Your BESA Issue 12

YOUR

Issue 12

Back to the BESA future Vent hygiene apprenticeships

Also in this issue BESA member benefits P04 Vent Hygiene Elite scheme ready for launch P12 SKILLcard applications go online P19 A woman’s place P21

www.theBESA.com

@BESAGroup

BESA Group

STOCK SERVICE SOLUTIONS FROM TALL ICONIC BUILDINGS TO LOCAL SCHOOL SOLUTIONS, OUR UNMATCHED SERVICE & KNOW-HOW WILL ALWAYS DO YOU PROUD. We are the UK’s market-leading distributor of pipeline and heating solutions.

Established over 110 years ago, we have grown into a multi-million pound, nationwide business, working with the very best brains and brands in the game.

OVER 1200 EXPERTS NATIONWIDE

SER THE WIDEST VI, CHE PRODUCT KED AN RANGE DY

Our experts service a wide range of sectors, and provide bespoke solutions to customers, including products, specifications, technical support and after sales care.

THE LEGEND THAT IS BOSS TM

TOOL & EQUIPMENT HIRE

NEXT DAY NATIONWIDE DELIVERY

EXPERIENCED TECHNICAL SUPPORT

WE’VE GOT UK & IRELAND COVERED

Call 0330 123 3521 Enquiries@bssgroup.com www.bssindustrial.co.uk

BESA chief executive David Frise

Welcome

YOUR BESA - ISSUE 12 In this issue:

David Frise

MEMBERSHIP

P04

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

P07

TRAINING

P09

TECHNICAL NEWS

P12

FUTURE LEADERS

P21

#BACKTOTHEBESAFUTURE

P26

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

P28

Why safety is not enough “There is nothing more important than being safe in your own home and I am determined to improve building safety. There will be no hiding place for those who flout building safety rules.”

These were the words of Secretary of State for Communities James Brokenshire on announcing that the government was adopting the recommendations of the Hackitt Review “in full”.

This is extremely positive, but we do not have a good history of ‘policing’ construction in this country. Also, too much of the conversation since the Grenfell tragedy has focused on the negative and the ‘rogue element’ in our sector.

There is an understandable desire to punish people and to ban certain products, but there is a much wider debate to be had here. If Grenfell is to provide a positive legacy, there must be more to this than just safety. It must lead to a plan for producing a built environment that is better in every way.

A commission set up by the housing charity Shelter recently called for the building of over three million new social homes in the next 20 years. This would require 150,000 to be built every year,

which is a hugely ambitious target considering just 6,000 were built in 2018, but the need is pressing.

Shelter pointed out that 48% of families in social housing who reported issues around poor or unsafe conditions felt ignored. Problems included fire safety, gas leaks, electrical hazards, mould and pest problems, among others.

Why do communities such as Grenfell feel like second-class citizens? Why, in a country boasting the world’s fifth largest economy, are thousands of people living in dreadful conditions?

The impact of poor quality housing should be considered in the context of the government’s new flagship policy for the NHS to save 500,000 lives over the next 10 years by focusing on prevention and early detection.

If you want to prevent people getting ill then they must live, work and play in civilised conditions and our industry has a huge part to play by championing high technical standards and competence.

At BESA we have been running competent person schemes for years, but these are not universally

acknowledged or supported. This will have to change because; if you want high quality buildings then you need to employ competent people focused on doing a good job.

Clients will increasingly demand proof of competence – as outlined by the Hackitt Review – and our certification body BESCA is already providing that proof to help businesses and individuals meet industry standards, ensure compliance and deliver best practice.

Proving competence so we can create a great built environment will deliver fantastic quantifiable social benefits right across the UK.

Follow David on Twitter: @outsiderwrecker4 Your BESA Magazine is produced and managed

by Open Box Media and Communications Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)121 200 7820 Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information given, the publisher - the BESA Group; or Open Box Media and Communications Ltd - the production managers; cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from the information supplied.

The inclusion of adverts and information herein does not in any way imply or include endorsement or the approval of, or from, the BESA Group.

3

MEMBERSHIP

MORE THAN JUST A BADGE There are a huge number of benefits to being a BESA member WIN MORE WORK: THE BESA BADGE OF QUALITY BESA is recognised as a badge of quality within the industry, and we continue to gain agreement from a wide range of specifiers, clients and insurers to ensure BESA membership is a requirement in future tenders.

GET PAID FOR IT Repeated delays to proposed reforms of the payment retentions system are undermining the industry’s efforts to improve its productivity. The BESA will continue to call on the government to ensure that all cash retentions are held in trust as soon as possible, and to phase them out entirely by the early 2020s.

BE SUPPORTED Access to free advice, templates, downloads, guidance and support from our specialist teams. We save members millions every year thanks to our professional advice teams: • Legal and Commercial – visit www.theBESA.com/legal • Employment and HR – visit www.theBESA.com/employment-affairs • Health & Safety – visit www.theBESA.com/health-safety • Technical Support – visit www.theBESA.com/technical

BEAT THE SKILLS GAP Ensure your people have the right skills for any job with our specialist short courses and apprenticeships delivered by BESA Training.

Find out more at www.theBESA.com/training

THE CHANCE TO SHAPE YOUR SECTOR Through regular contact with ministers, MPs and civil servants, and responding to key consultations, we make our members’ voices heard in the corridors of power.

Our Specialist Groups and Special Interest Groups are open to all BESA members committed to maintaining the highest standards and actively looking for opportunities to help address growing industry issues. Why not get involved? Find out more at www.theBESA.com/specialist-groups • Ventilation Ductwork Group • Refrigeration Group • Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Group • Service and Facilities Group • Pipework, Plumbing and Plant Group

4

BESA Group Companies:

TRAINING

In addition to our core member services, BESA members also benefit from a host of special discounts and services, which we have negotiated on their behalf. It pays to be a BESA member.

MEMBER OFFERS

15 12

MONTHS FO R THE PRICE O F

BESA members can now enjoy up to a 53% discount on membership to Builders’ Conference, the construction industry’s premier information, data and analysis provider.

BESA members who join up will receive access to Builders’ Conference unique data platform Serino which posts up to 11,000 UK wide construction projects each year, covering every sector. Serino offers: • A fast, intuitive system Delivering real time, pure data at the push of a button • Receive only the facts Invaluable industry intelligence and sales leads across the UK in every sector • Raise your profile Get noticed with the customers that matter to you Join Builders’ Conference and not only get access to Serino, but also get access to: • Useful networking events • Detailed statistical analysis • Industry insights and best-practice guidance • Our extensive online company directory

Extended Membership 15 months membership for the price of 12

11,000 UK PRO JECTS

FROM JUST

£79 +VAT

The team at Builders Conference are happy to give BESA members a quick online demonstration of Serino so you can see for yourself how you can access valuable project data at an affordable price.

FIND OUT MORE www.theBESA.com/member-offers/builders-conference

• Exclusive 30% discount on SFG20 Software – the industry standard for maintenance • Discounted specialist commercial insurances • FREE Joblogic software licence • Free upgrade to REFCOM Elite • FREE use of the TRUSTMARK assurance • 50% discount off BESA publications

Constructionline connects ‘supplier’ companies with ‘buyers’ looking for contractors and subcontractors.

Buyers will post available contracts and search the database for appropriate contractors to invite to tender.

BESA have negotiated a number of benefits to help members win more work:

ACCESS

PLUS, MUCH, MUCH MORE…

Constructionline is the largest and most lucrative business-generation platform for SME contractors in the UK construction industry.

Identify buyers and suppliers Constructionline will also add the ‘Buyer’ status for free (normally charged at £500) so you can contact other ‘suppliers’ across the construction industry.

Opportunities to meet buyers Invitations to Meet the Buyer events across the UK. Your opportunity to meet peers and partners and discuss business opportunities. For dates, visit our events page.

Access the Notice Board Receive alerts on buyers’ construction projects relevant to your expertise and area.

Get found by clients Include your company information on the database for potential clients in line with PAS91 format.

A Constructionline profile Buyers and contractors will make decisions on what they see.

Supplier Engagement Participate in Supplier Engagement Days run for Main Contractors FIND OUT MORE www.theBESA.com/member-offers/ constructionline

Find out all about the extensive member benefits at www.theBESA.com/member-offers

5

NOW. PUMP TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE. WILO-STRATOS MAXO: THE WORLD’S FIRST INTUITIVE SMART-PUMP*

NEW

Your new partner is the most flexible pump: the Wilo-Stratos MAXO is the perfect fit for any application and ensures optimal system efficiency thanks to its intelligent control mode. Furthermore, the pump can be integrated into all relevant systems due to diverse interfaces. And with optimised and innovative energysaving features the Wilo-Stratos MAXO meets the changing requirements superbly. No other pump on the market offers you more efficiency, connectivity and convenience. This is how already today we are making your life easier with the innovations of tomorrow.

WILO BRINGS THE FUTURE. Discover the future of pump technology: www.wilo.co.uk/future

*We understand a smart-pump as a new category of pumps, which goes far beyond our high-efficiency pumps or pumps with pump intelligence.

Onlythe combination of the latest sensor technology and innovative control functions (e.g. Dynamic Adapt plus and Multi-Flow Adaptation), bidirectional connectivity (e.g. Bluetooth, integrated analogue inputs, binary inputs and outputs, Wilo Net interface), software updates and excellent usability (e.g. thanks to the Setup Guide, the preview principle for predictive navigation and the tried and tested Green Button Technology) make this pump a smart-pump.

BESA Advert - Apr19.indd 1

6

BESA Group Companies:

02/04/2019 11:52:42

TRAINING

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Making up for lost time Brexit has been a huge distraction and it is time for the government to get back on track to drive investment in construction and arrest the slide in energy and infrastructure projects.

Ministers have taken their eye off the ball on a wide range of issues that would have been right at the top of their agenda had it not been for Brexit. Most crucially for construction and building engineering services, our energy policy has drifted alarmingly and infrastructure projects have fallen catastrophically behind schedule.

At one point, we were planning to build eight new nuclear power stations, but two have now been shelved and the others remain in doubt. Overseas developers are now questioning their investment in the UK. We have a wonderful vision of a ‘clean power’ future for our country with millions of cars powered by electricity, but where will that electricity come from?

Renewables are growing quickly and accounted for a record 33% of all our electricity demand last year – up from just

6.7% in 2009 – but we will still need a strong nuclear sector to sustain base levels and make up much of the rest.

Part of getting things back in focus should be a concerted effort to consider new ideas and changing our business models. Increased use of off-site construction methods is one way to get projects delivered more quickly and efficiently.

Solutions We will have to take a leaf out of the product manufacturer’s manual and develop more modular and standardised solutions. Our acute skills shortage will be a key driver, but this is also about improving quality and compliance. Adopting more of a production line approach will allow us to develop a less

BESA President Tim Hopkinson disruptive supply chain management and payment model as well.

The Association is also putting emerging talent at the heart of our organisation to help us be fleeter of foot in the future. Our Future Leaders group has grown strongly in the two years since it started and will now have a seat on our Council so they can influence future BESA policy.

The current chair is Reanna Evans of NG Bailey, who also won last year’s CIBSE ASHRAE Graduate of the Year Award.

She is spearheading the Future Leaders’ work on digital technology and raising the profile of our industry – and we need her energy and dynamism to help us plot our future course.

Whatever the final outcome of the torturous political wrangling over a Brexit ‘deal’, we will have to make up for lost time and present a more appealing image of our country and our industry overseas as we look to attract investment from beyond Europe.

Brexit could turn out to be a blessing in disguise if we are flexible and agile enough to grab the opportunities.

BESA Future Leaders at the most recent BESA Conference with Chair Reanna Evans (third right)

Follow Tim on Twitter:

@BESAPresident

7

Expert compliance, expert training.

TRAINING

Swiftclean offers award-winning expert services with competitive rates and great customer service. Now you can train with us too.

As well as the BESA Grease Hygiene Technician and Operative course, we will shortly be offering the new BESA Ventilation Hygiene Technician Apprenticeship.

Air

Water

Fire

Ventilation cleaning and testing to TR/19 and BS EN 15780 & fire damper testing

L8 Legionella control (ACOP) & water tank cleaning

Kitchen extract cleaning to TR/19 & grease trap cleaning

For more information, call now:

0800 243 471

or visit our website: www.swiftclean.co.uk

SWEP’s new Sealix® tap water unit defeats corrosion and scaling SWEP has launched a new range of BPHEs that keep tap water applications running efficiently for longer.

This is achieved with SWEP Sealix® coating, a revolutionary SiO₂-based thin-film technology that increases BPHE corrosion resistance, decreases the tendency for fouling and scaling and increases durability.

The protective Sealix® layer is applied to all inner surfaces of the heat exchanger that encounter drinking water, to increase the lifetime and the operational safety of the entire. This in turn reduces maintenance costs and unplanned downtime. The innovative self-cleaning coating minimizes deposit formation and prevents contamination while protecting the surface.

SiO-based coating is recognized worldwide and approved by the United States Food and Drug administration, the European Food Safety Authority and the Japan Inspection Association of Food & Industry Environment.

Watch the video on the link below to can see what happens over 24 hours when a Sealix® coated stainless-steel surface and an untreated stainless-steel surface are both placed in a heated calcium salt solution. The Sealix® sample remains the same, whereas the uncoated sample becomes noticeably corroded.

http://www2.swep.net/sealix-en/ We have recently applied the Sealix concept to several units in the SWEP range, including the DHW in HIUs. The resultant benefits have been impressive.

So if poor water quality is a problem, you might want to consider upgrading your present unit with Sealix.

About SWEP Starting from small beginnings in Sweden in 1983, SWEP is now the world’s leading supplier of compact brazed plate heat exchangers (BPHEs). These are used where heat needs to be transferred efficiently in air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and industrial applications.

SWEP Dover Intercompany Services UK Ltd Tel: 01235 838612 christer.frennfelt@swep.net | http://de.swep.net

8

BESA Group Companies:

TRAINING

TRAINING

Brexit is not the only threat to our skills

Funds Brexit is clearly creating confusion in the labour market, but we also have ‘home grown’ skills problems to address, according to director of BESA Training Tony Howard.

Among the many rash statements made during the heat of the Brexit debate, the Prime Minister’s labelling of many construction tradespeople as “low skilled” is one that could do serious damage to our industry.

It is very important that the government reviews its rules for the 165,000 EU citizens currently employed by the construction industry to ensure valuable skills are not lost to the UK economy. In particular, the required qualification level for a skilled worker should be reduced to NVQ Level 2 and the salary threshold for a skilled worker be set well below the £30,000 currently planned by the government.

At the moment, government Brexit policy risks excluding Level 2 tradespeople like plumbers, bricklayers and carpenters.

Losing thousands of those could be catastrophic and put the delivery of many vital infrastructure and built environment projects at risk.

Of course, we also need to focus on growing our own skills here in the UK. At BESA Training the number of new apprentices we were able to sign up rose by 140% in 2018, but we are still trying to make up lost ground from when there was a dip in investment in training after the 2008 financial crash. We are also still trying to get over the confusion many employers feel about the Apprenticeship Levy.

From this April, levy-paying employers will be able to pass on 25% of their training funds to smaller companies in their supply chains. This was a welcome development announced by the Chancellor Phillip Hammond last year, but it is doubtful whether it goes far enough. You could argue it should be increased to 100% because SMEs carry out such a large proportion of apprentice training across construction.

However, a recent survey, carried out with The Enterprise Trust, shows just how much potential there is for greater apprentice recruitment. It found that 92% of sole traders had never employed an apprentice. While 47% of respondents working in the building services engineering sector had hired apprentices in the past, only 23% were currently doing so, it revealed.

Yet, building services engineering firms came out ahead of other sectors in their willingness to deploy apprentices as part of their workforce. As a result, they gain more positive business benefits. All of which goes to show that recruiting people into ‘technical professions’ is a complex business with a multitude of influencing factors – our current shortages cannot simply be blamed on the migration chaos generated

by Brexit.

Through BESA Training we can offer a range of apprenticeships for anyone interested in starting a career in building engineering services and have recently added a new two-year BSE Ventilation Hygiene Technician apprenticeship that is being offered via our Approved Training Centres at Hasman (Read more on page 10), Assure Services and Swiftclean.

For more details, visit: www.theBESA.com/training

9

TRAINING

TRAINING

Hasman kicks off vent hygiene apprentice training BESA approved trainer Hasman, will welcome eight apprentices onto the industry’s first ever Ventilation Hygiene Technician Apprenticeship this April.

The company’s Liverpool training facility, which has been hosting BESA’s vent hygiene short courses for many years, features a large classroom along with an operating theatre specification air handling unit, heat recovery ventilation, a fire damper testing area along with a full kitchen extract system, including Halton UV canopy, fume cupboard LEV and over 50m of high level ductwork.

Hasman’s premises have also been used by the European Ventilation Hygiene Association to carry out training and host meetings and, as well as having access to these impressive resources, the apprentices will be able to draw on Hasman’s 40 years experience in the field.

Students studying for the BESA apprenticeship will learn how to clean and decontaminate ventilation systems to ensure compliance with industry standards. They will be tutored in the detail of condition risk assessments, pre-clean and post-clean testing and how to create a detailed profile of the ductwork system, including any further remedial action that may be needed to ensure the system can be fully cleaned in compliance with BESA’s industry best practice standard TR/19.

10

BESA Group Companies:

Sustainable Entrants are expected to have English and Maths at level 2 or GCSE Grade C before joining the course. They will then spend up to two years learning the cleaning principles involved with ventilation systems as well as sustainable and safe working practices, good planning and preparation.

Apprentices will also be trained in various problem solving and communication skills and learn how to deal with customers. Behaviours are just as important as technical skills so they will also be tutored in ethical and responsible working as well as learning how to work as part of a team and how to manage tasks.

They will have to demonstrate these skills in practical and academic tests before providing a portfolio of work-based activities. To complete the apprenticeship they will go through an ‘end point’ assessment with an independent assessor.

“This new apprenticeship is another important step towards increasing the professionalism and status of the ventilation hygiene industry,” said Hasman managing director Jack Friend, who is also a lead trainer on the programme. “The sector is growing fast as customers become increasingly aware of the need to meet their legislative obligations and minimise the risk of fire and other health and safety issues linked to ventilation systems.

“As a result, more and more career opportunities are opening up, but it is vital that anyone coming into the industry learns how to do the job properly, ethically and responsibly – hence the need for a fully-fledged apprenticeship programme, which we are delighted to support.”

For more information about Ventilation Hygiene apprenticeships go to: www.theBESA.com/training and www.hasman.co.uk/training

TRAINING

Approved Training Provider to the Ventilation Hygiene Sector Choose Hasman for all your ventilation training needs! Hasman offer a wide range of courses relevant to companies carrying out ductwork cleaning and maintenance activities.

We are the only approved BESA Training centre able to offer all of the BESA ventilation hygiene courses in relation to BESA TR19 and BSEN15780: Grease Hygiene Operative (GHO) & Grease Hygiene Technician (GHT) Air Hygiene Operative (AHO) & Air Hygiene Technician (AHT)

Call us now on 03330 121626 Or visit our website www.training.hasman.co.uk Hasman also offer our own approved one day training courses in relation to BS9999:2017, BESA DW145, BESA TR19 and HTM03:01 Fire Damper Testing Course AHU Maintenance Course

www.hasman.co.uk | 03330 121626

FABRICATION

01428 751 200

DISTRIBUTION

0121 771 2828

For more than 30 years Industrial Engineering Plastics Limited (IEP) has been a UK market leader in plastic fabrication and supply.

UK MARKET LEADER IN PLASTIC DUCTWORK FABRICATION AND SUPPLY

• A leading edge fabrication facility, fabricating

ductwork to DW154 using PVC, PVC/GRP, PPs and FBPP/GRP

• Bespoke fabrication of trays, covers,

guards and tanks

• A nationwide distribution service and

extensive stocks of vent pipe and fittings, sheet and rod

www.iep-ltd.co.uk

11

TECHNICAL NEWS

Ventilation hygiene scheme ready for launch

good way of recording employees’ work and ensuring they are maintaining high standards. It reduces insurance risk and should, therefore, have a positive impact on premiums.

Following a number of high profile building fires, ensuring the quality of ventilation cleaning, particularly of grease extract systems used by commercial kitchens, has become a top industry priority.

BESA has responded by launching a certification scheme to help building managers select appropriate competent companies who are able to demonstrate compliance to industry standards.

The Ventilation Hygiene Elite (VHE) scheme is approved and administered by the Association’s independent certification arm BESCA and is based on the best practice outlined in the industry’s primary guidance TR/19. It is designed to give clients the peace of mind that comes from employing a verifiably competent specialist ventilation hygiene contractor so they can keep their building occupants safe; satisfy the increasing demands of insurers; and protect their corporate reputation.

BESA also runs a training scheme that supports TR/19 and seeks to ensure high standards throughout the sector by promoting the high level of technical competence needed to ensure ventilation cleaning meets legal requirements.

Positive The VHE scheme, which has completed its pilot process and is now ready for launch. This will help managers create an auditable trail for the ventilation hygiene provider. It is also a

12

BESA Group Companies:

BESCA will audit firms’ work to ensure standards are maintained and manage a database of post-clean reports, which can be used as an auditable trail by the member firm; their clients and insurers. BESCA will also carry out ongoing surveillance of each registrant to confirm continuing compliance.

A BESCA certificate for all notified cleans that meet the requirements will be automatically generated for issue to the end client and stored on a database for future reference.

The scheme is now open to any firm operating in the sector, who can provide proof of competence and professionalism.

Eligible BESA members, who meet the scheme’s criteria, will be allowed to join for free, but all firms will be subject to the ongoing audit process.

The scheme is also an excellent way for a ventilation hygiene company to market themselves, with help from BESA, as providing a robust and verifiable industry recognised expert service.

“Fire spreading into and through kitchen extract ductwork continues to be a significant concern to property owners, occupiers and insurers,” said Howard Passey, principal consultant at the Fire Protection Association. “It is essential, therefore, that standards of cleanliness and the competence of those engaged in the work are raised through schemes like the VHE and the training implemented in support.”

For more information about the VHE scheme please go to: www.besca.org.uk

TRAINING

Help to keep the air clean with

Kooltherm®

Pipe Insulation

Indoor air quality within buildings can have an effect on the occupants’ health and comfort. The Eurofins ‘Indoor Air Comfort’ product certification shows compliance of a product with low VOC (volatile organic chemical) emissions criteria.

Kingspan Kooltherm® Pipe Insulation has a best-in-class Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold certificate which recognises the product as an outstanding material according to VOC Indoor Air Quality emissions standards across Europe, and compliance for both BREEAM and LEEDv4 on European projects including the UK. Improve indoor air quality by installing low-emitting products such as Kingspan Kooltherm® Pipe insulation on HVAC and building services pipework.

Contact our technical department on 0808 168 7363 for more information.

Kingspan Industrial Insulation Ltd

Pembridge, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 9LA, UK Tél: +44 (0) 1544 388 601 Fax: +44 (0) 1544 388 888 email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk

www.kingspanindustrialinsulation.com

13

TECHNICAL NEWS

We’re already working on it, Mr Branson Serial entrepreneur Richard Branson believes the efficiencies achieved by modern air conditioning systems is “pathetic”, but REFCOM’s Graeme Fox says he is missing the point.

Mr Branson believes the cooling industry is “complacent” and our technology has not changed “fundamentally” in 100 years. He is interested because, as he rightly points out, the global market for air conditioning is worth 100 billion dollars with the potential to grow TEWI (Total to four times that size by 2050.

assessment of its environmental credentials – or otherwise.

This methodology was not popular with environmental lobbyists at the time because it highlighted the inefficiency of many of the so-called ‘green’ refrigerants that were emerging to replace CFCs and HCFCs. As a result, since then the conversation has been largely about phasing down global warming gases to avoid damage caused by possible leakage – not about the wider impact on the overall efficiency of cooling technology.

As a result we have, to our credit, made Equivalent Warming huge advances in minimising leakage Impact) is the measure that takes “As our planet warms, we need it thanks to the F-Gas into account, not just the global more than ever to keep our people Regulation, but Mr cool,” he said in a recent blog.

Branson is correct warming impact of a refrigerant “Worldwide, by 2030, extreme heat when he says we gas, but also its energy efficiency could lead to a $2 trillion loss in should also be labour productivity.” trying to convince governments to He believes that AC manufacturers “aggressively raise have “barely scratched the surface of their technology energy efficiency standards” as well as phasing out the most potential” before suggesting that “even the most advanced “damaging refrigerants” as he calls them. products have only achieved a “pathetic” 14% of their maximum theoretical efficiency.

The point is that this is a delicate balance to achieve and, if the Global Cooling Prize helps to reset political objectives His intervention was in support of the launch of the Rocky then Mr Branson’s intervention will be beneficial – especially Mountain Institute’s $3m Global Cooling Prize, which is if it can find a way of driving up efficiencies without making supported by the Indian government. This is, therefore, a the units prohibitively expensive and, therefore, unlikely to welcome opportunity to focus on how we can meet soaring gain traction in the market. global demand for cooling in the most environmentally sustainable way. www.refcom.org.uk

TEWI Mr Branson wouldn’t know it, but the air conditioning industry was fixated on this itself more than a decade ago.

Many of us were great advocates of something called TEWI (Total Equivalent Warming Impact) – remember that? This is the measure that takes into account, not just the global warming impact of a refrigerant gas, but also its energy efficiency so giving a more rounded and meaningful

14

BESA Group Companies:

TRAINING

We made it a 3-point press... just to be sure.

>B< Press is quick and easy to fit, ensuring youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be delivering the job on time. One press and you have a permanent, leak-proof connection you can rely on. No hot works permit, no additional special equipment and a range that will cover every application. www.conexbanninger.com

15

TECHNICAL NEWS

Not all pipework is the same The growing use of sub-standard pipework is threatening the long-term performance of many building services projects, according to the chair of BESA’s Pipework Group, Will Pitt.

There has been a worrying increase in the amount of poor quality pipework used in building services projects. Some specifiers are sacrificing long-term performance to achieve upfront savings while others are simply unaware of what to look for to ensure they get a genuine high performance system.

Pipework is so fundamental to our industry’s work that it is hard to think of anything more significant; particularly when you consider the longevity expected from most installations and the fact that a large amount of pipework is buried or concealed making it hard to access in the event of a failure.

Having a robust quality assurance system is essential, particularly as many pipework installations are expected to keep operating for more than 50 or 60 years – and in some of our current energy and transport infrastructure work, clients are pushing that operating life beyond a century. Contractors face the prospect of substantial consequential losses if tubes fail inside the warranty period.

While all steel tubes may look the same on the outside to the untrained eye, appearances can be deceiving. It is, therefore, vital that specifications are properly written and clear about the standard of pipework required and the methods for checking quality are sound. Simplistic and generic specifications leave far too much room for interpretation, which means a lower cost option will often be chosen.

16

BESA Group Companies:

Selection tool The BESA Pipework Group has started work on a pipework suitability and selection tool for all mainstream pipework materials including heavy and medium grade steel, thin wall stainless steel, copper, and plastic. Once complete, this tool will provide designers, contractors and specifiers with technical guidance to help them select the most suitable pipework solution for the task in hand.

The group is also looking at the crucial aspect of how pipework is fixed and supported, which is another area where perfectly good installations can be undermined.

There are a wide range of criteria to consider for pipework installations including operating temperatures and pressures, location, health and safety concerns, the skills required to carry out the installation, quality and type of brackets, jointing, expansion and so on. The concept behind the BESA guide is that for each of these considerations, the selection tool will provide some basic technical information as well as signposting them to the correct industry specifications.

As well as the technical guidance being developed by BESA, the Association is also working closely with the Building and Industrial Services Pipework Academy (BISPA) and the manufacturers’ body the British Metal Tube Fittings Association (BMTFA) to raise awareness of the risks in poor specification among members and the industry at large.

BESA has a number of Specialist Groups - if you would like to get involved please email Mark.Oakes@theBESA.com or come along to our Specialist Groups Event on 22 May at the Emirates Stadium, London for more details visit: www. theBESA.com/besa-specialist-group-event-2019.

TRAINING

Panasonic: 100 Years of Product Innovation, Leading the Way in R32 At Panasonic, we believe in technologies that improve people’s lives. Which is why we have developed a complete range of residential and commercial R32 systems that will offer you the solution that perfectly matches your project requirements. Available in an extensive range of capacities and styles - all complemented by excellent performance, efficiency and lower environmental impact.

R32 – a “small” change that changes everything

NEW 4 WAY 60X60 CASSETTE INVERTER • R32 GAS

R32 NEW REFRIGERANT GAS

NEW 4 WAY 60X60 CASSETTE

R32

A++

A+

R2 ROTARY

22dB(A)

-10°C

-15°C

R410A R22

BMS

R32

NEW REFRIGERANT GAS

6,50 SEER

Our heat pumps containing the refrigerant R32 show a drastic reduction in the value of Global Warming Potential (GWP).

Seasonal efficiency in cooling will bring you saving all year while heating.

Energy efficiency rank from A+++ to D.

4,20 SCOP

Seasonal efficiency in heating will bring you saving all year while heating.

Energy efficiency rank from A+++ to D.

COMPRESSOR

Inverter range provides more precise temperature control and keeps the temperature constant with lower energy consumption and a reduction in noise.

Panasonic R2 Rotary Compressor.

Designed to withstand extreme conditions, it delivers high performance and efficiency.

SUPER QUIET

With Super Quiet technology our devices are much more quiet than a library (30dB(A)).

COOLING MODE

HEATING MODE

R410A/R22 RENEWAL

Down to -10°C in cooling only mode. The air conditioner works in cooling only mode with an outdoor temperature of -10°C.

Down to -15°C in heating mode. The air conditioner works in heat pump mode with an outdoor temperature as low as -15°C.

The Panasonic renewal system allows good quality existing R410A or R22 pipe work to be re-used whilst installing new high efficiency R32 systems.

INTERNET CONTROL

INTEGRATION P-LINE

This unit is Ready to be ready to connect integrated and to internet and be managed by be managed by Panasonic centralized smartphone, with a powerful systems with and user friendly CZ-CAPRA1 App to manage the comfort wherever you are.

CONNECTIVITY

5

NEW FLOOR CONSOLE TYPE INVERTER+ • R32 GAS

www.eggeassociats.net

· Easy to combine with standard 60x60 ceiling grid · New refrigerant R32 · High energy savings A+ · Quiet operation from only 23dB(A) · Drain pump included · Easy to install: Flexible piping length and compact outdoor · Can reuse old piping · Weekly timer wired control · Smartphone control (Optional) · Connectivity by KNX, Modbus and Bacnet (optional)

YEARS

COMPRESSOR WARRANTY

Communication 5 Years port to integrate Warranty. the unit to home We guarantee and building the outdoor unit management compressors in systems most the entire range known for five years. standards.

R32

NEW PACI STANDARD CEILING INVERTER+ • R32 GAS

NEW REFRIGERANT GAS

NEW FLOOR CONSOLE with new nanoe™ X air-purifying system: outstanding efficiency A++ and comfort combined with a breakthrough design

R32 NEW REFRIGERANT GAS

NEW PACI STANDARD CEILING INVERTER+ · Wide air distribution for large rooms · Horizontal air flow reaches max.9.5m. · Fresh air connection available on the unit · Slim design with 235m height fits narrow space · Silent operation · datanavi simple support tool app with remote controller (CZ-RTC5B) · Twin, Triple and Double-twin split options · Easy connection and controlled of external fan or ERV using the connector PAW-FDC on the indoor unit PCB. The external device can be control by the remote control of the Panasonic indoor unit This data refers to specific units in the line-up, see full leaflet for technical details of each model.

R32

A++

A+

-10°C

-15°C

R410A R22

BMS

R32

NEW REFRIGERANT GAS

Our heat pumps containing the refrigerant R32 show a drastic reduction in the value of Global Warming Potential (GWP).

6,50 SEER

4,20 SCOP

Seasonal efficiency in cooling will bring you saving all year while heating. Energy efficiency rank from A+++ to D.

Seasonal efficiency in heating will bring you saving all year while heating. Energy efficiency rank from A+++ to D.

COOLING MODE

Wider operation Hz range of compressor realize more high efficient operation through the year. For Big PACi Series PE2.

The air conditioner works in cooling only mode with an outdoor temperature of -10°C.

HEATING MODE

The air conditioner works in heat pump mode even when outdoor temperatures are as low as -15°C.

R410A/R22 RENEWAL

The Panasonic renewal system allows good quality existing R410A or R22 pipe work to be re-used whilst installing new high efficiency R32 systems.

INTERNET CONTROL

CONNECTIVITY

Next generation system providing a user-friendly remote control of air conditioning or heat pump units from everywhere via internet.

Communication port to integrate the unit to home and building management systems most known standards.

5

YEARS

COMPRESSOR WARRANTY

5 Years Warranty.

We guarantee the outdoor unit compressors in the entire range for five years.

Discover the range now at www.ampair.co.uk or call us on 01707 378 670

17

The definitive standard for planned building maintenance Completely unique, SFG20 is the essential tool for facilities managers, building owners, contractors and consultants to help save time, energy and money, whilst remaining compliant.

The dynamic web-based service has a growing library of maintenance task schedules, currently covering many equipment types with over 900 individual schedules including specialist services.

SFG20 enables you, or your clients to: • Reduce costs through optimum maintenance of assets with colour coding to distinguish between statutory and discretionary maintenance tasks • Stay compliant as legislative and technical bulletins are updated online • Customise maintenance schedules whether it is specifying tender requirements, creating service models or producing custom schedules for individual buildings Enhance your subscription with: SPECIALIST SERVICE SETS Improve efficiency and reduce costs by accessing schedules tailored to your sector.

Our growing specialist service sets include healthcare (HTM aligned), catering and more.

THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE INTEGRATION SFG20’s common platform allows subscribers to work with SFG20 Approved Providers to integrate data and schedules directly into their CAFM or CMMS software enabling effective planning, scheduling and tracking. xBIM xBIM maps building asset information into SFG20 as a 3D model, automatically creating a service model for your building, saving you time and money producing maintenance plans whilst helping meet the Government Soft Landing initiative.

To find out more or to request a free online demonstration visit www.SFG20.co.uk or call 01768 860 459 SFG20 is published by BESA

18

BESA Group Companies:

TRAINING

SKILLCARD

SKILLcard Applications Go Online Applying for Engineering Services SKILLcards has been made easier and quicker following the launch of a new online service.

The Engineering Services SKILLcard is operated by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and is held by more than 60,000 people working in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration sectors. It provides evidence that they have the required training and qualifications for the type of work they carry out on construction sites. Engineering Services was the first of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) affiliated cards to go ‘smart’ easing the process of updating the holder’s qualifications and making it simpler and quicker for site managers to check skills and prevent potential fraud.

In 2018, SKILLcard conducted a major survey of its holders to find out how they would like to see the service evolve. A whopping 75% said they would prefer to apply for their SKILLcard online. With such a clear mandate, the team behind SKILLcard committed to making this happen and at the start of this year, the online system launched for new applications and has been given a warm response across the board.

“With 75% of employers and cardholders wanting to apply for their cards online, it was very clear what we had to do,” said Rachel Davidson, director of certification schemes at BESA. “We listened to their needs and have responded. We were well aware that the manual process could be frustrating and time consuming, so we moved quickly to introduce a new online process that new applicants will find simpler, quicker and easier.”

The CSCS Partner schemes, such as SKILLcard, play a crucial role in the government’s 2025 Construction Industry Strategy by helping clients check whether workers have the right qualifications for the job in hand and have suitable health & safety training.

Speeding up and streamlining the application process to keep up with the pace of change across the industry was, therefore, regarded as a priority by BESA. The new system has gone live for new applicants and SKILLcard said it would also be extended to cover renewals over the coming months.

To access the SKILLcard online application service go to: www.skillcard.org.uk

19

LEGAL AND COMMERCIAL

BIM requirements and documentation The JCT 2016 contracts provide for the inclusion of a BIM protocol – any BIM protocol can be used, but if it is the CIC BIM Protocol, this requires the EIR and BEP to be attached in the appendices. The NEC 4 has Option Clause X10 instead of a protocol.

In light of Trant Engineering Limited v Mott MacDonald Ltd [2017] EWHC 2061 (TCC), which involved a payment dispute, in the context of which the BIM coordinator revoked the contractor’s access codes to the CDE, the BIM provisions and documents in a contract should also address access and licensing arrangements to ensure continued access and project progress.

RISK ALLOCATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY Brought to you by

Using building information modelling (BIM) on a project gives rise to wide-ranging legal and contractual matters. Amendments to the contract will depend on the extent and way in which BIM will be used on the project and the parties’ preferences.

There is no standard market position, but BIM contractual documentation will usually include the following: • Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR) setting out what information the employer needs, when they need it, and in what format, together with requirements for information management • A BIM execution plan (BEP) responding to the EIR, setting out the processes the project team members will follow • A BIM protocol such as the CIC BIM Protocol i.e. a legal document which contains BIM-specific provisions • Note that the CIC BIM Protocol refers to the PAS 1192 standards: since the publication of ISO 19650 earlier this year, PAS 1192-1 and 1192-2 are withdrawn, which means they can still be used on projects that had already started using them, but new projects should use the new ISO However, the documentation often differs from contract to contract, including the industry standard forms.

20

BESA Group Companies:

The contract should have a consistent standard of care across all clauses and contract documents for the design obligations and the BIM obligations: if different standards apply to the BIM obligations, this may cause disputes. It should also be clear who is responsible for e.g. detecting clashes, amending design where there is a clash, and any loss or corruption of information following software defects or interoperability issues.

There should also be limitation of liability provisions.

Designers may wish to try to limit liability by excluding reliance on the models and information provided: for example, where model submissions are for information only, the contract can provide that the designer is not liable if they are then used for e.g. quantities and costing purposes.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY BIM processes can create rights in software code, databases and the models themselves. IP provisions will need to be carefully drafted to capture the different categories of IP, for each one providing broad enough rights to ensure that it can be used by the client, other project team members, and others as needed.

However, the clauses should be carefully drafted to ensure that project team members are not being asked to grant rights over IP they don’t actually own.

Visit www.clarkslegal.com for more information.

TRAINING

FUTURE LEADERS

A woman’s place One hundred years after the founding of the Womens’ Engineering Society (WES) the building engineering sector is still struggling to get a good gender diversity balance.

Engineering professions in general – and building engineering in particular – will not be able to meet future business goals without a far more gender diverse workforce. According to the Office for National Statistics, just 8% of British engineers are women and BESA is backing the aim of the WES Centenary Campaign to raise that figure to 30% by 2030.

WES was founded just a year after the Suffragette movement finally secured votes for women and to celebrate this major milestone, BESA is also launching a ‘Woman Engineer of the Year’ Award, which will recognise a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the work of the Association and has championed the role of women in building services.

Reanna Evans, chair of BESA Future Leaders and CIBSE ASHRAE Graduate of the Year 2018, believes the way the industry is changing should make it more appealing to women.

“Women are good team players,” she says.

“We are also very process-driven, which is just what the industry needs right now as it looks to adopt more modern methods. Rather like a pride of lions, you don’t need an alpha male to get something done and we function much better as part of a diverse team rather than trying to push through ideas on our own.”

The BESA Board has also decided that the Future Leaders will have a place on BESA Council from now on so they can influence policy decisions and help set the agenda for the future of the Association and the wider industry.

Reanna believes a key strategy will be ensuring that contractors work more closely with the design professions to ensure their designs can be delivered in practices.

“The new generation is naturally more collaborative and we are forging more links between the different building services professions,” she says The Future Leaders are also making a particular push to encourage 12 to 13 year olds to look at engineering.

“We want to offer them a placement in the industry and show them what is possible. We will show them BIM, estimating and planning; how things work on site – and the opportunities in m&e, which most of them don’t know about.

“We want to show them what a great career this can be. I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from building something for the future. If I have worked on a hospital, then I have helped to save lives…It is not the building services themselves, but what they do that really matters – and this is a powerful message to give to a young person considering where they are going to make their career. www.theBESA.com/future-leaders

21

TECHNICAL NEWS

AHU design in the spotlight as pollution worsens The role of air handling units (AHUs) is coming under increasing scrutiny as the UK continues to wrestle with its growing pollution crisis, according to Mick Humphrey - national sales manager for Daikin Applied UK. Air pollution is blamed for 40,000 premature deaths in the UK every year and almost half a million across Europe. It costs our economy upwards of £20 billion a year, largely due to the additional burden on the NHS. Air handling units (AHUs) in particular are coming in for increased scrutiny because of their role as interfaces between potentially highly polluted outside air and the indoor environment. Modern AHUs are relatively complex systems containing a series of active components like fans, heating

and cooling coils, and air filters as well as sound attenuation technology and humidification.

They are also subject to ISO, CEN and BSI technical standards to achieve compliance with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for IAQ where people work and have public access to buildings in heavily polluted urban environments.

The design issue faced by specifiers of AHUs is that harmful particulates are getting smaller, which makes them more dangerous when inhaled as they can penetrate further into the human body. New filtration standards are focused on PM1 particulates (the smallest easily measurable), including those from diesel engines, which have been identified as a Group One carcinogen by the WHO and have also been linked in recent studies to early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

This means very high standards of filtration are needed, which has a profound impact on the design of the unit and the system as a whole. F7 filters are becoming a requirement in line with the international standard EN779.

www.daikinapplied.uk

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR FM Facilities management (FM) is entering a new era thanks to increased focus on lifetime performance and the need to manage financial and health risks in buildings, according to Martin Brady – Service Director at Swegon UK&I. At last year’s BESA National Conference, the FM profession was challenged to show leadership. CIBSE FM Group chair Geoff Prudence urged the industry to step up and grasp the opportunity to lead and “act with integrity and authenticity”.

The Hackitt Review that looked into the role of building regulations and fire safety in the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy also identified the critical need for a ‘golden thread’ of information to run from the design team throughout the lifetime of the building.

The review team envisioned this as a digital record embedded in a BIM model and then made accessible

22

BESA Group Companies:

to anyone working on the building and its systems. It is one of the key lessons from Grenfell that lack of joined up information meant the risks associated with changes to the building and its services – in this case to the fire safety systems during a refurbishment project – were not immediately obvious. Once a fire had broken out, the consequences of those changes became all too clear.

The FM is the best person to own this ‘golden thread’ and join up the information trail so that risks can be managed. They have day-to-day and intimate involvement with the building and should be able to grasp the big picture of how systems interact and what may happen if you make a change. So, who better to support this golden thread, than the manufacturer of the equipment, who have often been with the project right from the outset!

Prevention is, after all, better and cheaper than cure.

www.swegon.co.uk

TRAINING

WISE Demand controlled ventilation with intelligence and simplicity built-in.

WISE begins with our software at the design stage to help identify the right ventilation solution for your project. Wireless commissioning of WISE is effortless and SuperWISE provides a real-time system overview to keep your project smooth from start to finish and beyond.

Find out more about WISE wise.swegon.com

23

BESA AWARDS

WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!*

*Note: chicken will not necessarily be served at our award dinners!

It’s that time of year again when we celebrate the biggest achievements of the building engineering services industry both at a regional and national level.

It’s important we invest in the future of the industry through rewarding the upcoming talent within our sector as well as recognising great training initiatives by our members and employers.

Throughout the year, we host a number of regional awards around the UK, which then lead into our National Conference and Awards on 21 November at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London.

A GOOD TIME ON THE TOON

CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

First up for the regional awards was the North East region on Friday 1 March at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Newcastle.

A great night was had by all and £1,000 was raised for the chairman’s charity, Help for Heroes, so a big thank you to everyone who came along and donated.

Big winners of the night were Geoffrey Robinson Ltd who scooped up four employer awards including Staff Driven Improvement Initiative of the Year, Employer Engagement with Training Development of the Year, Employer Recruitment Initiative of the Year and Employer Training Initiative of the Year.

GINEER BUILDING SERVICES EN AR YE E APPRENTICE OF TH

LEYBOURNE URWIN LTD

Apprentice winners included Michael Owens, TW Steam Ltd who won Building Services Engineer Apprentice of the Year and Gordon Naylor, Geoffrey Robinson Ltd, who won Heating & Ventilation Apprentice of the Year as well as Apprentice of the Year. Leybourne Urwin Ltd walked away with Contractor of the Year and along with our apprentice winners, will automatically be entered into the National Awards in November.

WINNER OF FOUR NORTH EAST AWARDS

HEATING & VENTILATIO N APPRENTICE OF THE YE AR

MICHAEL OWENS TW STEAM LTD

GORDON NAYLO R GEOFFREY ROBINS ON LTD GEOFFREY ROBINSON LTD

24

BESA Group Companies:

TRAINING

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND This year we see the return of the Specialist Groups Event (including the London, South East and Midlands Awards) on 22 May at the Emirates Stadium, London.

The day will include a debate to consider why the building services supply chain continues to struggle with the adoption of Digital Construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM). The jam-packed agenda includes one of Britain’s leading political publishers, commentators and presenters, Iain Dale.

The panel hosted by David Frise, BESA Chief Executive, comprises some of the UK’s top BIM experts including Richard Saxon CBE, UK BIM Advisor for Growth, Nick Leach, Sir Robert McAlpine, Felipe Manzatucci, Skanska UK and Remi Suzan, Gratte Brothers. Early bird tickets start from £85 (ex VAT) and includes a three-course lunch.

We anticipate this to be a sell-out event so book quickly to avoid disappointment. For more information and to book visit: www.theBESA.com/besa-specialist-group-event-2019

SUPPORT YOUR REGION AND GET INVOLVED! Attending our regional awards is not only a great way to celebrate the achievements in your area but is also a fantastic opportunity to meet new local and national businesses.

Don’t worry if you can’t make the awards in your area as you are always welcome to attend another one instead!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES Yorkshire Awards Saturday 6 April - Harrogate BESA Cymru/Wales & SW England Awards Saturday 11 May - Cardiff London, South East & Midlands Awards (As part of the Specialist Groups Event) Wednesday 22 May - London North West Awards Saturday 8 June - Manchester BESA Scotland Awards Thursday 20 June - Edinburgh BESA National Conference and Awards 2019 Thursday 21 November - London

BESA NATIONAL CONFERENCE AND AWARDS 2019 Our third National Conference and Awards takes place on 21 November with the key themes for this year being technical, compliance and competency.

The seminars will range from fire safety, offsite fabrication and low carbon heating to pipework, ventilation hygiene, IAQ and smart technology.

Early bird conference tickets for members start at £60 (ex VAT) and for non-members £80 (ex VAT) with combined packages for the conference and awards starting at £190 (ex VAT) for members and £210 (ex VAT) for non-members.

Visit www.theBESAconference.com for more information.

25

Despite its main function being to represent specialist contractors, BESA has played a pivotal role in the history of the wider UK construction industry since its foundation in 1904. All this year, we are celebrating that heritage with our #BacktotheBESAFuture campaign

Punching above its weight for over 100 years From labour disputes to ground-breaking legislation; from wage agreements to professional qualifications – what we now know as BESA has consistently punched above its weight as a specialist trade body for 115 years.

That heritage continues to inform its work today with current challenges like late payment and retentions addressed through its work on the Aldous Bill and support targeted at employers wrestling with a new funding model for apprenticeships.

That is why the legacy of the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA) and before that the National Association of Master Heating and Domestic Engineers (NAMHDE) 1904 -38 and the Association of Heating, Ventilating and Domestic Engineering Employers (AHVDEE) 1938-63 is the rock on which its current work and reputation is built.

“The Association has a new name, but that is consistent with its record of re-inventing itself on a number of occasions in order to remain relevant,” says former chief executive Robert Higgs OBE. “Its current position and reputation are built on its heritage and that is why businesses become members and people in the industry still look to it, not only to provide a wide range of services, but importantly to provide commercial and technical leadership.

All 14 were already members of the Institution of Heating & Ventilating Engineers (now CIBSE – of which Nesbit was also the third President), but on this occasion, they were meeting separately as a group of contractors.

A demarcation dispute with the plumbers had been rumbling for over three years and now the emerging trade union movement had become involved sparking industrial action amongst the workers. Nesbit and his colleagues realised they were in a battle for survival with the protectionist plumbers who were trying to muscle them out.

At the time, there was no organisation that could represent and safeguard their commercial, contractual and employment interests – and face up to the unions. Things were coming to a head because employers and architects, fearing union-inspired disputes on their sites, tended to side with the plumbers. Some were refusing to give heating engineers the opportunity to tender for plumbing work – and were even awarding heating contracts to plumbers.

“Few organisations have lasted 115 years with broadly the same mission or have made such a significant contribution to their industry.”

The fear was that the plumbers would be given a monopoly in installing pipe work. So Nesbit decided to make a stand and the list of those invited to that first gathering in the Holborn Restaurant reads like a roll call of industry legends.

It included G N Haden, Rosser & Russell, Benham & Sons and Z D Berry. They pledged their support for the fledgling Association and were later joined by the equally illustrious Richard Critall, Brightside Foundry and Saunders & Taylor.

Names that ring down the ages.

Its first challenge was the very survival of the profession of the heating engineer.

They were determined to safeguard their interests – not only over the demarcation issue, but also over unfair tendering

MISSION

26

A now legendary lunch meeting of 14 key industry figures at the Holborn Restaurant on the 16th of March 1904 was chaired by the Association’s first President – the engineer and entrepreneur David Mein Nesbit of Ashwell & Nesbit.

BESA Group Companies:

TRAINING

#BACKTOTHEBESAFUTURE

MILESTONES 1919 Members create National Joint Council - to promote and regulate sector’s craft apprenticeship training practices, trade discounts, payment problems and difficulties over British patents. Many of these issues remain all too familiar to modern contractors and no other organisation can boast such a depth of experience in dealing with them.

“David Nesbit and his colleagues recognised the importance of coming together to speak with a single voice on key issues,” says Mr Higgs, who worked for the Association for 38 years – 22 years as its chief executive. “It is as true today as it was in 1904 that if you want to make a difference you have to be well organised and you have to be seen to be representative of the sector as a whole.

“It is also important that you have to have something to say,” he adds. “It is not enough to simply expose the problems; you must also be able to develop and articulate the solutions and you have to secure seats at the top tables of Government and elsewhere, representing not only the membership, but the entire sector at the highest levels.”

That is what the 14 founder members started to do; it is what the HVCA did so effectively; and what BESA continues to do today. Things have evolved of course as the demands on contractors have grown – and it is equally important to be able to provide expert advice and guidance across the whole range of the issues confronting any building engineering services contractor – whatever their specialisms and whatever their size, but the Association’s determination has always been “to make a difference”.

1940 Drawing up of National Working Rules Agreement setting out manifesto for industrial relations

1944 Members set up National College (now part of London South Bank University) - to address post-war skills shortages

1955 Heating and Ventilating Research Association created by members - now BSRIA

1965 Formation of Joint Contracts Tribunal - single voice for sector to lobby government

1993 Launch of SEC Group - still campaigning for fair payment today

1996 Construction Act - HVCA played pivotal role in the review led by Sir Michael Latham and the subsequent legislation

2016 A change of identity - The Association becomes known as BESA

“The mission has been consistent over the years: adding value to our members businesses by providing quality services, promoting excellence and shaping the commercial environment through representation and leadership,” adds Mr Higgs. www.theBESA.com/back-to-the-besa-future

Former Chief Executive of HVCA, Robert Higgs OBE

27

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Ducatt marks centenary Long-standing BESA member Ducatt Building Services is celebrating 100 years in business this year.

Historical equipment with Ducatt’ s brass trademark quality plaques from former generations

The Stourbridge-based company has specialist knowledge of building engineering services work for hospitals, schools, and community installations.

It is an approved NHS contractor and carries out regular work for the police, local councils, prison services and Severn Trent Water, as well as leisure clubs, supermarkets and hotels.

In keeping with its heritage, it also works for the National Trust and has provided services to a number of listed buildings and sites of historic interest.

Ducatt is also a Watersafe and Watermark accredited service provider. Watersafe provides evidence that the company has had specific training in Water Fittings regulations and bylaws to protect against poor installation; while Watermark provides added peace of mind that a water regulation assessment has been successfully passed and that the firm has comprehensive public liability insurance.

Founded as the Ducatt Heating Company in 1919, it has built up a large number of long-term relationships with clients over the decades. However, it is also mindful of the need to adapt working practices in order to attract new business. It was an early adopter of 3D design and commissioned its own headquarters building in 2002. This gave Ducatt valuable insight into what clients need from a building engineering

contractor, and how the services it offers can be best delivered to consistently meet these high expectations.

Over the past 12 months, Ducatt has underlined its strength in delivering mechanical installation works, ducting, extraction and air conditioning services, gas, medical and biomass boiler services, commercial BMS, automatic controls and electrical installations as well as a suite of ancillary services up to the value of £1.5m, either as a main contractor or subcontractor.

In addition, Ducatt is able to work with clients to tailor a project to their requirements.

Appropriately for a company of such long standing, it retains a highly experienced team with some staff members having clocked up 30 or even 40 years at Ducatt. Mark Stinton started as a draftsman 21 years ago and worked all the way up to become a board director. He was instrumental in helping Ducatt’s adoption of modern technology and headed up the company’s project management delivery and this year Mark takes over as managing director from Phil Dainty, who is stepping down after 50 years with Ducatt including 25 as a director. www.ducatt.co.uk BESA is running its ‘Back to the BESA Future’ campaign all this year and would love to hear from other member companies like Ducatt with their heritage tales and photos. For more information visit www.theBESA.com/back-to-the-besa-future

28

BESA Group Companies:

TRAINING

Working towards a better use of energy in buildings A strong commitment to the environment remains a long-term goal of Mitsubishi Electric and we seek to use our position as a manufacturer of key technologies to increase awareness and improve energy use in the built environment.

We manufacture industry-leading heating, cooling and ventilation equipment and believe that by constantly challenging everyone involved to combat the issues we all face and encourage constructive dialogue throughout the industry, we can help everyone address their energy use and to work towards a more sustainable future.

Check out our blog which features lots of informative articles relating to energy use in the built environment and climate change, etc: www.les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/the-hub www.les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk Twitter: @meuk_les

BESA Affiliate Scheme Are you a supplier, manufacturer or service provider supporting the building services industry? Do you want to gain exclusive access to 1,000 BESA members and industry experts?

Join the BESA Affiliate Scheme to receive benefits tailored to your business needs including:

• • • • • •

BE SEEN

Your BESA magazine The BESA Book Affiliate Directory Award winning website Award winning e-news Social media

• • • •

BE HEARD

Regional meetings Specialist Groups Regional Training Awards National Conference & Awards • Public Sector Forums

LEARN MORE

• Take advantage of discounts for technical standards & publications • Subscribe to SFG20 at discounted rates of up to 10%

To find out more about which Affiliate Scheme is right for you, please email jenny.house@thebesa.com

29

EVENTS CALENDAR 2018

EXHIBITIONS AND CONFERENCES F Gas Myths and Realities Friday 10 May - Arden Hotel, Solihull

SPECIALIST GROUP MEETINGS RACHP Thursday 13 June and Wednesday 20 November

SFG

&

Tuesday 14 May and Wednesday 25 September

IOR Annual Conference 2019 – Refrigerant Safety and Risk Assessment Requirements Wednesday 13 June - IET Austin Court, Birmingham

VG (Ductwork) Thursday 16 May and Wednesday 11 September

Facilities Show Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 June - Excel, London

TCS&D Show Tuesday 25 & Wednesday 26 June East of England Arena, Peterborough

& Public Sector Solutions Expo London 2019 Tuesday 25 & Wednesday 26 June - Excel, London

Healthcare Estates Exhibition & Conference Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 October Manchester Central, Manchester

EVENTS Cymru/Wales Awards Saturday 11 May – Mercure Holland House Hotel & Spa, Cardiff

Specialist Group Event & London, South East & Midlands Awards Wednesday 22 May – Emirates Stadium, London

North West Awards Saturday 8 June – Marriott Manchester Victoria & Albert Hotel

National Conference & Awards Thursday 21 November – Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London

To book or for more information on any of our events, please visit www.theBESA.com/events

30

BESA Group Companies:

TRAINING

WE LOOK AFTER YOUR BUILDINGS SO THAT YOU CAN LOOK AFTER YOUR BUSINESS cfs provide complete facilities solutions for your service requirements. No matter what industry sector you are in. No matter what your business activities are.

Our philosophy is a simple one, never stop listening to what the customer wants, and deliver what you say you are going to deliver, in order to meet each and every one of their needs.

To provide Complete Facilities Solutions tailored to your specific needs that meet the expectations you deserve MAINTENANCE SERVICES • • • • • • • • • • •

commercial catering Mechanical & Electrical Engineering services Pumps & Motors (Eff1) Heating & Ventilation Water Treatment Drainage specialists Lifts including Disabled Platforms & stair Lifts fire & Intruder Alarms with 24hr Monitoring ccTV & Access control Installation & Monitoring Air-conditioning, chillers & cooling Towers Drainage specialists

GROUND WORKS • • •

Minor Road Works full Garden services Excavation & Deep Drainage

BUILDING SERVICES • • • • • •

Painting & Decorating complete Office Refurbishments Asbestos Removal Locksmith services carpentry 24hr Glazers

DOMESTIC SERVICES • • • • •

Plumbing Electrical Gas & central Heating All Building Works Renovations

Complete Facilities Solutions Unit 3, Windsor Park Industrial Estate, 50 Windsor Avenue, Wimbledon SW19 2TJ

Tel: 0800 313 4133 Email: enquiries@comfacsol.co.uk Web: www.completefacilitiessolutions.com