BCD 2017

6 T H E B U I L D I N G C O N S E R VAT I O N D I R E C T O R Y 2 0 1 7 Foreword W E ARE CLEARLY entering a period of significant uncertainty, and opportunity. At the time of writing, the implications of the referendum vote to take the United Kingdom out of the European Union remain unclear but while discussions are ongoing the building conservation sector must seize the opportunity to make our case for the contributions we make, not only to the economy, but to social and cultural wellbeing. Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS), like our counterpart Heritage Alliance, fulfils an advocacy role for the historic environment and with its members takes this message to all levels of government. The built environment is a physical record of historical change across the centuries. Among other things, it tells of the changing relationships of the home nations, the influence of global migration on what was built and how it was built, the impact of (de-)industrialisation and changes in social structure. Importantly, it is often the local, idiosyncratic built environment that makes people feel ‘at home’, rooted and connected to places they care about passionately. The companies and organisations listed in this directory help maintain that connection by providing specialist products and services to help protect what makes places special, from expansive landscapes to the fine details of material choices. It is crucial for the sector to make sure that the legislative protections we currently enjoy are not diminished. In times of economic uncertainty there can be a push towards relaxing these protections to stimulate economic activity in the short term while overlooking the economic benefits of building maintenance and the value of the embodied carbon and social value contained within existing buildings. There are also opportunities we must take within the changing legislative landscape, possibly none greater than to equalise the rate of VAT between maintenance of existing buildings and the construction of new ones. BEFS takes a people-focussed approach to our built heritage, recognising its value in terms of social engagement and wellbeing. Empowering communities can achieve positive results at a time of public sector retrenchment. But if communities are to assume greater responsibility in relation to the conservation of historic buildings, we must ensure that they are able to access the resources and expert support they need – that’s where The Building Conservation Directory comes into play as a vital resource for everyone in the sector. In changing times, it is important that the building conservation sector makes its voice heard in the political arena and BEFS and its members will be working hard in 2017 to ensure that it is. Graeme Purves Chair Built Environment Forum Scotland Discussing heritage and diversity at Built Environment Forum Scotland's 2016 conference