BIM4SME.org, the networking group formed to promote and guide smaller firms in the uptake of the technology, has set out ambitious plans to extend its reach and expand its activities in the coming year.
The group has been set up as a non-for-profit limited company to enable it to extend its reach beyond the government 2016 deadline when all central government-funded work must use BIM. It has also entered into a partnering arrangement with a training provider offering preferential rates for SMEs.
John Eynon, vice chair of the group, which was formed a year ago, said: “We’re setting out our stall to be a one-stop-shop for SMEs – we are planning to revamp the website with the hope it becomes the place they go to learn all they need about BIM.” Eynon emphasised that all the work of the group was done on a voluntary basis and that no one would derive income from the setting up of a limited company.
In the coming year plans for the BIM4SME.org include:
- Promotion of the e-learning package with training affiliate Whitefrog, available via the group’s website with an exclusive discount for SMEs.
- Secure properly accredited training in such a way that it supports the compliance of Level 2 BIM in the government’s Construction Strategy.
- Extend its core group of members.
BIM4SMEs aims to help small firms by giving them a voice for their concerns, overcoming barriers and providing solutions, identifying affordable training and BIM implementation methods, and to provide mutual support and encouragement around BIM.
BIM4SMEs has produced a matrix to help firms get started which is available here.
