated to fostering and expanding businesses throughout the UK and Ireland, effectively boosting trade, creating new opportunities, and strengthening the bond between these two nations. Leveraging our extensive network of Ambassadors spanning the globe—from the UAE and Australia to the USA, Poland, Czech Republic, Portugal, Mexico, and South Africa—we support our members in cultivating pipelines and exploring fresh avenues to realise their objectives, whether within the UK and Ireland or beyond. Our supporters and patrons benefit from access to skilled labour, reliable contractors, and trusted suppliers, further enhancing their endeavours.
We are a non-profit organisation run by our President, Board of Trustees, and Non-Executive Directors, with help from our Chapter Board Members and staff. Comprised of CEOs, business owners, and key decision-makers, our Boards offer their time, expertise, and contacts to help fuel economic growth.
With chapters across the UK and Ireland, and international collaborations, BITA provides strategic coverage. Known for our friendly and welcoming
approach to networking, our members share our ethos and have a genuine interest in forming connections and generating new business
Why we’re Different
We know there are lots of other networking organisations out there, all with similar aims. Before you join, we want to make sure we’re a good fit for your business and are able to offer you the tools and opportunities to achieve your business goals.
This is the way we do business:
• Actively make introductions
• Consider smaller businesses when pricing events and membership
• Encourage and facilitate trade across the UK and Ireland, as well as on wider international scale
• Work with other networking organisations collaboratively, not combatively
• Promote our members across all channels available to us
• Champion women in business and work to help young people get ahead through our BITAx initiative.
• Host fun events providing opportunities for people to make connections and build relationships
Our members:
• Gain access to BITA events
• Are a member of the whole organisation, not one specific chapter
• Form genuine friendships
• Can attend events at all chapters
• Actively share their knowledge and experience
Our Vision
“With chapters operating in the UK, Ireland and further afield, the Business International Trading Alliance is influential and recognised as an organisation that increases trade and cooperation between nations.”
Using our wealth of contacts and expertise, our clear vision is to establish BITA as the ‘go-to’ organisation for members looking for help or advice with their growth plans.
I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND BITA TO ANYONE LOOKING TO GROW AND EXPAND THEIR BUSINESS NETWORK
– James
Maguire, Crannull Lead Generation
WE GAINED A NUMBER OF OUR CLIENTS
DIRECTLY THROUGH BITA. ATTENDING THEIR NETWORKING EVENTS
IS ONE OF OUR CORE MARKETING STRATEGIES
– James Maguire, Crannull Lead Generation
We are known as the standout networking organisation for business owners and decision makers who want to grow their business and expand into new territory. For us it’s not just about being ahead of the game, it’s about re-writing the rules!
Our Mission
Delivering our ‘why’ is the driving force behind what we do and why we do it. Our mission is that “We can help more people, and influence further, as a collective”. How we achieve this:
• Encourage, promote and create business
• Assist professionals with branching out and building key relationships
• Enhance strong ties between the UK and Ireland and the international business community
• Offer a helping hand to people who are looking for new business, or are relocating and require assistance adapting to differences in culture or legislation
• Extend the right support and expertise to help SMEs succeed and expand
Our Values
As an organisation working with many different businesses with different cultures and competing interests, we have formed values that represent who we are and what we want to achieve and it’s these principles that act as a guide for our board and our members.
• Integrity - Our intentions are clear, transactions are transparent, and trust is paramount
• Passion - We add value by demonstrating generosity of spirit, giving our time and expertise, and sharing our knowledge and contacts
• Delivery - We do what we say and act in unity
BITA Membership is annual, and covers all your company employees, across all chapters of BITA.
The Benefits of BITA Membership
We recommend that members attend as many events as they can to cement relationships and make new contacts. Very rarely is business done on the back of a faceless email or web profile; people deal with those they have a personal relationship with, so we present as many opportunities as possible for people to connect – make use of us!
Building Relationships
Our members form a community of like-minded people and they are usually very happy to meet for a coffee and talk business or share expertise. Make the most of your membership by forming relationships with this great group of people, benefit from their experience and share yours!
Our Events
Our members will tell you that attending our events is the best way to form and consolidate great relationships and is the most advantageous way to capitalise on your involvement with BITA. All members are welcome to any BITA event, whatever the chapter, and you’ll soon find that new faces are just as welcoming as old ones!
Marketing and Promotion
Through the news pages on the BITA website, our community newsletter, the BITA magazine, and social media, our marketing platforms are available to our members looking to promote good deeds, business news and discounts. You can also promote your business through sponsorship opportunities and reach new audiences!
Business Advice
If you are looking for advice, our board members and mentors are equipped with a wealth of knowledge and diverse skills that they are willing to share. We have hosted seminars offering advice on topics as diverse as ‘Alternative Investments’ to ‘UK Economic Prospects’, and always look for ways to help SMEs with growth and future planning. With BITA, as with life, the more you put in, the more you get out! Members who regularly attend events and get involved will naturally make more connections and create better business opportunities.
Exclusive offers
Our members have access to excellent offers put forward by other members. These include hotel discounts across the UK and Ireland, as well as discounts
What’s Included?
• Membership that covers all company employees
• Access to all BITA chapters and events
• Your business profile on our website
• Access to key decision makers
• Exclusive ‘member only’ discounts
• Special offers provided by our member network
• Discounts on ticket prices for many BITA events
• Invitations to events run by BITA associates, often at discounted rates
• Promotion of your business through exclusive sponsorship opportunities
• Free access to educational workshops
• Eligibility to enter the BITA awards, an award ceremony held at our bi-annual Gala Ball.
• Free posted copy and opportunity to publish or advertise in our magazine, Networks
• Free promotion of your events/products/services on social media and other channels
• The BITA board working to get maximum exposure and create beneficial relationships for you and your business through sponsorship opportunities
• Free membership and invitation to join your chapter group on NetHub
on professional services and suppliers. If you would like to make an offer of your own, simply add it to your member profile and let head office know so we can tell everyone.
HR Hub
Working with Practical HR and Peopletime, members of BITA gain access to a HR Hub that provides free access to hundreds of HR documents to help make sure your business is continually compliant. Regular updates to documents followed by notifications when legislation changes, means that your HR department will always be on top of things. Check out the BITA+ membership for information on enhanced HR membership.
Health and Wellbeing
Membership includes corporate access to our Wellbeing Hub, including Health and Wellness site ‘Wake up with Zest’. Learn how sleep, diet, and lifestyle can impact your health, and how to harness small changes for big differences!
Mentorship
The Mentor and Specialist Hub will help you or a staff member flourish in their career and encourage personal growth, of if you feel that you have the time available, you can add yourself as a mentor. This is also where you will be able to contact specialists to seek advice in their area of expertise - for free! This is provided in line with our commitment to wellbeing, business growth, networking and assisting the next generation.
Global Forum
We have an international presence through the work and contacts of our global forum who meet regularly to set the agenda for our global initiatives: currently focusing on ocean plastic.
Charities
As an organisation, and through our chapters, we have a commitment to supporting national and local charities.
Each chapter selects a local charity to support throughout the year that makes a real impact with their communities. BITA as an organisation also selects charities to work with. Both chapter and organisation work to raise awareness, and funds, for their chosen charities throughout the year.
Members Shop
Our shop is where you want to go when you want a stunning BITA tie or badge! We also stock member products that are often discounted.
Training Hub
Our Training Portal offers online and face to face training at special member rates. Online training includes accredited courses relevant to our members like ROSPA Certified Electrical Safety and Working at Heights, in addition to courses on HS1, sales and leadership.
Procurement Hub
Whether you’re seeking tenders, career applicants, or promoting your services, BITA’s Procurement Hub is your go-to resource. It connects members with new clients, suppliers, and collaborators, offering easy access to the tools needed for successful project delivery. With a diverse membership spanning UK and Ireland industries, from sole traders to multinationals, the Hub enables project information sharing, linking you to a trusted supply chain.
Net Hub
Net Hub is an online platform that helps BITA members track their face-to-face networking activities ,recording all types of leads - whether for invoiced business or introductions to key contacts. It also offers communication tools to keep members connected with their chapter and the wider BITA community. Designed with BITA’s ethos in mind, its goal is to attract users who are “People Who Know People That Help People”. Sign Up for
The Devon & Cornwall Trailblazers
Building a Vibrant Network
&
Devon and Cornwall are well known for their stunning coastlines, dramatic moorlands, plentiful walking trails, and welcoming hotels and B & Bs, all of which contribute to a strong tourism and hospitality sector. But did you know, these two counties are buzzing with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) representing diverse industries?
Our growing BITA network is discovering this region has much to offer and it holds a wealth of professional skills and talent across the two counties.
Amazing developments in the digital, tech, and creative industries in Plymouth, Exeter, and Bristol are examples.
The renewable energy and sustainability sector is another, with the Eden Project at St. Austell being the leading light in environmental and sustainability initiatives.
Shaun Stapleton, founder and director of Carbon Neutral Homes, is now a BITA member and his business partner, Sean McNeill of Offshore Solar, is on the Southwest BITA Board. Here are two members building important businesses in renewables, making a significant contribution and difference to the BITA network and regional economy.
We are also interested in Plymouth’s Marine, aerospace, and construction industries, and we aim to attract more members from these sectors over the coming months.
My story began when I moved from Sussex in May 2021, just as BITA was launching its southwest chapters in Devon and Cornwall. Soon after, I opened my freelance writing business, Greywing Creations.
Throughout the following two and half years I networked extensively, finding out who was who in the southwest zoo.It was during that time I met Annie Page, founder and Director of Strategies to Thrive, a high-performance leadership coaching business which she started in 2023.
Through Annie, I met Pauline Cannon, the Southwest Regional Director of BITA.
These two forward-thinking and energetic businesswomen impressed me.
Their ideas and drive to create a thriving network across Devon and Cornwall were exciting and piqued my interest.
I was looking for a networking group that truly cared about people, and its members, and who wanted members committed to growing the network; people who understood the importance of collaboration with others and the service of reciprocity.
There are plenty of groups out there but, for me, they didn’t give me what I was looking for in a networking organization.
However, the ethos of BITA chimed with me. It’s all about supporting people in the best way possible for their business
“Networking, for me, goes beyond just meeting new people. It’s about creating a web of connections that can support and uplift others.”
to grow, aided by high value referrals while providing the kind of events where people can meet, be introduced to those in their related sector and foster positive relationships.
When Pauline Cannon launched the Devon & Cornwall chapters in 2021, it was
BITA Cornwall, February 2025
– Annie Page
“BITA is the ultimate in communications platforms; it excels in all that it sets out to achieve. To achieve greatness, you must first surround yourself with “People Who Know People That Help People.”
– Pauline Cannon
to build and grow a vibrant community of businesses, working with one mindset – to help emerging and existent enterprises expand and create pathways for growth and connection with others.
Pauline worked hard to bring together a strong group of professionals offering a wide range of skills and business experience to create our first Devon & Cornwall Board.
Little did I know that just a year into my membership with BITA I would join the board led by Pauline Cannon as Regional Director, Annie Page as our Chair, Sean McNeill from Offshore Solar as Vice Chair, and Mathieu French from Retina Digital representing BITAx in the younger businessowners and professionals.
Our members come from a diverse range of industries, all contributing to the local and national economy in different ways; everything from currency exchange services (Total Currency Exchange)
“Since the pandemic, business owners have been looking for trust and to do business through relationships rather than cold sales. The landscape for business development has changed and become more strategic.”
– Sean
McNeill
headed up by Philip Allen, offering a competitive service to private individuals and businesses, to an innovative energysaving heat transfer system called OH4 founded by Steven Moors.
As a board we are looking at how we can bring value to our members and help growth across the two counties.
We already offer evening social networking events in Devon and Cornwall and for those who prefer daytime, we have a monthly morning online event, so there is something for everyone’s diary, and that’s just for starters!
However, we also want to mix and collaborate with our larger chapters across the UK, Ireland and overseas. It’s
“I feel that networking has to now be at least 70% of the way a business approaches onboarding and business development.”
– Sean McNeill
important we don’t become insular in our thinking or seen as “the also-rans in Devon & Cornwall”.
Keeping this in mind, we aim to create engaging and valuable member events with the participation of our London, Northern, and Irish chapters. Anything sports related goes down well in BITA, with rugby and golf top of the list.
Starting a business in Cornwall is not without its challenges; transport is an issue with heavy seasonal traffic, parking issues and limited access to some towns –Bude being a typical example.
This has prompted us to think about how we can reach out to other innovative industries and with their input create exciting events that showcase alternatives to some of the issues businesses face here.
In the coming months, we plan to host a series of exclusive member-only events which we hope will spark interest and encourage attendance. Certain activities will be open to guests, providing a great opportunity to introduce our organization and its benefits to new people.
By offering interesting and high-value events and workshops we feel members
will have the best opportunity to mix and meet with other professionals while getting to know each other better.
Member support for meetings and events is also key. We need to meet people to get to know them; just paying your subs and staying at home never works!
Although we’re still new as a region, we are serious about taking every
“As humans we need to socialise and make connections. We know from the pandemic how damaging social and professional isolation can be and some people are still feeling the effects of that.”
– Mary Wardell
opportunity to grow and are keen to support those who join us.
We’re always looking for more help with hosting meetings, so if you’re reading this and can lend a hand, get in touch!
After all, we are as important as each other in this because we’re about ‘People Who Know People That Help People’!
Written by Mary Wardell
Freelance Writer, Greywing Creations
Authorised Partner with Utility Warehouse Utility Adviser with the UAC Team
BITA networking evening, January 2024
In February, senior leaders of some of the leading construction companies within British and Irish Trading Alliance (BITA) gathered at the Goring Hotel in London for a discussion facilitated by Bridie Cunningham of Portman Scott, the latest UK political and public policy developments. With the new Labour Government now firmly in place, there
The main purpose of the meeting, however, was to discuss a plan of action to address this. What was needed, it was generally agreed, was a programme to engage with decision-makers in government to intervene and make the process work better for businesses. In these discussions, the attendees were joined by specialist political and
BITA Members Discuss Gateway 2
was an opportunity to reflect on how businesses were coping with the current legislative and regulatory agenda.
At the top of the agenda was the impact that new building regulations was having on construction firms, principally the introduction of ‘Gateway 2’ – a building control approval application stage. As widely noted by the representatives, Gateway 2-related delays have become a significant issue for the construction sector for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).
The discussion focused on how Gateway 2 delays are holding up the development of significant number of high-rise residential and student accommodation sites and will also potentially apply to other types of developments (such as hospitals and hotels) in future. These delays are likely to become acute in the next 12 months, unless significant changes are made to how the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) administers these regulations. Several firms highlighted their own examples from around the UK, where developments had been placed on hold for several months, while they await approval from the BSR. Needless to say, these delays are having a significant impact in terms of disruption and cost across the sector.
communications consultants from SEC Newgate, who were able to provide advice on the broader political landscape and how best to approach key ministers and advisers.
There was, of course, an awareness from around the table of the political sensitivities relating to the gateway system. It was, after all, legislated for with cross-party support through the Building Safety Act 2022, from the 2018 Hackitt Report concerning the Grenfell disaster. There were no objections to the legislation itself, which was regarded as necessary and justified, but rather a need to address the rules around the guidance of the Gateway 2 process and potentially around the resourcing of the BSR. Some of specific suggestions made
around the table included that resource should be ‘ring-fenced’ within the BSR to look at applications and a new process for guidance, potentially working with Construction Leadership Council (CLC).
Another key observation made was that these regulatory delays run counter to the Labour Government’s own ‘missions’ and objectives of building 1.5 million new homes and ‘supporting the builders not the blockers’. With the right approach, the government could be amendable to coordinated and constructive messaging from the industry, particularly if firms worked together. Recent announcements from Angela Rayner and her colleagues at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) indicate that there is some acknowledgement within government that these regulations need to work better.
There was broad verbal agreement in the room that something needed to be done to engage with decision makers in government. It was agreed that Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE company ODPR would work alongside Sec Newgate to produce a proposal on behalf of those present that suggests the action required from the government to address the issues raised by the attendees.
We will keep you updated as this important project progresses.
THE DISCUSSION
FOCUSED ON HOW GATEWAY 2 DELAYS ARE HOLDING UP THE DEVELOPMENT OF SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL AND STUDENT ACCOMMODATION SITES.
NetWorks is the business-focused magazine published by the Business International Trading Alliance (BITA).
This publication is available online with hyperlinks and in print. All members in the UK and Ireland will have a copy posted to them, and it will also be featured at our events. Many of our members have found NetWorks the ideal place to advertise, increase their reputation and cement their presence; get in touch today to discuss how we can help! All back issues are available on the BITA website.
NetWorks features articles written by experts in di erent elds, and we always want to hear from members that want to contribute to articles or advertising. Get in touch with henri@bita.ie for more information.
Christmas Tree Recycling Project
Bita’s
Community Spirit Shines Through the Christmas Tree
Recycling Project
For over 34 years, Heart of Kent Hospice has provided compassionate care to individuals with terminal illnesses and their families. Operating at an annual cost of£6.6 million—82% of which must be raised through fundraising—the hospice relies on generous donations, volunteer support, and partnerships within the local business community. One of its most successful and impactful recent events was the Christmas Tree Recycling Project. Through this initiative, volunteers collected used Christmas trees from residents and transported them to recycling facilities, helping the environment while raising vital funds for hospice operations. This year, Bita members—a thriving community of businesses and entrepreneurs—stepped up to play a pivotal role.
A Growing Partnership with Heart of Kent Hospice Bita officially selected Heart of Kent Hospice as one of its charitable partners, recognising the hospice’s significant impact on the local community. During an in-depth meeting between Henri Scott, the new Marketing Director at Bita, and David Dadswell, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Heart of Kent Hospice, both parties discussed strategies to strengthen
WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT ORGANISATIONS LIKE BITA,” SAID DAVID DADSWELL. “THEIR ENTHUSIASM, RESOURCES, AND COMMITMENT BRING US CLOSER TO OUR ANNUAL TARGETS— EVERY ACT OF SUPPORT HELPS US CONTINUE PROVIDING VITAL SERVICES TO THOSE WHO NEED IT.
David Dadswell, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Heart of Kent Hospice
engagement through donations, volunteering, and events like the Christmas Tree Recycling Project.
“We’re always looking for meaningful ways to connect local businesses with charitable causes,” said Henri. “Heart of Kent Hospice not only delivers essential care but also provides numerous opportunities for Bita members to give back through hands-on projects and financial contributions.”
Christmas Tree Recycling Project: Combining Environmental Care and Community Support
The Christmas Tree Recycling Project is a longstanding tradition for Heart of Kent Hospice. Held in the weeks after the holiday season, it gives residents a convenient, eco-friendly method of tree disposal, while generating critical funds to keep hospice services free. In January, Bita members rallied around this cause in record numbers.
Bita is known for its collaborative spirit, and, during the Christmas Tree Recycling Project, various members truly went above and beyond.
How Bita Members Can Continue Supporting Heart of Kent Hospice
Financial Contributions
• Corporate Giving: Businesses can incorporate routine donations by choosing the Hospice as their chosen charity for the year or pledge a percentage of annual profits to support hospice services.
• Employee Giving Programs: Encourage staff to donate a small part of their monthly salary, which can be matched by the company to double the impact.
Volunteering Opportunities
• Day-to-Day Support: Offer professional expertise in areas like IT, marketing, or administration to help reduce hospice overhead costs.
• Event Staffing: Attend and assist with hospice-organised fundraisers—such as sponsored walks, golf days, or art trails— to bolster community participation.
Fundraising Initiatives
• Challenge Events: From 10K runs to bake sales, Bita members can organise or take part in engaging fundraising events.
• Match-Funding Campaigns: Whenever an individual or team raises a certain amount, partner businesses can match that figure to amplify every donation.
Legacy Giving
• Long-Term Investment: Encourage clients, staff, and family members to consider leaving a gift in their Will, ensuring a lasting legacy for hospice care.
Building
a
Better Future Together
Beyond the financial and in-kind contributions, the real impact of Heart of Kent Hospice lies in its compassionate care. By helping patients and families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments, the hospice fosters a profound sense of community support. Through strategic partnerships with networks like Bita, the hospice remains resilient in the face of rising costs and continuous fundraising needs.
The Christmas Tree Recycling Project encapsulates what can be achieved when businesses, nonprofits, and local communities come together. Bita’s active participation exemplifies a corporate network with heart—one that looks beyond profit to make a tangible difference. As Heart of Kent Hospice continues its critical work, ongoing support from Bita members and partners will ensure that compassionate end-of-life care remains available to everyone who needs it.
For more information on how you can support Heart of Kent Hospice or join the Bita network in future projects, please contact:
• Heart of Kent Hospice Corporate Partnerships Manager – Get involved
• Bita’s Marketing Director, Henri Scott – To join Bita
Left to Right: Merit Group, Midas Waste, Volmech Electrical Contractors
Article written by Klicksense
From Farmyard to Fight Night
The Rise of an Irish Boxing Star
Growing up on a farm in County Mayo, Eoghan Lavin learned the value of hard work from a young age. The discipline, resilience, and determination that defined his early years would later become the foundation for his success in the boxing ring. From local gym sessions to competing on the global stage, Eoghan’s journey is one of grit, ambition, and an unrelenting drive to put Irish boxing on the world map.
Now, as a professional boxer, he stands on the brink of something truly special. With a career built on dedication and guided by some of the sport’s most respected figures, Eoghan is forging a path toward greatness, bringing with him the spirit of Mayo and the heart of a champion.
A Fighter’s Journey: From Amateur Champion to the Professional Ranks Eoghan’s story in boxing began when he was just six years old, stepping into the ring for the first time and immediately showing natural talent. By eleven, he had already won his first national title, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable amateur career. Over the years, he would claim nine national championships and European medals, a testament to his skill and relentless pursuit of excellence.
His talent was undeniable, earning him a place on Ireland’s Olympic boxing team at eighteen—an achievement that placed him among the country’s elite fighters. Recognising his potential, Eoghan later signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, one of the leading forces in world boxing, and secured management with 258 Management, the agency founded by heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
To refine his craft further, he moved to Manchester, where he now trains
under former world champion Anthony Crolla. Here, surrounded by some of the best in the sport, he continues to hone his skills, build his reputation, and prepare for the biggest fights of his career.
The Drive to Succeed: Training, Discipline, and the Champion’s Mindset
Success in boxing is not just about talent—it requires unwavering discipline and total commitment. Eoghan follows an intense training regimen, often completing two to three sessions a day to maintain peak performance. Recovery plays a crucial role, with structured routines including saunas, stretching, and physiotherapy to keep him in fighting condition.
But beyond the physical aspect, boxing is also a mental battle. Eoghan’s approach to the sport is deeply rooted in focus and preparation. He prays before every fight, a ritual that keeps him centred and locked into the moment. His ambitions are clear—to become a world champion and to headline major boxing events in Mayo, bringing world-class fights to his home county.
Outside of his own career, Eoghan is passionate about coaching and mentoring young fighters, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of Irish boxing talent. His involvement in the JA team is part of his broader vision to grow the sport and inspire others to chase their dreams.
A Strong Brand with a Global Reach
As he continues his ascent in professional boxing, Eoghan’s profile is growing rapidly. He has already built a strong social media presence, with heavyweight champion
PARTNERING WITH EOGHAN PROVIDES A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF A DYNAMIC AND FAST-GROWING BRAND IN THE WORLD OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS.
Anthony Joshua sharing his content with over 17 million followers. His name is gaining traction in boxing circles, and with each fight, his visibility expands.
This momentum presents unique opportunities for businesses and brands looking to align with a rising star in Irish sport. Sponsorship in professional boxing isn’t just about support—it’s about strategic partnerships that offer valuable exposure on national and international platforms.
Opportunities for Partnership
• Branding & Visibility – Logo placement on fight gear, promotional materials, and televised events.
• Exclusive Experiences – Ringside access, behind-the-scenes engagement, and hospitality at fight nights.
• Digital & Social Media Exposure –Integration into Eoghan’s growing online presence, connecting with boxing fans worldwide.
• Community & Social Impact –Involvement in initiatives such as youth training programmes, charity events, and grassroots boxing development.
For businesses looking to tap into the global boxing audience, partnering with Eoghan provides a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic and fast-growing brand in the world of professional sports.
LOOKING AHEAD
A Champion in the Making
Eoghan Lavin’s journey from the farmyards of County Mayo to the professional boxing stage is a story of determination, passion, and ambition. With a strong foundation, elite-level training, and a clear vision for the future, he is well on his way to achieving his goal of becoming a world champion
His next fight, expected on the 12/04/2025 at the National Stadium Dublin
Reach out to paul@bita.ie on ways you can get involved as a sponsor
TNavigating Uncertain Times
The Crucial Role of Financial Leadership in Construction
Bridie Cunningham, The Pivotal Role of Financial Leadership and CFOs in Construction Companies
here can be no doubt that the UK construction industry will continue to face significant financial challenges in 2025, despite recent data suggesting some signs of improvement.
Figures released by the UK Insolvency Service in January showed 4,032 construction firms became insolvent in 2024 – an 8.1% decrease on the 4,388 insolvencies in 2023, but still 25.3% up on the 3,218 who went under in 2019, pre-pandemic.
Against other sectors the numbers are also concerning. Construction firms accounted for 16.3% of all insolvencies in England and Wales in December 2024 - this for a sector that comprised roughly 14% of all businesses registered in the UK last year.
It seems clear that the industry remains one of the most vulnerable to current
economic pressures and careful financial planning and strategic oversight are more critical than ever.
Construction firms with strong financial systems in place will be best positioned to weather these ongoing challenges and emerge stronger. And this is where an experienced CFO is crucial, to provide the oversight and financial leadership necessary for long-term stability and growth.
The Pivotal Role of a CFO/FD in Construction
Too often, construction firms prioritise operational roles over financial leadership, allocating six-figure salaries to site managers/ contracts managers while leaving financial management in
FIGURES RELEASED BY THE UK INSOLVENCY SERVICE IN JANUARY SHOWED 4,032 CONSTRUCTION FIRMS BECAME INSOLVENT IN 2024 – AN 8.1% DECREASE ON THE 4,388 INSOLVENCIES IN 2023.
the hands of excellent bookkeepers or Financial Controllers.
While these roles are certainly vital for day-to-day financial monitoring and reporting, CFOs/ FD’s go beyond these critical tasks, not only compiling reports, but able to interpret them, adding the insight and strategic oversight so important for successful planning. Their role is to provide advice and solutions based on solid data.
Companies that recognise the value of a seasoned CFO benefit from:
• A solid plan for growth – a CFO/FD can deliver the feasibility reports for new projects or markets and offer more financially viable suggestions for growth projects
• Better cash flow management
• Proper fiscal input into some of the strategic decisions they have been making
• More accurate forecast planning
• Better efficiencies throughout the company with the use of selected IT systems to control projects and planning, thereby reducing costs
• Better relations with their banks, investors or whatever means they use to finance their projects
• Someone who can support the tender process and work alongside the project managers/directors to offer fiscal solutions before, during and post projects
They will be an impartial advisor, able to bring a valuable element of unemotional insight to a seasoned CEOs/business owner’s years of experience – and create a perfect partnership.
In the worst-case scenarios, a forward-thinking CFO/FD is essential to seeing what might be “coming down the track” and able to provide solutions to prevent disaster, or at least accurate information for the owner to make well-informed decisions.
In the best scenarios they will work closely with the CEO/business owner to identify strategies that will increase the value of the business and mitigate the downside risk.
Expert Perspectives on Financial Leadership
Industry experts consistently highlight the critical role of financial leadership in the construction sector.
“As an FD my role is to be the financial and analytical support to the CEO/MD as they grow the business. A book keeper, accountant will provide the information of today and how you have performed over the last month/year. As an FD I not only support that but also work with the leadership team in identifying potential icebergs in the journey ahead and offer a different path to avoid them. Equally I work on future opportunities and ensure
they are fully explored and financially robust and where necessary offer alternatives that reduce the risk for the business without stifling growth”
Gareth Basford – FD Sortera UK
THE PATH FORWARD
As many construction firms face an uncertain future, those with strong financial systems and leadership in place will be the best positioned to succeed. Investing in a skilled CFO should not be seen as an added expense but a strategic decision that can safeguard a company’s future, drive efficiencies, and ensure longterm profitability. For construction businesses looking to navigate the complexities of today’s market, the right financial leadership could make all the difference.
If you would like to have a discussion about how a CFO/FD may help your business, please drop me a line at b.cunningham@portmanscott.com or give me a call on 07932 585601
BITA DIRECTORY
The BITA Directory is where you can access information about our sponsors, or those who have taken out a subscription to the BITA magazine. The below businesses can offer amazing coverage for most, if not all your business needs.
A
A4G
Beyond traditional accounting, A4G provide proactive, strategic advice to help businesses grow and overcome challenges. Their tailored breakthrough programmes and comprehensive services address key business needs—ranging from tax compliance to growth strategies—empowering business owners to strengthen their operations and achieve their goals.
BBallymore
Ballymore is a distinguished family-run property developer known for award-winning urban projects across Europe. Their commitment to originality and quality is evident in each development, challenging industry norms and setting new standards. They create remarkable places with soul, and a focus on living, working, culture, and leisure, Ballymore continues to shape the future of urban living.
Begbies Traynor Group
Begbies Traynor Group plc, a leading UK professional services consultancy, specializes in restructuring, insolvency, corporate finance, and real estate advisory. With BTG Advisory providing sector-specific insights, they enhance corporate value through a multidisciplinary approach.
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Chartsfield Construction
Chartsfield Construction Management (CMM) is a wellestablished construction management company specialising in collaborating with local authorities, private developers, and supply chains. They excel at unlocking challenging sites and delivering high-quality housing across the London Boroughs, Home Counties, and the South East of England.
Circet
Circet Ireland & UK (Formerly KN Group) have built an evergrowing portfolio of specialist services. While achieving rapid growth in recent years they maintain an embedded tradition to satisfy our clients’ needs while delivering the highest standard of safety, quality and customer service.
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Enterprise Flex E Rent
Enterprise Flex-E-Rent offers van, HGV, and specialist vehicle hire tailored to businesses’ needs. With evolving vehicle technology, legislation, and economic factors, flexible hire is crucial. Unsure of your needs? Contact them for guidance. Explore long-term, shortterm, or flexible hire options to meet diverse requirements. They provide comprehensive solutions for your business needs.
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Glencar Construction
Glencar’s co-founders, backed by seasoned industry professionals, leverage extensive expertise for exceptional project delivery. Their commitment to quality and service fosters strong client relationships, driving impressive business growth. Whether repositioning existing facilities or constructing new ones, Glencar prioritizes beneficial partnerships with supply chains and customers, ensuring excellence in every endeavour.
Go Privilege
Go Privilege specialises in creating bespoke luxury experiences, offering exclusive access to world-class sporting events, cultural occasions, and tailored travel itineraries. With award-winning service and a commitment to sustainability, they deliver meticulously curated experiences while supporting global reforestation efforts through their Sustainability Initiative.
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Harris Group
Harris Group is one of Ireland’s foremost commercial vehicles import and assembly enterprises, renowned for its distinguished portfolio featuring well-known brands. Following the visionary legacy of founder Pino Harris, the company prioritizes innovation and customer service excellence. With steadfast leadership and strategic investments, Harris Group is shaping a path toward sustainable transportation solutions.
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Kerry London
Kerry London, a Lloyd’s of London accredited broker, specializes in insurance services since 1986, focusing on construction, property, manufacturing, and sports sectors. With over 100 staff
and headquarters in London, they offer tailored insurance solutions, including surety bonds, professional indemnity, liability, and personal insurances like home, motor, property, travel, and art.
Korec
KOREC & Trimble’s mission is to empower businesses to measure, map, and manage both the natural and built environments. By combining deep industry expertise with intuitive software and world-leading positioning technology, they transform operations and deliver the accuracy needed for confident decision-making.
Laing O’Rouke
Laing O’Rourke, an international engineering enterprise with over a century and a half of experience, offers fully integrated solutions for prestigious organizations worldwide. With a mission to lead in innovation and excellence by 2025, they’ve shaped cities and economies across diverse sectors. Their 15,000-strong global team ensures engineering innovation and project certainty for complex projects globally.
Mainland Power
Mainland Power’s expert team delivers high-quality, carbonneutral energy solutions for industrial organisations, offering end-to-end support from design to maintenance. They take a holistic approach to energy management, focusing on efficiency, emission reduction, and reliable energy supply.
Nationwide Management Services
Nationwide Management Services has a comprehensive list of services to keep your business safe, secure and operational. These include Biometrics / Access Control Unit, Traffic Marshalls + Banksmen, CCTV & Alarms Hire & Monitoring, CCTV Self Powering Towers, Cleaning Services, Concierge Services, Static Guards, Drone Services and more.
BITA DIRECTORY
ODPR
ODPR is a collective of storytellers, strategists, and communications experts, passionate about delivering clear, bold, and honest messaging to create lasting impact and value for your business. They develop effective marketing strategies to elevate brand positioning, engage new audiences, and lead with purpose, prioritising their employees, community, and the environment.
Powerday
Powerday provides waste management and recycling services in London and across the UK. Providing a quality and value-formoney service, it’s easy for all clients to manage their resources sustainably. We invest heavily to maintain state-of-the-art facilities designed to maximise recycling and recovery of material, delivering 100% diversion from landfill and continually exploring sustainable and innovative solutions.
The Craft Irish Whiskey
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is dedicated to reviving traditional whiskey crafting methods, infused with modern expertise and meticulous attention to detail. Unlike mass-produced whiskeys prioritizing quantity, they spare no expense in the pursuit of quality. Every aspect of their process is carefully considered, utilizing innovative techniques to enhance flavour and preserve richness.
The Timber Group
Leveraging profound timber industry expertise, The Timber Group ensures reliable supply of quality timber solutions for diverse projects. With strategically located branches they provide flexible delivery options and comprehensive services including sawmilling and specialist machining. Committed to sustainability, they prioritize environmental values, setting industry standards for construction and building with wood.
Will Polston
Will helps ambitious individuals overcome challenges and achieve their dream lives through accountability and performance coaching. After a successful career as a broker, he shifted his focus to empowering others, using proven strategies to create lasting transformations.
Full Metal
Full Metal solves real world business problems through development of cutting-edge bespoke software, and can provide support and maintenance for existing older platforms under our adoption services. This includes desktop, web and mobile apps across many industries and with 20 years in business, their experience is unrivalled.
Image On
Perfectly situated to service the entire UK, supplying Workwear, signage, vehicle graphics, banners, office refurbs and PPE. Our experienced team are fully equipped (embroidery, wide format digital print, vinyl, and signage manufacture) to produce all products in house and deliver direct to our customers door.
Commercial Vehicles
A more flexible approach
At Enterprise Flex-E-Rent, we know that providing you with the right commercial vehicles requires more than just in-depth understanding of the latest specifications and relevant legislation. That’s why we take the time to understand your business before we make our recommendations.
With a rental fleet of over 36,000 commercial vehicles - from standard white vans to large articulated lorries, tippers, temperature controlled and accessible vehicles – we’ll make sure you always have the right vehicle for the job.
And, by understanding your business as well as your vehicles, we help you get on the road and stay there.
Find out how we can help you do more of what you do best, call 0800 328 9001 or visit flexerent.co.uk
