Principal Designer Services

Expert CDM Principal Designer services since 1994. From small projects to major multi-year schemes, we provide professional, hands-on support throughout the UK.

Over 30 Years of CDM Experience

Based in Stoke-on-Trent, BPA Services Ltd has been providing effective and qualified Principal Designer services since the advent of the CDM Regulations in 1994. Our experience spans the full breadth of construction where CDM Regulations apply. Under CDM 2015, a client must appoint a Principal Designer whenever there is, or is likely to be, more than one contractor on a project, whatever its size or duration. Larger projects are also notifiable to the HSE, and we have been fulfilling the Principal Designer role since the regulations began.

Over the intervening years, we have successfully delivered CDM services across an extensive range of projects, from smaller works that just meet the regulatory threshold through to major schemes spanning several years. Throughout this time, BPA has maintained a professional service with continual approval and an unblemished safety record.

Our Approach

We take a realistic, hands-on approach to CDM compliance. Our method places significant emphasis on the early design stages, ensuring adequate dialogue between all relevant parties from the outset. This proactive engagement helps identify and mitigate risks before they become costly issues on site.

We believe in practical solutions that work in the real world, not bureaucratic box-ticking. Our Principal Designers work collaboratively with design teams, contractors and clients to integrate safety considerations seamlessly into the design process.

Why Choose BPA?

Our combination of extensive experience, professional expertise, and practical approach sets us apart.

Proven Track Record Since 1994

Our experience dates back to the very beginning of CDM Regulations. This depth of knowledge means we understand both the letter and the spirit of the regulations.

Wide Range of Project Types

From straightforward projects to complex, multi-year major schemes, we have experience across the full spectrum of construction work.

New Build & Refurbishment

We are equally adept at new construction projects and refurbishment works, understanding the distinct challenges each presents.

Competitive UK-Wide Service

We offer competitive Principal Designer services throughout the United Kingdom, ensuring consistent quality regardless of location.

Modern Construction Methods

Experience with fast track projects and offsite modular construction methods, keeping pace with evolving industry practices.

Continuous Professional Development

Our CDM professionals attend regular training seminars, ensuring our knowledge of regulations and best practice remains current.

Which Service Do You Need?

Principal Designer vs CDM Advisor

Not sure which service is right for your project? Here's a quick comparison.

Principal Designer

A statutory duty holder with defined legal responsibilities under CDM 2015.

  • Legally required where more than one contractor is involved
  • Leads health and safety coordination in pre-construction
  • Responsible for the Health & Safety File

This is the service you're viewing. BPA can also provide CDM Advisor support alongside this role for complete project coverage.

CDM Advisor

A specialist consultant who helps duty holders meet their CDM obligations.

  • Assists clients and contractors with compliance
  • Offers expert guidance on regulations and best practice
  • Scalable involvement to suit your project needs

What's Included

Our Principal Designer Service

A comprehensive service focused on designing-out risk from the earliest stages and ensuring compliance throughout your project.

  • Pre-construction information pack
  • Design risk workshops and reviews
  • HSE liaison and F10 notifications
  • Contractor H&S provision reviews
  • Regular site safety inspections
  • Health & Safety File compilation
  • Operational and maintenance information
  • Practical construction and design advice
  • Ongoing regulatory compliance support

Testimonials

What our clients say

Living Space HousingHayfield Homes

“As an Organisation we have employed the services of BPA Services since 2019, when they were invited to fulfil the role of Principal Designer, under the CDM Regulations 2015 on one of our first major Housing Developments in the West Midlands. They were extremely thorough and supportive throughout the life of the scheme and in addition to this provided a very professional support component to our Design team.

Since that time we have used BPA exclusively as our external auditors for the in House Health & Safety function, whereby they carry out bi-annual Site based audits across our various Developments. This involves a Site visit by one of their professional H&S Managers who liaises with our Site team, carrying out a Site inspection and checking and confirming that we are fully compliant with all the appropriate H&S Law and Regulations in relation to our Construction Industry obligations. The Report that they produce is extremely informative and provides feedback and suggestions on everything that they witness on the day and we are extremely grateful for the way that these are produced and presented.

As a Company Living Space Housing has been extremely successful for the past 6 years in obtaining a RoSPA Gold Award and Gold Medals for 2025 and 2026, for which we have no doubt was certainly influenced by the support received from BPA Services and I would highly recommend them to any Company wishing to receive first class Health & Safety support.”

Phil Morgan
Health & Safety Manager, Living Space Housing and Hayfield Homes Construction

Evolving With The Regulations

Over 30 Years of CDM Experience

As regulations have evolved and strengthened, we've adapted our expertise at every step, ensuring our clients always receive current, compliant advice.

CDM Regulations Introduced

The original Construction (Design and Management) Regulations came into force. BPA began providing CDM services from day one.

CDM 2007 Revision

Significant update to the regulations introduced the CDM Coordinator role and strengthened duty holder responsibilities.

CDM 2015 & Principal Designer

Major revision introduced the Principal Designer role, replacing the CDM Coordinator. We adapted our services to meet the new requirements.

Building Regulations duty holders

The duty holder regime made under the Building Safety Act introduced the Building Regulations Principal Designer role. We continue to evolve with the regulations.

Need a Principal Designer for your project?

Whether you're planning a small refurbishment or a major construction programme, our experienced CDM professionals have been delivering Principal Designer services since 1994.

Proven expertise

Why Clients Trust BPA

With over 37 years in business and more than a century of combined team experience, we've built deep expertise across diverse industries. Our experienced safety professionals understand the specific regulations, risks, and operational realities of each sector we serve.

Years Combined Experience
100+
Sectors Served
13+
Retained Clients
100+