The recent reforms in defence regulations have highlighted the need for a shared goal of improving the speed of acquisition within the marketplace. As a result, the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS) was conceived, which aims to promote the collaboration between industry, government and academia to drive research and innovation in the defence industry.

DPRTE 2023 aims to set the stage for a coalition of key decision-makers, academics, government officials and buyers from across the industry to network with the joint purpose of education and innovation. The event is free to attend and will include an exhibition arena, knowledge transfer zones and keynote presentations. DPRTE is taking place at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre and strives to provide buyers with the opportunity to connect with leading, innovative suppliers. They will also be giving buyers the chance to enhance their commercial skills through a range of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training sessions. For suppliers, the event allows them a unique opportunity to engage with the supply chain in a constructive way.

Glider is pleased to be attending DPRTE 2023 as part of its ongoing partnership with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the defence sector. The DIO plays a critical role in supporting the UK’s armed forces by building, maintaining and servicing the UK’s defence infrastructure. Glider has supplied integral support in helping the DIO reinforce and comply with the Government Construction Strategy (GCS). Glider’s digital information management platform, gliderbim® is providing the DIO with a seamless, integrated Asset Information Management (AIM) solution that will facilitate improved management of its data, models and documents to enable efficient collaboration. They continue to successfully meet the DIO’s requirement for an ISO 19650-compliant CDE and are working alongside the DIO to define a holistic set of requirements to be implemented.

Glider’s work with the DIO continues to be a success, and they have recently welcomed new client Ingleton Wood LLP, an active member of DIO’s supply chain. Ingleton Wood LLP is a multi-disciplinary property and construction consultancy that supports the defence industry in its evolving assets by implementing physical alterations to Defence Estates with minimal impact on operational efficiency. Glider supports Ingleton Wood in its work with the DIO and shares its knowledge of DIO-specific BIM protocols and practices, delivering a pre-configured gliderbim® CDE platform to improve the capture of supply chain deliverables and enable an effective handover to the DIO.

Darren Fowler, Partner and Architect of Ingleton Wood LLP commented: “We are delighted to be one of the first SMEs working with Glider to support and enhance our defence delivery capabilities sharing and managing information within a secure environment. Working with Glider we will be able to collaborate and share information compliant with DIO’s latest information delivery plan, ensuring efficiency and seamless transition between consultant and asset owner for ease of operation, maintenance, and closure of their assets throughout its operational life”.

Glider is a key solution in transforming the future of digital solutions in the infrastructure of our defence industry. It provides AIM CDE solutions that have become a key component of the DIO’s Asset Information Architecture and is delighted to be able to attend the DPRTE.

Further details on Glider’s work with clients DIO and Ingleton Wood LLP can be found here.

• DPRTE 2023 is taking place on the 29 March 2023 from 08:30-16:00 at the Farnborough Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glider will be at stand number 29. More information can be found here: https://www.dprte.co.uk/

To find out more about Glider and gliderbim® call 0203 8268 001 or email info@glidertech.com.

• David Hunt

David joins Glider from construction software company, Autodesk. He worked there for over four years as a Principal Customer Success Manager running several global accounts.

David has over three decades of experience in the construction and technology industries. This includes former roles at Business Collaborator (now Bentley), Asite, BIW, BT, and WSP, where he has amassed experience running teams, delivering complex CDE projects, and managing customer relationships. David’s wealth of expertise in construction software makes him Glider’s clear choice to fulfil the newly created role of Head of Customer Success. He will establish and implement approaches that provide a fulfilling customer experience, and support the company in achieving its targets.

• John Simpson

John joins Glider after seven years at construction, infrastructure and support service firm, Robertson Group. While here he worked as Head of Digital Construction and Regional BIM Coordinator.

He has also fulfilled previous positions at Ramboll, WSP, Struer Consulting Engineers and Lakesmere Building Envelope Specialists. John’s extensive career in Building Information Management (BIM) gives him great insight into how the sector operates. This allows him to intimately understand obstacles faced in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries. This understanding will be fundamental to his new role, as he develops and implements BIM strategies to address these challenges.

These two new roles have grown Glider’s leadership team from five to seven members. This demonstrates the business’ ambitious outlook and forward momentum.

Nick Hutchinson, Managing Director said, “We are delighted to welcome John Simpson and David Hunt on board. They are both great talents and we have no doubt they will make excellent additions to the team. They will continue to take Glider in the direction of growth and success”.

• Get in touch

To find out more about Glider and gliderbim® call 0203 8268 001 or email us.

This recent round of advancements indicates Glider’s investment in its employees.  It also signifies the company’s optimistic growth strategy for 2023.

Proud Promotions

With ambitious three-to-five year targets in place, Glider has introduced several new roles to facilitate the company’s aspirations. Glider’s Peter Fields has been promoted from Senior Software Engineer to Principal Engineer. James Anderson, Mark Thorpe, Sarah Marshall, Sian Butcher and Robert Wood have been promoted from Digital Delivery Managers to Senior Digital Delivery Managers. Additionally, Molly Giblin has been promoted from Project Manager to Senior Project Manager. Ajay Mistry has advanced from Risk and Compliance Manager to Senior Quality, Risk and Compliance Manager.

Employee Progression

Glider looks at its team members holistically and provides ample opportunity for employee progression. The Career Development Review (CDR) scheme provides a formal touch-point for employees and their line managers to meet quarterly. These meetings are to discuss their workload, set objectives and ensure wellbeing and work-life balance is being maintained. Following CDRs, we have even provided training to help employees achieve career goals, and improve their work performance and confidence. All of our line managers are supportive. They want to see their team perform well and learn and develop their own professional goals.

Prioritising Our People

We prioritise investment in our team, so these promotions demonstrate Glider’s commitment to developing employees.

Commenting on the promotions, Henry Saunders, Head of Operations, commented:

“I’m happy to announce a round of new promotions in line with our continuous development plan. The fact that many team members have been promoted is a testament to how highly we value our employees. We support them in accomplishing their individual career goals as well as putting Glider on track to achieve its targets.”

Glider is always interested in hearing from individuals who have a passion for all things digital and a technological talent for delivering world-leading projects within the digital architecture, engineering and construction space. To find out about our current open positions, please visit our careers page.

Discover more

To find out more about Glider and gliderbim® call 0203 8268 001 or get in touch.

Stronger Together is a recently founded charity based in north-east England which hosts small activity groups to provide a support network for those at risk of becoming isolated. This could be anyone, and may include those with mental or physical health issues, those living with dementia, the elderly, carers or those who are bereaved.

The local non-profit organisation was founded by three experienced practitioners and is entirely run by volunteers. All staff are experienced in working with people living with dementia and their carers, as well as people with other factors which put them at risk for social isolation.

Glider, a software and services provider, specialising in Information Management for organisations across the built environment, is sponsoring the local charity through its generous corporate donations. Glider provides approximately £1,130 for a block of 8 sessions for 6 people, or approximately £23.56 per person, per session. This funding includes venue hire, refreshments, activity supplies, volunteer costs, café trips, and storage unit expenses. Glider has even assisted Stronger Together with the creation of its website, ensuring that the charity has a data-secure infrastructure.

Nick Hutchinson, Managing Director of Glider, commented: “Glider is delighted to sponsor Stronger Together and their wonderful cause. As a company, we think it’s important to give back to the community and are happy to help in whatever way we can, especially as Stronger Together is a newer, smaller organisation.”

Stronger Together holds activity groups in accessible venues to facilitate enjoyable social interaction. The team firmly believes that a cup of tea and an activity can bring people together in a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment. Activities vary depending on the preferences of the group, but may include cooking, gardening, art and crafts, singing, music and reminiscence. The more physically able members of the group can also participate in walking groups and dance experiences.

One member of the group commented on their positive experience with Stronger Together: “When I first thought about coming here, I was very anxious. I’m usually so isolated because I have a wheelchair and I have no confidence to go anywhere. Now I’ve started coming here I can’t wait to get out; I enjoy it so much it has changed my life.”

Nick added, “So many people are suffering in silence, and Stronger Together is actively working to create a caring community for those who are lacking that social network.”

Glider is proud to continually sponsor Stronger Together, and encourages people to donate to the worthy charity where possible.

To find out more about Glider and gliderbim® call 0203 8268 001 or email info@glidertech.com.

The ‘Be the Business’ Advisory Board programme allows businesses to enjoy non-executive director-style support from a group of experienced business people made up of leaders and senior managers from successful firms with specialisms such as finance, marketing, and operations. Joining this programme allowed growing SME Glider to benefit from high-calibre construction industry-focused support.

Given its aspirational growth plan, Glider decided to take advantage of the Advisory Boards programme to learn from experienced business people about prioritising the right tasks as the company’s growth gains greater momentum. Nick Hutchinson, Managing Director at Glider, commented: “We were really impressed that Be the Business has pulled together a panel that was so closely aligned to our company and ambitions.”

One of Glider’s key priorities when working with the board was gaining advice on funding options to help execute its plans for development. Glider has grown through organic profits, but recognises that it requires additional capital to accelerate its software product development roadmap in addition to expanding its sales and marketing reach. The company wishes to retain full control of its direction of travel, and therefore is looking at different funding options to maintain its independence as it grows.

For a more in-depth look at Glider’s success with the Advisory Boards programme, read ‘Be the Business’ story.

To find out more about Glider and gliderbim® call 0203 8268 001 or email info@glidertech.com.

Build in Digital, the digital news platform for digital construction professionals. It highlights the leading construction technology (contech) partners through its Top 25 Contech Partners list.

The Top 25 Contech Partners was formed to provide an extensive account of the best construction technology companies operating in the built environment. The digital transformation of construction is accelerating, with new companies, innovations and approaches developing every day.

From digital construction technologies like Building Information Management (BIM) and 3D printing to digital twins, construction technologies are becoming a vital part of the way structures are designed, built and operated.

While the construction technology industry is flourishing, it’s not always obvious who the best supply chain partners are. The Top 25 Contech Partners aims to shine a light on those organisations by providing an independent, impartial account of the best performing contech firms and giving them the opportunity to position themselves as leading industry partners.

The panel is highly selective. The firms that are delivering the most innovative construction technology products and services to their clients have been shortlisted.

All the entries are now sitting with the judging panel. As a leading information management specialist, Glider is pleased to have been shortlisted as a nominee for the top 25 Contech Partners. The judges will now rank each Contech firm according to the three core criteria areas of innovation, adoption and customer satisfaction.

Vote For Glider

Alongside the judging panel of construction technology experts, those in the industry also have the chance to cast their votes.

We would like to encourage our industry partners to vote for Glider as one of the sector’s best contech firms.

Please note:

• Only votes from property and Architecture, Engineering and Construction clients will count.
• Votes are limited to one per individual and email address. Votes from different individuals from the same company are still counted.
• Voters will need to register on Build in Digital as part of the voting process if they are not already a member (it’s free).

Industry voting closes: 5pm Friday 27th January.

Thank you for your support!

Get in touch

To find out more about Glider and gliderbim® call 0203 8268 001 or email email us.

Following a highly successful 2021 Glider has continued our work with key public and private sector customers. We welcomed a number of new customers. These include ISG PLC, Tilbury Douglas, Ingleton Wood, Mace Interiors and Lovell.

Glider’s growth continues to be underpinned by the maturing of asset information needs in industry, and the drive and adoption of digital delivery approaches to meet compliance and regulatory drivers like the Building Safety Bill.  One of the most transformative and progressive clients we are actively working with is the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). We are supporting them as they ramp up their Major Programmes and Projects (MPP) and Future Infrastructure Defence Services (FDIS) contracts. We also continue to support significant projects like KGX1 (Google), 21 Moorfield (Deutsche Bank) and 40 Leadenhall (Mace & Nuveen). Additionally, HMP Full Sutton (Kier), The Forge (SRM), Midland Metropolitan Hospital and Stratford Waterfront (Mace & London Legacy Development Corporation). It’s through innovative projects like these that the boundaries of technical service delivery are developed and the business case for digital is realised.

• New recruits

The past year has also seen us add eight new talented recruits to the Glider team. These are in our Product, Support, Development, Marketing and Digital Delivery teams. As a fully remote team, these new additions come from up and down the UK. Also, more new team members confirmed to join us in 2023.

• Bringing the Industry Together

As a thought leader in the IM space, we welcomed nearly 50 attendees to our inaugural user conference. We hosted ‘Glider Gathering’ on 2 November in Birmingham. The Glider team and many of our key users met to share in its upcoming plans for the business. We also  discussed a variety of topical points like Smart Buildings, Net Zero, The Building Safety Bill.

Having worked closely with Coventry University on the digitalisation of its built estate, Glider held its user group meeting at Coventry University’s Techno Centre. Attendees from across the sector listened to a line-up of industry speakers from Coventry University, Kier, Arcadis, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the Government Industry Interoperability Group (GIIG). This user conference was an excellent opportunity for industry collaboration, allowing attendees to share a variety of industry insights, as well as allowing us to educate our users on developments on the platform.

• Supporting an industry to embrace Smart!

Smart buildings (otherwise known as intelligent buildings) and supporting technology are becoming more established. Awareness is becoming more common in the property and construction industry.  Although the term ‘smart building’ has been around for a few years, it is not clearly defined and the underpinning technology is rapidly evolving.  There is also very little in the way of guidance. Particularly for those who are not practitioners but may want smart technology in their buildings, project manage schemes with smart technology in them, or incorporate it into their design.

Therefore, this year a consortium including Hoare Lea, Glider, Kier, and ScanTech Digital have collaborated with RIBA to provide a Smart Buildings overlay to the Plan of Work. The guidance is from a range of perspectives – that of a specifier, integrator, contractor, and enabler. This is to provide holistic guidance throughout the process of identifying the need, defining the brief, developing the design, installing it on-site, commissioning, and then operating it.  The RIBA Plan of Work is an ideal platform that is used by designers, contractors, project and cost managers, developers, and estate owners. Its application across a range of project sizes and complexity. Its focus on outcomes and timely decisions allows the guidance for Smart Buildings to be aligned with other disciplines, particularly through the specification and design stage.

The Smart Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work has now reached the final draft stage. It is requiring a review from peers including clients, manufacturers, trade contractors, and wider designers, with plans to be released in Q1-23.  This peer review will refine the guidance and test the principle that those involved in requiring, designing, installing, and using smart technology can understand what they need to do and when.

• Recognition in our Field

This was a year of great recognition for Glider. We were shortlisted for 11 industry awards, and took home two accolades. At the CABE Built Environment Awards, we were awarded this year’s CABE Digital Transformation Award.  At the Construction Computing Awards, we also received the Collaboration Project of the Year 2022 award. This was for our contribution to HMP Five Wells. We are delighted that our team is being recognised for the breakthroughs we are making. And for the spotlight that is being shone on what can be achieved through effective information management.

• Supporting Women in BIM

Presented by Rebecca de Cicco, the Women in BIM podcast is a not-for-profit initiative aimed at supporting and growing the number of women in BIM and digital related roles. The podcast aims to enable a future construction industry where diversity is no longer an issue. Glider’s Managing Director Nick Hutchinson has been one of the podcast’s earliest supporters. Glider became a Gold Sponsor of the podcast this year, to support their important message.  In October, Glider’s own Sarah Marshall and John Adams were invited on the podcast. They shared their thoughts on BIM. In 2023, we will continue to show our support for Women in BIM through our sponsorship.

Every year at Glider we aim to develop our gliderbim® platform and organisation further. 2022 was a year of continued achievement and success. The company plans to keep building on thanks to the hard work of our dedicated team.

To find out more about Glider and gliderbim® call 0203 8268 001 or get in touch by email.

Having worked closely with gliderbim® Enterprise user Coventry University on the digitalisation of its built estate, Glider was delighted to hold its user group meeting at Coventry University’s Coventry TechnoCentre, where many of its key associates such as Coventry University, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Deutsche Bank, Mace, Kier, Arcadis, and the Government Industry Interoperability Group (GIIG) came together in person to share in industry discussions.

The day kicked off with Douglas Fewkes from Coventry University welcoming the attendees to the campus and its estate. Douglas commented, “Digital technology and the support Glider will provide to use here at Coventry University is crucial for all ongoing growth and activity.”

Following this, Paul Wilkinson delivered a keynote talk highlighting the trends impacting the industry and the growing significance of information management, security, openness and interoperability. Paul stated, “NIMA as an organisation used to be the UK BIM Alliance, and has been heavily involved in the last 10 years with digital progress. And that has now shifted its focus slightly more to a wider brief talking about information management as a much bigger picture. We help the industry make all the appropriate connections and to learn, grow and seize the opportunity of good information management.”

Paul Wilkinson’s write up of the event can be found on Extranet Evolution.

Diving into Glider’s Roadmap

Glider’s Managing Director, Nick Hutchinson then walked through the plans for the company growth plans and 2023 focus, summarised as ‘much more of the same’ as Glider cemented a position as a leading information management platform and services provider. The next 24 months, for me personally, are going to be probably the most exciting period so far for us. We are very close to securing some significant funding, as we are now in a healthy position financially to make the conscious decision to take on board some additional capital.”

He continued, “This move is really going to accelerate the growth and scaling of what we do. That’s going to be focused primarily on building out the product and development teams, much bigger than what they currently are, and that is going to allow us to accelerate the delivery of our product road map.”

John Adams, Head of Product at Glider, moved the focus towards gliderbim® and the exciting roadmap plans over the next 6-24 months. Key focus areas highlighted were the scaling of data validation capabilities, the introduction of multi-file viewing capabilities and the incorporation of a powerful enterprise search and reporting capability. This presentation also included Luke Pibworth walking through the exciting new features coming to gliderbim®.

Commenting on scaling and SaaS, John said: “We are getting bigger, the platform is getting bigger, and we are getting more users. The last thing we want you to do is wait behind another customer to process a model. We want your models to process quickly; we want your data to process quickly. So, we are investing in making sure we are fit for that growth.”

Steve Rukuts, co-founder and Technical Director of Glider, continued the ‘Deep Dive’ of Glider’s roadmap, focusing on Glider’s security posture and continued technical hardening of the platform. Steve shared Glider’s plans to further strengthen Glider’s cyber security credentials which will enable us to support government clients as well as their supply chains to securely manage and share asset information deliverables.

Steve noted, “For the future we are looking to target secret and top-secret projects and our customers will also get the benefit of that investment. We are rapidly gaining a reputation as a provider of secure CDEs and we are seeing higher and higher demands for assurance. Many of our customers in defence and finance are very keen to see our security credentials and very keen to test us robustly.”

Stuart Bell, Director of Sales and Marketing at Glider, delivered a presentation on ‘Data Insights’, discussing the operational benefits that can be unlocked from a standard COBie data deliverable, and stressing the importance of starting with the end in mind with regards to information procurement. Clients specifying a requirement for highly structured asset data need to ensure this data has purpose and downstream value. Stuart also covered the growing portfolio of services that Glider provides to asset-owning clients and contractors/lead appointed parties, highlighting an increasing focus on structured asset data definition and delivery.

Stuart stated, “We like to talk to clients practically about what you can achieve with very good structured data, your carbon net zero and sustainability drivers or your space optimisation drivers for the estate. Starting with the end in mind is essential to creating the information requirements to achieve these aims.”

Upcoming Glider developments

Following the information management services theme, Henry Saunders, Head of Operations at Glider, took to the stage to discuss Glider’s focus on quality management and IM practitioner training for the team, along with the pending appointment of a new as Head of Information Management Services to further strengthen Glider’s delivery capability

Industry experts take the floor

• GIIG: the significance of the Client Information Management Platform

Glider was delighted to be joined by a new and emerging voice in Information Management. Nicola Pearson, Engagement Lead at the Government and Industry Interoperability Group (GIIG) introduced the work of the GIIG and the positioning of a Client Information Management Platform. GIIG is working to address interoperability issues on behalf of both the UK Government and Industry, turning the telescope around to look from an asset owner perspective at how they can take secure ownership and drive insights from their buildings and wider estate. Glider is now engaged with the GIIG and its Technology Group, looking at how to develop aspects of the Information Management Platform.

Nicola Pearson commented on gliderbim® as a client information management platform: “The glider information management approach enables organisations to manage their data, to drive value and better societal outcomes.”

• DIO: the challenges of implementing a Common Data Environment (CDE)

Jon Hallam, Senior Asset Information Manager at Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), joined the stage to discuss the opportunities and challenges of implementing a new Asset Information Management Common Data Environment (AIM CDE) and how the DIO is embracing the opportunities of closer supply chain engagement, and overcoming the cultural challenges of adopting new standards and processes. When your estate is global and has in excess of 150,000 buildings to manage, it was no surprise to learn about the phased and workstream approach the DIO are taking, and the number of collaborating parties supporting the change programme.

• Kier: dealing with complex BIM requirements

James Franklin, Head of BIM Projects at Kier, delivered a talk titled ‘Delivering Against Complex BIM Requirements’, where Glider worked in conjunction with Kier to deliver handover information on HMP Five Wells. As a result of this collaboration, HMP Five Wells project data was handed over on time and within budget, demonstrating the positive effects of a Managed Service inclusive of gliderbim® COBie validation and IFC management.. As a side note, HMP Five Wells is a project which has now generated two awards wins this year from CABE and Construction Computing.

Commenting on HMP Five Wells, James Franklin said: “Glider has worked with use on HMP Five Wells, we have delivered what we think is the most complex BIM project to date and we have 100% compliance which is fantastic. In terms of software vendors you have got the good people and they go on a journey with you; they help you when you’re struggling and Gliders are in that camp firmly.”

• Arcadis: the importance of the Golden Thread

The penultimate speaker, Ed Gibbs, Head of Digital at Arcadis, discussed the importance of the Golden Thread, pertaining to the Building Safety Act (2022), and how having the relevant software and workflows in place is essential in facilitating this. He announced the Arcadis partnership with Glider and use of gliderbim® to power and underpin their new Building Safety Digital Service.

• Smart Buildings and Net Zero Panel Discussion

Finally, a panel that included James Franklin from Kier, Ivo Krastins from Hoare Lea, and Matthew Bott from ScanTech, joined John Adams on stage to partake in a Smart Buildings and Net Zero Panel to discuss the part IM will play in the UK’s journey to net zero and the development of Smart Buildings.

Nick’s Final Thoughts

Nick Hutchinson, Managing Director of Glider wrapped up the conference, concluding, “I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to attend today. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the backing of each and every one of you, so thank you for your continued support.”

Nick added, “We take user feedback seriously, so it’s important for us not only to educate on the platform and to share our news but to hear your experience of Glider. We look forward to executing ambitious plans in the next 24 months to make the Glider user experience even better for all our users!”

Stuart Bell added, “We are absolutely thrilled with the attendance today and most of all, the participation to help drive positive change in the industry. This event just shows how much we can achieve in a single day and it was fantastic coming together physically and engaging with our clients and friends of Glider.”

You can watch the highlights of the day here.

To find out more about Glider and gliderbim® call 0203 8268 001 or email info@glidertech.com.

Glider is a fully remote or ‘virtual’ business, which it has been since it was founded in 2016. We are an asset information management specialist, delivering software and services to many of the UK’s major public and private sector asset owners and leading construction brands. In just seven years, the company has grown to a team of 29, with plans to expand further as the business grows. The feedback from our close-knit team is consistently positive: ‘we love working here’. As a young business that has grown rapidly in a short period, many are wondering what our secret to success is. We believe that behind every thriving business is a happy team. This is why we believe company culture is a key ingredient to a business’ success.

Our unique company culture

A company’s ethos underpins everything that happens within the organisation. The values, practices and expectations in place at a company affect everything, from the work produced to the wellbeing of its employees. We are currently working to define our company culture so that it is clearly put into words for our employees and everyone else to see.

Innovation is at the forefront of everything we do. We recruit the best minds in the construction and information management sectors who think outside the box. But we not only aim to be pioneers in information management, but also in our progressive company culture. Glider has always been a forward-thinking company, and has been fully virtual – even before the pandemic when working from home became more commonplace.

Fully remote

First and foremost, we see our employees as people. Remote working provides our employees the freedom and flexibility they deserve. This allows them to produce their best work and live healthier, happier lives. A significant number of our employees are working parents, and we appreciate all the challenges that this brings. Therefore, Glider promotes a flexible and family-friendly work culture that allows our employees to work around their personal obligations without any unnecessary stress.

Our employees consistently report that working from home allows them a better work-life balance, and enabling them to remain more productive and engaged. We have experienced first-hand that working from home is one of the most effective ways to fight presenteeism. We never want our team members to be burnt out, which is only counterproductive to their wellbeing and productivity. Providing a positive work environment is the best way to help your team to flourish.

Moreover, working remotely is also part of our environmental policy, as allowing our employees to work from home helps to reduce carbon emissions.

Work hard, play hard

Glider’s culture is also characterised by working hard and playing hard. We see productivity and teamwork as two of our greatest values.

Although we do have a managerial structure, Glider considers itself more of a ‘horizontal’ organisation. All team members are seen as equal, with all ideas and opinions given the same weight. All of our employees, regardless of their role, are willing to help out across departments when a helping hand is needed.

Maintaining strong work relationships

Despite being a remote team nearing 30 people, we maintain strong working relationships. Glider has very supportive, engaged line managers. Each ensures that all team members receive the same support that you would when working in an office. We keep up to date with each other using the Slack messaging platform. It allows us to remain in constant communication despite our team being spread across the country.

We hold weekly virtual coffee sessions to provide the opportunity for interaction. Whether its work-related or simply to chat socially with colleagues. These sessions are optional, but we believe it’s important to allocate the time for interaction. The team feels confident to communicate with each other. Likewise, all of our line managers operate with a virtual open-door policy. Their teams can come forward at any time with any issue, big or small.

The importance of company events

Remote working provides our employees with the freedom and flexibility required to work productively. This means that when we do meet up in person, the time spent together is all the more precious.

Nick Hutchinson, Managing Director of Glider, was very passionate about organising a company trip to Barcelona to show his appreciation of the team for all their hard work. After not being able to organise a trip due to Covid, our company trip to Barcelona was the perfect way to wrap up the summer.

On the first day of the excursion, the team arrived in time to enjoy a beautiful three-course meal on the marina, followed by an eventful team GPS tablet challenge and an afternoon of exploration. The day was topped off with a fabulous Flamenco dinner and show in the evening. On Saturday, the team shared breakfast together, before transferring to the marina for a catamaran boat cruise where they took in idyllic views of the Mediterranean Sea. After enjoying canapes and lunch onboard, they were able to explore the catamaran docks before returning home.

This was a special team-building experience for the entire team in a social setting. It wasn’t only enjoyable because of the great setting, but because working remotely makes us appreciate spending time together even more. Furthermore, it allowed independent departments to spend time together and to get to know one another on a personal level.

Giving our employees a voice

One of our newer initiatives we have introduced is the ‘Glider Employee Voice’. This quarterly meeting provides the space for employees to explore how Glider can improve as a company, regarding staff wellbeing, productivity and creating a positive work environment. This is a completely collaborative initiative that leverages input from all employees.

As a result of these rolling quarterly meetings, we are looking at introducing improved benefits packages, employee wellness, newsletters, and virtual coffee sessions for socialising.

We are also looking into improving our onboarding process to ensure that there is a full introductory call scheduled and regular check-ins with new employees to ensure they feel supported as they settle into the company.

Investment in employees

We look at our team members holistically and provide ample opportunity for employee progression at Glider, as we value the unique skillset that each employee brings. For example, one of our employees started in support before discovering that her niche was software and quality management. We wanted her to flourish, so we created a role on the software development team – a win-win!

Commenting on progression at Glider, Brendan Blakesley, Head of Development, said: “Ensuring Glider’s development team’s skills and knowledge are up to date is essential; this is why each team member is assigned two days of training per month. This has been established by the request of the team at Glider, and developers can use this time to investigate new technologies or tools or refresh an existing skill.”

Career development

As well as this, we have our own Career Development Review (CDR) scheme in place at Glider which provides a formal touch-point for the team and their line managers to meet quarterly to discuss their workload, set objectives, and ensure wellbeing and work-life balance is being maintained. Following CDRs, we have even provided training to help employees achieve career goals, and improve their work performance and confidence. All of our line managers are supportive, and not only want to see their team perform well, but learn and develop their own professional goals.

We prioritise investment in our team, and as the team grows, taking a holistic approach towards our employees will continue to be a priority to ensure their needs are being met.

We are always interested in hearing from likeminded individuals who have a passion for all things digital and a technological talent for delivering world-leading projects within the digital architecture, engineering and construction space. To find out about our current open positions, please visit our careers page.

Get in touch

To find out more about Glider and gliderbim® call 0203 8268 001 or email us.

The Construction Computing Awards recognise the technology, tools and solutions for the effective design, construction, maintenance and modification of commercial buildings, residential and social housing and civil engineering projects of all sizes. Glider is delighted to have been awarded the Collaboration Project of the Year 2022 award by a panel of judges and was also runner up in the BIM Project of the Year 2022 category.

As a testament to the efficacy of Glider’s flagship product gliderbim®, and Glider’s consultancy skills, the company was shortlisted for multiple categories of the Construction Computing Awards, including:

• Cloud Technology of the Year – Judged by Panel
• Innovation of the Year – Judged by Panel
• Best Use of Digital Technology in a Construction Project – Judged by Panel
• BIM Project of the Year – Judged by Panel
• Collaboration Project of the Year – Judged by Panel
• BIM Software of the Year – Public Vote
• Editor’s Choice – Chosen and decided by David Chadwick, editor of Construction Computing Magazine
• Product of the Year – Public Vote

Building Information Management (BIM) is one of the technologies transforming construction, and Glider is implementing BIM to create a more efficient industry through its pioneering approach. The Collaboration Project of the Year 2022 award is proof of the positive impact Glider’s employee expertise, coupled with its advanced software, is having on the construction industry.

Glider is at the forefront of modernising documentation through the use of its flagship Common Data Environment (CDE), gliderbim®. The CDE provides architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals with a comprehensive solution for all of their asset information management needs, and has been employed by several high-profile clients including Coventry University, British Antarctic Survey (BAS), and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

Furthermore, the award celebrates Glider’s work on the HMP Five Wells project. HMP Five Wells is an adult male Category C resettlement prison designed to enhance rehabilitation. Built almost entirely from standardised components, the 60,000m2 facility project managed by Mace. On this substantial scheme, the use of gliderbim® enabled high quality and complete handover information for HMP Five Wells. gliderbim® was responsible for the successful information capture across 79 work packages, from 49 trade contractors, and verifying in excess of 2.5 million data points from 380,000 COBie records.

The fact that this level of data was processed so quickly is a testament to gliderbim®’s unique data management capabilities, and the skills of Glider’s information managers and consultants.

James Franklin, Head of BIM at Kier, was responsible for leading this complex project and team. James commented: “Kier and Glider worked collaboratively as one team to deliver possibly the most complex BIM project to date at HMP Five Wells, achieving 100% compliance and assisting the MoJ to bridge the gap between design and construction, and operations.”

Nick Hutchinson, Managing Director of Glider commented, “A huge congratulations to the whole Glider team for their contribution in achieving the Collaboration Project of the Year award. This showcases the amazing work of our entire teams of software specialists and consultants, and the innovation and ability of gliderbim® to effectively manage information across the entire asset lifecycle.”