B&ES (the Building & Engineering Services Association) was ahead of its time in stressing the central role integration plays in ensuring that the industry remains fully fit-for-purpose, according to president Bruce Bisset.
Speaking at a recent press briefing, Mr Bisset reminded his audience that much had been said and written about the profound effect which building information modelling (BIM) would have on the future of the construction process - and he pointed out that the Association was taking 'very seriously indeed' the task of ensuring that its members were conversant with all the aspects and implications of the 'BIM revolution'.

Mr Bisset said: 'But the truth is that BIM is a reflection of a widespread appreciation that only by working together in a genuine spirit of collaboration can we achieve the necessary degree of innovation, modernisation and continuous improvement.'

He went on to recall that, in a similar forum in January 2012, then president Bob Shelley had taken the opportunity to unveil the new identity the organisation had been about to adopt, 'after almost 50 years as the HVCA'.

From then on, Mr Shelley had explained, the organisation would be known as the Building & Engineering Services Association - a name that had been chosen to reflect the breadth and scope of the services the membership provided to the construction industry of the 21st century.

Mr Bisset said: 'Almost exactly two years on, I am both pleased and proud to be able to report that the B&ES brand has become firmly established in the marketplace, that we are fast realising our ambition to speak on behalf of the wide range of specialisms that are included in our membership, and that we are providing a natural home for all specialists in integrated building engineering services.'

He concluded by highlighting the fact that recent statistics from Government and other sources - as well as anecdotal evidence provided by B&ES members - suggested that 'things are starting to look up' for the industry and the sector - and that the next couple of years would present fresh opportunities for all.

'It is up to us to be ready, willing and able to take advantage of them,' he concluded.