Newcastle-based NBS welcomed Mark Bew MBE to its offices last week to deliver an industry talk on the Governments ‘Digital Built Britain’ programme.
Mark, who chairs the UK BIM (Building Information Modelling) Task Group, spoke about the programme which is the next phase of the UK’s journey towards a new generation of smart infrastructure and construction.
The 50-strong audience made up of some of the North East’s top digital construction leaders including Ryder Architecture, FaulknerBrowns and Newcastle, Northumbria and Teesside universities, listened intently as Mark discussed the progress the UK construction industry has made in terms of digital construction and gave thought as to where it’s heading next.
“Understanding the impact construction has on society is fundamental to the Digital Built Britain Programme and what it’s set out to achieve” said Mark.
“UK figures show that from 2009 to 2014/15 the construction industry saved £1.2 billion through the efficiencies and benefits brought about through the use of BIM and digital engineering. In everyday terms those savings would equate to buying five schools and getting one for free, and those are the messages we need to be pushing to showcase the improvements and progress that the industry is making.”
NBS Chief Executive Richard Waterhouse, who recently announced the news of NBS’ expansion into Canada and Australia, said: “To welcome such a key industry figure like Mark to our offices was a great privilege.
“Any opportunity that allows us to continue to shine a light on the North East as a place that is pioneering the latest developments in BIM technology is important to us and our regional partners.”
Plans for Digital Built Britain will see the physical world we live in become more digitally connected– resulting in a better built environment for us all.
The programme will work to guide, inform and educate construction professionals to understand the connection between how buildings and infrastructure impact society and how using new technologies and quality data will help create smart cities that will keep the UK at the forefront of the world’s stage in terms of construction and digital excellence.
NBS provide technical information, specification and BIM tools to construction industry professionals including architects, engineers and surveyors as well as services for building product manufacturers.
To find out more about NBS visit www.theNBS.com