An award-winning Hull tech specialist, whose software could help improve high rise building safety, has raised £250,000 to enhance the platform ahead of new legislation being introduced.
Bimsense’s Operance system allows owners and contractors access to up-to-date digital building information, providing a secure audit trail to comply with government’s ‘golden thread’ requirements.
The funding, from NPIF - Mercia Equity Finance will allow the team to dovetail in with The Building Safety Bill, which is expected to become law within the next few months, obliging building owners to ensure that safety is considered at every stage, from design to construction and occupation.
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Founded six years ago by Ian Yeo and Scott Pilgrim, who have both advised on major developments throughout the UK and internationally, they raised an initial £250,000 with Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund in 2020 to launch Operance.
The latest funding will see four new jobs created by the C4DI team.
Mr Yeo, chief executive, said: “The recent issues regarding cladding have highlighted the need for greater knowledge about individual buildings and a way to track their history. By providing a modern ‘operations and maintenance manual’, Operance will play a key role in helping owners to comply with the rules and improve safety.
“The initial NPIF funding helped us to bring the software to market and the latest round will enable us to take it to the next level. It’s exciting to know we are at the forefront in developing this solution.”
The Mercia team also handled the original funding.
Maurice Disasi, investment associate at Mercia, said: “The construction sector has been slow to adopt digital technology to date. However, there is now growing awareness of the potential it offers to improve efficiency and safety and we expect the new Building Safety Bill will further drive uptake. “This latest funding will allow Bimsense to further enhance the product and build its client base.”
It has been welcomed by Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Phil Glover, business development manager, said: “I am delighted to see further investment from the fund going into this innovative Hull-based business. By using their latest software, the design and construction industry will have access to a wider range of tools to help improve building safety and deliver on our energy efficiency targets as we move towards a Net Zero economy.”
