Glider is committed to security defence. Its flagship product gliderbim® has been reaccredited with the leading information security standard ISO 27001. gliderbim® is an intelligent information management platform which supports the whole asset data lifecycle. As a software provider which hosts sensitive information, Glider takes its security responsibilities seriously and strives to maintain internationally recognised standards.

Nick Hutchinson, Managing Director of Glider commented on the certification: “This certification is incredibly important in establishing our commitment to cyber security. It will go a long way in showing our partners and customers that they can trust us to keep their data secure. A big thanks to our team for all their hard work in achieving this accreditation.”

“At Glider we have an ongoing commitment to protecting data and always aim to keep our standards up to date.”

The objective of ISO 27001 is to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and proper availability of the information within an organisation. For an organisation to obtain an ISO 27100, it must undergo an independent risk assessment. This proves its systematic methodology for risk mitigation and treatment, through its security controls. Obtaining this certification proves that Glider has proper safeguards in place to ensure data security. Therefore the implementation of ISO 27001 validates that Glider’s processes are well-organised and compliant with legal requirements.

“The ISO 27001 reaffirms to our customers that we have the best controls in place to identify and reduce any risks to data privacy,” added Nick Hutchinson.

Get in touch

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

Information security and the value of data across the built environment has never been more critical. The Cyber Essentials (CE) certification demonstrates that Glider has implemented necessary security measures to help mitigate risk and keep infrastructure and data secure. To obtain certification, organisations undergo a rigorous independent assessment of the security controls they have in place to mitigate risks from internet-borne threats.

Launched in 2014 by the Government’s National Cyber Security Centre, the Cyber Essentials scheme highlights the five basic cyber security controls that all businesses should be implementing:

• Secure connections to the internet
• Secure devices and configurations
• Controlled access to devices and data
• Protection from viruses and other malware
• Management of software patches and updates

Commenting, Nick Hutchinson, Managing Director of Glider, said: “This certification demonstrates to our partners and customers our commitment to UK cyber security measures and that we are a company they can trust. A big thanks to our team for all their hard work in achieving this accreditation”.

“Your data is only as secure as the company that holds it after all and I’m reliably informed that the government will soon require Cyber Essentials Plus certification or equivalent for their vendors. Maybe now is the time for people to get ahead of the game? We look forward to gaining Cyber Essentials Plus shortly as we bid for government contracts.”

As part of the company’s information security defence, Glider’s flagship product gliderbim® – an intelligent information management platform which supports the whole asset data lifecycle – has also been reaccredited with the leading information security standard ISO 27001, providing further assurances to its clients that their data is secure. Government clients can procure this via G-Cloud 12 on the Digital Marketplace.

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

• New client wins

Throughout the year gliderbim® was selected as the common data environment (CDE) of choice on some significant contracts. This includes several UK Government departments and world leading commercial businesses. We couldn’t be prouder of our achievements, and we are honoured to be working with such outstanding organisations.

Glider is supporting the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) in a major data migration project. We are onboarding data (over 5 million documents and structure asset data) from Industry Partners on Future Defence Infrastructure Projects (FDIS).

gliderbim® was selected as the information management platform for Ministry of Justice (MoJ). This is for projects supporting the structured data/handover information management for HMP Five Wells with Kier and HMP Fosse Way with Lendlease.

Deutsche Bank engaged Glider as its enterprise-wide AIM CDE provider across its global estate.

Instrumental in the development of two London landmark buildings for Shell: Shell Tower and 20 York Road.

LandSec appointed Glider to support with Information Management and asset information services on The Forge. This set to be the first zero carbon commercial development in the UK.

The UK’s National Environmental Research Council’s British Antarctic Survey selected gliderbim® to help reach Net Zero targets.

• Product Development

If that wasn’t enough, throughout the year we have made continuous improvements to our user experience and performance. Firstly, we launched the Enterprise Toolkit. This is to enable the provisioning of projects, programmes, assets and estates, including the Reference Data Library that supports clients in driving standardisation in approach by providing a single place to access all protocol, standards, policies and communications. Plus, the Information Delivery Planner (IDP). This supports an Information Manager to consistently provision asset templates and categories. Additionally, document directories and placeholders that meet the defined EIR/AIR requirements on their projects.

• The Glider Information Value Chain

In addition to this, later in the year we launched the Glider Information Value Chain at Digital Construction Week. A process designed to ensure that the flow of information is not only connected, but to be confident that the process only requests and creates information that has value to the project. The Glider Information Value Chain is a critical five-step methodology. It uses data to provide insights into project activity that impacts on real-time results.

The value chain allows us to understand the trigger events across the operational phase of an asset. We can explore how these affect the state of data in the asset information model as well as structured handover and O&M information that needs to be maintained through change over the asset life.

This was a major development for us here at Glider.  The value chain is now serving as an essential tool on all client projects.

• New Hires

Looking inward at our team, we made a number of strategic hires through 2021 to support our continued growth. In October, we welcomed our new Director of Sales and Marketing, Stuart Bell. Stuart is planning our entry to new markets for 2022 as well as supporting existing clients.

• Looking Ahead

As we progress into 2022, we plan to continue the expansion of our team. To further enhance the functionality of gliderbim® this includes software developers and more digital service experts.

It has been another eventful year! One which has taken us and many other businesses on an interesting ride. From our team to yours, we wish you the very best for 2022.

An industry expert

Stuart was a former Senior Director of Accelerated Business Development at Bentley Systems. He brings experience of shaping commercial strategy and supporting clients on large enterprise change initiatives.

Stuart also drove the global growth plan for BDCE. He lead on the standardisation and launch of BC Project (ISO 19650 turnkey CDE) across Bentley’s channels in the UK and Internationally.

Stuart was a representative on the UK BIM Alliance Technology Group at Business Collaborator Limited (trading as GroupBC). He drove BC’s go-to-market strategy and scaled and coached ahigh-performance team. He secured a number of the UK’s leading Infrastructure clients and growing the organisation’s revenue significantly, leading to BC’s acquisition by Bentley in March 2020

Industry insights

Stuart is a regular publisher and contributor of articles to leading construction industry publications. He has a great talent at commentating and developing insights into the emerging trends and developments within the built environment. In particular, the impacts of digital innovation and adoption.

This keen understanding of the AEC landscape is what makes him a perfect fit for the team at Glider. His ability to engage and assess the needs of an organisation and successfully shape and support the business case for investment in digital delivery consultancy and tools, will ensure our clients attain their asset portfolio performance goals.

An exciting future

Stuart said: “I’m so proud to be a part of such a forward-thinking team here at Glider. I’m excited to be making strides and helping clients to unlock the value from their project and asset data. It’s great to be part of a business that is shaping the future of digital delivery and asset operations. Ultimately enabling clients to take business decisions on trusted and assured data. Glider is on the cusp of something great. I’m excited to join the team to let the world know what that is!”

Glider has enjoyed another year of record growth and secured many flagship customers on a number of the UK’s leading projects.

2022 marks the next step in what has been a rapid and exciting expansion of the team. Entering into new markets and introducing new technology to the industry in Glider’s mission to safeguard the sector’s future.

Stuart will be a part of the process of helping users to master the gliderbim® platform’s capabilities while capitalising on the information management opportunities it offers. Additionally, he will be helping teams to come out of the experience with a better tool and an evolved skill set. Nick Hutchinson, Managing Director and co-founder of Glider, said: “We’ve spent the last five years putting together a really strong team. We’re always mindful of hiring people who are as passionate about what we do as we are – and I think we’ve been successful. We’ve created a really powerful working environment. We’re bringing on members of the team who believe in the tools that we’ve created. But crucially, people who really believe in their potential, too. We are only just beginning, and Stuart is a very important addition to the team. He will help us to reach that potential and start making even bigger waves in the industry. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Stuart on board.”

Who is Stronger Together? 

Stronger Together is a charity operating across the North East of the country, working with people whose circumstances may leave them socially isolated. The Stronger Together team supports people with mental or physical health issues, those living with dementia and their carers, people who are going through a bereavement and many more.

Social isolation can have a negative impact on our mental health, this is especially true for those of us living with illnesses or conditions that make it difficult to get out and about or to meet new people. Research suggests that isolation is associated with a risk of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems and increased stress. Stronger Together knows the importance of social interaction and helps to facilitate small groups where people can meet, chat, laugh and try new fun activities.

What are the groups? 

Stronger Together’s groups vary according to the needs of the attendees, with activities designed to be fun and beneficial to those with extra needs. Each week several small groups are welcomed with a cup of tea and time to chat and make friends, before taking part in an activity tailored to their abilities if they wish.

Activities can be anything from arts and crafts to music and singing, gardening, cooking or anything else! Attendees are grouped by their situation, so they will always have something in common and the activities will always be just right for them.

How is Glider helping? 

As Stronger Together’s tech partner, Glider has provided its expertise on all things web and data related to ensure the website is fully functional and accessible. We have also worked with the charity to help secure their data and make sure they’re complying with any and all data protection laws – something which is particularly important because the Stronger Together team often receive referrals from the NHS.

We have also provided the funds to start up a completely new group, which launched in September and includes NHS referrals – it is designed for patients with extra needs whose health could be at risk from social isolation. By starting up this group, we are pleased to be contributing to furthering the quality of life of vulnerable people and the funding we provided means these groups are free to attend – there are no fees to attend the group or to take part in the activities.

“The group was so much fun – we laughed all the way through!” Katie Adams, Founder, Trustee and Wellbeing Coordinator at Stronger Together said after the inaugural meet-up. “Two of the ladies in the group even live very close to one another, so the connection they’ve made will last way beyond their time with us. It is an amazing result for just one session!”

“Glider is making such a difference to the lives of these people, they are all living with different challenges, but are keen to improve their social lives. Some of them were very anxious about coming but left with smiles on their faces.”

How you can get involved

Stronger Together is run by a team of volunteers who facilitate the sessions, and as more and more groups kickstart they will need more people to support. If you are living in the local community and would like to contribute to the charity’s cause, you can drop them an email to register your interest in volunteering to info@strongertogethergroups.co.uk.

Glider donates both time and funds to this incredibly worthy cause – and they do also accept individual donations.

Most importantly, if you know of anyone who may be at risk of social isolation, see if there is a local group available for them to attend on Stronger Together’s website, or if there isn’t a group in your area, get in touch as they could start a new one. They are always looking for new communities to engage with.

With five years’ project management experience, Molly comes from a background in the civic and heritage sector. She has an extensive knowledge of data migration and information management, with hands-on experience in large-project data migrations.

gliderbim® is an intelligent online platform for managing project information and asset data, allowing clients to create their own unique Common Data Environment (CDE) for project data, models and documentation. This end-to-end asset information management platform connects projects and teams with real-time data, from design through to operation.

Molly will lead on the implementation of the gliderbim® to clients, managing the necessary technical upgrades and required training – ensuring that teams in the AEC industry have what they need to get the very best from our unique CDE software.

Having implemented gliderbim® in her previous role at the Museum of London, Molly also comes fully armed with an in-depth knowledge of the product, giving her the distinct advantage of being able manage projects from both a PM and a client perspective.

Molly said: “Having worked closely with Glider for the past two years, I’ve been following the company’s incredible growth. I’m excited for what’s in store and eager to learn from such an amazing team who have really welcomed me.”

Glider Managing Director, Nick Hutchinson added: “Molly brings a wealth of data knowledge to Glider, further strengthening our already robust team. Having worked with us for over 20 months, means Molly has an in depth understanding of how our software not only operates but the benefits it brings to our clients.”

Our team continues to rapidly expand as more and more firms across the AEC industry adopt the gliderbim® environment as their go-to Common Data Environment (CDE). As well as spending time and money developing a premium standard product, it is also imperative that we invest in our people. Risk analysis and compliance is an enormously important part of our business, and Ajay brings a robust skill set that will ensure absolute best practice across all work streams as well as peace of mind for both Glider and our clients.

Having joined Glider from Keoghs, Ajay has 10 years’ experience across various industries in compliance roles. His career has also instilled an in-depth knowledge of compliance and GDPR, as well as gaining relevant certifications relating to GDPR.

“Everyone at Glider has been so welcoming. I can’t wait to get stuck into really driving compliance to the forefront. Glider is a company that is exciting to work for, due to its clear focus in becoming the leading CDE provider.” Ajay said.

Nick Hutchinson, Glider Managing Director, added: “We have brought Ajay on board to implement and monitor global operational risk mitigation programs that support Glider’s governance and compliance framework. Ajay has a wealth of knowledge in this area, and will bring additional strength to the team as well as engaging with clients and client projects.”

The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry relies heavily on software for many functions – from automated systems to complex manufacturing processes – and the role of a Software Engineer is pivotal in the development of software that provides real solutions. At Glider, Peter’s role will address the entire software development lifecycle – from needs analysis through to design, delivery and maintenance.

gliderbim® is an intelligent online platform for managing project information and asset data, allowing clients to create their own unique CDE for project data, models and documentation. This end-to-end asset information management platform connects projects and teams with real-time data, from design through to operation. Peter will not only monitor and maintain system quality, he will also develop new standard operating procedures and enhance the application by identifying opportunities in line with direct client feedback.

Through all his roles, Peter has championed “agile working”, something that Glider has practiced since it was founded five years ago by Nick Hutchinson and Steve Rukuts. They firmly believe in the idea that small, innovative teams should be given the freedom to experiment, to enable them to work faster and smarter. This was also a key factor in Peter’s move to Glider, where part of his role will see him identifying better ways of working.

Nick Hutchinson, Glider Managing Director, said: “These are exciting times for Glider and the AEC industry as a whole, with companies focusing more on incorporating new technologies to revolutionise their operations. Peter’s expertise in advanced software development makes him a great new asset on our team of engineers.”

A perfect match

“I fell into construction completely by accident,” admitted Nick. “I was hired as a Junior Web Developer at a consultancy company. On the third day of the job, I visited a site and was introduced as the Information Manager – that was news to me! I stood up, smiled, and that was how I arrived in construction. Looking back now, it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. Without that miscommunication, my career would have taken a totally different course.

“From that day, the deficiencies of the construction industry started to become apparent. We relied on paperwork for pretty much everything. We would laboriously create drawings and files, printed, bound and physically delivered. It was inefficient, costly and time-consuming.

With the advent of the internet, Nick wanted to use his expertise to solve these inefficiencies and began building web-based information management tools. “I stayed at the same firm for 13 years and developed a pro software engineering team. That’s how I met Steve.”

Much like his partner, Steve never planned to work in construction. “I fell into it!” he explained. “I decided to start a company helping people manage databases better and came to work with Nick from there.”

Looking only for a temporary project, this serendipitous encounter set up the partnership that would revolutionise BIM. Steve remembers the interview process fondly, “I think I stayed so long chatting to you about problem-solving ideas – and all the ways that we could work together – that the office was empty when I left.”

“We wanted to understand and make sense of data – not just for procedural reasons. There was a real value to it, and we saw eye-to-eye on the potential.”

Nick convinced Steve to stick around when his contract ended – and the Glider partnership began.

The Glider story

Nick and Steve both had big plans: “We were both always very ambitious and really keen to manage our own business.” said Nick.

Given their kindred entrepreneurial spirits, it’s no surprise that the pair were drawn together. When Nick first approached Steve about his new venture, Steve revealed he’d been considering doing the same, and in late 2015, they decided to start their own tech business for the built environment. And thus, Glider was born.

“We weren’t initially focussed on BIM, but it became clear that BIM was where we could have the biggest impact,” explains Nick.

And on Glider’s first day, serendipity struck again. “It was April 2016 – the UK government mandate for BIM Level 2 came into being. It was incredible timing for us.”

The existing approach to BIM was in part about managing and verifying data, and Glider strived to take this one step further and approach it in a technological way…

gliderbim® – the smart solution

Glider’s flagship product, gliderbim®, is an intelligent online platform for managing project information and asset data that allows the customer to create their own bespoke Common Data Environment (CDE) that can be connected to smart technology to deliver digital twin capability.

Nick told us: “The product filled a very niche role initially. There were plenty of CDEs on the market that provided compliance with initial BIM standards, but the platforms available weren’t providing the functionality for highly structured data verification and delivery using automated means.”

The first iteration of gliderbim® offered the ability to define a customer’s asset information requirements, then analyse BIM models to automatically determine compliance with those requirements. An online collaboration platform with such a level of functionality was unheard of until then – gliderbim® was ground-breaking from the start.

Initially exploring the possibility of becoming a complementary tool to existing platforms, Glider changed course and developed its own CDE. Pouring its profits into in-house development, gliderbim® evolved into a CDE with a significant advantage in functionality over its competitors.

Reaching new heights

gliderbim® is designed to be used by information managers, which offers benefits to both Glider and its clients. Glider helps users to master the platform’s capability, but can also manage information on their behalf – meaning the clients come out of the experience with a better tool and an evolved team.

“We invested heavily in product development and focused on delivering large-scale projects such as HQ developments for Deloitte, Schroders, Arm and other large asset owners. We’re particularly proud of our work with the UK Ministry of Defence.” said Nick. “We are helping them to manage information digitally for over 130,000 built assets, creating digital twins hosted by the gliderbim® CDE platform within a federated data architecture like no other we have seen to date.”

“It’s one of the ways we’re supporting forward-thinking clients,” Steve added. “We have some of the industry’s most talented developers, information management consultants and thought-leaders shaping the future of the digital built environment and allowing clients to take control of their data.”

When asked what their game-changing projects have been, Steve called back to Glider’s first job. “It was, funnily enough, called Project One,” he said. “It changed everything. We went from odd jobs trying to make any money, to being on course for our future business. A lot of the really interesting stuff, such as our approach to Digital Twins, came off the back of that.”

What comes next?

Both Nick and Steve speak passionately not just about their work, but about their team and their agile approach.

“Over the last five years, we’ve wanted to build a team of people as passionate as we are about what we do, and we’ve done that really successfully.” Nick gushed.

“We’re extremely proud of running a remote business from day one. Despite our initial concerns, it’s enabled us to recruit the very best from anywhere in the world – with the added bonus that we were more than prepared for a global pandemic!”

“We were using Zoom before it was cool!” Steve adds.

Having found its niche, Glider is on a trajectory that shows no sign of dipping.

“We can see five years of further development ahead of us, easily.” Nick said. “I’m sure there are many customers we’ll help transform. The products, the consultancy, the team… there’s so much unfinished business it keeps us up at night!”

“But we always want to ensure the basics are delivered brilliantly, too.” Steve added. “Building the foundations of the smart-connected world.”

Combining an entrepreneurial spirit, industry expertise and a determination to recruit the absolute best people, it is easy to see how Glider has risen to the top so quickly. But, perhaps most importantly, it is Nick and Steve’s unrelenting passion for developing better, more efficient and smarter technologies, that will ensure a future with limitless potential.

Check out our 5th Anniversary

Through the use of BIM and a connected data environment, the role of our Digital Delivery Managers is to see both broad and detailed views of all phases of a project, helping mitigate or avoid problems that can cause a project to stall. As a qualified Architectural Technologist, and having worked in previous BIM management roles, Robert is skilled in technical detailing and modelling as well as auditing quality of data and geometry using industry software(s) to coordinate design in 4D and 5D.

In his new role at Glider, Robert will work across multiple projects to define BIM requirements and BIM management strategies for the design, construction and operational phases of the project acting as BIM Information Manager and providing implementation, training and support services to clients for the use of our gliderbim® CDE platform.

Speaking about his new role, Robert said: “I am excited to be joining Glider at this time, when it is seeing accelerated growth as a result of being at the forefront of BIM and data management within the AEC industry.”

Nick Hutchinson, Glider Managing Director added: “Construction is one of the largest industries in the world and is positioned to benefit from significant value through improved digital productivity. Enabling businesses to analyse project data and forecast predicted performance to avoid future operational issues before they occur, reduce waste and downtime on site in the build stages. Plus having a fully digital operational and maintenance programme post build can be fully realised through effective information management in the design stages. At Glider this is the process we live by and the purpose of our Digital Delivery Managers.

“With his experience in BIM management, Robert will be an incredible asset, he has joined us at a time when we are expanding, creating new jobs and delivering some really impressive projects. We have big plans for the future and Robert’s continual development will be part of them.”