BESA highlights industry AI potential, legal wins, and urgent skills initiatives in 2024–25 review
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has published its 2024–2025 Year in Review, spotlighting a transformative period marked by strategic digital initiatives, major legal advocacy, and renewed focus on skills development.
BESA Chief Executive David Frise emphasized the need for radical reform in construction and building services. With sector productivity lagging and compliance with the Building Safety Act still limited, BESA identified artificial intelligence (AI) as a key catalyst. The UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, including a projected £14 billion investment, could improve planning, record-keeping, and retrofitting forecasts—particularly in HVAC and lighting systems, which represent over 50% of a typical commercial building’s energy use.
"AI-driven digital twins now allow engineers to simulate retrofitting scenarios virtually, improving return-on-investment predictions and enabling smarter energy upgrades,” Frise noted.
Over 5,000 member cases were supported by BESA’s Legal, Commercial and Employment Affairs team. Notably, BESA successfully lobbied for amendments to the payment reporting regulations, enhancing industry transparency on invoice volumes and retention levels. Legal factsheets on JCT 2024, PI insurance, and the Procurement Act 2023 were also released.
President-elect Pete Curtis and President Adrian Hurley underlined skills shortages as the sector’s most pressing challenge. In response, BESA launched the Skills Legacy programme, encouraging experienced engineers to become qualified trainers and assessors. The initiative is backed by a network of further education (FE) providers and includes full TAQA qualification support.
“FE colleges need the assurance that our industry can provide both willing apprentices and qualified trainers,” said Curtis.
Additionally, the NextGen Network expanded with regional engagement and leadership changes, aiming to attract and support young professionals across the UK.
Key achievements included:
19,000+ learners registered with BESA Academy.
4,500 CPD certificates awarded.
£272,000 in government funding secured for new heat network training.
247 members achieved Competence Assessment Standard (CAS).
Over 70 webinars and 16 free CPD courses delivered.
REFCOM Elite contractor renewals reached 94%, and 330 new F-Gas members joined. The Vent Hygiene Register (VHR) also saw expansion, with over 26,000 safer catering premises now registered, bolstered by continued UKAS accreditation.
As the association enters its 121st year, BESA remains focused on advocating for systemic change, improved building safety, and workforce renewal. The organisation is strengthening ties with government and industry bodies to ensure building services professionals can navigate the challenges ahead.
“We must move from a culture driven by speed and cost to one rooted in quality and safety,” Hurley stated. “Our history shows we can rise to these challenges—together.”
Download the full Year In Review PDF