BSRIA North launch event

On 20th October, BSRIA officially opened its North office with a launch ceremony and ribbon cutting event with local VIPs and dignitaries in Preston, Lancashire.

BSRIA North will service BSRIA members and wider industry based in the north of England and the opportunities created by the 'northern powerhouse'.

The event was a member only event and attended by 30 industry senior staff from building owner operators, contractor, consultants and manufacturers. The launch offered an excellent opportunity for active debate and networking.

BSRIA was delighted that Dr Michele Lawty-Jones, Director, Lancashire Skills Hub, performed the official opening, followed by the arrival of Seema Kennedy MP, South Ribble, who met with guests in the afternoon for a high-level policy meeting.

The topics du jour of the 'northern powerhouse' – boosting connectivity and productivity; skills, apprenticeships and young people in engineering and the built environment and the changing demographics in today’s population: solutions to tomorrow’s challenges in today’s buildings, were all discussed.

This follows on from the appointment of June Davis as its Business Manager in January 2016 and her team of a laboratory manager and technicians.

Dr Michele Lawty-Jones, Director, Lancashire Skills Hub, said:

“I am delighted, on behalf of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), to welcome BSRIA to its new northern hub in South Ribble. We are looking forward to connecting BSRIA with construction and engineering businesses across the area and providers of education and learning, to enable the research and development, market intelligence and training to be maximised locally and across the northern powerhouse.”

June Davis said:

“I am excited that all the stars aligned and the BSRIA North office is officially open for business. This will certainly enhance our client base and reputation in the north of England, working with the existing teams within BSRIA. My continued focus is to develop new business opportunities, customers and prospects for BSRIA, and its members, in the northern powerhouse.

And, of course, I have been supporting and enriching current BSRIA members based in the north of England. I am constantly identifying intelligence and opportunities for BSRIA North members which, naturally, has a positive knock-on effect within the industry. The official launch follows on from the heartening news that BSRIA North was awarded both ISO 9001 and UKAS accreditation in the summer.

In the morning, BSRIA conducted a round table discussion group on recruitment, skills development, diversity and retention. This presented a golden chance for members to flex their ideas within the industry and how to address such issues. These comments which will form the basis of a Northern Powerhouse BSRIA white paper for release in the corridors of power.”