The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) has officially appointed a new chairman Colin Smith, who will support the business’s expansion as it helps the construction industry to manage costs, reduce carbon and mitigate risk.

Smith joins BCIS with 40 years of experience working in companies which specialise in providing data to the construction industry and has previously served as a chairman, CEO and director for market-leading technology businesses in the UK, Germany, the USA and Australia.

His role will include guiding BCIS on its journey as it helps the construction industry to make more informed choices, backed by data and forecasts, in terms of carbon and building costs, as well as launching it into global markets.

BCIS Chairman Colin Smith said: "The business is in a unique position of holding the data the construction industry needs to reveal the best choices in terms of building costs and reducing carbon.


"There is a growing desire to reduce our carbon footprint and ultimately to save the planet. BCIS can and will help the industry to achieve this. To be able to play a part in reducing our impact on the environment is very close to my heart as I consider the legacy we will leave for future generations.

"Thanks to backing from private equity investment, BCIS now has the firepower to build on its services, expand into new markets and offer new products. It’s exciting to embark on this adventure with them, because I know from previous experience how much fun this journey will be and I know together we can make a difference."

Smith has a long track record of working in the global construction software sector and is also an angel investor in BCIS.

Operating mainly in the role of chairman in recent years, he has held C-level positions in market-leading technology businesses since the early 1990s.

James Fiske, CEO, BCIS, said: "The years ahead for BCIS are full of promise and we are so pleased to welcome Colin to the team to support our ambitious plans for growth, as we boost the services we deliver, that provide the construction industry with data on cost, carbon and forecasts, helping them to manage building costs and risk, as well as ultimately reducing the environmental impact we have on the world around us.

"His impressive experience with helping tech companies to expand and his passion for harnessing the power of technology and construction are just what we wanted, as we look forward to BCIS growing its business in the UK and moving into new markets globally."