The British Board of Agrément (BBA) will be participating in the upcoming Home Builders Federation (HBF) Technical Conference, set to take place at Austin Court, Birmingham on 18th September.

As the leading certification body for construction products in the UK, the BBA plays a vital role in maintaining high standards of safety across the house building supply chain. At the conference they will be discussing the importance of new changes in product regulation and how certification can help to drive safety and mitigate risk, to ensure the highest standards of house building excellence.

The HBF Technical Conference is a key event in the house builder sector that gathers industry experts, developers, policy makers, and key players to discuss the latest technical developments, regulatory changes, and innovative solutions in the construction industry. The past few years have seen unprecedented challenges for the house building industry with several new regulations now coming into force. The HBF Technical Conference is set to look in depth at these changes and their implications, focusing on what the industry needs to do to meet the new demands.

Commitment to Excellence

“We are looking forward to participating in the HBF Technical Conference and to collaborate with our industry partners in driving forward the standards of safety and quality in house building,” comments Hardy Giesler, CEO of the BBA. “Our mission is to provide the assurance and confidence that the building industry and consumers need to trust the quality and safety of construction products. By working closely with the HBF and other stakeholders, we aim to create a joined-up, quality-driven construction supply chain, of which the house building sector is a critical player.”

Interactive Sessions and Expert Insights

During the conference, the BBA will be taking part in a range of informative panel discussions, offering attendees the opportunity to gain insights from industry experts. Hardy Giesler, CEO of the BBA and Julie Bregulla, Chief Operating Officer will be participating, and contributing their expertise on behalf of the BBA. These sessions will explore:

• The changes in construction product regulation and how certification can help. While the Building Safety Act, national regulator for construction products and other developments impact all housebuilders, product certification can bring significant benefits and reduction in risk to housebuilders;
• How housebuilders can reduce their risk by insisting on construction products being certified. With housebuilders generating the demand, construction product manufacturers are obliged to certify their products and to do so at their own cost. Housebuilders will therefore benefit without incurring costs themselves, as long as this ‘universal’ demand can be generated;

Hardy Giesler, CEO of the BBA continues; “Valuable lessons have been learnt from events such as Grenfell and at the BBA we have incorporated these into our future plans and development. Participating at the HBF Technical Conference offers us the opportunity to share our plans in these panel discussions and obtain direct input from housebuilders on how we can best serve their needs.”

Strengthening Industry Connections

The BBA’s role as an industry connector is instrumental in bridging gaps and facilitating effective communication among the stakeholders in the construction ecosystem. By bringing together manufacturers of construction products, those involved in specificying and designing, those involved in the warranty provision and insurance, house builders, contractors and regulatory experts, all parties can share knowledge and are aligned with the latest standards and best practices, enhancing quality and safety.

Identifying the need for a representative industry body, the BBA set up an Industry Working Group in 2023, chaired by Mark Prisk, previously Housing Minister and Construction Minister for the coalition government. Members include construction product certification providers, warranty providers and other stakeholders. The BBA will be introducing the Industry Working Group and its benefits at the conference and welcomes interest from other potential members.

Join the BBA at the HBF Technical Conference

The BBA looks forward to meeting with colleagues and stakeholders in the house building industry at the HBF Technical Conference this September to help build a future where innovation, quality, and safety are the cornerstones of every construction project.