We know that construction in Wales is picking up. We know there are decent opportunities in the pipeline – but we also know that whilst this work is across the private and public sector, the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and local government are the biggest customers. And that means, we as an industry need to wake up to the importance of Building Information Modelling.

Only 16% of firms in the UK’s building services sector are ‘fully ready’ to use Building Information Modelling on projects. The survey we point to in our newsletter by the Electrical Contractors’ Association found the industry is way behind the government’s BIM timetable. The problem is not BIM itself as nearly two-thirds of respondents said that BIM Level 2 will be ‘good for the sector’, while 57% said it will be the ‘future for building services’. The issue is that organisations up and down the supply chain are not ready.

This week there has been another event promoting BIM and highlighting its benefits. It is a great business tool – not an IT fad – and one that really boosts effective collaboration with an emphasis on outcomes and value for the end users of the facilities being created. No matter where you sit in the Welsh construction supply chain BIM will have an impact, so it is best to be prepared.