and a recognition that withholding payment is not a sustainable business ‘model’. Our industry has value and is well positioned to take on the big challenges of our day, but only if all parties in our supply chains recognise that value, see it in each other, and price it into contracts.” Kevin Hollinrake, the Minister for Enterprise,


Markets and Small Business who is behind the proposed changes pointed out that “the late payment problem cannot be entirely addressed by means of legislation…ultimately it is a matter of encouraging a culture change in payment practices and how businesses deal with each other,”. “But we want to continue to help to build that culture


of prompt payment between companies and challenge UK businesses to improve their practices and stand by their smaller business partners.” Under the proposed changes, companies will be


hopes to introduce new reporting rules that would improve the amount of information available to contractors about a prospective client’s late payment history and use of retentions. In theory, this should help them make informed decisions about who to work for and who to avoid at all costs, but often it is not as easy as that, according to Fletcher. Many main contractors will insert onerous conditions into contracts allowing them to delay payment without falling foul of the law. Sub- contractors have little option but to agree to these terms if they want the work, he explained. “The late payment culture stems from a desperate


scramble for profi t. Many projects are priced at less than 2% margin, which inevitably leads to the corner cutting and aggressive behaviour that undermines our ability to deliver projects on time, on budget and to a good standard,” said Fletcher. “There needs to be more respect for each other


required to report the average number of days taken to make retention payments, after practical completion and the end of the contractual defects liability period. They would also have to report how many retention payments were paid in 30 days or fewer, between 31 and 60 days, and in 61 days or more.


Retentions


BESA argues that they should also be required to report the actual amount of money they have paid because that is a far truer measure than just the number of invoices. The government should also require fi rms to publish the average value of the retentions they hold as a percentage of the overall contract and which retentions were not paid in the agreed period and why, the Association believes. Despite these ongoing diffi culties Fletcher, who is mechanical services team manager at Fife Council, said there were still plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Although this year “would be very tough” due to economic pressures, he pointed out


BESA launches expanded industry awards


The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched an expanded and rebranded BESA Industry Awards programme for 2023


T


he BESA Awards, which are free to enter, will reward individuals, teams, and companies responsible for delivering projects, products,


innovations, and initiatives that demonstrate excellence in building services engineering. The Awards Finals will take place in London on October 12 following the Association’s annual National Conference. This gala dinner event will be the culmination of a series of regional dinners


and awards running from May to July with winners going forward to the national fi nal. However, some of the categories will only be judged at a national level without regional heats.


Outstanding


There are awards for outstanding projects and fi rms as well as individuals who have gone above


DOWNLOAD THE HVR APP NOW


that building engineers were in a privileged position because they could make a diff erence to peoples’ lives.


In his presidential speech, he referred to the fi rst


ever World Ventilation Day, which BESA helped to organise last November, as an example of how the industry could help to drive social progress. “We worked with 21 organisations, including


professional bodies, universities, and environmental groups from across the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia…demonstrating how good ventilation can help to keep people safe from infectious diseases, improve sleep, and reduce mould and damp in buildings,” he said.


He also paid tribute to the Honorary President


of BESA’s Health & Well-being in Buildings group Rosamund Adoo Kissi-Debrah who has been campaigning for air quality and child health since the tragic death of her daughter Ella 10 years ago and received a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours for her services to public health.


“She is a huge supporter of what we are trying to do about improving air quality in buildings,” said Fletcher.


He added that last year’s highly successful BESA National Conference was another example of why members of the ‘BESA community’ should feel optimistic about the future. “We bring our industry together – not just for the


sake of it – but to create positive change,” he said. “BESA will continue to champion our role,


drive improvements in technical and professional standards, and support training as we strive to create a workforce capable of rising to these challenges.” www.theBESA.com


and beyond the call of duty for the greater good of the industry. Categories cover the full supply chain from manufacturers and distributors to contractors, engineers, and clients. A full list of awards and the dates of regional events can be found here. An expert panel of judges chaired by BESA


technical director Graeme Fox has been assembled from across the sector and includes both the current President Rab Fletcher and president- elect Claire Curran. Young engineers are also well represented on the panel which includes current CIBSE ASHRAE Graduate of the Year Sana Hafsa. The Awards dinner on October 12 will feature a


celebrity host and live band – last year’s event was attended by more than 450 people. For a full list of categories and how to enter


BESA’s Industry Awards 2023 visit https://www. thebesa.com/the-besa-awards


March 2023 9


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36