Market data highlights continual drive for innovation

The latest report from the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) revealed a strong performance for the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) market in the year-to-date, rising 3.8% to £865 million - highlighting the continual technological breakthroughs and growing consumer demand for smart buildings

Despite ongoing broader economic difficulties and a challenging period for the construction industry, including a major skills shortage, the longer-term positive trend in the BEMS market data reflects a period of optimism for the building automation sector.

BCIA President Stacey Lucas highlighted the significance of the year-to-date increase. She said: “These figures are testimony to the ongoing advancements in innovation taking place throughout the BEMS sector. Despite the challenging economic times and a general decline in key construction sectors, the BEMS market continues to perform.

“BEMS is increasingly becoming a major feature in today’s construction landscape and these figures show that building controls are here to stay.”

The BCIA’s MIS report drills deeper into the data, breaking down the BEMS market into three key components, product, installation value added, and service and maintenance.

While the total value of products supplied to the BEMS market fell by 5.8%, likely due to reduced sales through OEMs and distributors, there were some notable bright spots. Indeed, manufacturers’ own systems experienced significant growth in Q2, rising 19.5%. This highlights the growing importance of innovation and the increasing demand for bespoke manufactured BEMS. The data further revealed that system installers continue to serve as the primary route to market.

The value added through engineering, commissioning, panels, and installation activities saw positive growth in Q2, climbing 1.8% compared to the previous quarter to reach £125.1 million. This upward trend is supported by the incredible 5.2% increase in the rolling year total, amounting to £485.7 million. Manufacturers contributed notably to this growth, with their value-added component rising by 17%, suggesting a booming market for skilled professionals within the BEMS design and manufacture sector.

Revenue for service and maintenance in the UK market also showed strength over the long term, combating the struggling construction industry to rise 6.6% for the rolling year. Despite manufacturers facing a notable 33.4% decline in their contributions, systems installers’ rolling year figures saw an 11.1% increase, demonstrating the resilience of the service and maintenance sector.

While the overall BEMS market saw a slight contraction in Q2, the longer-term positive trends indicate optimism for future quarters throughout the sector. Indeed, the installation value-added segment remained robust and the year-to-date growth across the market was up by 3.8%.

Produced quarterly, the MIS report is a hugely useful resource for BCIA members, offering an in-depth understanding of the market and detailed insights into market trends and growth across the BEMS market. This enables members to track developments, recognise growth opportunities, and navigate challenges with more confidence.

As the BEMS market continues to perform, even with the construction industry as a whole stagnating, the BCIA is well positioned to lead the way, supporting its members and advocating for the advancement of building controls technology to further enable a brighter and more sustainable future for the built environment.