Wheeler SI Sets New Industry Benchmark with 100% BDA Audit Compliance

September 2, 2025

The British Drilling Association (BDA) is delighted to announce that one of its member companies, Wheeler Site Investigation, has become the first UK drilling contractor operating multiple drilling machines to achieve 100% compliance with no minors or improvements being recorded  across all drillers, while undertaking the British Drilling Association (BDA) Audit. This represents a landmark moment for both the company and the industry.

The comprehensive audits, spanning Dynamic Sampling, Rotary, and Cable Percussion disciplines, confirm not only Wheeler SI’s operational excellence but also demonstrates that full compliance across all staff is an achievable goal for the wider drilling sector.

This result is the culmination of years of investment, training, and a focus on quality and safety. Wheeler SI has consistently treated the audit process not as a box‑ticking exercise, but as a catalyst for meaningful improvement – raising the bar for operational standards across the board within their company.

Jack Wheeler, Managing Director of Wheeler SI, commented:

“Over the years of doing BDA Audits I started off finding them very daunting, something I would try and actively avoid. I thought they were a pain I could do without. But as WSI grew, I realised BDA audits are not a scary process, but actually something we could use to our benefit. Not only does having audited drillers help us to win large, high-end projects, but it also massively benefits us as a company in terms of benchmarking and continual development. I use the audits each year to see where we need improvement, not just regarding the drillers on site, but myself in the office too, as it tested our processes and documentation and helped us to improve and consolidate.

So, when receiving our first clean audit this year – no minors, no observations – it gave me great self-satisfaction that not only are my drillers are being trained correctly in terms of technical knowledge and health and safety, but that we are continually improving as a company and working to Standards. To then receive another six clean audits following this, is something we are ecstatic about and really proud of.

We will continue to treat BDA Audits as we do – which is to test ourselves, the drillers and the admin team, to prove that we are continually meeting drilling standards to the highest level.

I no longer feel that BDA Audits are daunting but are a great tool that gives you comfort in the knowledge that we are continuing to do things right. It is the standard everyone should be working to. “

Keith Spires, BDA Audit Manager, praised Wheeler SI’s approach:

“When Wheeler SI first came on board with the BDA and the audit process, Jack was sceptical about it, worrying that it would show him in a bad light and ultimately cost him money. However. from the outset, it was clear that Jack wanted to get things right. He always asked ‘why’ before acting, and once satisfied, he implemented changes wholeheartedly. Too often, we see companies make adjustments to individual machines just to pass the audit, but don’t extend improvements across their entire fleet. Jack did the complete opposite and took each audit finding and acted on it, upgrading all his machinery equipment at the same time and training all operatives to the same high standard. The result was clear: every operator and every machine met the benchmark, without exception.”

Mark Toye, Chairman of the BDA, added:

“Wheeler Site Investigation’s achievement of 100% compliance across all audited drillers is not only a testament to their commitment to excellence, but a powerful example of what is possible when the audit process is embraced as a tool for growth. Jack Wheeler and his team have shown that the BDA Audit is far more than a regulatory exercise—it’s a pathway to raising standards, improving safety, and driving professionalism across the industry. Their success sets a new benchmark and sends a clear message: full compliance is achievable, and the benefits are tangible. On behalf of the BDA, I extend our congratulations to Wheeler SI for their dedication, transparency, and leadership in championing best practice in ground investigation”.

The BDA Audit is an essential tool for driving safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement across the drilling industry. For companies wishing to demonstrate competence, build client confidence, and benchmark their operations against the highest standards, applying for a BDA Audit is a vital step.

Find out more about the BDA Audit process and how to apply here: https://www.britishdrillingassociation.co.uk/competence/bda-audit/