A Blackpool-based building services engineer that featured in a London Stock Exchange listing of “1,000 companies to inspire Britain” has fully trained six of its key managers in BIM.
£30m turnover Ameon acts as both designer and installer on building services contracts throughout the north west, and is developing expertise in a wide range of renewable energy technologies.
In December 2013, the LSE’s judges picked Ameon as one of 1,000 inspirational SMEs in the UK, based on revenue growth in three of the past four years, increases in the number of employees, expansion of premises, number of patents filed and an analysis of on-line activity.
Ameon’s BIM training was carried out by Quadra Solutions, based in Accrington, Lancashire, which supplies BIM software and provides the training packages for clients.
Training consists of an initial three-day intensive course at the company’s headquarters, followed by scheduled training days every few months, plus on-line and telephone support.
David Connor, one of Ameon’s design engineers, commented that BIM is now used on around 60% of all Ameon contracts, with its use continuing to rise. Irrespective of contract values, BIM is used for all specification and scheduling, as well as 3D design coordination.
Ameon managing director Robin Lawson views the commitment to BIM as a valuable investment. He said: “BIM has become the established standard across the construction sector, therefore it is critical that companies such as ours have invested in the technology and training to enable us to provide the expertise that is expected by all main contractors in the industry. It is one of the most useful developments in systems and infrastructure design in recent years and is transforming the way contractors and trades operate on site.
“We invested in BIM and adopted the technology at a time when market conditions were at their most difficult but I view that as a wise move and I see our investment in technology and training now paying dividends as we seek to maintain our position in the market with the economy now improving, particularly in relation to construction.”
In addition to BIM training, Ameon has also expanded its trade apprenticeships in plumbing, heating and ventilation, and electrical work, and is developing its management apprenticeship scheme, which offers candidates an engineering degree plus a management position on graduation.
