Your BESA ISSUE 7

Issue 7YOURNational Conference and AwardsVent hygiene elite scheme launched www.theBESA.com @BESAGroup Also in this issue Future Leaders Q&A P10 Indoor Air Quality building momentum P13 Introducing PRINT P21 Visit the Building Services Forum P27 BESA Group

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BESA deputy chief executive Bruce Kirton Welcome YOUR BESA - ISSUE 07 In this issue: NATIONAL AWARDS AND CONFERENCE P04 PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE P09 TECHNICAL NEWS P13 LEGAL & COMMERCIAL P22 SUPPORTING YOUR BUSINESS P25 Bruce Kirton MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS P29 & P30Getting our message out thereMost of you will know by now well shape the future of the Building need to carry out that work; and then getthat Paul McLaughlin has sadly Regulations. paid - promptly - when it is done.had to step down as CEO forhealth reasons. We wish him a Uplifting All of that adds up to an ambitiousvery speedy recovery and all remit, but it is one that we embrace.our good wishes for the future. There was a series of excellent, focussed That single day at the Park Plaza Hotel technical sessions and an innovative in London encapsulated everything weIn the meantime I, along with rest of the forum where a group of young are about. In essence, every session wasmanagement team at BESA, will ensure it engineers had the chance to put our underpinned by a philosophy that saysremains business as usual while we search for President on the spot. The awards BESA members are engaged in raising thea suitable successor to Paul. Please be assured evening was an uplifting opportunity sector’s collective game. We are investingthat all your usual member services and to champion the next generation of in skills and training; promoting youthbenefits remain in place and uninterrupted. engineers and those who are supporting and diversity in our workforce; developing them through employment and by technical standards in key areas like districtPrior to Paul’s departure, he played a developing new forms of vocational heating and indoor air quality – all to helpkey role in our first combined National training for the industry. your businesses grow and develop.Conference and Awards in October. Thiswas a great success. BESA pulled out all All these things are covered in this issue Your Association is acting as standard bearerthe stops and staged an event that did the of Your BESA…so read on! However, just on a wide range of industry initiatives andAssociation and its members proud. There before you do, it is worth considering as the conference demonstrated, withwas a real buzz about the event, with lots what all of this means in terms of the your help we are able to take on all theseof positive feedback and perhaps the most wider role of your Association. challenges with vigour and enthusiasm.heartening message was that next yearwe’ll need a bigger venue! While it is always good to bring people Your BESA Magazine is Produced and Managed together and thrash out big issues; there by Open Box Media and Communications Ltd.The conference ranged far and wide has to be a firm purpose behind the Tel: +44 (0)121 200 7820in terms of topics covered, which activity. We have a duty to you and thedemonstrated once again the collective wider industry to ensure your collective Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracypower of BESA members. We had Shirley voice is heard in the corridors of power of the information given, the publisher - the BESARodrigues asking for our help on a crucial so that we can influence political policy; Group; or Open Box Media and Communicationshealth issue; Mark Farmer paid tribute to but we also have more immediate Ltd - the production managers; cannot acceptour role in the long-term performance concerns such as helping you to win liability for loss or damage arising from theof buildings; and a session that could work; equip you with the training, information supplied. accreditation and certification tools you 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

The first BESA National Awards dinnertook place at the Park Plaza RiverbankHotel in London in October.It was a great celebration of young engineering talentwith five apprentice categories on show and theoverall Apprentice of the Year award going to LewisBuchanan of Hargreaves Ductwork.“Recruiting, retaining and developing the nextgeneration of engineers is, undoubtedly, the biggestchallenge facing employers in our industry,” BESAPresident Tim Hopkinson told the assembled guests.“Training and skills underpin everything we are tryingto achieve as building engineering businesses andthey are crucial to the wider prosperity of the country.”He paid tribute to all the apprentice finalists, who were Curtis Castledine:selected from regional heats, and their employers Alfred Manly Management Awardfor “the financial and emotional investment you are and BSE Apprentice of the Yearcommitting to our collective futures”.15 volunteers from member companies wererecognised for their commitment to developing thenew Trailblazer apprenticeships, which the Associationis producing in partnership with employers.“These will play a crucial role in developing thepipeline of engineering talent coming into buildingengineering services and would not be possiblewithout the engagement of knowledgeable andmotivated volunteers,” said Mr Hopkinson.The event also saw the unveiling of the first BESA Fife Council Building Services - BESA Award for ExcellenceAward for Excellence, which was presented by theAssociation’s specialist groups to Robert Fletcher ofFife Council for his pivotal role in setting up the BESAForum for all localcouncils in Scotland.This year’s Contractor Fraser Imrie - S&M Engineer Apprentice of the Year Boulting Enviromental Servicesof the Year prize & End Systems - BESA Contractor of the Yearwas awardedjointly to BoultingEnvironmentalServices and EndSystems for theircollaboration onAstraZeneca’s £120mstate of the art SterileProducts Plant inMacclesfield. BESA Group TRAINING4 Companies:

Faye Pinder - The Ann Noblett Professional Engineer of the Year Connor Bruce - Electrical Apprentice of the Year Luke Stonehouse - BSE Apprentice of the Year (Highly Commended) John Thomson - Jack Henry - Apprentice of Refrigeration and AC the Year (Highly Commended) Apprentice of the Year Lewis Buchanan - Tom Connor - H&V Apprentice of the Year Apprentice of the Year Employer Engagement with Trailblazers winnersWe’re delighted to announce the dates of our first three 2018 Regional Awards (the winners of which will automatically be shortlisted for the next BESA National Awards ceremony). • North West Region Awards • North East Region Awards • Yorkshire Region Awards Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel Crowne Plaza Newcastle Majestic Hotel, Harrogate 17 February 2018 16 March 2018 21 April 2018Visit www.theBESA.com/awards to nominate your apprentices, book your tables and find out more about future regional award events. 5

BESA Conference sees IAQ planning breakthroughIndoor Air Quality (IAQ) will be enshrined Healthin London’s new planning requirements,according to the capital’s deputy mayor. “We are aware that air brought into buildings through theirSpeaking at the BESA National Conference ventilation systems can contributein October, Shirley Rodrigues said IAQ to health problems and we willwas also a key part of the city’s new use the planning system to makeEnvironmental Strategy. sure this is taken into account by everyone involved in buildingMs Rodrigues delivered the opening keynote for the projects, including architects,” shefull-day event at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, which told the conference.covered a wide range of political, technical and businessissues including the need to “reboot a broken process” She said it was important toin the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster and the address IAQ and improve thepromotion of a “productivity led change agenda” by information available to the publicindustry guru Mark Farmer. while the Mayor’s office tried to address the “wider systemic issuesMs Rodrigues urged BESA members to respond to the of pollution in general”.current consultation process on changes to the LondonPlan and to share their expertise with policy makers. Shirley Rodrigues The Mayor Sadiq Khan recently produced data showing that every“IAQ is a relatively new area for us to understand andwe want to talk to your industry about the right steps to borough in London exceeded World Health Organisationtake,” she said. “We also need to make sure that people limits for PM2.5 – the toxic air particles linked toare provided with better evidence about the risks posed lung damage and elevated risks of respiratory andby poor IAQ. cardiovascular diseases as well as cancer. He has pledged to spend £875 million on air quality measures over the next five years. Ms Rodrigues’ announcement was welcomed during a packed seminar hosted by the Association’s IAQ Group that immediately followed her talk. Issues around serious threats to human health from airborne particulates and BESA Group TRAINING6 Companies:

how buildings are being turned into ‘safe havens’ were Tim Hopkinsonthen outlined by a range of expert speakers. to his report, where it championed the role played by theLearning the lessons of Grenfell was the subject of m&e professions.another discussion led by BESA’s head of sustainability He outlined three key areas for change – each of whichDavid Frise. He said the specific causes of the fire were aligned strongly with BESA’s submissions earlier this yearstill not clear, but that everyone “recognised the culture to the government on reform of its Industrial Strategy:and the systemic failings that made it possible”. • The need for clear leadership and institutional reformsHe cautioned that the enquiry and independent reviewshould not focus exclusively on fire safety as regulators that better integrate clients, industry and government;would then miss the wider opportunity to improve aconstruction process that delivers “broken buildings • A productivity led change agenda letting innovationand broken people”. dictate future skills development and which clients The conference also and supply chain can either lead or respond to; featured technical streams covering: • With the Government playing a critical role in the district heating and refrigeration, air strategic initiation of change across both of the above. conditioning and “The industry has an ageing workforce and large parts heat pumps. of it rely on a migrant workforce from the EU,” said Mr Farmer. “We are failing to attract enough people in the 16- In the afternoon 24 age group – so we have a growing capacity gap likely to be made worse by Brexit.” session, BESA’s legal and The role of Trailblazer apprenticeships, which provide far more flexibility than previous vocational training commercial director frameworks, were also widely welcomed as another opportunity to embrace new techniques and tackle fallingMark Farmer Rob Driscoll introduced productivity while also improving the sector’s image. Mark Farmer, the BESA’s training director Tony Howard urged employers to embrace the new schemes and consider becomingauthor of last year’s seminal ‘Modernise or Die’ report training providers in order to plug a serious provision gap across the country.for the construction industry, by making the point that, For details go to: www.theBESA.com/trainingunless the industry embraced digital methods, it wouldcontinue to suffer from poor productivity.Mr Farmer told the conference that construction wasfacing a combination of challenges it had never seenbefore namely: an ageing workforce; poor productivity;rising consumer discontent prompted by poor qualityhousing; serious financial problems among TierOne contractors; and Brexit, which would hit inwardinvestment.“This is not the same old same old,” he told theconference. “Construction has risen to serious challengesin the past, but we are now facing a new set of problemsthat threaten our traditional resilience.”He urged BESA and its member companies to continuesupporting his vision of a digital-led future whereinnovation dictated future skills development in orderto drive up quality and profitability. He acknowledgedthe “unique and significant contribution” BESA membersplay in both the construction and operational phases of abuilding’s life and the contribution the Association made 7

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVEThe industryneeds role modelsIt has been a busy few months since the lastissue of Your BESA as you will see from the widevariety of articles in this one.The President’s Lunch in September was and said schools were not BESA President Tim Hopkinsona great success and a personal milestone doing enough to highlightfor me as it marked the official launch of the opportunities available engage with the Association, so it was athe Future Leaders initiative. through work-based learning. wonderful idea to add the London and She urged them to provide South Apprentice of the Year Awards toI make no apology for repeating my claim better information about the President’s Lunch this year. Likewise,that attracting young talent into our fulfilling careers in engineering our inaugural BESA National Conferencesector is the industry’s biggest challenge, and how much engineers was a fantastic success with some trulywhich is why it is the No.1 priority for my contribute to society. engaging speakers and exhibitors and thepresidential year. Awards Dinner provided a great platform She said careers advisers to showcase some of the incredible talentIt is essential that young people feel were not incentivised to that exists within our sector.they have a voice and that their opinions promote apprenticeships, butmatter, which is why I also took part instead continued to push This busy period has shown how manyin an open forum session with five of the ‘conventional’ sixth form great things the Association is doingour Future Leaders at the Association’s and university route despite and, despite various gloomy economicNational Conference in October (see sustained bad publicity about course forecasts, BESA members have much topage 10). I am sure I learned just as much fees and soaring student debt. Steph look forward to in the coming months.(if not more) from their questions as they believes role models need to be goinglearned from my answers. into schools and inspiring students Follow Tim on Twitter: from a young age. This is something our @BESAPresidentThe five young engineers, who quizzed Future Leaders definitely want to do.me on a wide range of topics, wereclearly not afraid to use the platform the It is clear that apprenticeships wouldAssociation is giving them and, as I said in be much more popular if students wereone of my answers, it is vital that we don’t given better information about theirjust hear their opinions, but we actually options and at an early stage in theirlisten and learn from what they have studies – and this is where role models,to say. I would also urge all employers can be so effective. A young person isto encourage the future leaders in your so much more likely to be inspired byworkforces to join the BESA group – it is a someone closer to them in age.great opportunity for them to grow anddevelop – and gain confidence. Recognising and rewarding their achievement is another good wayThe Future Leaders were also out in force of encouraging young people toat the lunch and enjoyed the talk givenby our guest speaker Steph McGovern, “I would urge all employers to encourage the futurewho was a big hit with members andguests…of all vintages. leaders in your workforces to join the BESA group – itChampion is a great opportunity for them to grow and develop.“The BBC’s business correspondent is Tim Hopkinson, BESA Presidenta vocal champion for apprenticeships 9

FUTURE LEADERS Q&A Meeting the PresidentThe Future Leaders initiative, championed by Tim Hopkinson, brings togetheremerging and up-and-coming talent in the building engineering services sectorin order to champion change and offer a new perspective on the industry fromthose in the early stages of their careers.During October’s BESA National Conference, a group of the FUTURE LEADERS: IS IT A PROBLEM THAT ENGINEERSAssociation’s newly formed Future Leaders group gathered for ARE NOT AS WELL RESPECTED IN THE UK AS THEY AREan open discussion with President Tim Hopkinson. IN OTHER COUNTRIES?Your BESA was there to capture the conversation, which TIM HOPKINSON: Yes, absolutely. I was once told by acovered the role of engineers in modern Britain; improving school teacher that his students’ idea of an engineer was thecollaboration across the sector; social media; diversity…life, fictional character of Kevin Webster in Coronation Street [athe universe and everything! car mechanic]. There is an ignorance about what we do and what we contribute to society. There is also a perceptionTim has made bringing young talent into the industry and that engineering is a ‘dirty trade’. In many other countries thethe Association his No. 1 priority for his presidential year. He role of an engineer is a highly respected one and an enticingexplained to the Future Leaders that this was the building career choice. A big part of our challenge is to change thatengineering sector’s “biggest challenge” and urged them to poor perception and address the image of our industry – youpick up the baton and drive the BESA agenda for the future. all have a massive part to play in that.However, the Future Leaders, with representatives from Briggs Investment in training and education is also vital and we must& Forrester, Balfour Beaty and Imtech - Reinaldo Melendez, demonstrate to school leavers that we are a viable careerKelly Moss, James McCue, Nathan Lett, and Oliver Leckey, had choice and that apprenticeships are valuable. We have thesome challenging questions for the President first: opportunity to work on fantastic projects all over the world BESA Group TRAINING10 Companies:

and should be extremely proud of our achievements. We just us in a new positive direction and go much further thanneed to tell others. simply 3D modelling. For it to work well it would have to be used alongside improvements in project co-ordination andFL: HOW IMPORTANT IS COLLABORATION? developing technologies, throughout the supply chain.TH: It is pivotal. We cannot deliver projects on our own. FL: WILL BREXIT BE GOOD OR BAD FOR THE INDUSTRY?Projects in our industry are delivered by many varieddisciplines and many companies. We need to get much TH: In the long term I suspect it will work out OK, but we reallybetter at working with other organisations. Unless we need to get on with it. We need the government to negotiateimprove collaboration we will not deliver a good return on a solution because the longer we have uncertainty the moreinvestment for clients; projects will over-run and we won’t it will weaken investment and risk damaging our industry. Wedeliver improvement on the perception that as an industry need to know what we are dealing with and that means ourwe are not productive enough. politicians have to come up with a solution – and quickly!Investors are only interested in the services they can deliver FL: DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG ENGINEERSfrom a building. They are not in the business of putting up STARTING OUT TODAY?buildings and they are working to a budget and timescaleunderpinned by their investment. We, therefore, have to work TH: Work hard; set yourself a goal and once you achieve it; drivetogether to ensure the project is delivered on time and within forward and set yourself another one. Always look forward.that budget – we also cannot make it fit for its businesspurpose if we don’t work together. You have a voice – so use it. You have opinions and we – your employers and your Association – need to hear them. TheFL: WHAT ROLE WILL SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY? Future Leaders group has been set up as a dynamic, live forum – you don’t have to go down the old-fashioned route of physicalTH: I am striving to be the first BESA President to really get meetings where people travel from all over the country.to grips with social media as it is a great way of reachingout to the younger generation and getting our point across. Set some clear objectives for the group. Engage with eachIt is also a fantastic collaboration tool and a good way of other online and tell us what you think BESA should be doing.communicating with engineers across the world. This is important because, as I keep saying, in just a few years this industry will be your industry.When we talk to colleagues in other countries, we find outthey have the same problems – but in some cases they also My job is to ensure that we are listening to you.have already come up with some of the answers. If you would like to nominate or become a Future Leader,FL: HOW MUCH OF A PROBLEM IS THE SHORTAGE OF please visit www.theBESA.com/future-leadersWOMEN IN OUR INDUSTRY?TH: The shortage of women is a seriousproblem – but the bigger issue is that wehave a shortage of people and talent, ingeneral. We have a tendency to put womenon a pedestal when we should be focussingon getting people of all genders andbackgrounds interested in careers with usby changing the image of our industry.We have had a massive shift in technologyand we need more of the right kind ofpeople with the right skills. That means wecan’t just focus on trying to attract morewomen – we must go much further.FL: DO YOU THINK BIM WILL CHANGETHE INDUSTRY?TH: Yes it will, alongside other technologies,but it is taking far too long – and it isreally just a starting point. It could take 11

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TECHNICAL NEWSIAQ buildingmomentumThe keynote speech by London’s deputy Practicalmayor Shirley Rodrigues at the BESA NationalConference put a spring in the step of the This type of practical approach was echoed in themembers who packed out the seminar hosted presentation given by George Friend of VSS, who said mostby the Association’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) IAQ solutions were very simple. 53% of problems are causedgroup that followed. by inadequate ventilation; 10% is the result of outside contaminants; and 15% comes from internal sources. All ofThe prospect of IAQ becoming a planning issue in the capital these can be dealt with easily by mechanical contractors as(see page 6) gave the presentations a new context with seminar they either involve maintenance; filtration and/or cleaning ofchair David Frise pointing out that soaring levels of air pollution equipment and ducts.was a personal issue – not just a professional challenge – as ithad a direct impact on human health. “People spend a lot of money putting ventilation systems into buildings and then just leave them to deteriorate. It’s why weHe pointed out that new research showed that 7.9 million have MOTs for cars.”Londoners – nearly 95% of the capital’s population – lived inareas that exceed the World Health Organisation guidelines by He said the industry should develop a mandatory IAQ test for50% or more. This was having an unseen, but no less dramatic, buildings – and any landlord who failed would have to reduceimpact on the lung capacity of children and exacerbating heart their rent. “That’s the way to turn buildings into safe havensconditions; respiratory diseases and cancers, said Mr Frise, who from pollution,” he said.is BESA’s head of sustainability. The use of improved filtration technology is one key practicalNathan Wood of Farmwood M&E Services explained how his solution and specifiers now have a better way of comparingcompany’s work on the BBC programme DIY:SOS had helped to different filter types with the advent of a new global standarddemonstrate the beneficial health impacts improved air quality ISO 16890 (2016) for particle filters, according to Peter Dymentcan have. Curtis, the severely disabled boy who was the subject of Camfil Farr.of the programme, had better eyesight and appetite since hishouse was fitted with a demand controlled ventilation system – He told the BESA seminar that the emergence of thisand needed fewer hospital visits. worldwide standard had come at a good time as the air quality focus was shifting to ever smaller particles.“They didn’t ask for a MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heatrecovery) system, but it was clear they needed one,” Mr Wood “Health experts have shown a link between the smallest (PM1)told the conference. particles and a range of diseases as they can penetrate deep into the lungs – they have also been shown to get directly into the brain via nasal passages,” he said. The World Health Organisation is reviewing its guidance to reflect the emerging threat from PM1 and Mr Dyment said it was clear buildings would need more effective filtration to deal with such tiny, invisible threats to health. BESA is continuing its work on developing comprehensive IAQ guidance – go to www.theBESA.com/IAQ for details. 13

TECHNICAL NEWSVent hygieneelite schemelaunchedThe BESA National Conference also saw Safetythe launch of a scheme aimed at helpingventilation hygiene specialists demonstrate Since it was first developed in 1998 by BESA’s specialisttheir competence, quality and standards. ventilation hygiene group, TR19 has been widely accepted by the building engineering services sector and BritishWith building owners and operators becoming more aware of insurers as the standard to which ventilation systems shouldthe fire risks posed by poorly cleaned and maintained systems, be cleaned. The guiding principle of TR19 is that a defined,there has been growing demand for a robust process to verify measurable level of cleanliness should be achieved tothe quality of cleaning – particularly of grease extract systems improve safety and comfort in buildings.used by commercial kitchens. The ‘Elite’ scheme is now open to all who operate in theThis growing awareness has created a booming market, which sector, not just BESA members, who can provide proof ofhas attracted some non-specialist hygiene providers who don’t competence and professionalism. Eligible BESA members,necessarily understand their responsibilities; or the importance who meet the scheme’s criteria, will be allowed to join forof delivering clean systems, good advice and proper post- free, but all firms will be subject to the ongoing audit process.clean reporting to clients. This has led to increased scrutiny byinsurance companies alarmed by the high number of claims “The scheme will build an auditable trail for the ventilationfollowing building fires. hygiene provider,” said BESA membership director Wayne Terry. “It is also a good way of recording your employees’BESA, therefore, launched the ‘Ventilation Hygiene Elite’ work and ensuring they are maintaining high standards. Itscheme at the national conference in London. The scheme, also reduces insurance risk and should, therefore, have awhich is approved and administered by the Association’s positive impact on premiums.”independent certification arm BESCA, is based on BESA’s long-established best practice standard TR19. The Elite scheme is designed to protect clients, giving them the peace of mind that comes from employing a verifiedBESCA will audit firms’ work to ensure standards are maintained competent specialist ventilation hygiene contractor. Thisand manage a database of post-clean reports, which can be will help them keep their staff safe while also satisfyingused as an auditable trail by the member firm; their clients and the increasing demands of insurers and protecting theirinsurers. BESCA will also carry out ongoing surveillance of each corporate reputation.registrant to confirm continuing compliance. The scheme is also an excellent way for a ventilationA BESCA certificate for all notified cleans that meet the hygiene company to market themselves, with helprequirements will be automatically generated for issue to the from BESA, as providing a robust and verifiable industryend client. recognised expert service. For more information or to join the scheme visit: www.besca.org.uk BESA Group TRAINING14 Companies:

TRAININGGovernment mustrelease training fundsThe government is coming under increasedpressure to release funding* to trainingproviders who can change the way courses aredelivered and boost the number of skilled peoplecoming into the building engineering industry.New providers, in particular, must have access to funds already Many training providers promote lower cost ‘plumbingearmarked for helping employers recruit and train apprentices, courses’ at the expense of the wider scoped building servicesaccording to BESA’s training director Tony Howard. apprenticeships, which can actually deliver “two apprentices for the price of one” i.e. one with a good basic groundingHe said young engineers had the “skills, tools and character AND a higher specialist skill.to improve productivity” – an issue that the Chancellor PhillipHammond has made a top priority for this Parliament – but Rather than continuing a process that encourages basicconstant delays to the funding that was promised to new plumbing courses – many from the comfort of their owntraining providers were undermining employers’ efforts. bedrooms – the government should be heavily promoting the added value apprenticeships that give employers what“New training providers, those without existing contracts, are they need and can help them plug their skills gaps.the ones we need to change delivery and make the new systemwork for employers and apprentices alike,” said Mr Howard. The new funding system is also a great opportunity to re-skill; upskill; and move existing workers – of all agesThe government has talked a lot about embracing digital – into areas where they are most needed. In fact, almosttechnology to improve productivity, but it is not providing anyone at any stage of their career path can now start anthe support needed to train the people who are going to apprenticeship, which is a radical and welcome change.use that technology. BESA’s Experienced Worker Programme has also been“Yet, the pieces are in place,” said Mr Howard. “We have the introduced to provide recognition of competence fornew Apprenticeship Levy and a growing roster of Trailblazer operatives, who have been working in building services forapprenticeships. What we need now is full-on commitment five years or more, but don’t hold an industry recognisedfrom the government to fund training and support the qualification.employers who can use them to turn our productivity around.” Many competent workers, who need to have an EngineeringUnfortunately, there is currently a ‘race to the bottom’, with Services SKILLcard to gain access to projects, are not eligibleemployers being pushed towards training courses that are because they have no recognised way of demonstratingeasier and cheaper to deliver rather than those that provide their competence. Now, as long as they meet health andthe skills the industry needs to meet its technical and safety requirements, they can qualify without having to gobusiness targets. back to college by demonstrating they have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience through BESA’s work-based assessment process. For more information visit www.theBESA.com/experiencedworker *On the date of writing this (17 November 2017) the government announced a further undisclosed delay to funding. 15

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TECHNICAL NEWSGrenfell review Consequencesmust look beyondfire safety “One solution to the fire problem could be to seal buildings up more tightly, which could lead to unintended consequencesThe independent review of the Building like poor indoor air quality,” said Mr Frise. “We don’t want moreRegulations set up in the wake of the tick boxes. We are already accredited to the hilt, but I don’tGrenfell Tower tragedy should not only think it makes us any safer. The regulations need to look at thefocus on fire safety issues, but must look to building as a complete product – not a load of componentsreform the whole ‘culture’ that allowed the cobbled together – and focus on performance.”disaster to happen. The review is an opportunity to address this by insisting thatThis was a key conclusion from a wide-ranging debate hosted projects are not allowed to go ahead with incomplete designs,by BESA’s head of sustainability David Frise at the Association’s the BESA conference heard.National Conference in London. Delegates agreed that one solution would be for planning“We might not yet know the specific cause of the fire, but approval to be granted only if at least 80% of the design waswe all recognise the culture that led to it,” he said. “The whole in place. Mr Frise also called for the abolition of SAP and SBEMsystem needs a re-boot.” as these calculation methodologies were all based on what the industry “promised to deliver” and did not provide any wayHe said the review should look at the wider ‘performance gap’ of checking if the final installation actually worked.in many buildings, which was a symptom of a deeper malaise.“In some cases, we are finding 200%...even 400% gaps The review is an opportunity to re-focus the industry onbetween the amount of energy a building should consume performance and delivery – and to encourage it to adoptand what it does in reality,” said Mr Frise. “That is truly shocking digital tools for design, procurement and payment to improve– 50% would be bad enough.” efficiency and quality, according to delegates.He said the system was broken and the burden of risk BESA has delivered a detailed response to the Grenfell review’son companies operating in the construction sector was call for evidence in which it highlighted many of the issuesbecoming unbearable. “Look at how many Tier One discussed at the Conference – and pointed out that: “Firecontractors have removed their chief executives this year… safety should come as a result of good building practice; asurely this has to create momentum for change.” good building will be a safe building.If the review chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt restricts itself to “We know what the problems are, it is in addressing them thatfire safety issues alone, it will miss the opportunity to address we have failed.”a process that encourages supply chain behaviour that leadsto poor end performance, he added. To find out more information, visit the dedicated Grenfell web area at www.theBESA.com/grenfell 17

TECHNICAL NEWSIn the know than 6,000 copies since its last revision in 2005 and is widely acknowledged as the authoritative specificationReplacing the BESA Publications website, for kitchen ventilation design throughout the UK andthe BESA Knowledge Portal continues to many parts of the world.grow as more technical and commercialdocuments are added to its library of easily It has been updated in light of new thinking, technicalaccessible downloads. advancements and innovation and the 2017 version also includes changes to relevant legislation; the latest cookingThe portal combines information, which is available to buy, techniques and design of catering equipment.with access to training courses and opportunities to shareknowledge as the Association develops new material and Visitors to the Portal can also access a number of ‘wikis’sector standards. where members and other contributors can help to develop new technical guidance. Participants are able toMany of the documents are free to members and others are input content directly into an evolving database; exchangesold to them at a heavily discounted rate. There is guidance information about specialist topics; and collaborate toavailable in commercial and legal matters; employment create industry guides to best practice.affairs; plumbing and pipework; health and safety;refrigeration and air conditioning; and service and facilities There are wikis now in place for tall buildings; indoor airwork among others. quality; RAC 70 – an online resource for refrigeration and air conditioning engineers including safe refrigerant handling –One very popular recent addition is BESA’s ‘First Steps to and offsite construction.BIM Competence’, which explains the key principles of BIMin terms of project delivery; its potential to influence the The Association also gathers intelligence through a serieswhole life cycle of a building; and its the wider context in of surveys, consultations and meetings to inform membersterms of industry collaboration. It sets users on the right and help present a case for, or prepare responses to,path and helps by simplifying the language and providing a legislation and new initiatives. All of this information isclear approach. shared through the Portal.The recently revised Specification for Kitchen Ventilation It also highlights the series of topical events hosted bySystems (DW/172) will also shortly be added to the growing BESA delivering updates on the latest knowledge aroundrepository of knowledge. This document has sold more topics like health & safety, advice on technical issues and complying with industry standards. Visit the BESA Knowledge Portal at: www.theBESA.com/knowledge BESA Group TRAINING18 Companies:

Tracking, calculatingand auditing – REFCOM’sleading the wayWe’re proud to announce a number of technological advances for REFCOM membersincluding the launch of a new online audit system, the industry’s first calculation appand a new tracking software launching in 2018. AUDITS TRACKINGTo make sure that our members continue to meet the A new tool for F gas reporting – REFCOM powered byscheme requirements, they may be subject to a random Joblogic, is launching in 2018. The new tool for F gasrisk-based assessment. We’ve recently improved the way reporting is more than a simple bottle tracking facility, ourwe audit you via a new online audit system making it more new software which will help you to track, maintain andefficient and saving you time, enabling you to remain report so you remain compliant with F gas regulations.compliant. If your business is selected for an audit we’ll The software package will not only lessen youremail you a link to our new system where you can login and administrative burden, it also offers:complete the audit – it’s as easy as that! • Bottle trackingFor more information visit www.refcom.org.uk/f-gas/ • Automated logbook recordssurveillance-and-enforcement • Data analysis • Service record certificates CALCULATOR • Automation of waste transfer notes (where applicable) • Full reporting and recording REFCOM expertise has been • Audit and inspection obligations, fulfilled at the integral in the creation and development of AREA’s new touch of a button. calculation app - the first of its kind in the refrigeration and air BESA and REFCOM members will be offered a FREE user on conditioning sector. the REFCOM powered by Joblogic system – the number one service field management software tool. Developed by REFCOM for AREA, the app is intended to make field engineers’ lives easier and help them get an To find out more visit www.refcom.org.uk/trackingsoftware understanding of what the new requirements of EN378 mean for them. By inputting the design and use of a room as well as the refrigerant charge and type of gas, the app can identify where there are non-compliance issues and where taking additional measures will increase the charge allowable for A2L gases. It also has a handy kgs to CO2 converter for field engineers for filling out log books and equipment labels at installation as required under F Gas. To download search for ‘Area F-Gas’ in the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. 19

BESA Group TRAINING20 Companies:

Introducing PRINTA unique cloud based workforce management system LEAVE YOUR MARKand compliance solution for your organisation. Being a cloud based system also means PRINT is THE FUTURE IS VIRTUAL not limited to a specific branch or even country, effortlessly scalable to the size of your operationsPRINT is an innovation in workforce management delivering an attractive and future growth plans and fully customisable, withlong-term solution for the ongoing management and training of your entire the option to imprint your own corporate identifyworkforce, all contained in one user friendly system. where required.Like fingerprints, the online system is detailed, unique, secure against fraud and The virtual PRINT profile is unique to each individualdurable over the lifetime of an employee. Like footprints, PRINT records and employee and can be previewed online or on areviews your employees’journey throughout their employment, helping you smart device via its QR code and free APP, meaningto manage and plan their future direction, schedule applicable training and no expensive additional hardware required andensure vital qualifications never expire using the training matrix alert function. removing the need for traditional printed identity or training cards and paper records. Each employee and/As a cloud based system the possibilities of PRINT are endless, including or nominated administrator can log in and accessbenefits for your organisation such as: their PRINT profile to undertake and log training,• Secure against fraud with biometric feature and 3 point logins CPD, knowledge and experience and receive• 24 hour and remote access for authorised personnel important notifications at no additional cost.• Real-time updates• Clear, colour coded administration dashboard PRINT has four distinct user groups, PRINT• The ability to upload and manage multiple records profile owners, Employers, Training and Certification Organisations and PRINT profile simultaneously checkers and can be fully customised to each group, offering a high quality user experience.• Instant access to important documents including certificates• Instantly share important news and updates across the organisation To discuss the benefits of PRINT and request a• Generate and share previews with clients to reassure demonstration of the system contact Duncan Sibbald on enquiries@VirtualPrintQR.com them of your workers and subcontractors competenceYour Association’s Pension Provider Awarded Top 5 Star Defaqto RatingWelplan Pensions, part of the will be best for them, and Star Ratingswholly-owned Welplan can help them make a more informedsubsidiary of the Building decision.”Engineering Services Association, has beenawarded a 5 Star Rating by independent Of the 60 auto enrolment pension providers that currentlyresearch organisation Defaqto. hold Defaqto ratings, most have four stars or fewer.This is the highest-achievable rating, given only to Welplan Pensions was also awarded Pension Quality Markfinancial products or services assessed as “excellent, with a (PQM) READY status for the third year running in 2017, incomprehensive range of features and benefits.” recognition of the scheme’s clear communications and strong governance, and achieved Master Trust accreditation for theDefaqto Star Ratings show how financial products and second successive year, in recognition of high standards ofservices rank in comparison with each other in order to administration and governance.help employers, advisors and consumers make better-informed purchasing decisions. Don’t forget…Bruce Kirton, Chief Executive of Welplan, commented: All employers are responsible for re-enrolling certain staff“Welplan Pensions is extremely proud to have in to a pension scheme on every third anniversary of theirachieved this top, 5 Star Rating from a highly regarded staging date. You will also have to complete a re-declarationand impartial assessor. Employers can find it difficultidentifying which auto enrolment pension provider of compliance with The Pensions Regulator. If you are now approaching the third anniversary of your staging date, and want to understand more about your obligations – call Welplan on 0800 195 8080. 21

LEGAL AND COMMERCIALContractors confusedabout impact ofBrexitEngineering services labour in the survey. According to 64%contractors are uncertain of respondents, material costs rose duringabout the impact Brexit will the third quarter of this year and labour costshave on their businesses were up for 42% – although 55% said there hadover the next decade, been no change.according to a new survey. Generally, business remains solid with eight of 10 respondentsA significant number of respondents saying their turnover had ‘increased or stayed the same’ duringto the sector-wide Building Engineering the three month period to the end of September, comparedBusiness Survey, carried out by BESA, the ECA to the second quarter. 55% also said they expected business toand SELECT, said they expected it would have little remain at a similar level in the fourth quarter, but 30% predict itimpact, at least in the short-term, but large numbers also will grow.said they had no idea what would happen. However, nearly 56% said that a substantial portion of their38% of companies said Brexit would make no discernible turnover was being held by firms up the supply chain. Almostdifference to their prospects when the UK leaves in March one in three businesses (32%) said between three and 10% of2019. 25% said it could be ‘slightly negative’ and about 15% their turnover was being held in retentions with a further 22%said they didn’t know. saying that between one and 2% of their turnover was tied up this way. (See article on retentions opposite).However, when asked to predict the impact in five years’time, the ‘no change’ response dropped to 22% and the WIN WORK AND GET PAID WITH‘don’t knows’ rose to 27% and rose again to 33% when OUR CONTRACT TEMPLATESasked to look forward by a decade. As a BESA member you don’t just have access to the22% of the 341 responders still thought there would be ‘no expertise of our Legal & Commercial specialists, but you’llchange’ as a result of Brexit in ten years’ time, which was find a wealth of templates and guides in the Legal &almost on a par with 20% of respondents who thought the Commercial section of the BESA website members’ area.impact would be ‘very positive’ a decade hence. Templates you have access to include: Conditions ofInvestment Sub-Sub-Contract, Standard form of Labour-Only Sub-Contract and guidance notes, Conditions of Trading,“These figures reinforce what we have been saying for Supply-Only Contract, Maintenance Agreement andsome months now that uncertainty is the real enemy,” said Consumer Contracts.BESA President Tim Hopkinson. “As it has in the past,I suspect the industry will adapt and cope in time, but the To take advantage of these resources login to the members’longer the uncertainty persists the more harm it will do by area by visiting: www.theBESA.com/resource-centreweakening or delaying investment.“We need to know what we are dealing with and thatmeans our politicians have to come up with a departureagreement with the EU – and quickly. The current state ofconfusion in Parliament is very unhelpful and the increasedpossibility of a ‘hard Brexit’ is not conducive to businessconfidence,” added Mr Hopkinson.Members of the three bodies also addressed currentbusiness factors including the rising cost of materials and BESA Group TRAINING22 Companies:

BESA calls forretentions legislationSMEs in the construction sector lost £700m BEIS has launched yet another consultation, but the evidenceworth of retentions payments in the past is already overwhelming. Legislation that ensures retentionthree years. It is time for the government to monies are protected and used for the purpose for whichtake decisive action, says BESA’s policy they are intended is long overdue. We have reached a tippingco-ordinator Alexi Ozioro. point and the government must legislate – the time for voluntary ‘codes of practice’ and other initiatives is long past.Supply chain insolvencies were to blame for £700m inretentions payments owed to sub-contractors remaining It would also be relatively easy and painless for theunpaid in the past three years, according to research carried government to add a simple amendment to the Constructionout by consultants Pye Tait for the Department of Business, Act to ensure all retention money is placed ‘in trust’ i.e. heldEnergy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). on deposit by a third party independent of the project supply chain. This would mean that, in the event of an insolvencyRetention money should not disappear because a further up the chain, sub-contractors are not also pushedcontractor or client goes bust. That money should not be close to (or over) the brink.sitting in their bank account. It is not intended to subsidisetheir own cash flow, but is supposed to be held as a surety Retentions could and should be paid in line with an agreedagainst putting any project defects right. timetable when certain conditions are met and work signed off. Not as now, where the determining factor seems to beOver £8bn worth of cash due to small contractors was also the whim of an individual further up the supply chain.being held in retentions during the past three years – anenormous sum, which if it is not protected has the potential If the government is serious about getting this sectorto undermine a whole industry performing a vital role for working well and productively, it must do it with legislationthe UK economy. not promises.Withholding payment means SMEs are starved of vital BESA is continuing to push for industry wide support to drivefunds needed to invest in training, recruitment and new reforms that protect retention money and put an end totechnologies. As a result, the industry continues to suffer abusive payment practices – giving our sector and membersfrom poor productivity, which delays projects at the the support they need.expense of everyone involved; including clients – andcontributes to the poor image of an industry struggling to BESA strongly recommends members to respond to this newfill its growing skills gap. consultation, so government can have first-hand information on the practice of retentions under construction contractsRetentions were invented during the Victorian era to stop and gather the views that matter most. BESA have preparedbuilders running off with money intended for a massive facts, figures and information for submissions and can offerhousebuilding programme. This is an out-dated model, members support with their responses if they need it.which is being routinely abused so that smaller firms act as‘bankers’ for large contractors, who hold them over a barrel. For advice on how to respond to consultations, please email alex.ozioro@theBESA.com 23

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SUPPORTING YOUR BUSINESSHow can SMEs HERE IS A CHECKLIST OFprepare themselves 10 STEPS* TO TAKE NOW:for the GDPR? AWARENESSThe General Data Protection Regulation Make sure key people and decision makers in your(GDPR) will be enforced on 25 May 2018 business are aware of the law changes.and has been introduced to allow thegeneral public to take back control of PERSONAL DATAtheir personal data. Audit and document the personal data you hold, where it came from and who you share it with.No matter how large or small your business is, you will haveto comply with the new regulations regarding the secure COMMUNICATING PRIVACY INFORMATIONcollection, storage and usage of personal information. Review your current privacy notices and put a plan in place for making changes in time.Your business will be affected if you have: INDIVIDUALS’ RIGHTS• A presence in an EU country Check procedures to ensure they cover all the rights• No presence in an EU country but process individuals have, including how you would delete personal data or provide it electronically. personal data of EU residents SUBJECT ACCESS REQUESTS• More than 250 employees Update procedures and plan how you will handle• Less than 250 employees but have data requests with the new timescales. processing that impacts the rights and freedoms LAWFUL BASIS FOR PROCESSING DATA of data subjects. Identify the lawful basis for your processing activity in the GDPR.But how will smaller companies cope with limitedor no internal IT and legal resources cope with the CONSENTimpending GDPR? Review how you find, record and manage consent and whether you need to make any changes. DATA BREACHES Make sure you have the right procedures in place to detect, report and investigate a personal data breach. DATA PROTECTION OFFICERS Designate someone to take responsibility for data protection compliance and assess where the role will sit within your organisation. INTERNATIONAL If your organisation operates in more than one EU member state (ie you carry out cross-border processing), you should determine your lead data protection supervisory authority. For more information please visit www.ico.org.uk * Information taken from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) 25

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BUILDING SERVICES FORUMBringing together industry professionals for afull day of valuable CPD accredited seminarsand networking, the Building Services Forum isessential for members of the sector.The programme will enable delegates to gain a wealth of valuableknowledge, from how to manage key design stages when installingcombined heat and power units, to ways of utilising the Internet ofThings and cloud based technologies and developing an intelligent andinteractive HVAC pipe network.It can be challenging to find the time to sit down and consider whatthe future of the industry holds for your business. The Building ServicesForum is a valuable opportunity to take just one day to collate informationand solutions on evolving building legislative measures, developingtechnology and new resources.DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MINDThe Building Services Forum programme will feature seminars from leadingindustry bodies, including: Remeha, North Building Technologies, CarloGavazzi, Priva, Schneider Electric, ZTP, Loughborough University, BSRIA andthe ECA. Covering a wide expanse of topics, the programme will touch onvital debates at the forefront the industry.The full seminar programme can be viewed athttp://www.buildingservicesforum.london/programme/LIMITED PLACES ARE AVAILABLE – DON’T MISS OUTTickets to the Building Services Forum include:• A full day’s CPD accredited seminar programme from the industry’s biggest names• Networking opportunities with sponsors, exhibitors and speaker companies• The latest product and technology innovations• Breakfast, lunch and refreshments• Break-out sessionsBooking a place at the Forum offers a unique opportunity to boost your industry knowledge, consider issues that may affectthe future of your business and network with some of the biggest names in building services.The Building Services Forum will take place on 8 February 2018 at the Building Centre in London; a key location that is easilyaccessible by public transport and fantastic for networking with vital industry bodies.Tickets can be purchased at www.buildingservicesforum.london/delegate-tickets/ at an exclusive early bird rate of£175.00. Please note that early bird ticket rates are valid until 31 December 2017, after which tickets will be charged at thestandard full price of £195.00.The Forum has a fantastic line-up of sponsors and supporters including: Remeha, BESA, BISPA, BSRIA, Carlo Gavazzi, FETA,Ideal Commercial, KNX UK, North Building Technologies, Panasonic, Priva, REHAU, Steinel and Thames Water.For information about participating in The Building Services Forum, contact Event Organiser, Jacqui Henderson on01622 699116 or email jhenderson@datateam.co.uk For more industry and BESA led events please visit www.theBESA.com/events 27

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHTTRS trailblazer honoured by BESAJohn Kilgannon, Conductoperational director ofDartford-based heating “A modern apprenticeship goesand electrical contractor much further than just developingTRS Ltd, has been honoured technical skills,” he said. “We havefor his dedicated support to made sure that the content of thethe process of modernising new service engineer Trailblazerapprenticeships in the focuses on all aspects of modernbuilding engineering working including communicationservices industry. skills. Apprentices should also learn about the conduct expectedHe was one of the first senior industry of them when representing theirfigures to receive a special BESA employer.‘Trailblazer’ award at our first nationalawards event in London. “Attitude and the way someone behaves is hugely important andBESA is working with employers has probably not received theright across the built environment attention it should have in the past,”industry to develop apprenticeships added John. “It was very rewardingin key technical sectors including: to be able to focus on this and allinstallation; service & maintenance; heating aspects of training as part of theand plumbing; ductwork; ventilation hygiene; Trailblazer process.”refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps; andhas also started work on developing apprenticeships TRS chairman Satnam Dhaliwalat higher and degree level. added that John’s work on Trailblazers was in tune with the company’s ethos of puttingTRS was set up in 1980 by chairman Satnam Dhaliwal and the community first and creating opportunities for all.business has been growing ever since. It provides tailoredbuilding engineering services for clients in both the public “There has never been a greater need for this kind ofand private sectors including a range of new project and targeted training as the industry responds to tough newfacilities management services. quality standards and the UK-wide skills shortage,” he said. “We are extremely proud that John was invited to supportThe senior management team took the decision to start a this effort and to represent TRS in this way.construction division in 2005 and this was swiftly followedby diversification into the rail sector. TRS then expanded “One of the great positives about Trailblazers is that theyits heating, electrical and projects capability in 2008. offer opportunities for people at all stages of their careers toJohn’s long experience and specialist expertise was ideal improve their skills – whether they be straight out of schoolfor helping the team developing the service engineer or already have some industry experience, but are looking toTrailblazer on behalf of the whole industry. improve and add to their abilities,” said Satnam. “That flexibility will make apprenticeships attractive to a wider range of people from more diverse backgrounds and will be key to their success.” BESA’s training director Tony Howard added that the development of Trailblazers was completely dependent on volunteers like John who “help us produce these new style apprenticeships to ensure they deliver the type of modern skills employers need to improve their productivity and profitability”. www.trs.ltd.uk 29

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTBluewater Installation PCB has grown solely from repeat business andrecommendation. One of its longest serving customers has been with the businessBESA member shares under its various guises for more than 20 years, which provesbest practice in The their abilities and the trust they’ve established over the years.Parliamentary Review Dave Cooper, managing director of PCB Technical Solutions said, “Membership of BESA gives a strong message of our competence to our customers. From the outset we wanted to ensure that we met the high standards that BESA demand of its member. We have also found their practical support extremely useful.” PCB like many BESA members and SMEs has faced challenges around cash flow. Many of its suppliers insisted on payments up front until its first year accounts were published and it had built a credit score. They implemented a policy of paying all suppliers and subcontractors reliably on the last day of each month, reiterating BESA’s commitment to helping members to ‘win work’ and ‘get paid’. This helped PCB develop good working relationships but also proved challenging as not all customers reciprocated, an issue BESA is trying to resolve through Parliament. www.pcbtechnicalsolutions.co.uk/BESA and Refcom member, PCB Technical White City InstallationSolutions, has been chosen to featurealongside Prime Minister Theresa May, inthe 2016/17 Parliamentary Review.The document looks back on the year in the mechanical and To read the full PCB Technical Solutions article in Theservices industry. The main aim of the review is to showcase Parliamentary Review visit www.theparliamentaryreview.co.uk/best practice as a learning tool for the public and private sector, editions/manufacturing-services/interior-installation.and is sent to over half a million leading policymakers. To find out more about what issues BESA is representing onDaniel Yossman, director of The Parliamentary Review behalf of its members visit www.theBESA.com/representation/said, “Sharing knowledge and insight with both peers andgovernment is essential. It is my belief that innovation iscontagious, if only it is given the platform to spread. It is theReview’s purpose to provide this platform and I am confidentwe are fulfilling it”.PCB Technical Solutions prides itself on its ability to delivervalue-engineered design and build installation projects,supported by a full service and maintenance offering. Coveringthe whole of the UK and Ireland, it was formed in December2013 from the management buyout of two of the originalcompanies – HMAC and Four Season Installation of the FourSeasons Group. It employs 27 staff with further expansion plansand has an expected 2017 turnover of £12 million.Over the last three years, PCB Technical Solutions has worked onover 600 fit-outs in the installation business and have adoptedan enthusiastic approach to the lean construction methodologyof working collaboratively with other contractors involved inthe project. By using this approach, it has significantly reducedthe installation time on projects, what was previously a 12 to 14week project now lasts 6 to 8 weeks. BESA Group TRAINING30 Companies:

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