A national technical specialist based has strengthened its design assurance in step with changing regulation across the construction industry. 

 Bluebay Building Products via its exclusive own-brand Solco product range, will now act as an appointed duty holder designer for structural waterproofing and ground gas protection systems – a unique position in the market – taking formal responsibility for the design of these critical safety elements. 

 The firm, which operates out of depots in Gateshead, Warrington, Cardiff, Thurrock and its newly opened base in Milton Keynes, has secured £5m in professional indemnity cover, providing clients with protection against design failure, negligence or inaccurate advice. This step reflects the wider shift in UK building safety culture since the Building Safety Act came into force in 2022. 

 The move comes as the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) implements tougher expectations around competence and clear lines of responsibility, particularly for higher-risk and complex buildings.  

 “This is about taking accountability seriously and helping our clients demonstrate compliance,” said Laura Beveridge, head of technical at Bluebay, “The industry has been calling for greater clarity around design responsibility and we’re stepping up to provide exactly that.” 

 Solco’s offer includes professional indemnity specifically covering design for waterproofing and gas protection systems. For many architects, such cover has become difficult or impossible to obtain, meaning some projects risk delay or additional liability. The company is also aligning its internal standards with BS 8670, the British Standard defining competence frameworks for construction professionals. 

 The move reflects Solco’s growing influence in specialist design and specification. “This is about leading by example,” Beveridge added, “We’re not waiting for legislation to catch up, we’re raising the bar now, so our partners and clients can build with confidence.” 

 The news further strengthens Bluebay’s commitment to technical leadership, competence and long-term value as the business continues to grow nationally and support customers in a complex regulatory environment.  

 For further information: https://bluebaybp.co.uk/