As we reach the end of 2022, it is a good time to reflect on what has taken place during the year that has passed and for me to share an update on the BBA.

For those of you who have read my reflection over the past two years, you may have noted that the business has been going through significant change, both in how we work as well as we in what we have to offer to our clients.  This process continues – there are many more ways in which we can serve our industry and we remain ambitious about providing our clients with the highest service levels.  We are also keen to extend the services we offer.

For our clients we have delivered the following …

• Launched the MyBBA portal as a means to simplify client interfaces and increase access to the information we provide. Much more functionality will follow – if you wish to read more about the next step towards accessible certification data (Read more about that here);
• Launched a new Gas Membrane scheme Approved Installer Scheme (more here)
• Moved to new offices in Croxley Park, Watford, creating a more productive space for our clients, our colleagues and our industry. Our Liverpool office continues to thrive, supporting clients across the north of the UK (and far beyond);
• Exhibited at UK Construction Week where we had the opportunity to meet with many existing and new clients;
• Strengthened our involvement in the industry. We have joined Build UK (read more here), hosted many webinars and supported partner organisations such as ADEPT, NHIC and the RCI Show;
• Expanded our certification services by offering UKTA certification and UKCA marking;
• Hosted a number of industry roundtables that invited leaders in industry to share their views on pressing issues confronting the industry as a whole, including
  • March: Innovation Leadership: The evolving responsibility of test and certification data within construction Innovation roadmaps
  • June: The marriage of Technology and Workmanship: Understanding the adoption of both to transform the future of Construction.
  • September: Evolving Construction: The Next Generation of Disruptors, Innovators and Change-Makers
• Run several initiatives highlighting the opportunities that a career in construction offers for the next generation of industry leaders; collaborating with organisations like Master Roofers UK to hear directly from their team on what that meant for their future career paths.

As well as this, we commissioned a report to better understand the market and its needs. This is helping to shape our plans for 2023, alongside the changes to construction such as the impacts of changes through Building Safety Regulation. It is our belief that, together, we can build a better, safer and sustainable future in construction.

We continue our focus on building a more client- and market-centric team, using systems to improve our planning and deliveries.

In a tough market for employers, we continue to improve the working environments for our colleagues.  We have sought to have our hard work recognised and are pleased to announce the following progress:

• Finalist in the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce’s Employer of the Year awards.
• Awarded 59^th place out of 100 in Newsweek’s Most Loved Workplaces in 2022.

On a more personal note, visiting clients across the UK and beyond is always a great learning experience for me and this remains a priority.  Improving our understanding of your business and your needs can only help us to respond better.  Please do feel free to take me up on this offer to build and strengthen our relationship.

Wishing you a very happy end of 2022, and every success for 2023.

Kind regards,

Hardy Giesler

BBA CEO