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Principal Designer Health & Safety Advice

Expert Principal Designers who understand Design & COnstruction

We don’t take on the legal duty of Principal Designer. Instead, we act as your strategic advisor – someone who knows the CDM rules inside out, understands what actually happens on site, and will help you build a solid, defensible, and genuinely helpful process.

Havio offer Principal Designer & CDM advice to clients, developers, architects and contractors.
We have £10m professional indemnity insurance which is a requirement on many projects.

Why people usually end up calling us What Goes Wrong

The Principal Designer role is one of the most misunderstood (and poorly delivered) parts of CDM.

In theory, it’s about designing out risk early and coordinating the team to make smart, safe decisions before boots hit the ground.

In reality it’s often just someone recycling documents from another job, saying very little, and vanishing the moment things get complicated.

We don’t work like that. And we’ve seen it all before – here’s what usually goes wrong, and how we step in to put things right.

FAQs

Generic pre-construction information is one of the most common signs that risk hasn’t been properly considered.

When we see PCI packs lifted from past projects – with the wrong client name still in there – it tells us nobody’s looked at the specific risks for this site, this team, and this build.

At Havio, we work with your team to gather real project-specific insights, not tick-box boilerplate.

That way, the PCI becomes a useful planning tool and definitely not a filler doc to file and forget.

This should be covered in appointments and briefings… but in reality, a lack of clarity between the client, designer, contractor, and everyone else is a major risk – and a common failure under CDM.

People assume others are handling risk management, and gaps get missed.

Our role is to step in early to map out responsibilities, help teams understand their duties, and remove any grey areas before they turn into red flags.

This is where things often fall apart. The design risk register should show how each designer has considered risk and what they’ve done to eliminate or control it.

But too often, it’s either missing entirely or just a half-hearted summary someone’s knocked up the night before a meeting.

Havio helps coordinate this properly by chasing the right people, checking it’s accurate, and making sure the register reflects the real decisions made throughout the design process.

It’s  big deal this – because the safest designs in the world mean nothing if nobody on site knows the rationale behind them. If information isn’t passed clearly from design to construction teams, you end up with confusion, workarounds, and avoidable risk.

We help bridge that gap by translating design decisions into plain language, joining site meetings, and making sure important information doesn’t get lost between RIBA stages.

Too often we see it all slapped together at the end. A good H&S file tells the story of the project’s risk management – it protects your client, supports future works, and shows due diligence. But most of the time, it’s thrown together in a rush, full of missing information and useless filler.

We build it as we go, collecting what’s needed from the start, so there’s no last-minute panic, and zero risk of handing over a file that’s not fit for purpose.

How we get it right

The way we work as Principal Designer advisors is hands-on, informed by real construction experience, and focused on helping you get things right from the start.

Here’s what we actually do – and how it helps you.

  • Make sure your project is CDM-compliant from the start

    We get involved early - often at RIBA Stage 1 or 2 - to help you understand your duties and get everything in place.

    That includes advising on appointments, information sharing, and the legal stuff you’re expected to do.
  • Review and enhance pre-construction information

    We compile the PCI. If it’s vague, recycled, or missing key data, we’ll help improve it.

    The goal is a document that actually helps the design and construction teams make good decisions.
  • Chase designers (nicely) to eliminate or reduce risk

    Coordinating the design team is a huge part of the role.

    We act as the voice that nudges, questions, and encourages people to think about safety while there’s still time to fix things on paper (not after it’s built!)
  • Spot where design decisions could cause issues on site

    We’ve got a lot of experience both in design and on site. That means we know when something that looks good on screen is going to be a headache (or worse) in the real world.

    We’ll flag these issues early, so you’re not dealing with cost and safety problems later.
  • Build and maintain a proper Design Risk Register

    This is where most PD work falls down. We help create a live, working document that clearly shows how each design risk is being dealt with.

    And we keep it moving, so it’s not something you revisit once and forget.
  • Get your Health & Safety File done right (not rushed at the end)

    Rather than panic-building it at the end of the job, we help gather the right info throughout. That way, the file’s useful, accurate, and ready when it needs to be.
  • Give clients and contractors confidence that risk has been thought through

    Havio brings a sure footed approach to the process. Clients feel reassured and contractors know there’s been proper thought behind the designs. The entire project runs more smoothly because risk is built in from day one.

Client CDM Advisor

We do everything required to help you fulfil your legal duties.

You can’t transfer your responsibility to anyone else, but you can get help!

We work in a flexible way, and you may not need all of these services, but we typically help commercial CDM clients with the following:

Principal Designer Advisor

Helping you with your Principal Designer duties to comply with CDM 2015.

Each project varies, but there are similarities in what we do throughout each project and RIBA stage.

Does this sound right for you?

This service is not for the likes of massive tower blocks or those looking to fully outsource risk.  It’s specifically targetted towards:

  • Fit-out and Interior Workspace contractors
  • Design & Build specialists
  • Developers running small to medium sized programmes
  • Clients who know their duties but want proper support and advice

We’ve seen the messes. The generic copy-paste policies. The vanishing principal designer. The endless back-and-forth that eats time and adds no value.

We’re not here to make your life harder or throw more paperwork at you – we’re here to take this part off your desk and do it properly. 

We know where the pitfalls are, and we’re not afraid to have the awkward conversations early, so you don’t get stung later.

Call Havio and we’ll help you do it right.

ready to take back control?

Get in touch

Let’s talk about what’s working, what’s not, and where you want to go.

Get a plan

We’ll help you build practical policies and systems that strengthen your business.

Get empowered

Know your projects are on track, your people are protected, and your costs are under control.

ENQUIRE NOW

Lead Health & Safety Consultant FAITH AUSTIN ​​

As lead health and safety consultant at Havio, I help clients run safe, well-organised operations, whether that’s out on site carrying out inspections, or behind the scenes putting together compliance packs, risk registers, and assessments.

I see the role as part advisor, part problem-solver: helping clients navigate what can be a pretty complex area with confidence.

Before Havio, I worked in-house for a design and build construction and fit-out company. Before that, my background was actually in events, project managing live shows and overseeing health and safety compliance in the entertainment industry.

A world away from construction, but it taught me a lot about thinking on my feet and managing risk under pressure.

What drew me to Havio was the variety, mainly: the chance to work across so many different clients and sectors, and with such a range of people.

It also helped that the team is genuinely supportive and comes with a huge amount of collective experience, so there’s always someone to learn from and real opportunities to keep developing.

The part of the job I enjoy most is the problem-solving side of it, working with clients to find the safest and most practical way to get things done, rather than just saying no. I’m also, a little unusually, a big fan of writing risk assessments. There’s something satisfying about turning a complicated situation into something clear and workable.

Outside of work, I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, hanging out with the dog, watching rugby, and socialising.

My ideal weekend is nice walks with the dog and evenings filled with music or watching a movie, maybe a pub garden thrown in there at some point.

One thing people might not know about me is that I used to kite buggy and kite surf, though I could only ever go in one direction! Sounds more impressive than it actually was.

I’m really bad if asked about favourites, and if I said something now it would probably change next week. The only constant is Harlequins as my favourite rugby team!

Friends and family would describe me as caring, determined, goofy, roughly in that order depending on the day.

CDR

Clad Design Resource

Havio provides CDM Consultancy Services for this specialist façade / cladding remediation contractor

Clad Design Resource are an established principal contractor

The company was created to meet the needs of many stakeholders post the Grenfell Tower Fire tragedy.

They have a highly specialist team including architects, structural engineers, building service engineers, thermal modelling, and fire engineers.

Stakeholders include:

  • Developers
  • Investors
  • Government Departments
  • Managing Agents
  • Right to Manage companies, particularly within the residential sector
  • Project Managers

We have a long-standing relationship with Havio, with the company also providing H&S Consultancy support to our other business Gypfix Interiors Ltd. Havio are an outstanding company whose knowledge, expertise and insight into the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 and all other areas of Health & Safety is second to none, particularly in implementing practical and workable solutions and helping convey these to the workforce.

The company is big enough to deliver whatever we require but still small enough to care. This personal touch runs through every touchpoint you have with them, which is most impressive. Be it needing a chat with Jack, their CEO, Kelly, our principal CDM Advisor or Nicola to organise another visit, we feel like we are always treated as their most important client.

Tony Shrubsole
Director

Capstan Court

Health and Safety Considerations

Cladding Remediation works are, in many instances, complex and high-risk projects with obvious sensitivities needing to be handled with care concerning the residents, who are the primary stakeholder looking to be protected by the works. The primary considerations are listed below:

H&S Risks

  • Interaction with the general public
  • Working at height
  • Falling materials
  • Interaction with existing/concealed services
  • Scaffolding
  • Asbestos
  • Lead
  • Fire risks, particularly when the building façade is exposed
  • Working in and around occupied apartments
  • Lifting operations
  • Manual handling

Client Sensitivities

  • Residents who feel unsafe within the existing structure
  • Residents who may be adversely affected by the works – noise, vibration, access into communal areas, scaffolding impeding their views

Hardwick Square

How does Havio support Clad Design Resource Ltd?

There are two roles which Havio conducts for Clad Design Resource:

Principal Designer & Client Advisor Role

Clad Design Resource have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Building Safety Fund (BSF) and the Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) Fund. Their processes enable them to engage and support residents, developers and managing agents alike in the process and how best to deliver projects for each client team.

Typically, Clad Design Resource will be appointed as the Principal Designer. This means CDR is responsible for planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating health and safety in the pre-construction phase.
Clad Design Resource, whilst experts in their field, always look to appoint the best consultants to assist them in managing their undertaking to the best of their ability. This means appointing Havio to provide ongoing advice to them throughout the contract, typically starting with a two-stage tender process

Stage 1 – Pre-Construction Services Agreement

This allows the Client and CDR to work with the client early in the construction process and gain an accurate understanding of the processes required, including the project’s Health and Safety implications. During this stage Havio do the following:

  • Collating the Pre-Construction Information and distributing this to the design team
  • Attend various design team meetings and workshops where a project Design Risk Register is produced and maintained with all designers feeding into this process
  • Establishing the Health and Safety File
  • Being on hand to support the client and design team in ensuring that they are discharging their responsibilities and ensuring the prevention principles are being applied appropriately.

Stage 2 – Construction

During this stage, Havio provide ongoing support on the project, which includes:

  • Attending Project Team Meetings
  • Attending regular CDM Visits
  • Being on hand to continue to provide support to the design and project teams
  • Updating the project Design Risk Register and distributing to the relevant stakeholders
  • Collating the project H&S file

Health and Safety Consultancy

Havio are also appointed by Clad Design Resource acting as the Principal Contractor to assist them with the following:

  • Project Health and Safety Compliance Packs – This includes a full site survey to complete the initial Construction Phase Plan, Fire Risk Assessment, Traffic Management Plan and overarching project Risk Assessment.
  • Accommodating regular Health and Safety Inspections provide a perfect opportunity to check on the progress of works and ensure the appropriate H&S standards are being applied. Havio’s approach involves working as part of the team and coaching the workforce. This means the visits aren’t something to fear but are a positive experience.
  • Provision of ongoing support advice and support throughout the construction phase by the dedicated project consultant 

Merchant Court

How does Havio ensure success?

Thus far, Havio have acted in the above capacity on four high-profile projects across London:

With over 30 years combined construction experience to assist on the project, Havio appoints a delivery team which includes a Principal Designer with specific experience in re-cladding remediation works and a H&S Consultant with expertise in providing the boots on the ground construction advice. This ensures that Clad Design Resource has support and expertise throughout all stages of the project, whether this is at the design phase or construction phase of the project.

OUTCOME

Clad Design Resource have an excellent Health & Safety across their projects. This is a testament to the hard work and care that goes into all aspects of the business.

Health & Safety is not a standalone function. Instead, this runs naturally through all aspects of the company and is driven from the very top.

Havio is proud to partner with a business where their people’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing are prioritised.

Jubilee Heights

ICONIC

A decade of flexible support for Iconic

An innovative construction business operating in the demanding London market, Iconic acts as a main contractor across the residential, medical, commercial and hotel sectors.

With a focus on delivering challenging projects in a safe and timely manner, Iconic makes the safety of operatives and the public its top priority, and has partnered with Havio for over ten years.

Challenge

Iconic needs knowledgeable and forward thinking professionals to manage health and safety sensibly. These professionals need to design management systems, develop project plans, undertake inspections, deliver training, investigate incidents, and ensure subcontractor compliance and much more.

Employing sufficiently qualified internal resource would be costly and onerous, especially as Iconic’s needs fluctuate dependent upon market conditions. On the other hand, using third parties often means choosing between one-man bands that can offer excellent advice but can’t provide the service, or large corporate consultancies that lack the personal touch. Iconic needs a partner that delivers the best of both worlds to balance safety and profitability.

As Iconic grows, it needs a system that delivers real-time insight into health and safety performance for the whole company, a group of projects or a single site, to help it decide where to direct its efforts and resources.

For individual projects, Havio develops critical plans, including a construction phase plan, fire risk assessment, traffic management plan and project risk assessment.

The team attends prestart meetings with key trades and assists with subcontractors to ensure they meet required standards at qualification stage and during the contract term. It chairs health and safety meetings and undertakes two site inspections per month.

Solution

By partnering with Havio, Iconic benefits from a reliable, flexible service that is scaled to suit business needs. Rather than relying on one individual, Iconic has access to an entire team including a dedicated senior consultant, so someone is always available.

Havio team members bring experience from projects of all sizes and use it to Iconic’s advantage. Havio takes a hands-on, mentoring approach, delivering the benefits of an internal resource while providing an impartial and independent service.

The fully encompassing service provided by Havio includes:

  • Setting of an annual health and safety strategy
  • Designing of the company health and safety policy
  • On-site management system design
  • Year-round competent source of advice
  • Out-of-hours support
  • Health and safety training
  • Incident investigations
  • And much more…

OUTCOME

Iconic and Havio have worked in partnership for over ten years and have grown their businesses together. They have a close, trusting relationship, with Havio’s directors still personally involved in the Iconic account.

There have been no major incidents or fatalities during the partnership, and Iconic’s accident frequency rate has reduced. Better working conditions have resulted in safer and healthier environments, leading to increased productivity, and sub-contractor performance has improved, increasing overall standards on site.

A strong health and safety record puts Iconic in a position to win bigger and higher profile projects.

The partners of choice for the workplace “Thinkers and Makers”

London’s leading office design and build experts

Peldon Rose is an award-winning office design and build business, with projects ranging from 2,000-200,000 sq ft.

Havio understand what Health and Safety really is, sensible and practical advice, to ensure we can design and deliver fantastic projects reducing risks along the way. They offer a competitive service for the whole lifecycle of a project enabling us to create a client for life.

Tim Swann
Projects Director

Peldon Rose’s expertise transforms workplaces into exciting and unique spaces for well-known brands such as Moneysupermarket, Pret a Manger and The White Company.

With an ethos of communicating simply, clearly and honestly with their clients and partners, there was an instant and natural cultural fit between Peldon Rose and Havio.

There at every step of the journey

Having worked together for over five years and on over ninety successful projects across London and the South East, our partnership has continued to go from strength to strength.

As Peldon Rose’s Health and Safety Partner of choice, we are able to provide a comprehensive, all-encompassing CDM service advising Peldon Rose as both the CDM Principal Designer and CDM Principal Contractor.

As a unique Health and Safety Consultancy with specialisms and expertise spanning both design and health and safety at construction, Havio are able to partner with Peldon Rose at every step of the journey. 

We work together on up to six projects at any one time and projects will typically last from six to twelve weeks, although we have worked on larger projects for up to twelve months.

 From the outset, we are heavily involved with the Design Team in our capacity as Principal Designer Advisor. 

Taking part in Design Team Meetings enables us to ensure that risks identified at this stage are eliminated where possible, or if not, reduced to acceptable levels. 

This collaborative approach means we never stifle the creativity of the Design Team or compromise the refreshing and innovative work that Peldon Rose are renowned for. 

In addition to our consultation during this stage, we will also gather the necessary Pre-Construction Health and Safety information, populate a live Design Risk Register and start the Health and Safety File.

Office fit-outs are extremely fast-paced with clients demanding a quick turnaround. Our team are able to facilitate this as the project moves into construction.

A Havio Partner is on site every two weeks working closely with the site team to ensure that standards on site reach the high standards expected by Peldon Rose. Here we consult, advise, educate and coach.

We are not a tick box consultancy and this approach, based on partnership and building client relationships for life, aligns with Peldon Rose’s core values and beliefs. 

Once construction is finished, we attend site again to collate all the information required for the Health and Safety File to be handed over to the client.

Fit-out & Interior Workspace Contractors

Live environments. Tight schedules. Zero margin for error. We help you deliver safely, smoothly, and without the drama

Main Image: see our Case Study on Peldon Rose

Fit-out moves fast

Whether you’re delivering a CAT B fit-out for a prestigious City bank over five months, or flipping a hotel reception in four weeks, the demands are different.

But both need sharp co-ordination, quick decisions, and zero room for error when it comes to Health & Safety.

Health & Safety can’t be an afterthought. But it also can’t get in the way. You need clear advice, fast responses, and someone who understands the realities of fit-out work.

We support Fit-out & Interior Workspace Contractors who want Health & Safety that works with the programme, not against it.

ENQUIRE NOW

We Know Fit-Out Reality

You already know the drill, late appointments, projects stuck in the Gateway 2 grinder, tight spaces, tighter deadlines.

One job under a Letter of Intent, another with scope still shifting mid-strip-out. And you’re meant to stay on top of everything from CDM to client politics while keeping the programme moving.

What we bring is a second set of eyes, calm, competent, and clear. We know from experience where risk creeps in on fast-paced interiors jobs and how to keep it under control without slowing you down.

The stuff that actually causes problems?

  • Design risk no one’s owning
    As a D&B contractor you're often landed with Principal Designer duties but can you say with confidence your design and project teams are fulfilling the role.
  • Time pressure from day one
    Everything’s compressed, deadlines, procurement, design development, installation. It’s a constant juggle between progress, quality, safety, and margin.
  • Design vs. buildability
    You’re trying to deliver an ambitious aesthetic vision in a live environment with real-world constraints all while keeping it safe and compliant.
  • Operatives treating it like low-risk work
    The perception in interiors is that health and safety is less critical, that’s when shortcuts happen, especially when the pressure’s on.
  • Health & Safety seen as a tick-box
    Margins are tight. Compliance gets treated as a cost. We help you shift that narrative it’s about protecting delivery and avoiding drama.
  • Fast decisions needed
    You don’t have time to wait on a consultant to get back to you in three days. Pragmatic decisions are made on the spot - and they need to be sound.

If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.

We don’t overcomplicate things. We understand what matters, when, and how to help you manage it without the noise.

What we Offer

Whether you need end-to-end support with us acting as your CDM advisor across both Principal Designer and Principal Contractor duties or just focused, on-the-ground support to help you deliver safely as the PC we tailor our approach to fit your setup.

Some clients want help shaping their CDM process from day one. Others just need someone competent, pragmatic, and reliable to back them up on live jobs.

Either way, we make sure Health & Safety is clear, compliant, and never gets in the way of delivery.

You're in good company Trusted by forward-thinking Fit-out Contractors across the UK

Working with Havio feels like having a switched-on safety partner who knows fit-out, keeps up with your programme, isn’t full of hot air, and gives your team the confidence to deliver safely without disruption.

WORKPLACE FUTURES GROUP

With strong shared values, Havio supports WFG with more than compliance, bringing sharp, senior-level Health & Safety insight to a fast-moving, purpose-led business.
READ MORE

PELDON ROSE

Havio partners with Peldon Rose across every stage from design meetings to handover. Delivering fast-paced office fit-outs with sharp CDM insight, proactive site support, and zero compromise on creativity, compliance, or speed.
READ MORE

Office Principles

Havio has been Office Principles’ CDM and Health & Safety partner since 2018, supporting every project from design to delivery.
READ MORE

Installation and
Refurbishment Solutions

IRS, specialists in commercial interiors since 1995. We’ve helped them navigate new expectations, evolving site risks, and cultural shifts across their supply chain – without losing the standards they’re known for.
READ MORE

Havio's Proven CDM Support for Design & Build Contractors

(as PD & PC)

Simple. Structured. Strategic.

FAQs

We get fit-out. We know how fast it moves, how tight the margins are, and how live environments come with no room for error. Our team has worked on everything from small refurbs to complex multi-floor office reconfigurations, and we’ve built our service around how fast you need to work.

We’re definitely not here to add noise. We’re here to give you clarity. Our advice is straight-talking, context-specific, and tailored to fit-out.

We work as part of your team, not above it, and we won’t ever waste your time with over-engineered reports or impractical advice.

Yes, and we make it easy. Whether you’re stepping into the PD role or need a PD Advisor by your side, we’ll guide you through the entire process – from early design risk reviews to H&S file completion. We know the CDM Regulations back to front and turn them into practical, usable support that keeps you compliant and confident.

That’s where we come in. We’re often brought in mid-project to fix gaps, manage client pressure, or pick up where others have dropped the ball. Whether it’s documentation, inspections, or urgent compliance support, we move fast to help you get things back on track without holding up progress.

Yes. We offer an all-in-one solution – design-stage support, site inspections, RAMS reviews, PD advisory, incident investigations, and ongoing compliance coaching. If you don’t have internal H&S resource, we act as your external team. One point of contact. One joined-up strategy.

Yes. We work closely with your project and site teams to make sure compliance fits seamlessly into your delivery programme. We don’t bolt it on – we build it in. With Altitude, you also get real-time visibility of H&S performance, so you can show progress and reassurance to clients at every stage.

Yes. We help you build a credible, client-facing safety profile – with compliance packs, evidence for ESG and CDM responsibilities, and support in writing stronger H&S narratives in proposals. Many tenders are won or lost on safety reputation. We help give you the edge.

No. We reduce your admin, not increase it. We handle documentation, create easy-to-understand compliance packs, and make sure nothing gets lost in translation between design, site, and client. With Altitude, reporting is streamlined – so you spend less time chasing and more time delivering.

Slips, manual handling injuries, electrical risks and tight working spaces make fit-out far from risk-free.

We help shift that mindset by delivering short, engaging sessions that make the risks real and the solutions practical. We don’t lecture.

We show how good safety makes the job easier, faster, and more professional – and we treat operatives with respect, not as a problem to fix.

YOU SHOULD ASK...

  • Have you actually worked in fit-out - or just general construction?
  • How do you keep pace with short project cycles without cutting corners?
  • What’s your process for tailoring RAMS to fit-out environments?
  • Can you act as PD Advisor and CDM specialist on the same job?
  • How do you support operatives who think interiors are low risk?
  • Can you deliver inspections, training, and reporting without slowing us down?
  • Can you actually prevent issues - or just explain what went wrong afterwards?
  • What’s your fix when our internal resource disappears – or we’ve got no time?
  • Can you give us a clear safety performance report that we can show to the client?

Need a partner in lock-step with you? Let’s talk about your next Fit-out project – and how we can help you deliver it with zero compliance drama

ready to take back control?

Get in touch

Let’s talk about what’s working, what’s not, and where you want to go.

Get a plan

We’ll help you build practical policies and systems that strengthen your business.

Get empowered

Know your projects are on track, your people are protected, and your costs are under control.

ENQUIRE NOW

An essential guide before you sign that contract: How to Choose the Right Health & Safety Consultant

CHOOSE RIGHT CONSULTANT GUIDE

Main Contractors & Construction Managers

When you're managing complex projects and high-stakes timelines, we help you stay in control from pre-construction to handover.

Clarity. Control. Confidence. Health & Safety that actually helps you build

If you’re running multiple live sites, you don’t need more red tape, you need certainty. Certainty that standards are being met. That issues are being flagged early. That your teams aren’t cutting corners.

We work with ambitious contractors and their leaders who want a sharper, more consistent approach to Health & Safety across their sites, with clear reporting, better visibility, and fewer surprises.

Whether you’re scaling up, troubleshooting, or just tightening up delivery, we give you the structure and support to stay in control, without the micromanaging.

ENQUIRE NOW

You've got a lot on your plate

Profit relies on delivery. Delivery relies on control.

With multiple sites, tight deadlines, and layers of subcontractors, things can get messy and fast.

Health & Safety is just one more thing on the list. But it needs to be done right first time without creating more noise.

You’ve got demanding clients to keep happy, workers to keep motivated to do a good job and a reputation to protect. You need every subcontractor working safely and consistently. No drama. No gaps.

We know the Reality on site

Health & Safety isn’t your only problem, it’s just the one that can quietly undo all the others if it’s not sorted. 

These are the type of things we hear regularly:

  • “We’re scaling up, but our H&S management systems aren’t.”
  • “We lost a tender because our H&S record didn’t hold up, they never used to go into that much detail!”
  • “Each site is doing its own thing - we’ve got no visibility.”
  • “The consultant dropped off a folder and disappeared.”
  • “I’ve got a team buried in paperwork, sitting in the office and not getting out on site!”
  • “We’ve been lucky so far. But luck’s not a strategy.”

Havio exists to take that weight off your shoulders, not by ticking boxes, but by actually partnering with you to raise standards and remove/reduce risk.

And it’s not just the quotes. Here’s what sits underneath all that:

  • Inconsistent subcontractor management:
    You’re responsible for everyone, not just your direct team. But ensuring subcontractors have the right skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours is a constant battle.
  • Underperforming H&S support:
    Whether it’s internal teams or external consultants, too many just aren’t proactive, don’t scale, or don’t offer real-world solutions.
  • Reactive safety culture:
    You want to get ahead of issues, but firefighting is the norm. Everyone’s busy, attitudes vary, and safety gets framed as an obstacle rather than a foundation.
  • Lack of meaningful oversight:
    Directors, clients, and auditors all expect clarity but most reports are surface-level and inconsistent. You don’t just need a list of issues. You need site-by-site visibility, trend data, and clear evidence that standards are being met, risks are being managed, and improvements are being made. That’s what builds trust – and protects your reputation.
  • Regulatory complexity:
    CDM, BSA, PQQs, client frameworks – it’s a maze. But you’re expected to get it right, every time.

We get it... H&S isn’t always your No.1 priority

But it is ours. We know Health & Safety isn’t what gets you out of bed in the morning. Delivering great projects, keeping clients happy, and hitting targets is.

That’s why we’ve built a process that works with your world, not against it. Here’s how we do it:

  • We get to know your sites
    Every contractor works differently. We start by understanding your setup, subcontractor model, pace, and pressure points.
  • We simplify what matters
    No fluff. Just clear priorities. We help you focus on the biggest risks and put structure in place where it matters most.
  • We support your teams on the ground
    From site managers to subcontractors, we help embed practical behaviours, not just policies. That means less chasing, fewer repeats, better standards.
  • We give you proper oversight
    Through our platform, Altitude, you’ll see what’s happening across every site. No guesswork, no spreadsheets, no last-minute panics.
  • We grow with you
    Whether it’s two sites or twenty, we scale with you - backing up your internal teams or acting as your full H&S function.

You're in good company Trusted by forward-thinking Main Contractors and Construction Managers across the UK

Working with Havio feels like handing Health & Safety to someone who actually knows what they’re doing.

No more firefighting. No more gaps. Just expert support, scalable systems, and real peace of mind across every site.

LONGLEY GROUP

A growing force in public sector construction, Longley is combining expanded capability with strong social values. They chose Havio’s specialist support to help them embed safety as they scaled.
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ICONIC

No downtime, no gaps – just consistent safety delivery with a dedicated Havio team that scales with every new project Iconic takes on.
READ MORE

Blue Sky Building

From day one, Havio has acted as Blue Sky Building’s trusted external H&S partner – delivering independent, high-level support that integrates seamlessly into their projects and lives up to their promise of “Quality – Safe & Sound.”
READ MORE

BELL BUILDING PROJECTS

BBP relies on Havio for clear, accountable fire safety support across all remediation sites – from design to delivery, all tracked in Altitude.
READ MORE

Havio's Proven CDM Support for Main Contractors

(as PD & PC)

Simple. Structured. Strategic.

FAQs

Yes – and that’s exactly what we’re here for. When growth outpaces systems, Health & Safety often falls behind. Processes get patchy, risks get missed, and teams get overloaded. 

Havio steps in with a structured but flexible plan:

  • Immediate gap analysis to see what’s missing
  • Altitude-backed data to get eyes on every site
  • Practical, boots-on-site support – not more paperwork
  • Upskilling for your teams so they gain confidence, not just checklists

You’re not alone – freelancers can’t scale. One goes sick, another doesn’t turn up, and suddenly you’re firefighting risk with no backup. Havio gives you dedicated delivery teams, not just a name on a folder.

You get consistency, depth of expertise, strategic oversight and, when needed, immediate boots on the ground. Plus, Altitude brings clarity across every site so nothing gets missed.

Being told you’re compliant doesn’t mean you’re safe – or audit-ready. We’ve seen too many off-the-shelf templates and tick-box consultants leave clients exposed. At Havio, compliance is just the starting point. We make sure your systems are live, embedded, and visible in action – on-site, in boardrooms, and in client-facing documentation. We don’t just help you pass the audit. We help you own it.

You need buy-in, not a culture war. Our approach puts site teams at the centre – not under the boot. We coach, guide and get hands-on with your operatives so safety isn’t something they work around – it’s something they help drive. We remove the fear and replace it with clarity, training and team ownership.

Our custom software Altitude pulls all your data into one place, compares performance across sites, flags repeat issues, and gives your leadership team actual insight.

You’ll finally have the confidence to answer, “Are we covered?” with a proper yes.

Yes. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Your challenges are different from a housebuilder’s or a single-site contractor’s. We start with how you operate – your team structure, delivery model, pressure points – and build a practical, scalable solution around that. Our team doesn’t copy-paste. They embed, adapt, and own the outcome with you.

You need a strategy. We help you build proactive safety management into the rhythm of your sites. That means regular inspections, real-time reporting, training that sticks, and a feedback loop that reaches leadership.

You’ll go from constant firefighting to clear foresight – without dragging operations down.

We do – and that’s one of our biggest advantages. Whether you need full outsourced support, a Competent Person, training, audits, CDM advice, incident management or compliance packs, it all runs through one coordinated Havio team. You get one point of contact, full accountability, and total clarity. 

YOU SHOULD ASK...

  • Can you scale with us as we grow - or will we outpace you?
  • How do you bring clarity across multiple fast-moving sites?
  • What’s your plan to stop us firefighting the same issues?
  • Can you back your advice with board-level data and insight?
  • How do you stop subcontractors treating safety like an afterthought?
  • What systems do you have to track and compare performance across sites?
  • Can you actually reduce our risk exposure?
  • How do you embed safety so it’s not seen as friction on site?
  • Can you deliver quick wins while building a long-term strategy?
  • What makes your consultants better than hiring in-house?

Want to stop reacting and start leading? Let’s talk about your portfolio and what a better safety strategy looks like

ready to take back control?

Get in touch

Let’s talk about what’s working, what’s not, and where you want to go.

Get a plan

We’ll help you build practical policies and systems that strengthen your business.

Get empowered

Know your projects are on track, your people are protected, and your costs are under control.

ENQUIRE NOW

An essential guide before you sign that contract: How to Choose the Right Health & Safety Consultant

CHOOSE RIGHT CONSULTANT GUIDE

Clients & Developers

We protect your vision, your investment, and your reputation with Health & Safety that’s proactive and built for you.

Main Image: see our Case Study on Zenobē

The last thing you need... ...is yet another compliance contractor

If you’re managing multiple developments, investor expectations, and reputational risk, you don’t want a cookie cutter consultant. 

You need a partner who sees the bigger picture.

Havio helps you protect asset value, win trust, and embed resilience across your portfolio.

ENQUIRE NOW

Health & Safety Isn’t Your Focus Until It Becomes a Problem

If you’re leading a development pipeline or managing a portfolio, Health & Safety isn’t at the top of your priority list. Until it is.

Maybe you visited a site recently and had a nagging doubt about the standards you saw. Maybe word came back about a near miss. Or perhaps the board has started asking tougher questions about risk and broader reputational matters.

That’s when the spotlight turns and you need to be confident you’ve got the right people, the right approach, and clear evidence that everything’s under control.

The Usual Setups Fall Short

CDM and Health & Safety are typically managed project by project. Different consultants. Different contractors. Different interpretations of what “good” looks like.

No continuity. No shared standards. And no real understanding of what matters to you as a client or developer.

The result? Inconsistency across sites, missed opportunities to learn, and a growing disconnect between what’s happening on the ground and what’s expected at board level.

And while it’s easy to assume the contractor takes care of the risk, CDM doesn’t see it that way. Legally, the client holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring Health & Safety is properly managed across every stage of a project.

You can delegate tasks. You can appoint duty holders. But you can’t outsource the accountability. Not to your contractor. Not to your consultants. Not even to your internal teams.

Built to flex with you

We work in whatever way makes sense for you.

For some clients, that means a full strategic partner across their portfolio. For others, it’s focused project support or independent CDM advice.

We support a wide range of organisations, from commercial property managers overseeing multi-site operations, to renewable technology providers delivering complex installations in high-stakes environments.

Whatever the setup, we bring clarity, consistency, and a calm, competent approach that fits the way you work.

Client CDM Advisor

We do everything required to help you fulfil your legal duties. You can't transfer your responsibility to anyone else, but you can get help! We typically help commercial CDM clients with the following:

Principal Designer Role / Advisor Role

We do everything needed to fulfil the principal designer role and comply with CDM 2015. Each project varies, but there are similarities in what we do throughout each project and RIBA stage.

You're in good company Trusted by forward-thinking developers and asset managers across the UK

Working with Havio feels like having full coverage across all your sites, clear data you can take to the board, a partner who helps you think ahead, less firefighting, and Health & Safety that actually supports commercial success – not hinders it.

Zenobē

Havio helps Zenobē ensure safety and compliance across EV and Battery Energy Storage System projects through regular site visits, sub-contractor alignment, and strategic support.
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FAQs

Most CDM consultants focus on minimum compliance. We go further – giving you insight, consistency, and assurance across your whole portfolio. Our approach helps you protect asset value, reputation, and investor confidence.

Yes. That’s what we’re built for. We provide joined-up, scalable support across developments, regions, and contractors – with Altitude giving you clear visibility and reporting across all of it.

If you’re managing multiple projects, Altitude helps you see performance trends and compliance risks before they become a problem.

We align health and safety with your ESG goals, providing clear evidence and structured data that speaks your investors’ language. It’s built into how we report, inspect, and advise.

We support you throughout – from design phase and contractor selection, through to site works and handover. You’ll get practical advice that evolves with each project stage, not just a one-off check.

We don’t replace – we support, extend, and strengthen your internal resource. Whether it’s second opinions, strategic guidance, or filling the gaps, we work as a trusted partner alongside your team.

No. We work across a range of scales – from single-site schemes to national portfolios. What matters is having the right structure and clarity, no matter the size.

Yes. Strong health and safety credentials can be a differentiator. We help you build a case around culture, safety, and social value – not just compliance. It’s often what wins or loses bids.

Altitude is available as part of a tailored support package. It gives you a full performance overview across all sites, tracks progress, flags issues early, and saves hours of admin.

YOU SHOULD ASK...

  • How do you turn Health & Safety into a strategic advantage?
  • How do you link H&S to ESG and investor confidence?
  • What’s your system for spotting risks early?
  • How do you ensure consistent quality across sites and teams?
  • How do you create a shared baseline across our portfolio?
  • Can you get involved pre-construction to shape safer outcomes?
  • How do you turn H&S data into board-ready insights?
  • How do you align internal teams and external safety support?
  • What makes you different from consultants who vanish after the report?

Want to stop reacting and start leading? Let’s talk about your portfolio and what a better safety strategy looks like

ready to take back control?

Get in touch

Let’s talk about what’s working, what’s not, and where you want to go.

Get a plan

We’ll help you build practical policies and systems that strengthen your business.

Get empowered

Know your projects are on track, your people are protected, and your costs are under control.

ENQUIRE NOW

An essential guide before you sign that contract: How to Choose the Right Health & Safety Consultant

CHOOSE RIGHT CONSULTANT GUIDE

Installation and Refurbishment Solutions

Established in 1995, IRS is a specialist in commercial interiors based in Croydon.

Historically focused on delivering exceptional office fit outs and refurbishments, IRS has recently expanded its portfolio to include high-end residential projects.

This reflects the owners’ ambition to diversify IRS’s offering while maintaining its reputation for quality and professionalism.

Working with Havio has been a breath of fresh air. Their non-judgemental approach and unwavering support have been invaluable as we’ve navigated cultural changes within our supply chain and adjusted to the demands of the high-end residential market. Havio’s expertise and guidance have given us the confidence to take on these challenges, and we’re truly grateful for their role in our journey.

Bob & Rebecca Dickinson,
Owners, IRS

IRS continues to thrive in the commercial market while building a strong foothold in high-end residential interiors.

Recognising the unique challenges of this new sector, Bob and Rebecca engaged Havio to ensure they could meet the health and safety demands of both markets effectively.

Sector:

Commercial and High-End Residential Interiors

Services Provided:

  • Retained Health & Safety (H&S) Support
  • Regular Project Assurance Visits (H&S Inspections)
  • Production of Project H&S Compliance Packs
  • H&S Training
  • Ongoing Support

IRS refurbished a Wimbledon reception, collaborating with landlord and tenant to create a modern, welcoming space. Key features included repositioned reception, bespoke furniture, acoustic panels, and plant accents. A light wood, grey, and green palette enhanced depth and warmth, aligning with stakeholder needs and creating a professional yet inviting environment.

Challenges

IRS is adapting to the demands of working across two distinct markets—office interiors and high-end residential fit-outs—each with its own unique pressures and expectations:

  • Expanding into a new market:
    High-end residential projects involve new sub-contractors, tighter programmes, and high craftmanship expectations. Managing this alongside their established commercial projects required tailored health and safety solutions
  • Transitioning from a long-term provider:
    IRS had a longstanding relationship with a previous health and safety provider. Moving to Havio’s approach required a period of adaptation for the team and supply chain, ensuring everyone aligned with new expectations.
  • Evolving the H&S culture:
    Reflecting the ambitions of IRS, we’ve worked collaboratively to enhance the health and safety culture within their workforce and across their supply chain.
  • Balancing dual market demands:
    Ensuring consistent standards across both commercial and residential projects, which can vary significantly in terms of site risks, client expectations, and operational challenges.
  • Proactive risk management:
    Introducing processes and tools, like our Altitude platform, to identify trends and risks early, allowing IRS to stay ahead of challenges.

IRS revitalised Nash Bond’s West End office with brand colours, acoustic panels, and modern furniture. Key features included a repositioned tea point, Zoom rooms, and bespoke storage, creating a welcoming and functional space for staff and visitors.

Our Approach

To support IRS in navigating these challenges, we provided:

  • Retained H&S Support:
    Acting as an extension of their team, offering continuous guidance tailored to the unique requirements of both markets.
  • Monthly Project Assurance Visits (H&S Inspections):
    Conducting regular site visits to ensure safety standards are upheld consistently across all projects and crucially to provide coaching and mentoring to the workforce.
  • Project H&S Compliance Packs:
    Creating detailed documentation to meet the specific needs of both commercial and residential clients.
  • H&S Training:
    Delivering targeted training sessions for sub-contractors and staff, particularly in residential projects where additional guidance was required.
  • Altitude Software Platform:
    Introducing IRS to Altitude, our innovative software platform that identifies trends and risks early, enabling proactive action and smoother project delivery.

Tailored Expertise and Collaboration

With a wealth of experience in both commercial interiors and high-end residential projects, Havio was uniquely placed to support IRS in this transition.

We particularly value working with owner-director-led businesses like IRS, where the open-door approach allows for agile decision-making and strong collaboration.

Bob and Rebecca’s commitment to creating safe, high-quality projects has been integral to the success of our partnership.

 

OUTCOME

With Havio’s support, IRS has successfully adapted to the demands of the high-end residential market while maintaining their exceptional standards in commercial interiors.

By implementing proactive health and safety measures, supported by the Altitude platform, IRS is now confidently delivering projects across both sectors.

They are well-positioned to continue delivering outstanding results, ensuring safety and compliance are always at the forefront.

IRS completed Admix’s Farringdon office fit-out, combining industrial design with bespoke glass partitions and warm timber finishes. The flexible layout supports growth, aligning functionality and aesthetics with Admix’s vision for a scalable workspace.

9. What to ask before you hire

Use our list of 50 smart, revealing questions to test any consultant’s fit, focus, and follow-through. DIG DEEP!

Ask your 50 QUESTIONS

We’ve curated 50 questions we would ask, and have categorised them in the guide. Download it for the full set!

  • Strategy & Outcomes
  • Process & Consistency
  • Relationship & Fit
  • Training
  • Tools & Systems
  • Data & Decision-Making
  • Communication & Culture
  • Recognising Good Value
  • Trust & Proof

We know there’s a lot in there, so just choose the ones that hit where it hurts – the stuff that’s bothering you, the gaps in your current setup, or the areas you know you need to fix.

Virtus Contracts

Partnership through shared beliefs and Health & Safety performance objectives

Virtus Contracts Limited was established 20 years ago with the specific task of working with property and construction professionals on both traditionally procured and design and build projects.

Having Havio work alongside Virtus Contracts, gives us, and our clients, complete peace of mind throughout each project.

Their knowledge of health and safety requirements is unparalleled, they also understand the practicalities of Health and Safety on site, which adds real value throughout the construction process.

Paul Green
Construction Director

Quality runs through the core of their business, in terms of the finished product they provide and through the management procedures and contractual arrangements of their pre-contract and project mobilisation and delivery activities.

Virtus believe that the construction process benefits from a true team approach, and partnering with clients and construction professionals alike in a shared philosophy is the basis of robust working partnerships.

Tailored Principal Contractor Advisor services

Havio and Virtus have worked in partnership on a wide range of construction projects, initially through supporting a wish to improve site safety through regular health and safety inspections and, more recently, with more in-depth consultation to support Virtus’s core objective to improve health and safety performance in all aspects of business operations.

Havio and Virtus explore further their shared values in a recent guest blog on the Virtus Contracts website, entitled; Havio & Virtus Working for a Safer Built Environment.

The partnership between Havio and Virtus is strong with the shared philosophy of collaboration and a willingness to continually improve health and safety performance with a robust safety culture driven from the top of the business.

Specialist H&S support

The last year has seen Virtus act as Principal Contractor on some interesting and challenging projects, all safely delivered through support and guidance from Havio through tailored Principal Contractor Advisor services.

One such project was at the Korean Embassy in London which presented some major logistical challenges including a lack of access and egress within the building due to both lifts being refurbished at the same time and additional construction activities in the buildings either side of the Embassy by third parties.

Havio worked collaboratively with the Virtus site team to identify solutions to the logistical challenges and advised on safe working practices through regular health and safety inspections and consulting with all members of the Virtus site teams.

The health and safety inspections delivered to Virtus were designed to provide coaching to their site management team and the wider workforce and focused on both positive aspects of performance and aspects of activities requiring additional support.

Additional Health & Safety services

More recently, Virtus has raised the bar in terms setting new objectives for health and safety performance. Following a health and safety audit of CDM compliance, completed by Havio, a wide range of additional services are being delivered, including:

  • Development of a new Health and Safety Policy
  • Provision of full annual support through our Competent Source of Advice service
  • Quarterly health and safety inspection trend analysis reporting and consultation
  • Development and management of a company-wide training skills matrix
  • Delivery of health and safety training and site based toolbox talks
  • Development of construction health and safety site management systems

Testimonial

Would I recommend Havio? Absolutely. Their systems are user-friendly, their people are professional, and their approach is personal.

Nothing’s missed. No one dreads the audits. Everyone feels part of the same team, pulling in the same direction.

Poppy Cunningham
Head of ESG – Virtus

8. Recognising good value

price matters

… but only when you understand what value you’re getting for it.

A £500 policy that doesn’t address your actual business needs is a waste of money.

A £1000 retainer that protects you from a £30,000 enforcement notice is an investment.

Buying cheap can also cost you more in the long run. Not just in money, but in time and stress too.

If you’re about to sign off on Health & Safety support – this guide could save you from a costly decision.

Lets talk about the first thing a lot of people want to know... "HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?"

Fair question. But here’s a better one: “Is it actually good value for money?”

We created this section of the guide to help you recognise real value, and not just go compare prices.

Download it to choose a consultant that fits your goals as well as your budget:

  • Spot red flags - like generic reports and lack of detail
  • Ask the questions that reveal real expertise, not vague promises
  • Understand what each service should deliver so you don’t get shortchanged
  • Know what impacts cost. What’s worth paying for and what you don't need
  • Avoid being sold a ‘standard package’ that doesn’t fit your business
  • Spot hidden extras like travel charges, admin time, emergency call-out fees, and excluded VAT

Any serious consultancy will need to ask you a few questions to give you a detailed and accurate quote (the kind we all like). Don’t accept guesswork.

“How long’s a piece of string?”

Not good enough. A great provider should want to take the time to get to know your business and what you need. It’s a huge red flag if they can’t spent that time at the start with you.

Why can't I find an upfront price anywhere?

Because it’s not a one-size-fits-all service – and it really shouldn’t be.

You’re trusting someone to protect your people, your projects, and your reputation. That takes context, not a cookie-cutter quote.

Here’s why most don’t (and why you should be cautious if they do):

  • It’s not a commodity
    Real consultancy is based on risk, complexity, and what support you actually need. Prices without context are just numbers to reel you in.
  • You don’t want an off-the-shelf solution
    If a provider’s charging flat fees without asking about your setup, your sector, or your pressures – they’re guessing.
  • It invites shortcuts
    Public price lists often lead to under-scoping, under-cooked delivery, or add-on fees later.
  • It misses the point
    The real question isn’t “how much does it cost?” – it’s “what will this help me avoid, improve, or achieve?”

5. Do they have the systems to back it up?

Here’s a question worth asking early:

“How will they manage your data, your risk actions, and your ongoing improvement?”

When you’re choosing a health and safety partner, you’re not just choosing a person – you’re choosing a process, and ideally, fit-for-purpose software that underpins it.

So if you ever are given endless stacks of paper, folders of Excel spreadsheets, and they have a desk like this, run!

A good provider should be able to show you:

  • A Clear, Shared System
  • Real-Time Action Tracking
  • Trend and Performance Data
  • Ease of Use for Your Team
  • Support and Accountability

A good consultant gives you a live, centralised system that cuts admin, shows trends, tracks actions, and lets you fix issues fast – all without adding complexity.

At Havio, we couldn’t find a system that did all this. So we built our own.

Live Close Outs
Quick Glance
Stat 3
Leading Data
Stat 2
Vital Info
Stat 1
One Place

It’s called Altitude. And it’s not just a tool – it’s the core of how we help construction clients reduce risk, drive improvement, and keep their teams and directors protected.
Want to see how it works? 

BOOK A DEMO

6. Green & Red Flags

Know what you're looking for Not all H&S consultants are equal

It’s not always easy to spot the difference –  unless you know the right questions to ask.

What does good really look like in a Health & Safety consultant ? GREEN FLAGS

Anyone can say they’re competent and you may not believe it but anyone can call themselves a Health and Safety Consultant. But if you’re making a decision about a long-term partner – someone who’s going to support your teams, advise your leadership team and represent your business in a crisis you need more than claims, you need proof.

The guide breaks down each one in detail, with examples, questions to ask, and what to expect from a consultant who actually knows their stuff.

  • Recognised qualifications that actually match your project

  • Professional memberships that mean something – and are put to use

  • Proven experience in your sector – not just generic safety

  • Clear, proactive communication (without jargon or hedging)

  • A track record of business impact, not just box-ticking

  • Smart tools that make safety easier to manage, not harder

Hiring the wrong health and safety consultant doesn’t just waste time and money … it creates real risk. RED FLAGS

A poor provider can leave you:

  • Unprotected in a crisis
  • Exposed to legal and financial consequences
  • Scrambling to fix things when it’s already too late
  • Dealing with unhappy team members due to their poor advice or handling of situations.
  • Out of pocket!

Download the guide to spot early warning signs before you sign the contract.

4. What you’re really buying

WHAT YOU SHOULDN'T BE BUYING...

When you hire a Health & Safety consultant, you’re not buying a product in a box or piles of paperwork.

You’re not buying a logo to go on a policy and you’re not buying a certificate for the wall.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BE BUYING...

We’ve outlined what you really should be looking for below, now download the full guide for detailed info.

Real competence isn’t a certificate. It’s the ability to understand risk in your environment and give clear, confident advice, especially under pressure.

In construction, it’s measured by Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviours (SKEB) – not just paper pushing.

👉 Ask: “Can you give me a real example where you had to challenge a client or contractor decision under pressure – and what happened next?”

You’re not just paying for documents – you’re paying for presence: someone who shows up when needed, comes prepared to key meetings, builds trust with your team, and is available during critical phases.

👉 Ask: “Will you actually show up when it matters, or are we just getting reports by email?”

Ultimately, you’re hiring someone to protect your people, your directors, your business, and your future.

Whether it’s supporting a fire investigation, attending an interview under caution, or helping you respond to a near-miss, protection means having someone who’s already one step ahead.

👉 Ask: “If something serious happens – an incident, an HSE visit, or a legal threat – what exactly do you do, and how quickly?”

Your consultant shouldn’t baffle you with jargon or provide 100 page dense documents that no one will ever read (Least of all themselves)

Clarity means confident, actionable advice you can trust. Not risk-averse fence-sitting or vague and wordy interpretations.

👉 Ask: “When there’s a grey area, do you give us a straight answer – or just repeat the regs?”

You’re not just managing legal risk – you’re trying to run a better business. A strong H&S partner doesn’t just help you comply. They help you perform.

They should identify issues long before they become delays, reputational risks, or legal exposures, and help their clients:

Health and safety is not just a cost. Done right, it’s a competitive advantage.

👉 Ask: “How have you helped businesses like ours improve performance – not just avoid fines?”

2. What's your problem?

How the right consultant should respond to Common Pain Points

You’re probably here because something doesn’t feel right or just isn’t working.

Most people looking for a new H&S partner are facing something deeper: a gap in confidence, culture, or capability.

Here's three we hear a lot:

1. “We’re exposed to risk – and we don’t know where the gaps are.”

What this really means:

You don’t have visibility or reassurance.

A good consultant:

Gives a clear roadmap of what’s good, what’s not, and what to fix now - without legalese.

Red flag:

They just email a report. No ongoing support, no defence if things go wrong.

What to ask:

“Can you walk me through how you support clients in a crisis?”

2. “We’re nervous about liability – and no one’s giving us straight answers.”

What this really means:

You want to understand your risk and protect your leadership team.

A good consultant:

Talks plainly about legal responsibility and shows you how to stay in control.

Red flag:

They won’t talk about who’s liable. (That’s a big one.)

What to ask:

“Can you explain who’s responsible for what - and how you help manage that?”

3. “I don’t know how H&S fits into our business improvement strategy.”

What this really means:

Health and Safety feels like a bolt-on, not part of how you grow.

A good consultant:

Will help make health and safety a strategic asset - tied to culture, efficiency, and leadership.

Red flag:

They only talk about compliance or products (policy, inspections etc) - not business impact.

What to ask:

“How will your work help improve how we operate or grow?”

The guide covers more key pain points you're likely facing – and if you've got one we haven't listed, let us know so we can add it in.

2. Why are you here…?

Before you even think about choosing a new Health & Safety provider, ask yourself: What’s triggered your search?

When most people reach out... Trigger Points

Something’s gone wrong – and now there’s pressure to show change, fast.

Often it’s a fresh pair of eyes – a new Director, SHEQ lead etc – who flags what’s not good enough.

The regulator’s been in touch, and you know you need to step things up.

You want your reputation to reflect a forward-thinking, well-run business – not a reactive one.

What worked for five sites won’t work for fifteen. You need structure, clarity, and oversight.

These aren’t just practical issues – they come with real emotional weight

  • Fear – “I’m not sure we’re covered.”
  • Confusion – “Who’s actually responsible for this?”
  • Apathy – “It matters, but it always ends up last on the list.”
  • Overwhelm – “We’ve got too much going on to fix this properly.”

1. Why this guide matters

Health and Safety is no longer just about ticking boxes (In fact it never was!)

In construction & fit-out the consequences of getting it wrong are serious – not just for workers, but for directors, clients, and the wider business. 

Fines, prosecution, site closures, reputational damage, lost tenders – they’re all real risks when health and safety is poorly handled.

This guide is designed to flip that thinking.

"Who is it for?" It’s for:

  • Construction firms balancing high-risk activities, subcontractor management, and CDM duties.
  • Fit-out contractors dealing with live environments, tight schedules, and limited space for error.
  • Clients and developers who carry legal duties and reputational risks but may be distanced from day-to-day operations.

"What will it enable me to do?" By the end of the guide, you’ll:

  • Know what a competent, proactive H&S partner looks like.
  • Be able to spot weak or risky providers before they cost you.
  • Understand how to compare prices and value properly.
  • Have a set of practical questions to ask every consultant you meet.
  • Decide with confidence, not confusion.

This is a practical tool – designed to be printed, shared with your team and used during procurement.

Blue Sky Building

Delivering ‘Quality Safe and Sound’ for this nationwide forward-thinking Construction Management Contractor.

Delivering ‘Quality Safe and Sound’ for this nationwide forward-thinking Construction Management Contractor.

It was decided at our inception that Blue Sky Building would not have an internal Health and Safety Team. Having Havio at our side we feel we have the best of both worlds: a multi-disciplinary consultancy who are serious about maintaining their independence whilst also building positive relationships with all who they meet.

Julian Daniel
Chief Executive Officer

Havio have been working with fast-growing construction contractor, Blue Sky Building, since their inception in 2015.

Focused on excellence and delivering the highest level of service to their clients, BSB have Health and Safety at the very heart of their business with the guiding principle of ‘Delivering Quality – Safe & Sound’.

A tailored service built around the needs of our client

With shared values of intelligence, honesty, integrity and trust, Havio and Blue Sky Building have built an unparalleled partnership at all levels of the business. Blue Sky Building go over and above legal compliance on their projects; to this end Havio have tailored their approach and services accordingly to drive and support this commitment across the business.

Going above and beyond

We have developed a truly bespoke consultancy service to Blue Sky Building that comprehensively responds to their brief. We ensure that our service levels continually go above and beyond our Clients’ expectations; to demonstrate this we have produced a customised version of our in-house developed Safety Inspection Application.

Working on up to six projects at a time on high profile developments such as Kew Pagoda, The Postal Museum, Royal Mail Mount Pleasant enabling works, Edwardian Hotels Leicester Square and The Cumberland Hotel, means communication and collaboration are of paramount importance. We have daily contact with their appointed Health and Safety Champion and provide weekly half-day inspections for each project. Given the number of sites, all with varying degrees of complexity, matching the right expertise at the right time is crucial.

By understanding the build programme, we ensure that a member of our team with the right expertise and experience is available at the right time. Our team’s expertise spans a number of specialisms from demolition, asbestos, working at height, confined spaces, fire safety and groundworks. Our regular attendance at site-based meetings allows various issues to be discussed and resolved together.

Close collaboration

As well as being on-site construction health and safety consultants, we provide ongoing strategic Health and Safety advice for Blue Sky Building at Executive level.

This includes attending a monthly Senior Management Health and Safety meeting where we collate Health and Safety trends using insights from our site-based safety inspections.

In addition, we carry out incident investigations as and when required. Our close collaboration with Blue Sky Building enables us to constantly monitor, review and improve their Health and Safety practices. Where we have identified areas of improvement, we are then able to devise and implement specific training.

In addition to providing Pre-Construction and Construction services, we also advise the company’s Head Office about Health and Safety in the Workplace.

Managing Director JACK RUMBOL CMIOSH GIFireE​

Jack’s introduction to health and safety was anything but conventional. His early days on construction and waste sites, perhaps earlier than most would consider acceptable, gave him a firsthand look at the industry in all its facets.

Today, as the Managing Director of Havio, Jack isn’t just a participant in the world of health and safety; he’s a thought leader. He’s the architect of “Safety Reimagined,” a testament to his ability to envision a brighter future for the industry and inspire his team to work towards it. Recognising the pivotal role of marketing in today’s digital age, Jack champions its integration into the health and safety sector, tapping into its vast potential.

A standout moment in Jack’s career is the creation of Altitude, Havio’s bespoke inspection, auditing & risk assessment tool. This innovation, spurred by a gap Jack identified in the market, underscores his proactive and forward-thinking nature. He also has a keen interest in human behaviour which led him to specialise in enhancing health and safety cultures and behaviour change models.

Outside of work, Jack enjoys practicing daily meditation and encourages others to explore the benefits of this. Married to Sarah he has 3 young children, a dog and loves being in nature.

Associate Consultant SPENCER ALDEN-SMITH ​​MSc BSc(Hons) DipFD EngTech MIFireE

Spencer Alden Smith is a senior fire safety professional with more than thirty years of operational, regulatory and consultancy experience.

His career includes senior leadership roles within London Fire Brigade, where he served as Borough Commander and led major programmes in operational procedures, regulatory fire safety and multi agency collaboration.

Spencer is a registered fire risk assessor with the Institution of Fire Engineers and is experienced in fire risk assessment, fire door inspection, compartmentation surveys, emergency planning and fire safety policy development.

He has also delivered incident command and regulatory fire safety training to fire service officers and has specialist expertise in accident investigation and complex fire safety assurance.

Longley Group

Longley is a public sector contractor delivering safe, high-quality projects with integrity and a strong focus on community impact.

Support that fits -
for a business going places

With a strong public sector portfolio and a growing national footprint, Longley are a contractor in motion.

Longley are delivering high-quality, high-stakes projects across schools, social housing, healthcare, student accommodation, and civic buildings.

They’re working in live environments where disruption must be minimal, risk must be tightly managed, and relationships matter.

That kind of growth and complexity brings new demands – especially around Health & Safety.

Town Hall: Main Hall Refurbishment

Schools outreach  Read more >

Outdoor sensory area  Read more >

Values you can build on

Longley has a strong sense of community. Their commitment to social and ethical responsibility runs deep.

Whether they’re building a primary school, upgrading housing, or delivering a healthcare facility, Longley’s focus is always on the people who’ll use those spaces and the communities they sit within.

Social value is embedded in everything they do. From creating local jobs and improving public infrastructure, to delivering grassroots initiatives like outdoor sensory spaces and the “Wall of Kindness,” Longley brings heart to every project. 

Their partnerships go beyond bricks and mortar, bringing long-term social impact.

This same care extends to the environment. Longley has made clear commitments to sustainability, with a roadmap to net-zero by 2040 and a sustainability-first mindset across all operations. Their projects exceed regulation wherever possible, and their approach is rooted in continuous improvement and transparency.

And when it comes to Health & Safety, Longley holds themselves to the highest standard.

With an exemplary safety record, mandatory team training, and ISOQAR certification across quality, environment, and Health & Safety, they don’t just want to meet expectations – they want to raise them.

It’s this blend of high standards, human focus, and forward-thinking that makes Longley the kind of contractor people want to work with.

Local Authority

Student Accommodation

Social Housing

Education

Healthcare

Commercial

The Challenge

Longley found themselves at a familiar crossroads – too large for a freelancer to cover what they needed, but not yet at the point where a full-time internal H&S team was viable.

Their previous provider had covered the basics, but what they needed now was different:

  • A personal, responsive partnership based on aligned principles
  • Support that’s integrated, not just occasional
  • Guidance from a team who not only understand the demands of live construction sites, but also respect the drivers behind Longley’s work.

They weren’t looking to outsource responsibility or create dependency. They were looking to build and strengthen their internal capability.

What they needed was a partnership that was personal, strategic, and hands-on.

One who could not only keep them compliant, help them embed structure, scale safely, and operate with confidence as they expand into larger, more complex projects.

The Havio Approach: Support that scales with you

From the outset, we knew we’d be a good fit. Not just in size or service offering, but in our shared values around community, responsibility, and doing things right.

Havio focused on understanding Longley’s culture, behaviours, and operational realities.

We began with a full gap analysis, identifying both strengths and critical areas for development, helping map where they are, and where they’re going.

We built a plan around three pillars of support:

  • Up to five project inspections per month
  • On-site mentoring and support for site teams
  • Practical advice that reflects what’s actually happening on site, not theory
  • Strategic dashboards using real project data
  • Meaningful trends and actions, showing performance insights for leadership
  • Developing systems and processes to match Longley’s expansion
  • Upskilling project and site leads, investing in their people for internal capability
  • Supporting Longley’s shift to multi-faceted main contractor delivery

Why our partnership works…

Longley knew they now required more support, but didn’t want to get lost in a big consultancy. 

They were looking for something in between: a highly engaged, adaptable team who could bring structure, insight, and personal attention as they scaled.

Havio bridged that gap.

Our job wasn’t to take over, that was clear: Step by step, system by system, we’re helping Longley grow into their next chapter with confidence and capability.

Peter Sinnock
Commercial and Operations Director

Conclusion

Public sector construction rarely happens in empty buildings. Schools are in session. Healthcare settings are live. Housing blocks are occupied. That means work must be safe, respectful, and invisible when it needs to be, without compromising quality or workflow.

As Longley take on larger, more complex projects, they’re strengthening how Health & Safety lives within the business.

What’s needed is a culture where Health & Safety is understood, owned, and integrated from the boardroom to the building site.

Havio's role...

…is to help them shape systems, support their people, and guide them as they grow a safety culture that’s resilient and sustainable.

This takes more than forms and surface-level compliance. It takes a deep understanding of their risk, a dependable on-site presence, and systems that can flex and scale.

We’re proud to support a company that has care and integrity at its heart.

Associate Consultant HARRY DOLAN ​​

Harry brings over ten years of health and safety experience to Havio, with a background spanning construction, demolition, civil engineering, fit out and manufacturing.

He spent nearly a decade working in health and safety for a Tier 1 contractor before moving into consultancy, where he began supporting a wider range of clients with inspections, audits, documentation, incident investigations and day to day health and safety advice.

Alongside his work with Havio and its clients, Harry runs his own small consultancy, Olrose Safety Ltd. He enjoys the balance the two roles give him: working closely with Havio lets him support a much larger consultancy while still bringing the practical, hands on experience he has gained from working directly with contractors, principal contractors, manufacturers and other businesses.

His main areas of expertise include construction health and safety, CDM compliance, site inspections and audits, Construction Phase Plans, RAMS reviews, incident investigation, contractor management and occupational health arrangements.

Harry’s approach is to keep health and safety clear, proportionate and practical, focusing on what is actually happening on site or in the workplace rather than creating paperwork for the sake of it.

Outside of work, he loves spending time with his wife and daughter, Olive Rose, who also happens to be the inspiration behind the Olrose name.

He’s a keen (if self-confessed rubbish) golfer, and a West Ham supporter, for his sins.

Health & Safety Consultant DANNY RUMBOL ​​

Danny‘s main role at Havio is carrying out site inspections, along with the occasional pre-construction information survey. 

He joined the company after seven years in the highways sector, where his work ranged from concrete joint and bay repairs to bridge joints and specialist ironwork reinstatements. 

Before that, he built up experience across construction, demolition and the waste industry, giving him a broad, hands-on understanding of how sites really operate.

What drew Danny to Havio was the chance to keep developing. He knew he’d have the backing he needed from both the office team and from Jack, and that support has been a big part of his experience since joining.

For Danny, the best part of the job is the people. Construction throws up a huge variety of characters, and no two site visits are ever the same. Even on smaller projects there’s always a fresh set of challenges to work through, and that’s exactly what keeps the work interesting.

Outside of work, life is kept lively by his two-year-old, who does a good job of keeping him on his toes. When he does get a spare moment, it tends to revolve around two things: eating and sport. He’s also a committed Flightradar advocate, which is something most people wouldn’t guess about him.

A perfect weekend for Danny means Sunday football with his mates, watching Arsenal win, and time with family. He’s a lifelong Arsenal fan (in case that wasn’t already clear), and if you asked his friends and family to sum him up in three words, they’d tell you he’s the Golden Child. (Don’t ask!)

Administration Assistant ALEKSANDRA BORKOWSKA

Aleksandra attended University in 2019 and 2022, successfully completing an Undergraduate Degree in Criminology and Psychology, and a Masters in Forensic Psychology.

This experience provided valuable insight into human behaviour and the importance of mental well-being.

She is detail oriented, proactive and an effective communicator with valuable skills in time management and problem solving.

At Havio, Aleks provides vital support across administration and operations. She works closely with Sarah and Georgina to help keep the business running smoothly behind the scenes – from coordinating paperwork and handling client onboarding tasks, to supporting project logistics and ensuring our systems (like Odoo) are kept up to date.

Aleks plays a key role in keeping things organised, efficient, and well communicated across the team.

Non-Executive Director DANNY McGUIGAN

Danny provides innovative leadership development coaching processes for senior leaders and executives, as well as aspiring leaders.

His key focus is to serve as (1) a mentor to guide; (2) a teacher to develop skills; (3) a judge to evaluate progress; and (4) an encourager to cheer them on.

To grow exceptional leaders Danny McGuigan offers clients a safe but challenging opportunity to achieve deep self-awareness and to achieve authentic leadership by developing themselves.

>> www.dannymcguigan.com

Very Good Boy FREDDIE DOG

Freddie spent his early career at home, snuggling in his bed, chewing slippers, stealing socks, and playing in his garden.

He now joins the Team in the office 2 days a week providing endless cuddles, entertainment and ball games.

When not at work, Freddie loves long walks in the woods, getting muddy in the river and trying to catch a squirrel in his garden.

I thought you said we were going walkies not work??
Large double latte will help, just pour it right down here please.
All ready to start my sniffing inspections!
Can I please get on your lap. Please?
It's been a hard days night, and I've been working - like a dog!
Ok! Freddie's ready to do it all over again!

7. What kind of H&S provider do you need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Health & Safety It's all about fit

From solo freelancers to in-house teams, a big name brand or an independent, your options vary widely – and so do the results they deliver.

This section will break down four of the most common options:

We’ve created a straight-talking section in the guide to help you figure it out.

It lays out the four most common provider types, showing what they should be good at, where they can fall short, and who they suit best.

Freelancer

One person, direct and personal, fast and affordable... but can be limited.

Large Consultancy Firm

Big name, big systems, lots of polish, but may lack personal touch.

Independent Mid-sized Consultancy

Strategic partner with sector focus, blending insight, flexibility, and proper embedded support.

In-House Manager or Team

Fully embedded. deep understanding, higher cost, and long-term commitment.

Download the full guide for a comprehensive list of our pros and cons for each.

And we’ve given you a few smart questions you can ask to see which one’s going to be a  fit.

Workplace Futures Group

From Shared Spark to Strategic Strength

Workplace Futures Group (WFG) is an umbrella organisation behind some of the UK’s leading workplace providers.

Through its four specialist companies WFG provides a full spectrum of workplace solutions.

With long-term relationships at its core, WFG supports some of the UK’s most successful businesses. 

It takes a values-led, innovation-first approach: As a certified B Corp, it prioritises quality, impact, and integrity in every project – and looks for partners who do the same.

WFG’s mission is simple:

“To help clients – be they occupiers or providers – achieve and maintain competitive advantage through the workplaces they use, rent, or sell.”

Modus leads on high-end office fit-outs and design

Ambit handles complex refurbishments and technical builds

Two focuses on smaller, agile fit-outs with a people-first approach

Platfform delivers tailored, sustainable furniture packages that bring each space to life

Each company operates with its own leadership and delivery structure – but WFG brings them together under a central R&D and innovation framework.

Havio’s involvement supports the group as a whole, as well as individual businesses and internal teams.

From Spark to Strategy

Like many great partnerships, this one began by chance.

A mutual contact made the introduction – someone from the world of R&D who knew both teams and thought we might get along. They were right.

WFG’s COO Tim White and Havio’s MD Jack Rumbol quickly discovered a shared mindset – both led by values as much as business goals.

They hit it off straight away. From the realities of managing risk on complex fit-outs to the subtleties of shaping culture across multiple businesses – they were speaking the same language.

They realised that WFG and Havio were a natural fit. The timing was right. The values aligned. Was there an opportunity to work together?

And like most of our engagements, this one didn’t start with a fixed brief or an off-the-shelf service.

Jack brings a natural instinct for listening – really listening – and intuitively spotting mutual opportunities. He often ends up proposing a role that wasn’t on the table, but makes perfect sense once it’s said out loud.

With WFG, that meant exploring a way to be a strategic ally – offering sharp, experienced Health & Safety thinking as a way to strengthen systems, empower people, and support long-term growth.

A natural fit

Great relationships start with a click.

And it quickly became clear that Jack and Tim’s organisations, goals and outlooks were just as aligned.

Jack Rumbol has been leading Havio for some time now, and isn’t resting on any laurels.

He’s continually shaping a role that’s uniquely his – part strategist, part listener, part problem solver. The kind of role that doesn’t always exist until someone like him steps into it.

You can’t always use a checkbox list to assess risks or spot problems.

Sometimes, you just have to feel in your gut when something’s not right, investigate, and peel back the layers to reveal it. You need the ability to see what others don’t.

That’s something Jack’s got in spades. He’s intuitive. Observant. He listens more than he talks (and we have to say, he does talk a lot too!)

He can walk onto a site or into a meeting and spot the thing no one’s picked up on yet. The gap. The blind spot. The tension or dynamic that’s dragging things down.

That’s why, amongst other things, he’s Havio’s H&S Diagnostic expert. He can probe deep, zoom out, take it all in, and then quietly point to exactly where the shifts need to happen.

And that’s really what sets Havio apart – Jack leading a team that thinks, listens, and works with people. 

They’re on a mission to change the way Health & Safety is seen – not as a burden, but as a force that can drive real performance, with people as the solution.

Tim White is the kind of leader who doesn’t need the spotlight – but whose influence is everywhere.

With over 30 years in the construction industry, he’s seen every type of challenge you can throw at a business: cultural, operational, and environmental. And he’s met them all with calm clarity.

He started in design, moved into project management, and quickly rose through the ranks at Modus before stepping into his current role as COO of Workplace Futures Group.

But Tim’s not your typical group exec. He’s still hands-on with clients, still tuned in to the detail, and still deeply involved in the work.

You won’t find him micromanaging or heavy-handed with the rulebook.

You’ll find him quietly pushing standards higher across quality, compliance, and culture. He’s a systems thinker with a long view, but he never loses sight of the human side of leadership.

Tim recently hosted a “Breakfast Briefing” at Footprint+ alongside Modus and WFG’s Juliet Price, discussing how ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is shaping asset performance and sustainability metrics in design and delivery.

His approach is thoughtful, principled, and blisteringly effective.

Havio’s Role

Our engagement began with a light-touch advisory remit: strategic oversight and input at a senior level, delivered through a flexible retainer.

We provide 3 days per month Retained H&S Support to support the H&S Manager across all business units, this could be undertaking site reviews, attending monthly H&S Meetings, updating documentation, helping implement a new process etc.

Importantly, we don’t lead on inspections. Those are still delivered through trusted freelancers. Our role is strategic, integrated, and scalable – designed to strengthen what’s already in place, not replace it.

This is an exemplar of the kind of relationship Havio does best. We’re never here to impose, take over or replace. We’re here to integrate, advise, and strengthen. Our clients are long term because they want to work with us, not because we’ve tied them to us.

For a large group like WFG – operating across multiple businesses, sites, and scopes- Health & Safety can’t live in a silo. It has to be embedded, agile, and connected to commercial outcomes, and that’s what we bring.

Looking Ahead

Jack knew from his first conversation with Tim that WFG was Havio’s kind of client: committed to better workplaces, full of ambition, and serious about doing things the right way.

WFG had their day-to-day compliance needs already covered. They were ready for high level strategic H&S support – insights delivered to be practical, credible and actionable.

This partnership is still young. There’s space for it to grow – into more embedded work, closer project involvement, and shared learning across the group.

Because when the fit is right – when values, ambition, and mutual respect align – good things can follow.

We’re honoured to have the opportunity to support WFG’s safety ambitions today...

…and help them shape the kind of growth they’re planning for tomorrow.

Associate Consultant MARTIN HOWELL ​​

Martin has 18 years of construction health and safety; starting in a brick and block laying business to set up a Human Resources function, an opportunity emerged for him to become involved in health and safety.

Since becoming fully qualified, Martin has been involved in projects in healthcare, education, transport and most recently, the complex field of residential Fire Remediation.

At Havio, Martin has proved to be very versatile and a valuable resource.

Martin is very technically proficient in construction legislation and its principles of delivery, translating this to everyone on a building site and driving good practices.

He has a forensic eye for detail, ensuring compliance is met in documentation and operations.

Operations Director SARAH RUMBOL BSC​

Sarah has an extensive retail background, boasting over a decade of experience in the vibrant and fast paced world of high-end high street fashion brands.

As a Merchandiser, Sarah bridged the gap between the fashion designers and the consumer. Her role involved the understanding of trends, combining business acumen, and effective marketing and promotional strategies to meet consumer demands and maximise sales.

After taking time out to raise her three children, Sarah joined Havio in 2022, bringing a broad set of skills to support the next stage of the company’s growth. 

She oversees all non-technical areas of the business – including finance, operations, marketing, HR, and IT –  and plays a key role in the day-to-day running of the company. Sarah also helps shape Havio’s strategic direction, offering a calm, commercial perspective that keeps us grounded and focused.

When not at work, you will likely find Sarah at home doing arts and crafts with the children, or on a long woodland walk with her dog Freddie.

Bell Building Projects

With over 40 years of construction experience, BBP is now at the forefront of safe, compliant cladding remediation across the UK.

Combustible Cladding Remediation: the work that really matters

The risk few are willing to own

Fire remediation isn’t standard construction. It’s deconstruction and then reconstruction under pressure, stripping away cladding, exposing fire-stopping often while residents remain in their homes.

It’s risky. It’s complex. It’s under intense scrutiny from regulators, insurers, and the public. And yet, there’s a serious gap in the industry: very few people are actually competent – or willing – to assess fire risk during the construction phase.

You’ve got:

  • Fire engineers trained for completed buildings, not live sites
  • Consultants charging extortionate fees to avoid the work
  • Others dangerously undercooking it with generic reports that won’t stand up to challenge

The result? Confused clients, inflated costs, delayed projects, and unnecessary risk.

Princess House – Manchester

The countdown is on - but rushing it isn't an option

Following years of delay and political fallout, the government has now set a hard deadline: all high-rise buildings with unsafe cladding must be remediated by 2029.

Campaigners say trust is already thin. The process is complex, heavily scrutinised, and fraught with legal, technical, and emotional issues. They also claim the deadline is unrealistic and in the scramble to complete projects in time, corners may be cut.

Speed is essential if this deadline is to be achieved… but we believe that safety, precision, and accountability matter more.

That’s why BBP’s approach demands partners who understand not just compliance, but consequence.

With Havio involved from the earliest design stages, BBP can move quickly, confidently, and responsibly in one of the most politically sensitive sectors in UK construction.

Montana House – Manchester

Why BBP partnered with Havio

Bell Building Projects (BBP) is a well-established main contractor with a 40+ year track record in industrial and commercial delivery.

But after The Grenfell Tower Disaster, they shifted decisively into cladding remediation – one of the most high-stakes, tightly regulated construction sectors in the UK.

With a pipeline of 30+ projects, BBP needed a fire safety partner who understood both regulation and reality.

Someone who could work alongside their teams to identify risk without derailing the job.

They chose Havio.

What Havio delivers

BBP use Havio across all their remediation sites to give them confidence in their approach and clarity in front of stakeholders. We deliver:

  • Design-Stage Fire Risk Assessments – embedded early to help price in risk properly
  • Construction Fire Risk Assessments (CFRAs) – based on desktop analysis and on-site review
  • Live Site Reviews & Support – practical advice through every phase of the works

All assessments are delivered through our own Altitude platform, ready for regulators, insurers, and internal teams alike.

Tradewinds – London

What’s really at stake during Fire Remediation

Fire remediation works can increase fire risk if not planned and managed carefully – especially when residents remain in occupation.

You’re stripping away protection, disrupting alarms and fire-stopping, and working around people’s homes. The risk shifts daily.

As BBP’s Construction Fire Risk Assessment provider, Havio assess how the work affects fire risk at each stage and suggest clear, practical measures to reduce it.

Remediation works don’t just affect buildings they affect lives. Residents may already be anxious, frustrated, or feeling trapped in unsellable homes. Our assessments consider this human context. We advise BBP to:

  • Maintain open, honest communication through Resident Liaison Officers (RLOs)
  • Reinforce key behavioural points with residents (e.g. no smoking out windows, no BBQs)
  • Align the fire strategy with how people are actually living in the building

Removing cladding often compromises compartmentation critical for stopping fire spread. In these cases, ‘stay put’ strategies may no longer apply. We assess the impact of:

  • Sectional removal and reinstatement sequencing
  • Temporary compartmentation or fire barriers
  • How long vulnerable areas remain exposed

And we advise on short-term mitigations that can help protect residents during these phases.

One of the key risks is fire-stopping being removed early… and reinstated late. We identify these points in the build programme and flag where the sequencing introduces vulnerability – advising BBP to:

  • Track removal and reinstatement clearly
  •  Reduce time gaps between them
  •  Ensure the site team understands how it affects the evacuation strategy

Scaffold design can increase fire risk, especially on occupied buildings.

Timber platforms add fuel. Monoflex wraps can trap smoke and heat, leading to dangerous smoke logging if a fire breaks out.

We assess:

  • If non-combustible scaffold systems (like steel platforms) were considered
  • Justification for timber use and how fire load is being controlled
  • Whether ventilation breaks are built into the wrap design to let smoke escape

Scaffolding isn’t neutral. It’s part of the fire strategy – and it needs to be treated that way.

When compartmentation is breached or alarms are offline, evacuation plans must change – fast. We evaluate whether:

  • The temporary fire strategy is clearly defined
  • Simultaneous evacuation has been planned for
  • False alarm risks (e.g. during linking of new alarms) have been accounted for

We don’t write the strategy – but we assess whether the one in place matches the risk.

Fire remediation is still a developing industry. Not all contractors have the fire safety awareness the work demands. We assess:

  • Site-wide controls on hot works, battery charging, gas storage
  • Fire point provision and travel distances (as per HSG168)
  • Day-to-day fire risk management and general housekeeping

Where standards fall short, we make it clear in our reports so BBP can act.

Fire alarms, extinguishers, scaffold fire points – these aren’t just boxes to tick. We assess:

  • Whether provision aligns with risk level and resident occupancy
  • How systems integrate across scaffold and building
  • Whether mitigation is in place when ideal standards can’t be met

Our role is to give BBP a clear picture of the fire risk on site – and what must be done to manage it.

Why Havio’s approach works

We’re embedded right from the start – building fire safety into the design, not bolting it on afterwards.

Our advice is grounded, evidence-based, and backed by documentation that stands up to scrutiny from regulators, insurers, and clients alike.

There’s a misconception in the industry that fire engineers are the natural choice for construction fire risk assessments. They’re not. Most are trained to develop strategies for finished buildings, not live sites in a constant state of change.

Havio specialise in construction-phase fire risk assessments. We combine deep fire safety knowledge with hands-on construction experience so we understand both the hazards and the practicalities of delivering the work. That’s rare.

We’re not here to tick boxes or cover backs with overcautious advice that sends budgets spiralling. We’re here to give balanced, defendable guidance that keeps people safe and keeps projects moving.

Because when it comes to fire safety during remediation, the worst thing you can do is either undercook it… or overreact. Both are costly. Both are dangerous.

Our role is simple:

To give our clients the clarity and confidence to know their projects are safe – for residents, for workers, and for the regulator.

Bell Building Projects undertakes high-risk construction activities in a live environment.

For that reason, those works are front and centre of the industry and require particular focus on health and safety and mitigation measures.

Havio is an integral part of our project delivery and enhances our specialism, providing advice and recommendations accordingly.

Stuart Moncrieff
Chief Operating Officer

Office Principles

Havio has been Office Principles’ CDM and Health & Safety partner since 2018, supporting every project from design to delivery.

CDM Consultancy Services for the UK's leading interior design consultancy

Who are Office Principles?

Office Principles are the UK’s leading interior design consultancy, specialising in office designs, refurbishment, interior fit-out, relocation, and corporate furniture systems all across the United Kingdom

A company that prides itself on its reputation, experience, and the provision of exceptional service is a perfect match for Havio, who shares these qualities.

Havio has supported Office Principles since 2018, and their advice and support have been invaluable.

One of the areas in which they excel is providing a all-encompassing nationwide service, from assisting with strategic decisions concerning health and safety down to support at the site floor.

Our organisations are dedicated to providing exceptional service, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services to anyone looking for quality health and safety support and guidance.

Stephen Parsons
Joint Managing Director

The main challenges faced by Office Principles:

  • Office Principles are known for creating beautiful and innovative spaces, so it is of utmost importance that designers aren’t stifled from their creative endeavours. Havio are great believers in real-world, sensible design risk management, which ensures that the spaces created are safe for all users but crucially not lacking in any design flair/creativity.
  • Office Principles, in recent years, have branched out from a predominantly London and Home Counties-centric business into one with a nationwide reach. This has required Havio to be flexible to the demands of the business and develop a solution to support the business cost-effectively. Havio supports projects across the country from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Carlisle and everything in between.
  • The fast-paced nature of the market means there are often reduced lead times to projects with a two-week timeframe not uncommon. This requires Havio to be flexible and adapt when faced with a project with tight deadlines. Being an expert in the office interiors market, we are well used to dealing with this.
  • Adapting to new technologies. As a forward-thinking company, Office Principles have quickly embraced new ways of working, which can aid with efficiency gains, amongst others. Havio, having designed its own software platform, has been able to provide pointers on how best to embrace technology within the business.

What was Havio’s solution?

Our long-term strategy includes a range of health and safety consultancy services, including:

  • Provision of a year-round health and safety competent person service
  • Development of a bespoke Health and Safety Policy
  • Completion of an annual health and safety audit
  • Appointment on all Office Principles projects to act as an advisor to the business as the nominated Principal Designer and Principal Contractor

This all-in-one service includes the following:

  • Principal Designer Advisor Role
    Pre-Construction Information, Design Risk Management Reviews, H&S File Production.
  • Principal Contractor Advisor
    Developing a Construction Phase Plan, two weekly H&S Inspections and ongoing support.

The key to our success in delivering a large number of projects with short turnaround times is how we manage large accounts. Office Principles have a delivery team which consists of a Havio Director, an Account Manager who is a senior H&S Consultant and 2 Health and Safety Consultants. This means that whatever the requirements are of Office Principles, they have a team of experts behind them every step of the way.

  • Holding regular Health and Safety Performance Reviews
  • Incident investigations and debriefs
  • Delivery of Health and Safety Training
  • Attendance at Health and Safety Meetings

OUTCOME

Office Principles have an excellent Health and Safety record which runs throughout all areas of the business, be it within their offices or on the many projects successfully delivered annually.

Havio is proud to partner with a business where their people’s Health, Safety and Well-being are prioritised.

Zenobē Energy Limited

We’re proud to support Zenobē on their bold commitment to “make clean power accessible worldwide”

How Havio Supports Zenobē’s High-Impact Energy Projects

Who are Zenobē?

Zenobē are on a mission: to accelerate the transition to a net-zero society.

They design, finance, build and operate cutting-edge battery solutions that capture renewable energy, balance supply on the grid, and deliver clean power to electric vehicles.

When those batteries reach the end of their lifecycle, Zenobē repurposes them, proving sustainability doesn’t stop at installation.

What They Do

Zenobē operates across two major workstreams:

  • EV Charging Infrastructure:
     Installing EV charging systems for major transport providers like Stagecoach and Arriva, particularly in bus depots and urban locations across the UK.
  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS):
     Building large-scale energy storage facilities in remote or high-risk environments, including current sites in Kilmarnock, Coalburn and Eccles in Scotland.

The Challenge

Zenobē isn’t a contractor – they oversee delivery through their network of partners. That means oversight and consistency are critical:

  • Keeping contractors compliant with CDM regulations
  • Ensuring consistent Health & Safety standards across multiple regions and site types
  • Navigating complex risks, from high-voltage infrastructure to unpredictable weather
  • Aligning local contractor’s practices with Zenobē’s corporate-level standards

Havio supports Zenobē as a long-term Health & Safety partner, actively enabling performance, multi-site safety, and growth.

Quotation please!

Martyn Adeyinka
Chief Operating Officer

On-Site, On Point

Across Zenobē’s national EV programme, Havio acts as their “eyes and ears on the ground”- carrying out fortnightly site visits in regions like London, the Home Counties, Birmingham, and Nottingham.

Regional consultant Martin Howell supports Havio on Zenobē’s BESS projects across Scotland, bringing local knowledge and practical expertise to keep standards high in challenging environments.

We monitor contractor activity, verify compliance with CDM and site safety protocols, and support Zenobē’s project managers with real-time insights to keep every site safe and efficient, being able to manage them all from our Altitude app.

Managing Risk in High-Stakes Environments

The BESS projects are where things get more complex and critical. These high-voltage systems plug directly into the grid and often operate in open, remote environments where weather and terrain present additional hazards. We help Zenobē:

  • Plan around risk from day one, by consulting at the pre-construction and design stage
  • Maintain control onsite, helping regional contractors adapt their own H&S styles
  • Deliver compliance and resilience, through fire risk assessments and DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) evaluations when each BESS facility goes live

Contractors Aligned

Zenobē is operating at the sharp edge of a fast-evolving sector. They’re bringing innovative battery storage and EV infrastructure into the mainstream. That means they’re often working with contractors who are used to doing things their way.

Havio plays a key role in helping Zenobē raise the bar – embedding their own high Health & Safety standards across contractor teams, uprating or replacing legacy processes or inconsistent practices.

Whether it’s a large-scale BESS installation or a tight-turnaround EV depot upgrade, we work alongside Zenobē to:

  • Communicate expectations clearly
  • Reinforce standards consistently across multiple projects
  • Provide an independent view that keeps both sides aligned

The aim is to create an overarching culture of accountability that matches Zenobē’s ambition.

Strategic Support That Scales

At the corporate level, Havio supports Zenobē’s Health & Safety Risk Department with:

  • Standardisation across new BESS projects, from planning through to operation
  • Performance monitoring and trend analysis via Altitude, our reporting and insight platform
  • Proactive improvement targeting, identifying patterns and acting on potential risks before they escalate

We’re empowering Zenobē’s internal teams with data-backed foresight and confidence.

OUTCOME

By embedding ourselves into Zenobē’s operations, from day-to-day site visits to high-level strategic planning, we’ve helped them create a safer, smarter foundation for their rapid growth.

At Havio, we’re proud to support Zenobē on their bold commitment to “make clean power accessible worldwide”.

Across their EV and BESS work streams, we help ensure every site is safe, compliant, and future-ready, so they can keep pushing boundaries to fulfil their mission of a net-zero world.

Lead Health & Safety Consultant CHARLIE NEWSON ​TechIOSH​

Charlie had a wealth of on-the-tools experience before joining Havio. He spent time labouring, scaffolding, and more recently French Polishing, in and around London. Looking for a new challenge, Charlie joined Havio in 2022 with only limited health and safety experience.

Today, Charlie works predominantly within Havio’s Construction division, delivering Critical Plans for Principal Contractors and Contractors on site. He also carries out regular site inspections for clients, allowing him to build relationships across his sites. Charlie also delivers Fire and Workplace Risk Assessments across a variety of other industries across the country.

When not at work, Charlie loves spending time with his family. He is a regular gym-goer, enjoys cooking, watching football, and meeting up with friends for dinner and drinks.

Operations Supervisor CHARLOTTE PRENTICE

Charlotte has a strong administerial background, working across a variety of business in roles including Sales, Office Manager, and Personal Assistant.

Charlotte is Havio’s Operations Supervisor and works across the business supporting the day to day running and has done so since she joined us in 2019. She is extensively involved in Havio’s CRM system Odoo and our in-house designed Health & Safety software, Altitude.

 If you are new to Havio or looking to find out more, it is likely that you will speak to Charlotte. She is our first point of contact at Havio for any new enquiries and liaises regularly with our existing client base.

Outside of work Charlotte enjoys walking her 2 dogs, working on her house (it was a do-er-upper) and dancing.

Senior Associate LINDSEY SIMMONS CMIOSH​

Lindsey has extensive Construction Health and Safety experience, and before joining Havio in 2021, she was based on large-scale projects in the private sector.

Today at Havio, Lindsey works closely with clients, principal contractors, and sub-contractors to monitor health and safety compliance and improve the culture at the site level and more overarchingly within an organisation. 

More recently, Lindsey heads up our southern based Consultancy Team – she is a positive, proactive member of Havio, providing strategic direction, training, competent advice and guidance to management and the wider organisation, as well as the ongoing support, coaching and development of the consultant team.

Lindsey is passionate about building relationships, empowering people to maintain safe and healthy places of work, and, crucially, taking the client and their teams with her.

When Lindsey is not at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading books and going to the gym.

Finance & Operations Co-ordinator GEORGINA MORGAN

Georgina spent a few years travelling and spent 3 years in Australia. Once back in the UK, she spent 5 years as a Resident Liaison Office for a medium sized maintenance and construction company before joining Havio in 2017.

During her time at Havio, Georgina has worked across many difference functions of the business. Today, Georgina manages the day-to-day finances of the business, organises team travel, and completes payroll. She is key in providing HR support to Havio, inducting all new starters and managing the payroll and pension start up. More recently, Georgina has responsibility for Havio’s online e-learning portal.

Outside of work, Georgina enjoys playing and watching football, going to music gigs and beating all the team at table tennis, (she’s the office champion!).

Director KAREN PAGE BSc (Hons), DipNCRQ, MEnvMgt

Karen has been a Director at Havio since 2021, playing a key role in the design and development of Altitude. With over a decade of experience in HSE consulting and seven years in senior leadership roles, she specialises in strategic and operational improvements.

Now based in Western Australia, Karen continues to support Havio in cultural transformation, integrating technology-driven safety solutions, and leading strategic internal projects to enhance efficiency and client safety outcomes.

Outside of work, you’ll most likely find Karen at her local coffee shop or the beach. She enjoys ocean swimming and creating elaborate birthday cakes for her children, nieces, and nephews.