How the BDA Supports Principal Contractors with Quality, Insight and Early Engagement

June 2, 2025

The British Drilling Association (BDA) has long championed quality, competence and collaboration within the drilling and geotechnical sectors. As the industry evolves, there is growing recognition that Principal Contractors, particularly Tier 1 and Tier 2, require more than simply skilled delivery, they need assurance, technical insight, and early engagement to ensure drilling is done right, first time. At the recent BGA AGM, discussion turned to the BDA’s historic Quality Matters Roadshows, with renewed interest in how the Association can better support Principal Contractors directly. Traditionally, these efforts have focused on consultants, offering guidance on standards, methods, and delivery best practice. However, consultants aren’t always on the front lines of procurement or programme delays, it’s the Principal Contractor.

The BDA offers a clear USP by being able to connect Principal Contractors with drilling contractors that are independently audited, share health and safety data, and adhere to industry best practice. This assurance of competence is often just as critical to Principal Contractors as the drilling itself. In addition, our members offer something frequently overlooked during project planning, which is practical, local knowledge. In contrast, BDA members can help identify practical solutions from the outset, ensuring a smoother delivery phase.

While many Principal Contractors recognise the benefits of Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), they frequently engage with drillers too late, with specifications are fixed and the tender process complete. The BDA is ideally placed to change this.

Through its network of members, the BDA can offer direct access to trusted contractors at the project planning stage. Not only does this de-risk delivery and reduce project costs, it also avoids expensive consultancy fees without compromising on technical input.

This shift – from supporting primarily consultants to supporting Principal Contractors directly, could be transformative. It’s not just about value for money either. It’s about building smarter, more collaborative construction supply chains.

What’s Next?

The BDA is already engaging with pre-construction managers from major Principal Contractors organisations to understand how we can better serve their needs. We believe this dialogue will shape a new chapter in the Quality Matters approach and one that aligns with modern delivery models and strengthens the voice of the drilling sector across the construction ecosystem.