London – 26th February 2025: Zutec, a leading provider of construction and property management software solutions in the UK and Ireland, today announced it has acquired Operance, as part of its ongoing growth strategy and commitment to the UK market.

The acquisition provides a complementary fit in terms of customers, solutions and remit, solidifying the company’s position as the leading player in Handover and Building Safety Act compliance solutions for contractors, developers, housebuilders and asset owners in the UK market. By combining forces, the two companies will drive new growth opportunities by integrating customer bases, solutions, and expertise, supporting the building life cycle to accelerate digital transformation and ensure compliance.

“As we continue investing in businesses as part of our acquisition strategy, Operance fitted our strategic objectives perfectly, with close alignment with our vision and an exciting addition to our business. We believe this collaboration will open up new opportunities for us to expand and better serve existing and new customers, setting the stage for future innovations in the construction and property technology space. We are thrilled to welcome the Operance team into Zutec and look forward to what we can deliver together in the future,” commented, Gustave Geisendorf, CEO at Zutec.

Ian Yeo, CEO at Operance, said: “Having built up the Operance business, and with a shared growth ambition, we welcome being part of Zutec. As a profitable, fast-growing business primarily focused on the UK and Ireland, this partnership with Zutec will allow us to accelerate our progress faster and provide even more value to the construction and property digital ecosystem as one company.”

Zutec is a provider of cloud-based construction and property management software with more than two decades of experience in transforming the way contractors, housebuilders, developers and asset owners manage building data. Its solutions sit under four solutions families for document management, quality management, handover management and asset management, providing one digital ecosystem to connect the dots in building digitisation across the building lifecycle. To find out more, please visit the new Zutec website: www.zutec.com.

For more information, please contact, maria.hudson@zutec.com

As a Chief Product Officer and company director I know that growth comes not just from hitting milestones, but from transforming challenges into opportunities. In that sense, 2024 has been nothing short of transformative!

Reflecting on our journey over the past year to date, the numbers don’t just tell a story of growth, they showcase a year of focus, innovation, and collaboration. This year was all about refining and redefining.

Here’s a closer look at the milestone and innovations that shaped Operance’s journey this year and a glimpse of what’s on the horizon.

SaaS Adoption and Client Engagement: Scaling New Heights

Operance has firmly established itself as a frontrunner in the SaaS space, and the numbers speak for themselves. This year, verified users doubled, a staggering 100% growth: while active organisations surged by 77%. These aren’t just numbers on a dashboard; they’re proof that more people are placing their trust in our platform to deliver results.

But as any digital handover software vendor will tell you, having a great platform is just one part of the solution, the industry still demands a motivated and personable team of coordinators to manage the workflow from project commencement, through to handover.

At the heart of this success is our outstanding coordination team, led by Shoughan Dilshad, with Ellie Mulligan, Alison Flemington, Becky Wood, and Archie Yeo providing unparalleled support.

I’m a firm believer that software is only as good as the support it offers, so as product lead, I’m constantly inspired to meet the high standards this team sets!

We’re proud to now support 152 live projects, a clear reflection of our growing presence in the industry. But the real game-changer? Our SaaS-first strategy. Over the past year, we’ve transitioned from a near 50/50 split between software and consultancy revenue to a whopping 76% of total sales coming from software. This shift hasn’t just streamlined our offerings; it’s cemented Operance as a scalable tech innovator, ready to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Enhancing User Experience Through Innovation

Key to this success has been the launch of several transformative features that enhance usability and drive engagement, including:

• A new dashboard for real-time project visibility, improving focus on operations and safety information gaps.

• GoldenAI, our AI-powered chatbot provides instant access to building data, saving users valuable time.

• Task management interface, providing contributors with instant and focused views of their assignments for greater clarity and time efficiency.

• Accept and reject workflows to streamline verification reviews, improve collaboration, enable communications and improve transparency.

• SSO integration for seamless, secure platform access and data security.

These updates have empowered users to work smarter, manage data effortlessly, and achieve better outcomes across projects.

From Chaos to Clarity: Redefining User Experience

Let’s face it: way back in January, our task management setup was about as organised as a toddler’s toy box. Tasks, workflows, and even data templates had users scratching their heads. Enter our Task Management page and the new Accept/Reject Workflow; a structured approval process that restored sanity to the chaos.

But that’s not all. We’ve worked hard to improve the general interface of the product, replacing the old with new data set views to reflect a more modern look and feel. We even found time to provide a toolbar makeover which was released with more meaningful icons that now tell their own stories (with text backup for clarity). Navigation now feels like a stroll in the park instead of a maze!

Our AI chatbot, GoldenAI (we pronounce it ‘Goldeneye!’ , has officially graduated from “cool experiment” to “must-have sidekick.” Whether it’s delivering instant building data or simplifying contractor decisions, GoldenAI has redefined user productivity. And while the tech is impressive, the real win is the time saved for our users.

Speaking of time savers, our automated email notifications are the silent MVPs of 2024. They’ve reduced errors, kept users in the loop, and given our service team some much-needed breathing room. Efficiency is no longer a dream, it’s our new standard.

A massive thank you to our fabulous Development team that made all this happen, led by Tim Mutlow, big thanks go to Alimot Oladoja, Diana Khortiuk, Supriya Kadam, Oleksii Zavalniuk, Sheetal Patil, Anastasiia Demchuk, Pravin Kadam and last but by all means not least Mohamed Mohamed.

Record-Breaking Growth: Clients, Revenue, and Beyond

Thanks to the amazing efforts by a team that includes Conor Smart, Lisa Corrigan, Josh Watterson and Luisa Gullacci-Nyman, led by Ian Hetherington: 2024 has been a year of breaking records and shattering expectations. Let’s take a moment to appreciate some standout highlights (FY 23/24 vs. FY 22/23, software only):

• 672 SALs generated: That’s a jaw-dropping 420% increase.

• 225 new deals created (SQLs): Up by 196%.

• 73 new deals won: A phenomenal 284% increase.

• 39 new software logos secured: That’s 290% growth in expanding our client base.

• Software-only sales: A healthy 60% increase!

It wasn’t just software seeing the love. Thanks specifically to the brilliant work done by Dave Peacock, Eric Lee and Joshua Onyedeke, BIM services rebounded, bringing in a 253% increase from last year. This resurgence shows our ability to adapt and grow across multiple streams. It’s also a testament to their continued customer relations and project delivery record success, which ensures repeat buying with clients, consultants and contractors alike.

Operance didn’t just grow, we excelled. Our year-on-year turnover climbed 61%, and we maintained cash flow at a staggering 186% of plan. These achievements aren’t just impressive: they’re industry-leading: thanks to the work done by our wonderful Business Manager, Charlie Yeo, we’ve even set a benchmark for Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) at 46 days, underscoring our commitment to operational excellence and financial health!

A Commitment to Excellence: ISO 27001 Certification

One of our proudest achievements this year was earning ISO 27001 certification, the gold standard for information security management. This milestone demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding client data, ensuring compliance, and building trust in the Operance platform.

Achieving this certification required extensive collaboration across the board, led by our super CTO, Tim Mutlow. This exercise resulted in rigorous audits, and the implementation of best practices at every level of our operations. For our clients, this means peace of mind that their critical building data is secure and accessible when they need it. You can read more about our ISO certification and Tim’s work here.

Operance Unify: Solving Problems, Simplifying Processes

This year, we also launched Operance Unify, an internal tool designed by our CEO, Ian Yeo, to streamline project management. True to Ian’s engineering roots, this tool tackles inefficiencies head-on:

• Integrating seamlessly with tools like Operance, Jira, HubSpot, and Xero.

• Automating repetitive tasks, such as sending emails and setting up organisations and projects.

• Centralising project data, offering a real-time overview of progress.

• Simplifying financial issue tracking.

Unify is already saving time and resources for our team, embodying our mission to disrupt the digital handover industry by embracing automation.

Kudos to Ian for being a leader who pulls up his sleeves and gets stuck in to help our team!

Operance’s Upcoming Features and Enhancements

The next phase of Operance brings transformative updates to simplify workflows, strengthen compliance, and enhance user experiences. Key upgrades include advanced progress reporting, enabling detailed, customisable reports on milestones, completion, and compliance.

We’ll also pave the way for further scalability by rebuilding our export infrastructure, designing it for speed and reliability, with added enhancements like bulk data processing and advanced branding. We’ll then improve this further by enabling customisable exports for branded, professional documents with tailored navigation and inline images.

Data management can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack on most digital platforms. Operance is going to improve this even further by producing simplified O&M data views and bulk system template applications, streamlining data management for faster setup and assignment.

Users will be able to seamlessly organise, search and manage components and systems, whilst aligning building operations with safety compliance.

Other highlights include project cloning for replicating entire setups, Golden Thread activity logs, compliance dashboards, and AI-assisted content creation to enhance collaboration and ensure safety adherence. Lastly, Following in from the new SSO feature, data security will get a further boost with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

With improved file management, centralised notifications, and role-based dashboards, these updates solidify Operance as a leader in building management and digital transformation.

As we set our sights on 2025, we are laser-focused on scaling our solutions, enhancing our product suite, and achieving our MRR and ARR targets. With momentum on our side, Operance is poised to deepen its impact on the industry, further empowering clients to unlock the full value of their building data.

Our leadership team has been instrumental in delivering these outcomes. From aligning product innovation with market needs to executing strategies that improve client acquisition, the board’s collaborative efforts have been pivotal. The website relaunch and its direct contribution to new deals highlight the power of data-informed decision-making.

2024 has been a transformative year for Operance, one marked by record growth, groundbreaking innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. As a team, we’ve proven that the right mix of vision, collaboration, and execution can turn ambition into results.

To our team, investors, and clients: thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re building something extraordinary!

In response to valuable user feedback and our commitment to continuously improving structured task workflows, Operance is proud to announce the release of a powerful new feature: the “Accept and Reject” workflow. This update is designed to revolutionise task management by fostering better accountability, enhancing communication, and simplifying the approval process for our users.

The need for a structured task approval process became evident through user insights. Existing workflows often led to inefficiencies, with limited options for feedback or clarification, resulting in miscommunications, delays, and a lack of transparency. Our aim was to address these challenges head-on by creating a solution that would simplify task management while ensuring clear communication between contributors and coordinators.

Enter the “Accept and Reject” workflow—a structured, user-friendly feature that empowers contributors to submit tasks for approval, receive real-time feedback, and easily monitor task statuses. This new process enhances the visibility and traceability of tasks, streamlining project management from start to finish.

Task Submission and Status Updates
Contributors can now submit tasks directly from the Task Board, locking their entries while awaiting coordinator review. This eliminates the ambiguity that can arise when tasks remain open-ended and unmonitored. Once submitted, the task’s status changes to “In Review,” clearly signalling its position in the workflow and ensuring that contributors are always informed about the current stage of their tasks. This feature reduces unnecessary back-and-forth communication, allowing contributors to focus on their work while awaiting coordinator feedback.

Seamless Commenting for Better Communication
A key component of the new workflow is the integration of a “Comment” icon within each task. This icon opens the Golden Thread Panel, which serves as a dedicated space for comments and updates. This panel fosters direct communication between contributors and coordinators, allowing them to exchange feedback, ask questions, and stay aligned at each task’s property set level. The result is a significant improvement in how teams collaborate, ensuring that any clarifications or updates are captured and addressed promptly within the platform.

Streamlined Approval Process
Coordinators now have tools to facilitate task reviews and make decisions efficiently. The “Accept” option allows coordinators to approve tasks with a single action, unlocking them for any necessary post-approval edits. On the other hand, if a task requires changes, the “Reject” option mandates coordinators to provide feedback, ensuring contributors understand what adjustments are needed. This structured approach eliminates ambiguity and keeps everyone on the same page, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Enhanced Visibility for All Users
One of the standout features of the Accept and Reject workflow is the dedicated views provided for both contributors and coordinators within the Task Board. Users can track task statuses in real time, giving them insight into which tasks are “In Review,” “Accepted,” or “Rejected.” This real-time visibility helps teams gauge project progress at a glance and plan their next steps with more precision. Contributors benefit from knowing their task status without needing to chase updates, and coordinators can maintain oversight of what’s pending or completed in a streamlined manner.

The introduction of the “Accept and Reject” workflow brings a range of benefits that significantly improve task management and project efficiency:

1. Reduced Approval Times
By implementing a structured workflow, tasks move through the approval process more quickly. Contributors receive immediate notifications when their tasks are reviewed, reducing wait times and ensuring that projects remain on schedule.

2. Increased Transparency
Clear task statuses and mandatory feedback on rejected tasks enhance transparency within teams. Contributors understand the exact reasons behind any rejections and can take prompt corrective action, which in turn improves the quality of resubmissions.

3. Enhanced Accountability
The workflow fosters greater accountability across the team. Coordinators are responsible for providing structured feedback, while contributors are expected to make adjustments based on this input. This mutual accountability keeps everyone engaged and proactive.

4. Improved In-Platform Communication
With the integrated Golden Thread Panel for commenting, communication is kept within the platform, removing the need for emails or external messaging tools that can be overlooked or forgotten. This direct, centralised form of communication ensures that everyone has access to the same information, facilitating a collaborative approach to task completion.

5. Real-Time Progress Tracking
With dedicated views for contributors and coordinators, teams can effortlessly monitor project progression. Contributors can see when their tasks are in review or completed, while coordinators have a clear overview of pending approvals and completed items, enabling better workload management and priority setting.

6. Early Issue Resolution
By promoting direct feedback within the platform, issues can be addressed early in the process. This reduces the risk of misunderstandings and helps projects maintain momentum without the disruptions that come from unclear task requirements or delayed responses.

With the addition of the Accept and Reject workflow, Operance not only enhances the efficiency of task management but also enriches how teams collaborate and communicate. For example, project managers overseeing large-scale projects can now rest assured that their teams are equipped with a structured workflow that supports detailed oversight, faster turnaround times, and improved quality of task submissions.

Contributors will find their workflow simplified, with a clear path for submitting tasks and receiving actionable feedback. Meanwhile, coordinators can streamline their workload by approving or rejecting tasks with ease, knowing that all relevant updates and comments are captured within the system.

This new feature ultimately helps users of the Operance platform to create safer, well-managed projects. By improving communication, collaboration, and accountability, Operance sets a higher standard for structured task workflows that support successful project outcomes.

The new Accept and Reject workflow marks a significant step forward for Operance and its users. By addressing the need for structured task management, clear communication, and accountability, this feature empowers teams to work more effectively and confidently. The benefits of reduced approval times, enhanced transparency, and real-time task visibility contribute to a smoother, more efficient project lifecycle.

At Operance, we remain committed to continuous innovation, driven by user feedback and a dedication to making our platform the most effective tool for managing building information. With the introduction of the Accept and Reject workflow, Operance users can look forward to improved task management and a collaborative approach that supports seamless project delivery.

We are proud to announce our achievement of ISO 27001 certification, a globally recognised standard for information security management systems. As a digital-first building information company, our mission is to provide seamless, secure, and efficient solutions for managing building data. From our innovative Building Information Management (BIM) software to our high-rise building compliance solutions and digital handovers, we enable clients in construction, property management, and compliance to centralise critical data and ensure their buildings are managed with accuracy and confidence. This certification reflects our dedication to safeguarding client data and the digital assets that power our solutions. In this article, we explore what ISO 27001 means for Operance and our clients, the rigorous journey to achieve it, and how it solidifies our commitment to delivering secure, high-quality digital services.

ISO 27001 is an international standard developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It provides a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS). ISO 27001 is hugely centred around the CIA triad of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. For digital-first companies like Operance, achieving ISO 27001 is vital to ensuring that every element of our technology platform is secure, resilient, and protected against risks.

For our clients, this certification means that we are systematically managing and protecting sensitive data, including building plans, tenant information, compliance documents, and maintenance schedules. ISO 27001 outlines a comprehensive set of security controls and management processes, including areas such as access control, risk assessment, incident management, and business continuity. By adhering to these guidelines, we’ve created a security-conscious culture that reduces the risk of data breaches and ensures the continuous, reliable performance of our digital services.

Attaining ISO 27001 certification was a rigorous and thorough process, requiring extensive preparation and commitment. As a digital-first provider, we understand that our products—ranging from BIM consultancy to compliance solutions for high-rise buildings—are essential tools for our clients, who rely on us to store, manage, and protect critical information.

To qualify for ISO 27001, Operance needed to demonstrate a comprehensive approach to information security across every level of our organisation. This journey involved assessing our existing security measures, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing a range of controls and processes that meet ISO’s strict standards. We also conducted thorough risk assessments and established protocols for managing potential security incidents, ensuring that our clients’ data remains protected under all circumstances. With external and internal audits verifying our ISMS, our certification reflects an objective and independent review of our practices and assures clients of our commitment to the highest standards of data security.

For main contractors, building owners, and construction consultants, working with an ISO 27001-certified partner like Operance is essential to ensure data integrity and project success. Our digital products, such as the Digital Handover solution and BIM software, help clients streamline their building data management and improve compliance with legal and regulatory standards. Here’s how our ISO 27001 certification makes Operance a trusted and valuable partner in the building information management sector.

1. Secure Data Management for Digital Building Records
   Construction projects and building management involve vast amounts of sensitive information, from architectural designs and engineering specifications to tenant data and compliance documentation. Our Digital Handover solution allows for centralised, secure storage of this information, ensuring authorised access at all stages of a project. ISO 27001 certification means that our solutions incorporate strict information security controls, reducing the risk of unauthorised access and helping to protect clients’ project data from potential breaches.
2. Supporting Compliance in Building Safety and Regulations
   With compliance demands on the rise, particularly for high-rise buildings, ISO 27001 certification shows that Operance is well-equipped to handle the rigorous requirements of building safety regulations. Our solutions help main contractors and building owners meet the standards set by the Building Safety Act and ISO 19650. With data security at the forefront, clients can trust that sensitive compliance documents are stored securely and remain accessible for audits, reviews, and inspections as needed, reducing liability and enhancing confidence in data integrity.
3. Enhancing Risk Management for Housing Associations and High-Risk Assets
   For housing associations and building owners with high-risk assets, maintaining secure access to tenant, building, and compliance data is critical. Our Building Information Management solutions mitigate risk by offering a secure, centralised platform where all necessary data can be managed, accessed, and protected. ISO 27001’s risk management protocols help us safeguard this information, ensuring that data remains available even in the event of disruption, and protecting building owners from the legal and financial implications of data mismanagement.
4. Assuring Business Continuity for Digital Services
   Operance’s ISO 27001-certified systems include a robust business continuity framework. For our clients, this means that should an unexpected event occur, our services can recover quickly and maintain minimal disruption. For projects relying on continuous access to our digital platform, such as construction timelines, project updates, and compliance status, this is invaluable for avoiding costly delays and ensuring smooth project delivery.
5. Ensuring Transparent, Reliable Partnerships in Construction
   Trust is paramount when handling sensitive building data, and our ISO 27001 certification provides assurance to main contractors, building owners, and consultants that Operance is a secure and reliable partner. By choosing Operance, clients are assured of data security and transparency in every aspect of our operations. Our digital platform serves as a trustworthy repository of information, helping clients build stakeholder confidence by ensuring compliance with best practices and rigorous security standards.

In short, ISO 27001 certification signifies that Operance is a reliable partner for managing construction data, handling compliance requirements, and securely storing essential building information. For our clients, it means partnering with an organisation that not only understands the unique security challenges of the industry but also has the infrastructure, protocols, and commitment to provide secure and efficient data management solutions.

In today’s digital era, data security is more important than ever. Organisations in construction face an array of cyber threats, from hacking and phishing to malware and ransomware attacks. In this landscape, clients want assurance that their data is secure, especially as data breaches can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. ISO 27001 certification represents our commitment to protecting client data against these threats.

By implementing ISO 27001’s rigorous framework, Operance is helping to set a higher standard of security and accountability within the industry. Our approach is designed not only to protect data but also to provide a reliable and secure platform for our clients. This is particularly crucial for housing associations, building owners, and contractors who work with sensitive information and require a trusted partner for managing and protecting their data.

Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a significant milestone for Operance, reinforcing our commitment to data security and demonstrating our dedication to providing the highest level of service to our clients. This certification assures our clients that Operance has established, implemented, and maintained a robust information security management system in line with globally recognised standards. By choosing Operance, clients are not only partnering with a leader in information management solutions but also benefiting from the peace of mind that their data is in capable hands.

As we continue to evolve and enhance our services, our ISO 27001 certification serves as a foundation for ongoing security and reliability. We look forward to building on this achievement, delivering secure, compliant, and innovative solutions for our clients, and setting a new standard for excellence in information security within the industry.

Navigating the Building Safety Act 2022 and associated regulations can be a complex process, especially when it comes to preparing and submitting the Building Regulations Compliance Statement (BRCS) for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs). The BRCS is a critical document, playing a central role in ensuring that all necessary regulations are met and that projects can move forward safely and legally. But what exactly is the BRCS, and why is it so important?

If you’re responsible for submitting a BRCS, you’re probably feeling the pressure to get it right. The challenge is clear: without an approved BRCS, your project can’t move forward, and construction cannot legally commence as part of the Gateway 2 process.

But why is the BRCS so important, and how can you ensure that yours meets the strict requirements laid out by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR)?

Unfortunately, as a recent report via the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) on how the BSR requires detail to expedite HRB application process (https://ww3.rics.org/uk/en/journals/built-environment-journal/building-safety-regulator-higher-risk-buildings-application-process.html by Andrew Moore) shows, poor-quality submissions are stalling the approval process for many developers. With the BSR demanding clear, well-prepared compliance statements, it’s more important than ever to get your building control applications right the first time.

This guide, therefore, answers the most pressing questions around the BRCS, focusing on the key issues that professionals often face, such as:

• Why is the BRCS essential?

• What needs to be included, and what can be left out?

• When do you need to submit it to avoid delays?

• Who is responsible for completing it?

• How can you streamline the process and make sure it’s approved quickly?

We understand the growing complexity of the compliance process, and in this guide, we’re here to show you how to navigate it effectively, so you can avoid headaches, meet deadlines, and keep your project on track. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the essential details surrounding the Building Regulations Compliance Statement.

The Building Regulations Compliance Statement (BRCS) is a legally required document under the Gateway 2 process, part of the new regulatory framework established by the Building Safety Act 2022. It serves as a comprehensive declaration that your building project meets all relevant Building Regulations.

Without an approved BRCS, construction on Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), such as residential buildings over 18 metres high, cannot legally commence. The BRCS must demonstrate compliance with areas like structural integrity, fire safety, and the use of appropriate materials. This ensures that risks are mitigated from the start and that buildings are designed and constructed safely.

The BRCS is not just a box-ticking exercise; it’s an integral part of the Gateway 2 certification process, which verifies that a project meets all safety and regulatory requirements before ground is broken.

According to the Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023, the BRCS must include:

• The approach taken in relation to each element of the building and the work to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements of the building regulations, and

• The reasons for adopting the approach, together with an explanation of why the approach is appropriate and ensures compliance with all applicable requirements of the building regulations.

Source: The Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023 – SCHEDULE 1, Documents
Read full legislation

The government’s own guidance also confirms the following:

The building regulations compliance statement must show how the planned building work will meet the relevant functional requirements of the building regulations – should refer to specific guidance, standards, or design codes – should explain how your solutions meet building regulations.

The statement should show your approach to meeting building regulations. It should include clear explanations of which guidance or standards support your approach and why they are appropriate. You should make sure that the guidance or standards you use are the right ones. For example, the Approved Documents may not be suitable for use in a complex or unusual design.

Source: Guidance – Managing building control approval applications for higher-risk buildings
Read full guidance

The BRCS needs to cover every aspect of your project that must comply with the Building Regulations. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Structural safety

• Fire safety measures

• Materials compliance

• Energy performance

• Accessibility standards

• Health and safety considerations

Each of these elements must be clearly outlined in the BRCS, with specific references to the relevant standards and regulations. The document should explain how compliance is achieved, with supporting evidence such as technical drawings, calculations, and design rationales.

As outlined in the official Guidance on managing building control approval applications for higher-risk buildings, your BRCS must:

• Show how the planned building work will meet the relevant functional requirements of the building regulations.

• Refer to specific guidance, standards, or design codes.

• Explain how your solutions meet the building regulations.

The statement should show your approach to meeting the building regulations and include clear explanations of which guidance or standards support your approach, and why they are appropriate.

Important Note: Be sure that the guidance or standards you use are appropriate for your project. For example, the Approved Documents may not be suitable for use in a complex or unusual design.

Source: Guidance – Managing building control approval applications for higher-risk buildings
Read full guidance

What don’t we need to include in the BRCS?

While the BRCS should be comprehensive, there are some areas that can be excluded if they are not relevant to your specific project. For instance:

• Unrelated building types: If your project is a residential building, you don’t need to include compliance information for areas that apply only to industrial or commercial buildings.

• Out-of-scope issues: You don’t need to include elements not covered by Building Regulations, such as purely aesthetic design choices or voluntary sustainability measures beyond regulatory requirements.

It’s crucial to focus on compliance with the legal minimum standards and avoid overloading the document with unnecessary or irrelevant information, as this can cause delays during the approval process.

The BRCS must be submitted as part of the Gateway 2 application. Gateway 2 is the second of three key “gateways” introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022. At this stage, before construction begins, you must submit the BRCS to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) for approval.

Gateway 2 is the point at which the regulator ensures that the design and plans meet the required safety standards before allowing any construction work to start. Failure to submit the BRCS or submitting an incomplete BRCS will result in delays or the rejection of your application, which can have significant impacts on project timelines.

The responsibility for completing the BRCS generally falls on the principal designer or principal contractor of a building project. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that all design and construction work complies with the Building Regulations.

However, collaboration is key when preparing the BRCS. Multiple stakeholders, such as fire engineers, structural engineers, and building services consultants, will need to contribute their expertise to ensure that all areas of compliance are addressed. Many parts of the BRCS are technical, requiring input from specialists to provide evidence and justifications for design decisions.

At Operance, our Building Regulations Compliance Statement Template makes it easy to assign different sections of the document to the relevant experts on your team, ensuring that every part of the statement is handled by the appropriate person.

Preparing and submitting the BRCS doesn’t need to be a daunting task if you have the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you through the process:

1. Use a structured template: Start with a ready-made, structured template like the one we’ve developed in collaboration with Safer Sphere, an award-winning national construction health and safety, Building Safety Act and CDM consultancy. Our template provides a clear framework for completing each section of the BRCS, ensuring that nothing is missed and that all requirements are covered.

2. Collaborate with your team: Assign specific sections of the BRCS to the responsible persons within your team. For example, fire safety engineers should complete the sections on fire safety, while structural engineers can focus on structural compliance. Our template allows for easy collaboration and progress tracking.

3. Use predefined terms: Our template includes predefined, government-specific terms for building types, purposes, and uses. This helps speed up the process and ensures accuracy in your application.

4. Link to legislation: We provide direct links to the relevant legislation and Approved Documents, so you have easy access to the standards that apply to your project.

5. Track progress: With our progress tracking dashboard, you can monitor the status of each section in real time, ensuring the document is completed efficiently. You can quickly identify any gaps and take action before submission.

6. Export and submit: Once your BRCS is complete, it can be easily exported and submitted to the BSR as part of the Gateway 2 application. Our tool makes the submission process as seamless as possible.

The Building Regulations Compliance Statement (BRCS) is more than just another document to tick off your to-do list, it’s a critical requirement for ensuring your project’s compliance with Building Regulations. As the Gateway 2 process requires a fully compliant BRCS before any construction work can legally begin on Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), getting this right is vital to avoid costly delays, rejections, and potential legal issues.

The Problem: Compliance Complexity

Let’s face it: building regulations have never been more complex. With stricter controls, new standards, and multiple stakeholders involved in the process, preparing a detailed and accurate compliance statement is daunting. Even seasoned professionals can struggle with:

• Overwhelming documentation: Covering everything from structural safety to fire safety can feel like navigating a maze of technical regulations.

• Coordination challenges: With various specialists, structural engineers, fire safety experts, designers, all contributing to the BRCS, managing input and collaboration can slow down progress.

• Risk of delays: Incomplete or unclear submissions are often rejected or sent back for revisions, causing serious project delays.

What You Should Do: Focus on Clarity, Collaboration, and Compliance

To avoid these common pitfalls, you should focus on a few key strategies:

1. Clarity: Make sure your BRCS clearly explains how your project meets each specific requirement of the Building Regulations. It’s crucial to outline the design approach and reference the appropriate standards or guidance.

2. Collaboration: Assign the right experts to the right sections of the BRCS. This ensures that each part, whether fire safety, structural integrity, or material compliance, is handled by a specialist, reducing the chance of errors or omissions.

3. Compliance: Stay on top of current legislation and Approved Documents, ensuring that your compliance statement aligns with the most up-to-date regulations and standards.

The Solution: Streamline with Our BRCS Template

Achieving this level of clarity, collaboration, and compliance can be challenging, especially when the stakes are so high. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone.

At Operance, we’ve created a Building Regulations Compliance Statement Template, developed in partnership with SaferSphere, to address these exact challenges. Our template is designed to:

• Simplify: Pre-loaded with predefined terms and structured sections, it guides you step-by-step through the BRCS process, ensuring no important detail is missed.

• Collaborate: Easily assign different sections to the responsible experts on your team, with built-in progress tracking so you can see who’s responsible for each part and how the project is progressing.

• Stay compliant: We provide direct links to relevant legislation and guidance documents, making it easy to reference the standards your project needs to follow.

We hope this guide has been both informative and useful. If you think we’ve missed something or would like to provide feedback, please feel free to reach out to Scott Pilgrim, our Chief Product Officer and co-founder, at scott@operance.app.

In the world of construction, delays cost money and when it comes to Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), delays caused by unclear or incomplete submissions can have significant financial and legal consequences. Since the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) took charge of overseeing HRB projects in October 2023, the bar for compliance has been raised, and every project, from high-rise residential towers to hospitals, now faces far stricter scrutiny.

Unfortunately, as a recent report via Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) on how the BSR requires detail to expedite HRB application process (https://ww3.rics.org/uk/en/journals/built-environment-journal/building-safety-regulator-higher-risk-buildings-application-process.html by Andrew Moore) shows, poor-quality submissions are stalling the approval process for many developers. With the BSR demanding clear, well-prepared compliance statements, it’s more important than ever to get your building control applications right the first time.

The problem? Poor-quality submissions are stalling the approval process, holding up construction, and leading to rejections that cost developers time and money. Developers and building owners are finding that without a well-prepared, clear, and detailed compliance statement, projects are grinding to a halt, with approval timelines dragging on longer than anticipated.

If you’re responsible for preparing building control applications, you know that getting it right the first time is critical. This guide is here to show you exactly how to streamline your submissions, avoid costly delays, and meet the BSR’s strict requirements with confidence.

At Operance, we’ve partnered with Safer Sphere, , an award-winning national construction health and safety, Building Safety Act and CDM consultancy, to develop a comprehensive, step-by-step Building Regulations Compliance Statement Template. It’s specifically designed to ensure your HRB applications meet the stringent standards set by the BSR, while simplifying the submission process.

Whether you’re working on a new development or a refurbishment project, our template guides you through the exact steps needed to provide the level of detail that’s often missing in applications. Here’s how it works and why it’s the solution you need to avoid costly delays.

1. Step-by-Step Guidance Aligned with BSR Requirements

Our template has been carefully crafted to align with the legal obligations set out by the BSR, particularly those outlined in The Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023. It provides a comprehensive breakdown of every section you need to cover, ensuring no part of your submission is overlooked.

Additionally, the Building Regulations Compliance Statement (BRCS) is a key component of the Gateway 2 process, which is a critical stage in the approval of HRB projects. The BRCS must be submitted and approved by the BSR to gain certification before construction work can legally begin. Without an approved BRCS, your project cannot progress to the construction phase.

2. Predefined Government-Specific Terms for Instant Accuracy

One of the main challenges in preparing building control applications is navigating government-specific terminology. Our template comes preloaded with predefined terms, such as building types, purpose groups, and use categories, directly aligned with official government classifications.

This means you can quickly select the relevant terms for your project without the need to manually search or worry about misinterpretation, ensuring accuracy and saving valuable time.

3. Direct Access to Legislation and Official Guidance

Navigating the complex landscape of building regulations can be overwhelming. That’s why our template includes direct URLs to relevant legislation, official guidance, and Approved Documents. This feature gives you quick access to authoritative references, ensuring you stay compliant with the latest standards.

No more guessing or scrambling to find the right document, everything you need is available at your fingertips.

Streamlined Collaboration and Progress Tracking

4. Collaborative Workflows with Assignable Sections

In larger projects, multiple experts, from fire safety engineers to structural consultants, are involved in ensuring compliance. Our template allows you to assign specific sections of the compliance statement to the relevant responsible persons. This means your team can work on the same document simultaneously, streamlining collaboration and ensuring each part of the project is handled by the appropriate expert.

5. Progress Monitoring and Accountability

Each section of the compliance statement comes with its own progress percentage tracker, giving you a clear view of how much work has been completed and where the bottlenecks are. You can see who is responsible for specific sections and track how their progress contributes to the overall completion of the document. This transparency helps prevent delays and holds team members accountable.

6. Tailor-Made for Your Project

No two projects are alike, which is why our template is fully customizable. You can easily remove irrelevant sections, ensuring that the final compliance statement is laser-focused on your specific project requirements. This flexibility allows you to streamline the application process without compromising on the necessary detail.

Real-Time Gap Analysis and Export Capabilities

7. Dashboard Insights for Gap Analysis

Our template’s dashboard feature provides an immediate overview of your project’s current status, helping you conduct real-time gap analysis. It highlights any missing or incomplete sections, giving you the insight you need to address issues before they turn into delays.

This proactive approach to managing your application ensures you’re always one step ahead, identifying potential problems early and resolving them efficiently.

8. Easy Export for Submission

Once your compliance statement is complete, it’s ready to go. With our template, you can easily export the final document in a format that’s fully compatible with BSR submission requirements. No need for last-minute formatting changes, your document is submission-ready with just a few clicks.

Ensure Your Building Control Applications Are BSR-Ready

The introduction of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and its oversight of Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) has added a new layer of complexity to the construction approval process. Poor-quality submissions are no longer just a minor inconvenience, they’re causing major delays, project standstills, and in some cases, costly rejections. But the good news is that with the right approach, these issues can be avoided entirely.

The key to meeting BSR requirements is preparation and attention to detail. By focusing on:

• Clarity: Submitting clear, well-documented compliance statements that address all relevant Building Regulations.

• Accuracy: Ensuring your application includes up-to-date references to legislation, standards, and approved design codes.

• Collaboration: Working with the right stakeholders and assigning responsibility to experts in their respective areas of compliance.

You can avoid the common mistakes that cause delays and ensure your project stays on track.

Your Next Steps

1. Review your processes: Are your compliance statements as detailed and clear as they need to be? Consider how well-prepared your team is to handle the new demands of the BSR.

2. Work collaboratively: Make sure all relevant stakeholders, from fire safety engineers to structural experts, are engaged early and have the tools they need to contribute effectively.

3. Focus on compliance: Understanding and staying up-to-date with current legislation is essential. The BSR isn’t just looking for surface-level compliance, they need to see that every element of your project has been carefully considered against the latest standards.

The Bottom Line: The stakes have never been higher. Whether you’re working on a new residential development or a refurbishment, your building control applications need to be BSR-ready. The effort you put into preparing clear, compliant submissions upfront will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Need help streamlining your submissions? At Operance, we’ve developed tools to make the compliance process smoother and more efficient, ensuring you meet all BSR requirements the first time around. Whether you’re looking to simplify collaboration between your team or ensure accuracy with predefined terms and direct links to legislation, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for a demo and see how we can help you fast-track your building control approvals: https://www.operance.app/request-a-demo

Don’t let poor submissions hold you back. Take control of your application process with our Building Regulations Compliance Statement Template. Contact us today to learn more now!

Last night at the prestigious Building Innovation Awards, Operance proudly took home the Best Health & Safety Innovation award for our groundbreaking Golden Thread platform. This award marks a significant achievement for us, but more importantly, it showcases how the construction industry is transforming safety management and embracing innovation to create safer, more efficient buildings.

We were also honoured to be finalists in the Best Digital Transformation category. This recognition is a testament to the strides our team has made in revolutionising the way the construction industry manages critical building information.

This article explores the key findings of the final report, which aims to deliver justice for the victims and their families, while setting out vital recommendations to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.

Our winning submission in the Best Health & Safety Innovation category was based on Operance’s Golden Thread Solution, a pioneering platform purpose-built to transform fire and structural safety management. In the construction industry, where safety is paramount, our platform addresses the long-standing issues of fragmented and outdated paper-based Operation & Maintenance (O&M) practices.

By offering a centralised, digital repository for all building safety information, Operance ensures that fire safety data is easily accessible, editable, and shareable in real-time. Whether it’s regulatory requirements, fire safety measures, or maintenance history, everything can be found and updated at the click of a button, ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022.

Our Golden Thread platform is interactive and dynamic, enabling seamless collaboration across the supply chain, from building safety managers and contractors to residents and emergency services. Using cutting-edge technologies like blockchain to create an immutable audit trail, we ensure that every action and decision is transparent and accountable, revolutionising fire safety management across the industry.

Operance has its roots deeply embedded in the construction industry. Through close collaboration with experts, regulators, and stakeholders, we’ve designed a platform that directly addresses the pain points of traditional O&M practices. With stringent new regulations in place, building owners and operators now need a tool that makes compliance not just easier but more intuitive.

From bespoke data templates that ensure consistent, high-quality fire safety information to automation features that save time and reduce costs, Operance is helping construction companies and building owners manage safety more effectively than ever before.

Our platform offers significant benefits in terms of quality, time savings, and cost reduction. Automating manual processes has been a game-changer, enabling faster decision-making and eliminating errors that come with manual data entry. Our bespoke templates ensure that every piece of information is accurate and up to date, and our digital platform eliminates the cost of printing and distributing paper-based manuals.

Thanks to these innovations, Operance has not only revolutionised fire safety management but also saved building operators up to 25% on building information creation expenses.

Success for us isn’t just about awards, it’s about the real-world impact our platform has had. Our user base doubled in the last year, and we were proud to have been recognised at the Housing Digital Awards prior to last night’s success. By centralising fire safety information and enhancing collaboration across the industry, we’re making a tangible difference in building safety.

In the Best Digital Transformation category, we were recognised for our Operance platform, built to address one of the most critical issues in the construction industry: poor building information. From the start, we envisioned a tool that would help manage building information effectively for both legacy and new buildings, ensuring compliance with the latest regulations.

Our platform uses machine learning and blockchain technology to automate processes, provide real-time updates, and ensure that all building safety information is centralised, smart, and accessible. This digital transformation has not only improved the way data is managed but has also fostered collaboration across project teams and the wider supply chain.

As we reflect on last night’s success, it’s clear that the UK’s #PropTech and #ConTech scene is making huge strides. We should no longer be talking about productivity challenges outlined in McKinsey reports from nearly a decade ago; instead, it’s time to change the narrative and show the world just how innovative the construction and property industry truly is!

The Building Innovation Awards are proof that our sector is evolving. Together, we are fighting back against outdated perceptions, and through collaboration and cutting-edge technology, we’re paving the way for a more productive, efficient, and safer future. The progress we’ve seen over the past few years has been extraordinary, and the future looks brighter than ever.

A special thank you to the UKBE team for hosting such an incredible event! We’re grateful to Joe Broun, Gillian Ashworth, Charlie Robertson, and the entire team for making the Building Innovation Awards a night to remember. Not only do they put on a spectacular event, but they also play a vital role in the industry through their outstanding work with publications like Housing Digital and Build In Digital. Your dedication to shining a light on the best in the industry does not go unnoticed, and we appreciate everything you do to support innovation and growth.

At Operance, we’re more motivated than ever to continue driving change in the construction industry. Our mission is simple: to help create safer, smarter buildings through innovation, collaboration, and technology. Winning the Best Health & Safety Innovation award is a milestone for us, but it’s only the beginning.

We invite you to join us on this journey as we continue to revolutionise the way building information is managed. Visit our website to learn more about how Operance can help your organisation meet today’s safety and compliance challenges head-on. Together, we can create safer spaces for everyone.

As we celebrate our win for Best Health & Safety Innovation, we’re also committed to helping the industry tackle the growing complexity of building regulations. If you found our platform’s role in enhancing fire safety management insightful, we invite you to check out our latest article: “The Ultimate Guide to: Building Regulations Compliance Statements (BRCS)“ by our co-founder, Scott Pilgrim.

In this comprehensive guide, Scott breaks down everything you need to know about navigating the Building Safety Act 2022 and preparing a compliant BRCS for Higher-Risk Buildings. With practical tips and expert insights, this guide is an essential resource for ensuring your projects meet safety and legal standards without delays.

Read the full article here and learn how to streamline your compliance processes: The Ultimate Guide to: Building Regulations Compliance Statements.

If you would like to learn more about how Operance can help you can talk to one of our experts below.

If you would like to find out more about the pricing of our solutions, you can get a quote below.