Marked as the annual event to openly discuss issues facing the sector, BSEC also unveiled emerging new build opportunities in education, with a particular demand for new and refurbished buildings, including some new free schools.
Free schools, new academies and the James Review were all popular topics of conversation and the subject of much debate throughout BSEC 2011. This all took place whilst the industry patiently awaits Michael Gove’s capital spending plans now expected in June (not announced when this issue went to press).
This year’s event also attracted education ministers, directors and managers from overseas, sharing their experiences from working in the education sector in the USA, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden.
With many new and expanded features this year, including the Green Learning Theatre and School Interior Innovations, BSEC remains the only UK event catering for everyone involved in the education built environment. It’s aimed at everyone from architects to contractors, communities establishing new schools to cross-sector teachers and Government policy advisors.
Commenting on this year’s event, Samuel Jennings, BSEC’s event director said: “Despite it being such a difficult time for those involved in the industry as we await the Government’s James Review, BSEC 2011 proved a huge success for those seeking the latest Government news, to speak with peers and procure the best products and services available.
“We’ve had great feedback from those attending who felt that despite the tough economic environment, there are still significant new opportunities emerging in the education sector, particularly for new free schools and refurbishment projects. Visitors also commented on the strong conference programme and some very well attended presentations on the plenary stage.”
BSEC’s conference and exhibition
The conference programme was opened by education expert Professor Stephen Heppell who was a leading voice throughout the two-day event, having introduced many key speakers from across the industry and giving his personal views about the future of education.
Conference discussions explored new procurement and funding models for all types of education establishments, including how to improve existing stock and adapt existing buildings to creating quality education spaces.
Other key speakers included Rachel Wolf, director at the New Schools Network, Tim Byles, chief executive at Partnerships for Schools and Sir Bruce Liddington, director at Edu-Trust Academies Charitable Trust (E-ACT), who featured in numerous panel discussions.
Heated debate ran throughout the two days surrounding key topics, including new procurement routes, the role of Local Authorities, SEN schools and the use of digital media in education.
Along with a panel presentation on the new ‘best practice’ for educational spaces in the UK, international examples were also showcased, including those presented by Michael J. Connelly, chief executive officer at Mosaica Education (US-based). Michael J. Conelly also took part in a keynote stage presentation on the exhibition floor on day two of BSEC, looking at the challenges of planning for and securing private sector funding for public schools.
The newly launched Project Leaders VIP Lounge also recruited over 150 budget holders (all of whom were first time visitors) who scheduled one-to-one meetings with exhibitors. These visitors were involved in a range of education building projects, including academies, local authorities, private providers, international schools, FE, HE and free schools.
Free schools
BSEC visitors were able to attend a packed plenary stage on the opening day (23 February) for a talk by journalist and free school founder Toby Young on his experience and challenges in establishing a new free school in West London. This was valuable to those in the audience who were involved in developing free schools in their community.
A debate on free schools also proved lively in the conference on 24 February, with Mark Lehain, campaign director for the Bedford and Kempston free school sharing his experiences and vision with those working in the sector, alongside the Partnerships for Schools director of education and planning, Russell Andrews.
Design My Learning Space LIVE! competition
The increasingly popular ‘Design My Learning Space LIVE!’ competition was again successful at BSEC, having been extended to include all primary and secondary schools in the UK. Winners were Lauriston Primary School in Hackney and Hagley Catholic High School in Worcester.
Paired with architects and designers, the competition is aimed at encouraging essential dialogue between architects and schools to promote the importance of a well-designed school environment.
Mathew Pearson, education consultant at Steljes commented: “As sponsors of the competition, schools being directly involved with the show has been a real highlight. BSEC has also been a great opportunity to engage and network with other contractors and suppliers about new ways of delivering value for schools.”
Looking ahead to BSEC 2012
The free-to-attend BSEC exhibition and seminar content, alongside the paid conference has been scheduled for 29 February and 1 March 2012, again at London’s ExCel. As with this year, it will be aimed at everyone in the sector with backgrounds in local authority, teaching, architecture, engineering and contracting.
By the time BSEC 2012 arrives, we should have the results of the James Review and a clearer view of the industry landscape, with funding plans set in place for private, as well as public investment. Much can happen in a year and education policy is changing at a rapid rate. But what is certain is that BSEC will remain the place for debate and discussion to tackle the changes and developments that lie ahead for the education built environment industry.
