President’s Blog: Building Momentum: A Presidential Roundup
As I approach the end of my two-year term as President of the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), I have taken time to reflect on just how rapidly the BEMS sector continues to evolve. The pace of technological change is striking, and just as significant is the progress we have made in ensuring BEMS is recognised as a primary tool for reducing energy consumption and improving building performance for owners, tenants and users alike.
A major driver of this growing recognition has been our consistent, strategic approach to influencing policy. Over the past two years, we’ve focused on educating policymakers and Ministers about what BEMS are – and, crucially, what they can deliver. This journey began with Lord Callanan’s keynote at our 2024 Members’ Conference, but a defining milestone was the launch of the BCIA’s first Technical Paper at the House of Lords in October 2025, hosted by former Minister for Energy Security & Net Zero Lord Callanan. Keynote speaker Bill Esterson MP, Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, reinforced the importance of the event and further positioned BCIA as the authoritative voice on BMS/BEMS technology.
Alongside these landmark moments, we have maintained ongoing engagement with senior civil servants, the Building Safety Regulator and other influential policy shapers. These conversations are strengthening understanding of how BEMS can underpin and support policy objectives - and that work is beginning to bear fruit, with BEMS now highlighted as a key technology in the 7th Carbon Budget. This recognition represents a clear signal that our advocacy is translating into national policy awareness.
Keeping members informed and connected to our advocacy work has remained central to our approach. Members recognise that influencing policy is essential not only for market growth, but also for raising standards and strengthening the reputation of BCIA member companies as industry experts.
Our focus on skills development continues to progress at pace. A major highlight of 2025 was the first cohort of apprentices completing their three year higher-level apprenticeship to become qualified Building Controls Engineers. With 324 apprentices currently on programme, we have established a strong and sustainable pipeline of new talent entering the industry. Alongside this, we continue to train more than 550 individuals each year and have introduced an Experienced Worker Assessment, providing a route for skilled professionals without formal qualifications to obtain competency cards to become qualified Building Controls Engineers.
On the marketing and communications front, I have been proud to champion BCIA’s refreshed approach to engaging both members and external stakeholders. Over the past 12 months, we have launched a short animation explaining what BEMS are, introduced a comprehensive Members’ Guide to help members maximise value, established a CEO Network to encourage strategic industry-wide dialogue, and launched a new Members’ Networking series, bringing BCIA closer to members across the UK.
Our annual Building Controls Industry Association Awards remain a standout moment in the BCIA calendar. In 2025 we saw a record number of nominations and achieved a full sellout - further evidence of the industry’s growing energy, engagement and ambition.
Strengthening BCIA’s profile across the wider market has been another key objective. We have continued to expand our presence at roundtables, on podcasts, in industry publications and at conferences - ensuring the benefits of building controls are clearly and consistently articulated at a national level.
Finally, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the support shown towards my chosen President’s Charity, Carers UK - a cause that is very close to me personally. Together, we raised an incredible amount of over £10,000, which the charity has gratefully received as it continues its vital work supporting the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years as President– it has flown by – and while I am naturally a little sad that the role is coming to an end, I am immensely proud of what the Association has achieved during this time and for the brilliant efforts of all of the team. The credibility of our industry on the wider stage has grown significantly as a result of the initiatives delivered and the dedication of the BCIA team.
Our internal capacity has also strengthened, now comprising three full-time staff: the remarkable Catherine Walker as Executive Officer, Rachael Zaidel Lamb leading Marketing and Engagement, and Tracey Cartwright overseeing Training. This is a clear indication of the Industry and the Association going from strength to strength.
With the fabulous Jen Vickers moving into the Presidential role and bringing her own valuable strengths, I am confident that the momentum will only continue to build.
The seeds are now firmly planted with key stakeholders including policy makers and influential committees, alongside increased engagement and influence with consultants and specifiers who play a crucial role in how our systems are designed.
I leave the role with genuine excitement for what lies ahead for our beloved industry and for the brilliant bunch of people that make it not only a wonderful place to work, but a key player in the future of our buildings and their performance. We are most certainly here to stay and continually grow as the need for what we do becomes ever more important.