Focus Consulting hosted a successful and insightful CPD event for the utilities sector on Thursday, May 15th, 2025. Held at the stunning Bolney Wine Estate in Sussex, the event welcomed 17 attendees. Attendees included utility leaders, consultants, and technical experts.
Iain Staines, Director at Focus Consulting, co-presented the event with Dr Dianne Bowles, Director at XDA Consulting. The event explored regulatory updates, innovative solutions, and digital advancements in asset management and compliance.
The morning featured two focused sessions on condition audits and sustainable energy performance. After lunch, guests enjoyed a vineyard tour and wine tasting session—creating an ideal setting for networking and discussion.
Morning Sessions: Surveying, Sustainability, and Compliance
1. Surveying: Condition Audit Reviews – Asset Management Planning using Drone Surveys & AI
Iain Staines opened the event with an in-depth session on asset management and digital innovation. As a Chartered Building Surveyor, Iain shared insights from his extensive experience in condition audit projects.
He explained how drones and AI support regular monitoring and review processes. These technologies enable predictive maintenance strategies and help reduce long-term costs.
Key discussion points included:
- Moving from reactive to predictive maintenance
- The importance of frequent audits for compliance
- Using data-led reporting to support decision-making
- Using deterioration curves to pinpoint optimal intervention timings
- Differentiating treatable vs non-treatable issues
- Estimating project costs across multi-site portfolios using tools like BCIS
2. Sustainability: BREEAM Assessments, SBEM & EPCs of Commercial Property
The second session, led by Dr Dianne Bowles, focused on energy efficiency and sustainable building design.
Dr Bowles is a BREEAM Accredited Professional and an expert in thermal modelling. She provided practical guidance on improving operational energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Topics included BREEAM assessments, SBEM calculations, and EPC ratings for commercial properties. The group explored how early-stage sustainability planning creates long-term value.
Key takeaways included:
- BREEAM benefits: reduced costs, climate resilience, better buildings, and increased productivity
- Timely execution is vital to avoid losing BREEAM credits.
- EPC targets are tightening: a minimum C rating will be required for commercial buildings by 2027 (currently E).
- NHS buildings already require BREEAM assessments.
- EPCs do not include energy used for device charging.
Afternoon: Networking, Vineyard Exploration, and Wine Tasting
The afternoon featured a guided tour of the Bolney Wine Estate vineyard and a wine tasting session. This relaxed setting encouraged further conversation and connection.
Although the weather was cold and overcast, it didn’t impact the experience. Guests appreciated the scenic surroundings and warm hospitality.
Key Takeaways and Future Outlook
The event fostered an open, collaborative atmosphere. Attendees shared best practices and asked insightful questions throughout.
The session on the integration of drones and AI generated significant interest, as many attendees acknowledged the potential for cost savings and enhanced efficiency in surveying.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Several attendees requested future CPD events focused on regulatory changes, digital transformation, and practical guidance tailored to the utilities sector.
Focus Consulting is already planning further events. If you’d like to attend or suggest a topic, please contact us at brighton@focuscs.co.uk.