CDM Planning, engineers and architects

CDM Consultancy for Construction Projects

Helping clients, designers and contractors manage CDM and Building Regulations compliance.

Discuss Your Project Requirements

Independent UK construction compliance consultants with over 30 years of CDM experience.

Accreditations

APS Logo
CHAS Logo
SMAS Logo
SafeContractor Logo

Clients We’ve Supported

Premier Inn Logo
KFC Logo
Costa Coffee Logo
David Lloyd Leisure Logo
Specsavers Logo
JD Wetherspoon Logo

Principal Designer Appointments

Principal Designer (CDM) and Principal Designer Building Regulations (PDBR) are separate roles with different responsibilities. The CDM role focuses on managing health and safety during the pre-construction phase, while PDBR focuses on managing Building Regulations compliance throughout the design process.

Our experienced team can undertake either role independently or both roles together, providing a seamless and coordinated approach to project compliance.

Both PDBR and Principal Designer (CDM)

One competent team undertaking both appointments, delivering a streamlined approach that integrates Building Regulations with health and safety compliance.

PDBR Only

A standalone appointment to plan, manage and monitor Building Regulations compliance throughout the design process.

Principal Designer (CDM) Only

A standalone appointment to plan, manage and monitor health and safety during the pre-construction phase.

Not sure which appointment your project requires? Our team can help you identify the right option.

CDM Services

From early design stage through to project completion, we support every party with their CDM responsibilities.

Principal Designer (CDM)

Delivering Principal Designer services from early design stage to handover of projects.

Principal Designer Assist

Supporting designers to fulfil their CDM duties with practical, hands-on guidance.

Client Assist

Advising on & supporting clients with their responsibilities under CDM regulations.

Design Risk Management

Identifying and working with designers to mitigate risk throughout the design stage.

Pre-Construction Information

Gathering and sharing pre-construction information with the project team and contractors.

Health & Safety File

Preparation of significant health & safety documentation at project completion.

How Our Support Works

A simple, three-stage process to help identify your needs and support you throughout.

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Step 1

Initial Discussion

Understanding your project and identifying the duties and appointments that apply.

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Step 2

Identifying Needs

Our consultants identify needs and provide a quotation to suit your project requirements.

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Step 3

Support & Guidance

Ongoing support and advice throughout the relevant stages of your project.

Types of Projects We Support

From complex new builds in live environments to fast-paced retail rollouts, we work on the projects that keep the UK moving.

  • New Build Hotels
  • Energy
  • Waste
  • Retail
  • Sport Clubs
  • Refurbishment Projects
  • Residential Developments
  • Commercial Buildings
  • Infrastructure
  • Education & Healthcare

Why Work With Bernard Sims Associates

Experienced, Competent Team

A highly experienced team able to undertake PDBR, Principal Designer (CDM), or both roles.

Independent Advice

Objective consultancy focused on CDM compliance, Building Regulations compliance and safe project delivery.

Early Stage Risk Evaluation

Helping clients and designers identify, eliminate and reduce risks during design.

Trusted Industry Partner

Working with property owners, developers, architects and contractors across the UK.

Proudly Employee Owned Logo

Proudly Employee Owned

Bernard Sims Associates is employee owned, which means our team has a genuine stake in the business and a say in how it is run. Every person who works here is invested in doing the right thing for our clients.

Employee ownership drives a different kind of consultancy. There are no outside shareholders to answer to, just our clients and our people. That independence is central to the honest, practical advice we give on every project.

Trusted By

Long-term relationships with some of the UK’s most recognised names in hospitality, retail, leisure and property.

Whitbread Premier Inn
Costa Coffee
David Lloyd Leisure
Specsavers
KFC
JD Wetherspoon
Low Carbon
Masdar
Landsec
Savills

What Our Clients Say

Whitbread Premier Inn Logo

“Bernard Sims Associates provide a consistent and reliable level of practical CDM support bringing confidence in our compliance to our project delivery.”

Alex Flach

UK and Ireland Development Director, Whitbread Premier Inn

KFC Logo

“Bernard Sims Associates expertise in CDM has been invaluable, ensuring our projects run smoothly while maintaining the highest standards of health and safety. The team is professional, proactive, and easy to work with, giving us complete confidence at every stage.”

Chris Hatt

Construction Lead UK & Ireland, KFC

Cash Access UK Logo

“I have worked with Bernard Sims Associates for over 20 years across different organisations, and they are a truly trusted SME who provide expert advice and assurance keeping our businesses safe as well as providing guidance and expert learning to our team.”

James Hamilton

Property Director, Cash Access UK

Get in Touch

Tell us about your project and a member of our CDM team will be in touch within one working day.

Need expert advice? Speak to our team today!