A new way of finding the right person or material

Finding the ‘right’ contractor or materials is something that bedevils anyone trying to maintain or conserve historic buildings, structures and landscapes. HBAS is developing a database of suppliers, contractors and consultants who aim to deliver suitable materials and services to protect and maintain the historic environment. This database is easily accessible to all those who seek the most appropriate people to help them with maintaining and conserving the historic built environment. Click here for database enquiry

The difference between this database and most other trade directories and catalogues is that HBAS have a basic set of criteria that all firms seeking inclusion should meet. These criteria are based on similar systems that national and regional conservation bodies use when considering and selecting the most suitable people to work with them. Also, HBAS do not just take someone’s word for how good they are: the references they provide are checked and HBAS is prepared to pass on the answers we receive to our subscribing members.

The information required for compliance with the criteria is:

• Details of the firm or individual, including: name, trading address, and whether part of a larger organisation
• Type of service or product in detail and a short description that will be included in the database information
• Details of trading history and supporting financial information
• Insurances appropriate to the services or products being offered
• References demonstrating quality of materials or services, from at least three qualified professionals or similar organisations

In order to be placed on the database it will be necessary for those who produce or supply products or services to demonstrate that they are both suitable and appropriate to protect and maintain the historic built environment. They will need to show that they understand traditional, vernacular and historic building techniques, materials and their use and how these are employed to protect and preserve the historic fabric and environment. All firms seeking inclusion in the database should expect to have the details they provide corroborated and the results made available to enquirers, with greater information being available to HBAS service subscribers.

To safeguard the standard of the database, we welcome comments from our members on the firms or organisations contained in the database that they have used or employed. All organisations on the database will be monitored and, where good reports are received, these will be added to the references section. However, if bad reports are received, and are subsequently upheld after investigation, then those names and details may be removed from the database.

How to obtain a name from the Database

Use the database enquiry panel on this page, providing the requested information. The fuller the information you can provide to HBAS, then the closer the match we will be able to make towards the object of your enquiry.

Once we have considered the form of service you are looking for, we will cross-match your requirements with the information we have on the database. A simple extract of appropriate information giving names, contact and other relevant details will be e-mailed to you at the address you provide.

Subscribers to the HBAS service can obtain more in-depth details of those names that are sent to them, such as the results of responses to requests for references and other information we are able to provide. N.B. Requests for information from the database will not be classed as an enquiry in respect of the two included within the normal annual membership subscription.

Click here for database enquiry

Database Membership Application

Those individuals or firms who wish to be considered for inclusion on the HBAS database must initially complete an application form that is obtainable from the HBAS database application section. The form can either be e-mailed or posted back to HBAS together with the non-returnable processing fee.

An important consideration for each applicant for inclusion on the database will be the need to show that their skills, services or materials are appropriate to the protection and maintenance of the man-made built environment. This is to ensure that users of the HBAS database service, and the specialists’ potential clients, can have confidence that they are properly protecting the built heritage by employing products, tradesmen or advisers with the appropriate abilities to deliver the service required.

To ensure that the entrants on the database keep their details up to date there is a biennial renewal process as well as random reference sampling. Similarly, those on the database whose standards fall below that which is considered appropriate to the historic environment, and about whom we receive confirmed negative reports will risk being removed from the list.

Click here for database application