Member Article

SME business initiative launches in Yorkshire to encourage construction growth

A new working group-come-networking initiative, BIM4SME, which aims to encourage construction growth in Yorkshire, is to host an impressive launch event in Sheffield later this month, where property experts from various sectors and government will speak on the challenges and openings it presents.

BIM4SME was established after the government made the use of BIM (Building Information Modelling) in any public sector construction projects mandatory from 2016 onwards. The process involves generating and managing 3D data on a building, including the scope of works needed.

The group is made up individuals from SMEs that can support others in the region understand both the opportunity and the need to engage with BIM sooner rather than later in order to continue constructing buildings across Yorkshire and the north.

Peter Hansford, the government’s chief construction adviser will discuss his milestone report, Industrial Strategy: Government and Industry in Partnership, and its commitment to BIM in particular. David Philp, head of UK BIM implementation at the cabinet office, has also been confirmed as a speaker, along with Mike Tynan, chief executive, Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (ARMC) and Tim Platts, chair of BIM4SME.

Guests will also be able to air their views and any concerns about BIM to an expert panel of specialists in a ‘question time’ format. The lineup will include Peter Hansford and David Philp (government); Kay Botcherby (Hurst SME main contractor, Rotherham); Simon Carr (Henry Boot); Julia Evans (CEO of the National Federation of Builders); Mike Tynan (Nuclear AMRC); John Tebbitt, (construction products association); and Janet Beckett (SME practitioner at Carbon Saver).

Chaired by Will Stirling, managing editor of The Manufacturer, the launch event will be held at the Electric Works, Sheffield Digital Campus, 24th September, from 1pm-4.30pm. It is sponsored in conjunction with RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors); CIBSE (Chartered Institute Building Services Engineers); B&ES (Building & Engineering Services); city law firm, Nabarro and Mott MacDonald, an engineering and development consultancy.

Jeremy Blackburn, Director of UK External Affairs at RICS said: “We’re delighted to support the launch of BIM4SME in Yorkshire and Humber. Most construction projects involve small to medium sized organisations and their ability to engage with BIM will be key to remaining competitive, especially when the use of BIM becomes mandatory for public sector construction projects in 2016.”

“Fifty per cent of our members work in SMEs and we are supporting them, alongside the wider industry, in the adoption of the process through the development of a BIM accreditation. This will allow SME professionals to deliver a more efficient service, thereby giving them the necessary competitive edge.”

Tim Platts Chair of BIM4SME added: “I’m looking forward to explaining more about the initiative to Yorkshire firms and how we can help support them. For many which have started using BIM technology, this may mean developing their understanding and providing access to networks; for those that have yet to begin, then the aim will be to provide an awareness and appreciation of BIM, and an understanding of why it is so important.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Gatehouse .