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In the pharmaceutical sector, HVAC systems are critical process assets that safeguard product quality, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability. Designing HVAC systems with strong commissionability and maintainability ensures that facilities can be tested & validated efficiently, operated consistently, and sustained throughout their lifecycle. This philosophy is always at the forefront of BES’s design teams mind and is something we strive for throughout the design process.
This Global Recycling Day, we’re highlighting a practical example from one of our current sites, where our teams are using recycled aggregates to reduce environmental impact and support more circular construction practices. Across the site, we’re making use of recycled aggregates produced by crushing and processing concrete, brick, asphalt, and other construction waste materials. All materials meet the updated 2025 MCHW requirements and are fully compliant with WRAP protocols and UK quality standards.
In the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector, the concept design stage is where strategic thinking has the greatest impact. It defines the framework for compliance, operational flow, and the long-term adaptability of every pharmaceutical facility. At BES, we see concept design not just as a preliminary step, but as the foundation on which compliant, efficient, and future-ready cleanrooms and controlled environments are built.
Every year, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlights the vital contributions women make across the scientific community and calls attention to the importance of building inclusive, equitable pathways into STEM. The day serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work still needed to ensure equal access, representation, and opportunity for women and girls who aspire to shape the future of science.
To meet the established cleanroom standard, we must focus on minimizing contamination risk (cross-contamination from lower-grade areas, airborne contamination, contamination brought in by personnel or equipment). The facility layout will be affected by the addition of airlocks between areas of differing classification. The room finishes must ensure that they are fully sealed to their adjacent environment, using smooth, non-porous, and easy-to-clean surfaces that are resistant to chemical exposure related to cleaning agents or manufacturing processes.
As the principal designer and contractor, BES delivered an intricate, complex expansion that included an extended and repurposed Grade C suite and a new sterile filling line to achieve a higher run rate. The project required an extension and modification of an existing building housing a fully operational line, with production remaining live throughout construction. Maintaining quality control and preventing contamination were naturally of the highest priority.
BES has a large multidisciplinary design team, and over the years we’ve delivered design commissions across the full spectrum from masterplanning and feasibility studies to detailed design and on-site coordination. We thought it would be great to introduce some of the people behind this success and share a bit about our approach.
Setting and meeting Quality objectives in design is fundamental to delivering safe, efficient, and compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing and research & development facilities. Applying a ‘right first time’ philosophy to the integration of architectural, HVAC, electrical, and process utility systems is seated deep within the BES DNA. These core disciplines are coordinated by our in-house teams into a coherent whole that supports our clients’ processes, regulatory compliance, and long-term operational performance.
BES designed and commissioned a sterile production facility within an 18-month schedule. Challenges included completing sterile areas early for testing while construction continued, marking a first for such tests at this stage. The project included architectural, HVAC, electrical, and process utilities, with extensive validation support.
It’s been some time since our last company update, and we’re delighted to share this latest message from our Managing Director, Paul Marsh. In this short video, Paul reflects on the journey BES has taken over the past year, including our acquisition by the M Group, continued growth across our design and project delivery teams, and the exciting opportunities emerging within the UK life sciences sector.