NG Bailey signs BESA Member Pledge on supply chain competence

NG Bailey has signed the Building Engineering Services Association's Member Pledge, which encourages contractors to bring their supply chain partners into BESA membership and have them demonstrate their capability through the association's competence audit.

The pledge encourages contractors to have partners demonstrate capability through the BESA Competence Assessment Standard (CAS). NG Bailey said the pledge aims to strengthen confidence in project delivery, reduce risk and build trust between contractors, their partners and clients.

According to BESA, NG Bailey signed alongside Dalkia Engineering Limited at the association's President's Lunch at the OXO Tower in London. BESA's report of the signing also noted the inaugural speech of incoming BESA President Anna Shephard. BESA reported the signing on 12 October 2026 and NG Bailey posted its own announcement on 15 October.

Jonathan Stockton, Chief Executive Officer of NG Bailey, said: "By investing in our people, supporting our supply chain and leading by example, we can help raise standards and inspire the next generation to take pride in a career in building engineering services."

The audit

BESA says the Competence Assessment Standard provides independent assessment of members' technical competence and commercial capability. New members are assessed on joining and at the end of their first year, then every three years, or more often if required.

The audit's business management review recognises the Common Assessment Standard developed by Build UK and endorsed by the Construction Leadership Council, BESA says. Stockton was appointed a Trade Association Director at Build UK in January 2026.

BESA said in January 2026 that the current pass rate for the CAS audit, meaning companies achieving zero non-compliance, was 62%. The association says the audit investigates whether prospective and existing members have all the skills needed to deliver quality, safe work.

BESA says the Member Pledge allows contractors to take control of their supply chains.

Paul Eagle, technical director at Dalkia Engineering and BESA vice president, said: "Signing the BESA Member Pledge is a proud moment for the company."

NG Bailey's position

For the year ending 28 February 2025, NG Bailey reported turnover of £662m, up from £600m in 2024, with underlying operating profit rising to £15.0m from £11.2m. Its order book grew to £1.6bn from £1.4bn.

NG Bailey	2024	Year to 28 Feb 2025
Turnover	£600m	£662m
Underlying operating profit	£11.2m	£15.0m
Order book	£1.4bn	£1.6bn

What happens next

BESA said the next wave of major contractors will sign the pledge at its Annual Conference on 22 October 2026 at The Brewery, London.