Can procurement reform really fix the building sector? BESA 2025 aims to find out

BESA 2025 to explore business growth for UK building engineers

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has announced that its 2025 Annual Conference will be held on 16 October at The Brewery in London.

According to BESA, the one-day event will centre on business growth and workforce development across the UK’s building engineering sector.

The association said the conference would support firms in identifying new markets, improving operations, and responding to workforce needs.

There will be two main content streams: theatre one, sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric, will cover core business issues. Theatre two, supported by Schneider Electric, will examine employee skills and industry challenges.

Sessions will include workshops, panel discussions, and one-to-one meetings with experts offering guidance on legal, safety, compliance, and education.

Race to the bottom in procurement to be addressed

BESA said the conference will highlight the industry impact of low-cost, short-term procurement models.

Several sessions will discuss how firms can adopt outcome-based procurement that supports long-term building performance and value.

BESA chief executive officer David Frise said: “We will aim to address the key questions: What does outcome-based procurement look like in practice—and how do we embed it from design to delivery to operation?”

Frise added:
“As the government accelerates investment in construction to drive economic growth, how can firms position themselves to take advantage—especially in an era where building safety, quality, and decarbonisation are not just compliance issues, but powerful business drivers?”

Skills, competence and compliance to be re-evaluated

BESA explained that sessions will examine the role of new technologies such as artificial intelligence in project delivery and performance improvement.

Engineering processes related to heat pumps, water quality, and other technical topics will also be reviewed.

The conference will question whether current training models meet the requirements of a modern engineering workforce.

BESA director of competence and compliance Jill Nicholls said: “In too many cases, we are still training tomorrow’s generation to do yesterday’s jobs.”

Nicholls added:
“Our employer members and NextGen network of young engineers are helping us shape a skills model that is more fit for purpose and reflects the rapid pace of change across our industry.”

Supply chain and system thinking to form part of the discussion

Build UK chief executive officer Suzannah Nichol will deliver a keynote speech and lead a workshop focused on construction supply chain performance and delivery outcomes.

The workshop will explore how procurement and collaboration can improve housing delivery, infrastructure development, and productivity.

BESA confirmed that a joint session with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) will examine how collaboration between design and engineering professionals can improve building safety and sustainability.

According to BESA, more programme details will be released in the coming weeks.

Technical and operational topics included in the programme

Sessions will include discussion of the practical use of emerging business tools and engineering methods.

Water quality management, heat pump system design, and other technical engineering subjects are among the planned topics.

Speakers will address how digital solutions can support business efficiency and compliance.

Hands-on workshops will give attendees the opportunity to ask detailed questions and apply new methods.

BESA said the “Meet the Expert” element would allow direct discussions with specialists across key areas including contracts, education, and legislation.

BESA Annual Conference 2025 to focus on business growth and skills: Summary

BESA has confirmed the 2025 Annual Conference will take place on 16 October in London.

The association said the event will address business growth, new market opportunities, and workforce development.

There will be two main theatres covering business operations and employee skills.

Sessions will include workshops and one-to-one expert meetings.

Procurement reform and whole-life value will be central themes.

David Frise, BESA CEO, said the event will address how to embed outcome-based procurement.

Frise said firms need to align with government investment in safety, quality, and decarbonisation.

Artificial intelligence, water quality, and heat pump performance will be part of the agenda.

Jill Nicholls, director at BESA, said current training methods must evolve for modern roles.

Nicholls said industry networks are helping shape a more relevant skills model.

Build UK’s Suzannah Nichol will lead a supply chain-focused keynote and workshop.

BESA said the Royal Institute of British Architects will co-host a session on system thinking.

More programme details will be released by BESA in the coming weeks.