BIM and Beyond at first-ever FBE conference.
Property, development and construction professionals from across the country gathered in Birmingham last week (15th May 2014) for the inaugural fbe (forum for the built environment) national conference.
The theme for the conference focused on unlocking competitive advantage, specifically through BIM (Building Information Modelling), which was spotlighted as the new standard for all development and construction projects across the board.
In his opening address, fbe’s national chairman Howard Gadd commented: “fbe has enjoyed a long history in construction and has always encouraged its members to work together. We hope this conference will not only facilitate new contacts and connections but also establish some national priorities for procuring and executing work nationwide.”
Following the conference, guests were invited to attend the national awards dinner, with master of ceremonies, Ian Irving. Four awards were presented including Best Private Sector Project to EDG Property for The School Yard, Birmingham; Best Public Sector Project and Most Innovative Scheme for the Manchester Town Hall redevelopment and the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Contribution went to Cambria Branch’s Malcolm Howard for over 30 years’ dedicated service. Comedian, Paddy Lennox provided after-dinner entertainment and a collection of over £750 was raised for Wooden Spoon, the chairman’s chosen charity.
“The conference highlighted the broad reach fbe has across the UK, with representatives attending from Bath; Black Country & Telford; Leicester; London; Manchester; Nottingham, Yorkshire and the West Midlands. Our speakers delivered a fascinating picture of how construction is changing and the messages we need to take back to the branches to win work. I am confident it also acted as a reminder of how well-placed fbe is as a networking organisation and that if we continue our conversations, we have a healthy future ahead.” Concluded Howard Gadd.
