Hull-based construction tech specialist, Bimsense, has raised £250,000 to enhance its Operance platform ahead of new building legislation.
Operance allows owners and contractors access to up-to-date digital building information, providing a secure audit trail to comply with the government’s ‘golden thread’ requirements.
The funding, from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, will enable the commercialisation of Operance and create 10 new jobs over the next two years, the company said.
This software falls in line 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.
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.
Ian 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 initial 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.”
Image: From left, Tim Mutlow, chief technical officer; Ian Yeo, chief executive and Scott Pilgrim, chief product officer with Maurice Disasi of Mercia and Nigel Hedly, chair of Bimsense. (Credit: Shaun Flannery Photography)
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