G Cloud 14 reappointment

In October, we were once again listed on the Crown Commercial Service’s G-Cloud 14 framework. This prestigious network allows us to deliver our digital solutions to public sector clients, reaffirming our commitment to driving digital transformation across the built environment. Being re-appointed to this framework is a testament to the trust and value our clients place in Glider’s solutions

Twelve award short listings and two big wins

This year we were shortlisted for twelve awards including categories for Building Awards, Building Innovation Awards, Construction News Awards and Digital Construction Awards. In November, our work on the iconic 22 Bishopsgate project earned us the ‘Collaboration Project of the Year’ award at the Construction Computing Awards. Then in December, at the UK PropTech Association Awards, we were honoured with a win in the ‘Digitally Enabled Spaces’ category. This was for our involvement in the MOJ’s HMP Five Wells digital twin with Kier and Future Decision, which highlights our commitment to driving innovation and excellence in PropTech

Revolutionising smart building integration

In February, Glider proudly collaborated with an esteemed consortium including others from ScanTech Digital, Kier and Hoare Lea, to release the RIBA Smart Building Overlay. This ground-breaking guidance was written to transform how smart building technology is integrated into construction projects, whether new builds, retrofits or refurbishments.

The overlay simplifies smart building terminology and demonstrates the benefits of early technology integration, providing architects, engineers, and developers with a clear pathway to harness cutting-edge solutions. As champions of digital innovation, Glider is honoured to have contributed to this vital resource.

To read more about the guidance read the article.

A new investment partner for growth

In March we introduced Cow Corner as Glider’s new investment partner. A private UK-based firm specialising in services and software businesses, Cow Corner was a natural fit for Glider’s next phase of growth.

The investment was the start of our exciting new growth phase and has allowed us to continue innovating and delivering exceptional value to our clients.

If you want a refresher, check out our blog post.

Doubling in size with the acquisition of EDocuments

The highlight of 2024 was, without a doubt, the acquisition of EDocuments in September. This move effectively doubled our size and capability, marking the beginning of a new era in digital information management. EDocuments, known for their industry-leading O&M manual solutions, brings decades of expertise and innovation to Glider. Together, we’re creating a seamless digital handover process, ensuring compliance, reducing complexity, and delivering better-managed buildings. Welcoming the EDocuments team has been a joy, and we’re excited for the future we’re building together.

Looking ahead to 2025

As we step into 2025, we remain focused on our mission to empower asset owners and construction professionals with the tools and insights they need to optimise building performance and value. With the integration of EDocuments and the industry’s continued recognition, we are poised to lead the charge in digital transformation across the built environment.

To all our clients, partners and colleagues, thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to an even more exciting and successful 2025!

The UK PropTech Association’s digitally enabled spaces award celebrates collaborations that bring innovative technology into physical spaces, transforming them into smart, connected and customer-centric environments. Glider’s award-winning submission was for the Ministry of Justice’s (MOJ) digital twin project at HMP Five Wells, which was delivered in partnership with Kier Construction and Future Decisions.

The project is the first of its kind in the UK public sector and showcases how digital twin technology can enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and improve operational performance. From creating an asset information foundation through gliderbim® to implementing performance insights that optimise building operations, this initiative has set a benchmark for innovation in the public sector and beyond.

Real-world impact

HMP Five Wells serves as the UK’s first ‘smart’ prison. Our digital twin proof-of-value project has already demonstrated measurable benefits. These include:

• Energy savings of 20-40% during phase two
• Carbon reductions of 333 tCO2e across houseblocks
• Positive impacts on prisoner rehabilitation and behaviour through optimised environmental conditions

This project provides the MOJ with a scalable solution for their entire estate as well as other public sector facilities. With plans to twin additional sites like HMP Elmley, the potential for creating sustainable, efficient and connected spaces is enormous.

A milestone for Glider and PropTech

This win demonstrates Glider’s journey from construction technology (ConTech) to becoming a serious player in PropTech. As well as providing digital handover solutions during the construction phases, we are proud to support building owners and operators throughout the entire lifecycle of their assets.

A powerful partnership

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible collaboration with Kier, the MOJ and Future Decisions. We’re excited to continue innovating and sharing our learnings to drive industry-wide transformation.

Here’s to building smarter, more connected spaces for today and the future!

Photo: Lucas Cusack (Glider) and James Franklin (Kier) collecting the UKPA award for Digitally Enabled Spaces on 28 November 2024.

Want to learn more?

You can read more about this project in our HMP Five Well case study.

Get in touch with our team to find out more about our approach to digital twin enablement services.

For the first round, we turned the spotlight on our product and development teams. After eight weeks of voting, we’re thrilled to announce that Ziggy Raugas, Principal Software Engineer, has been chosen as the winner!

Why Ziggy stood out

Ziggy joined Glider in 2020 and has been an integral part of the development team. Here’s what some of his colleagues had to say about him:

• “Ziggy is always ready to lend a hand, never shying away from any task, no matter how big or small. It’s a fantastic quality to have.”
• “He [Ziggy] knows almost everything, is always available to help and completes tasks quickly.”
• “Ziggy has shown remarkable drive and commitment to the development department during a period of significant change. He supports the business, his colleagues and management with a range of tasks, and nothing is ever too much trouble. He leads by example, and it’s a pleasure to have him as part of the Glider team.”

A bit about Ziggy

During the voting period we ask team members to share some information about themselves to help others get to know them better. Ziggy is a problem-solver with a passion for collaboration and innovation and is known for his technical expertise and willingness to help others. He thrives on tackling challenges, such as mastering new technologies for new feature releases. Outside of work, he enjoys snowboarding, cycling and snooker (despite losing to his 13-year-old brother!) and has a quirky obsession with capybaras. His dedication and positive attitude makes him a standout member of the Glider team.

Well done, Ziggy!

Ziggy’s dedication, expertise and positive attitude make him an invaluable member of the Glider team. Congratulations, Ziggy, on being our first Shine a Light winner!

Next up

The Shine a Light award will next focus on our sales and marketing team. We look forward to announcing the winner in a couple of months.

If you’d like to learn more about working at Glider, visit our careers page.

The Construction Computing Awards honour the best in construction technology, from tools and solutions to projects that have set a benchmark in innovation and efficiency. The Collaboration Project of the Year category specifically spotlights achievements that demonstrate the power of teamwork and seamless integration of information management, scheduling, and resource planning.

Winning this award is a testament to Glider’s commitment to transforming the built environment through collaboration and data-driven solutions.

The winning project

22 Bishopsgate, one of London’s tallest and most technologically advanced buildings, presented a unique challenge. Beyond the initial construction, this project demanded managing a massive information handover dataset, including:

• Tens of thousands of drawings
• Over 400 individual models with thousands of attributes
• Integration of 30 new information models from separate supply chains within three years of handover

Simultaneously, the building underwent tenant fit-outs across ten floors, effectively creating 30 mini-projects, each requiring coordination with smaller, often BIM-limited, supply chains.

Driving collaboration and efficiency

At the heart of this success is Glider’s innovative approach to digital asset management. Combining our gliderbim® platform with our Asset Data Management Service, we:

• Onboarded fit-out contractors and delivery teams to align on information deliverables and responsibilities.
• Maintained the asset information model while incorporating new data with consistency and accuracy.
• Provided engineering and FM teams with real-time access to a single, reliable source of information.

By integrating 30 supply chains into a cohesive digital strategy, we ensured data quality, reduced risks, and enhanced operational efficiencies.

A proud achievement

This award reflects Glider’s leadership in enabling digital transformation for the built environment. By leveraging innovative solutions, we empower asset owners, contractors, and project teams to achieve better outcomes through seamless collaboration and robust information management.

With 22 Bishopsgate, we proved that even the most complex projects can thrive with the right tools and expertise.

Dig Deeper is no ordinary charity event. Organised by an ex-Army team, this one-day multi-sport challenge brings

together 40 teams from the construction industry to compete in a thrilling series of events. During four intense hours, our team tackled steep fell runs, navigated rugged mountain biking trails and faced a surprise challenge of paddle boarding. All against the stunning backdrop of Cumbria’s dramatic landscapes.

We’re proud to have participated once again but the real goal? Raising money for two incredible charities.

The Glider teams

We entered two teams of three to take part in the four hour challenge which started with cycling, followed by running, then paddleboarding and then finally more cycling. In total the teams covered over 33 km including steep climbs across the Cumbrian hills. Each member gave their all and it was truly inspiring to see everyone come together to support one another.

Out of 38 teams competing, one of the Glider teams placed third in the mixed category, while the other ranked joint seventh in the men’s category. This result really highlighted the strength of our team spirit and determination to see the challenge through to the end.

Giving back to the community

While the physical challenge was immense, the driving force behind Dig Deeper is its charitable mission. The funds raised go directly to supporting two amazing causes.

Anthony Nolan
Anthony Nolan saves and improves the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders. They help to make lifesaving connections between people with blood cancer and blood disorders with incredible strangers who are ready to donate their stem cells.

353
353 is a charitable trust with the aim of helping members of the military community by delivering long-term support to a variety of charities, soldiers and their families. They also guide and support mourning families who want to raise money for charities in the name of the person they have lost.

Knowing that every drop of sweat was contributing to these charities gave the team that extra push to keep going, even when things got tough.

Team building at its best

In addition to the charitable aspect, Dig Deeper was a fantastic opportunity for our team to build stronger connections outside of the office. Events like these challenge you to work together as a team in new ways, communicating effectively under pressure and pushing new boundaries.

We are immensely proud of our team’s dedication and hard work and we can’t wait to take in the next challenge.

Known as “The Hammers,” these Construction Computing Awards showcase the best technology, tools and solutions in the construction industry. This year, Glider is a finalist in the following categories:

• BIM Software of the Year (gliderbim®)
• Product of the Year (gliderbim®)
• Company of the Year 2024
• Collaboration Project of the Year (22 Bishopsgate)
• Asset Management Project of the Year (Stratford Waterfront)

Glider continues to go from strength to strength so this reflects our commitment to providing cutting-edge digital asset information management solutions and demonstrates the power of gliderbim® in enhancing data management and facilitating successful project outcomes.

Your vote matters!

While many of these categories are judged by a panel, the ‘BIM Software of the Year’, ‘Product of the Year’ and ‘Company of the Year’ categories are decided by an online vote. We would greatly appreciate your support in helping us take home these awards!

How to vote

To cast your vote, visit the Construction Computing Awards website before the voting deadline on 29 October 2024.

Winners will be announced on 7 November 2024 at the awards ceremony taking place at The Leonardo City Hotel in London.

Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make this year another award-winning success for Glider!

Glider has acquired EDocuments, a leader in providing best-in-class O&M manuals for the construction industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our mission to enhance digital information management across the construction and asset lifecycle.

From design and construction, to operating a single building or a complex, multi-faceted estate, our combined expertise will ensure clients have the most accurate, structured and useful building information at their fingertips.

Why we have acquired EDocuments

We’re always looking for more ways to support the construction industry as it evolves to meet new regulatory and sustainability demands. The acquisition of EDocuments allows us to expand our capabilities and provide even more comprehensive support throughout every phase of the asset lifecycle.

By combining our strengths, we’re creating a smoother, smarter digital handover process which means less hassle, more compliance and ultimately, better-managed buildings.

More knowledge and skills

This acquisition will provide clients with access to even more resources and tools to help manage projects more effectively, and make buildings more profitable to operate. We’ll look to integrate the much-loved EDocuments platform into the gliderbim® platform to provide a seamless experience. In addition, with the combined experience of our teams, clients can also expect more innovation and an even broader range of services to help make their jobs easier.

A bright future together

We’re delighted to be welcoming co-founders Lester Morgan and Jamie Dupée, along with the rest of the EDocuments team, to Glider. Their wealth of experience over the last 20+ years is vital to achieving our shared mission. We’re confident that together we’ll set the new benchmark in the industry and set the stage for future innovations.

Leading the industry

This acquisition is a significant milestone for Glider, but it’s also just the beginning. Our goal is to help asset owners to protect their investment by ensuring compliance with regulations and ensuring maximum performance from the building with efficient maintenance. With the combined expertise of Glider and EDocuments, we’re positioned to offer an unparalleled service and technical expertise to our clients, both in the UK and internationally.

We can’t wait for you to join us on this exciting new chapter, as we continue to grow organically and explore more investment opportunities in this space!

Got any questions?

If you have any questions or just want to chat about what this means for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Since our inception, Glider has been a fully remote company, embracing the flexibility and autonomy that remote working offers. We’ve been committed to creating a culture where our team can thrive from anywhere, fostering collaboration and innovation across borders. Today, we’re thrilled to share the next chapter in our journey – Glider has officially opened its doors to a physical office in London!

Flexible working options

Located in the heart of central London, near the iconic Borough Market and The Shard, our new office offers a work space that complements our remote-first philosophy. This isn’t just any office; it’s a flexible environment designed to enhance the way we work, providing options for our team to connect in person, brainstorm or simply enjoy a change of scenery.

We understand that everyone has different preferences when it comes to their working environment. While some of our team members thrive in the comfort of their home offices, others might occasionally crave the buzz of a shared workspace. That’s where our London office comes in. It’s there when we need it, whether it’s for team meetings, collaborative sessions or to meet with clients.

Staying true to our remote-first roots

Our new London office doesn’t change who we are at our core. Glider remains a remote-first company. We recognise the incredible benefits that remote work brings, from better work-life balance to attracting top talent from around the UK. The London office is an addition, not a replacement.

Our commitment to regular company-wide team days continues to be a priority. These days are about more than just work. They’re about building connections, fostering team culture and having fun together. We’ll continue to organise these events to ensure that everyone, no matter where they are, feels a part of the Glider family.

A space that grows with us

As Glider continues to grow, so too do our needs. We believe that having flexible working options is crucial to supporting our diverse team. The London office is a step in our evolution, offering a physical space that adapts to the needs of our staff and the demands of our expanding business.

We’re excited about this new chapter and can’t wait to see how our team will use this space to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Here’s to the best of both worlds – remote working and a fun flexible office space!

To find out more about Glider, get in touch.

For a company that operates fully remotely, these in-person gatherings are more than just a break from our home offices. They’re a vital opportunity to connect, collaborate and celebrate our shared journey and passion for Glider’s success.

Welcoming new faces

This away day was particularly special as we welcomed our new Investment Partner, Cow Corner, to the Glider family. Meeting our new colleagues face-to-face added a personal touch that video calls simply can’t replicate. We also got to meet new Glider colleagues who have joined the company since the last face-to-face event at Christmas.

Plans for the future

The day kicked off with a presentation at the Sussex Cricket Ground. Co-Founder and CEO, Nick Hutchinson, along with Dan French from Cow Corner, shared exciting plans for accelerating Glider’s growth. Their insights and strategic vision energised the team, laying out a clear path for our exciting future ahead.

More cricket-based fun

Following the presentations, it was time to get active with some cricket-based activities at Sixes Social Cricket. The group was split into two teams and their batting skills were put to the test. Everyone enjoyed the camaraderie and friendly competition.

Dinner, drinks and building connections

As the sun began to set, we gathered for a delightful dinner and drinks. For a team spread across different locations, these moments of shared laughter and conversation are invaluable. They remind us of the people behind the screens, enhancing our sense of community and belonging.

The importance of team days for remote workers

For remote workers, team days are more than just a chance to have fun – they’re essential for maintaining strong, personal connections. They allow us to celebrate our achievements, welcome new team members and align on future goals face to face, something we also recognise is important for our employees, who predominantly work from home. ‘ in a way that virtual meetings often can’t achieve.

Looking ahead

Our Brighton away day was a resounding success and we look forward to many more. As Glider continues to grow and innovate, these gatherings will remain a cornerstone of our culture. They not only reinforce our shared mission but also ensure that every team member feels valued and connected.

The day was a perfect blend of inspiration, activity and camaraderie. We’re excited about the future and the incredible things we’ll achieve together. Here’s to many more memorable moments and continued success for the Glider team!

Take a look at the video below to see our Brighton highlights.

The Digital Construction Awards celebrate the most pioneering projects, teams and individuals championing innovation and technology in the built environment.

Digital Consultancy of the Year Award

The first Glider shortlisting is for the prestigious ‘Digital Consultancy of the Year’ category. This category recognises those that have demonstrated excellence and helped their clients transform their businesses or projects through the adoption of digital processes and technologies.

22 Bishopsgate is a commercial office building that dominates the London skyline at 278m tall. Glider was engaged to support the management and maintenance of all related asset information for this tenanted building. Our comprehensive digitally driven Information Management Service facilitates communication between building operators, tenants, fit-out contractors and delivery teams. This helps to streamline information deliverables and clarifies stakeholder responsibilities. Combined with our gliderbim® platform as the AIM CDE (Asset Information Management Common Data Environment), our innovative approach to managing complex asset information into operations demonstrates our commitment to quality and excellence.

Digital Innovation in Asset Management Award

The second shortlisting is for our role in the Ministry of Justice’s digital twin pathfinder project in the ‘Digital Innovation in Asset Management’ category. This award champions projects that have significantly improved operational efficiency of an asset to be more sustainable.

We collaborated on this innovative project alongside Kier Construction and Future Decisions. Together we’re creating a digital twin of a single houseblock at HMP Five Wells, to gauge energy performance gains if extended across the prison campus and wider estate. This is the first digital twin to be successfully completed for the public sector estate and will allow operators to monitor and assess performance throughout its lifecycle using real-time data.

Industry recognition

Being shortlisted for these two categories is a tremendous honour. It reaffirms our position as a leader in the digital transformation in the construction sector. It acknowledges the hard work and expertise of our talented team, whose innovative solutions and forward-thinking approach have consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in digital construction and information management.

From design to completion and into operation, we provide unparalleled software and digital consultancy services that empower our clients to navigate the complexities of modern construction with confidence and clarity.

Stay tuned

Win or lose, being shortlisted alongside the other outstanding companies is a milestone achievement! It motivates us to keep innovating and setting new standards of excellence in information management.

Stay tuned for updates as we eagerly await the results of the Digital Construction Awards ceremony, which takes place in London on 2 July 2024.

Check out our other awards and accreditations or get in touch to find out more about our work.