GUEST BLOG | Building Safety Act: Why Competence, Testing and Trust Are Non-Negotiable

An interview with Richard Harral, Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

As the construction industry continues its journey towards safer, more accountable practices, the message from regulatory bodies and professional institutes is increasingly clear: compliance alone is no longer enough.

In a recent conversation with IG Masonry Support, Richard Harral, Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), shared his perspective on how the industry must evolve to meet the expectations of the Building Safety Act — and why this shift demands a fundamental rethinking of how we define and demonstrate competence.

CABE, a global professional engineering body, is championing a culture of lifelong learning and accountability. With the introduction of frameworks like BS 8670-1 and 8670-2, there’s now a sharper focus on the specific skills and understanding required to correctly specify, install, and manage construction products — from brick support systems to full envelope solutions.

Richard also highlights the critical importance of manufacturers in this process. By providing independently tested and clearly documented solutions, manufacturers help close the trust gap and enable designers, specifiers, and contractors to make confident, compliant decisions.

At IG Masonry Support, we’re proud to play our part. From our TITAN and B.O.S.S. products to our technical support and CPD offerings, we help ensure that performance, testing, and compliance are not afterthoughts — but core to specification decisions from the outset. We’re proud to be part of a safer, more competent built environment.

Watch the full interview with Richard Harral to explore how safety, trust, and responsibility are reshaping the future of construction.

EVENT | Exhibiting at CABE Built Environment Conferences 2023

The Keystone Group is pleased to announce that its companies IG Masonry Support, Keystone Lintels, IG Lintels and Keyfix are exhibiting at the CABE Built Environment series of regional conferences for 2023.

The Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) is redefining its conference season, and is introducing six new events as part of its new Built Environme

nt Series. The CABE event programme consists of four major regional events across the UK, taking place in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Each event will showcase the expertise of both regional and national professionals, providing attendees with a valuable experience. Distinguished guest speakers from various disciplines will share their insights, engaging in topical discussions and interactive Q&A sessions. Moreover, participants will have the chance to network with industry professionals and suppliers during the trade exhibition, facilitating connections and collaboration.

The first event in the series will be Built Environment England, which will take place at the University of Salford on Tuesday 20th June, followed by Built Environment Wales at Cardiff Metropolitan University on 22nd June.

The Built Environment England Technical Conference will focus on themes of performance, compliance and safety. The discussion will look at key areas of the built environment sector, including the challenges presented by the journey to net zero carbon and the new duty holder regime. The event not only offers the opportunity to learn from a variety of speakers, attendees have the opportunity to explore the trade exhibition and network with other professionals. The event will conclude with the opportunity to tour the Energy House 2.0 facility developed by the University of Manchester. Energy House 2.0 is currently the largest test and research facility focusing on fuel-efficient technologies in Europe.

In support of the Group’s mission to create smart construction solutions beyond equal, Keystone’s companies will be exhibiting at the conferences. The Keystone Group comprises eight brands located across four regions, boasting a workforce of over 1,000 dedicated employees. Their collective commitment to innovation and providing outstanding customer service unites them. By consistently challenging the status quo and embracing innovations, the Keystone Group has emerged as the largest manufacturer of steel lintels in the UK and Ireland, as well as the fastest-growing manufacturer of roof windows in Europe.

Sean Og Coyle, Commercial Director of Keystone Group commented: “I am excited to announce that the Keystone Group companies, Keyfix, Keystone Lintels, IG Lintels, and IG Masonry Support, will be exhibiting at the CABE Built Environment conferences for 2023. These regional events provide a valuable experience, featuring guest speakers, topical discussions, and networking opportunities. We are looking forward to connecting with our peers, sharing knowledge and contributing to the advancement of the industry.”

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