Breaking Property News 28/10/25

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Enrolment to master Historic Building Conservation with technology now open

BEST Training, in collaboration with leading conservation specialists BE Conservation and Carpenter Surveyors, have announced the launch of a pivotal new online course, Master Building Conservation with Confidence and Technology – Module 1.

Developed by renowned industry figures Stephen Boniface and Ian Bullock, the programme is engineered to provide professionals with the essential credentials and practical skills to excel in the heritage sector.

Drawing on decades of combined, industry-leading experience, this comprehensive course addresses a critical need for specialist knowledge in the surveying and conservation of historic properties. It is designed to equip professionals to confidently navigate the unique challenges presented by older structures, from the intricacies of timber-framed buildings and historic brickwork to diagnosing structural movement and damp.

The course uniquely blends timeless conservation principles with the latest in modern surveying and report-writing technology, empowering participants to lead successful, technologically advanced building conservation projects.

“We want to transform how professionals see their role. This isn’t just about identifying defects; it’s about becoming a custodian of a building’s legacy,” said Stephen Boniface, co-creator of the course and a leading voice in building conservation. “Our goal is to give surveyors and architects the deep-seated confidence to not only diagnose issues but to understand the story of a structure and make decisions that will preserve it for generations. This course provides that foundational knowledge, blending decades of experience with the practical tools needed in the field today.”

Module 1 provides an in-depth introduction focusing on the historic building surveying process, which together with later modules will provide end-to-end mastery of building and heritage conservation. The curriculum guides participants through everything from initial research, legal aspects, and conservation principles to on-site data capture, diagnosis, and final client debrief. The virtual course comprises over 10 hours of video content, contributing to a total of 14 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

This training is essential for a wide range of professionals, including Surveyors, Architects, Engineers, Architectural Technicians, Archaeologists, Conservation Officers, and Property Managers.

Ian Bullock, a Chartered Surveyor and co-developer of the course, commented, “Professionals in this field need unshakeable confidence. They need to walk onto a heritage site and read the building’s history, its strengths, and its vulnerabilities.

This course replaces guesswork with foundational principles and empowers them with the tools to deliver exceptional, modern reports. It’s about becoming the go-to expert that clients and colleagues trust for their most prestigious and challenging properties.”

Adding significant weight to its professional standing, the course has been officially designated as an IHBC Recognised CPD Provider by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation. This recognition underscores the course’s commitment to developing the interdisciplinary, environmentally aware, and people-focused skills that the IHBC champions.

Participants will gain not just technical knowledge, but also the managerial and advisory skills essential for navigating the real-world conservation process. In an industry where such expertise is increasingly sought after, this IHBC endorsement certifies the course as a key credential for professionals aiming to lead in the heritage sector.

In addition to the core curriculum, delegates who sign up for Module 1 will receive a substantial benefits package, including: One year of free access to the exclusive BE Conservation Community. Event discounts and free webinars with trainers Stephen Boniface and Ian Bullock. Discounts on the latest surveying technology. A free account set-up with the leading software platform, Surventrix.

Stephen Boniface MSAI DipBldgCons (RICS) FRICS MAE IHBC is a highly respected Chartered Surveyor with four decades of experience, including serving as the former Chair of the RICS Building Conservation Forum. He is the founder of the online Heritage Conservation Community and a passionate advocate for cross-professional collaboration in preserving historic buildings.

Ian Bullock MRICS MRPSA MEWI is an experienced Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer with a distinguished career spanning over 25 years. He is renowned for his personal, client-focused approach, with expertise covering a vast range of residential properties, from 16th-century Listed buildings to modern new-builds. His strength lies in providing open and impartial advice, ensuring clients can make decisions with confidence.

BEST Training is a premier provider of professional development and training solutions for the surveying, property, and construction industries. We are committed to delivering high-quality, expert-led courses that equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their careers

 

Andrew Stanton Executive Editor – moving property and proptech forward. PropTech-X

Andrew Stanton

CEO & Founder Proptech-PR. Proptech Real Estate Influencer, Executive Editor of Estate Agent Networking. Leading PR consultancy in Proptech & Real Estate.

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