Why client communication is key to unlocking Gateway 2

By Craig Robertson, director at MEP and sustainability consultancy Wallace Whittle

Following two years of slow progress for Gateway 2, we are now seeing the approvals ramp up and the backlog is beginning to clear. Figures from the BSR up to December 2025 show the final quarter of 2025 saw the highest number of decisions since the BSR commenced operations, with live applications reducing from 1,219 to 1,158 over the past 12 weeks — a promising start for 2026.

Last year, Wallace Whittle successfully steered two projects through the process. While this was a 40-week timeline, the learnings can still be applied to hopefully reduce these delays even further over the next 12 months. It is essential for the industry to do everything it can to meet the BSR in this challenge, and hopefully boost employment and construction across the board.

The BSR’s reduction in lead times to 12 weeks is a marked improvement, however the commercial stakes remain incredibly high. With project values ranging from £30 million to £1 billion, any uncertainty — be it regulatory or financial — increases the likelihood of a project being scrapped. A year-long delay at the outset is a tough sell for clients, but as we move into 2026, the recent momentum suggests a more streamlined path forward.

Client-first culture

One of the main difficulties for businesses is client reaction — it is all about certainty. If a client faces uncertainty, whether technical, planning, commercial, compliance, or financial, then there is a high chance of dropping out — and a significant loss. This shows the importance of reassurance and transparency, to give confidence to clients about moving forward.

To continue successfully navigating Gateway 2 requires a significant shift in business mindset; prioritising the integrity of the deliverables over the sheer volume of work. By front-loading the technical detail, not only can teams meet compliance, but it is a chance to also unlock value for our clients much earlier in the project lifecycle. This is particularly evident in fire safety, energy, and sustainability. With fire being the primary lens for inspectors, every interconnected system must be heavily analysed.

For those companies that have always prioritised a high level of detail and quality service, it will come as no surprise, but I predict this will be even more crucial going forward. In this setting, with such high stakes, maintaining a strong consultant-client relationship is a critical piece of the puzzle. This involves clear communication and transparency throughout, to help build a mutual level of trust. When true confidence in the technical data is demonstrated, it is more likely to be reciprocated and this turns what can be a potentially stressful phase into a shared success story.

The next level

Moving into Gateway 3, the industry focus must shift from design intent to demonstrable compliance. Many contractors currently risk ‘going in blind’ by underestimating the BSR’s rigorous burden of proof. Unlike previous stages, the onus now rests entirely on the contractor to curate the ‘golden thread,’ proving that the as-built reality aligns perfectly with approved designs.

Sisk’s recent handover of a 27-storey London tower serves as a vital blueprint for this eight-week assessment process. This success story highlights the value of ‘trial runs’ to identify data gaps early. For Wallace Whittle, this evolution necessitates a ‘built-as-drawn’ mentality, demanding a tighter feedback loop between designers and builders. The industry must now ensure construction data is structured specifically for BSR scrutiny, rather than just traditional practical completion.

But just as with Gateway 2, the industry should be focused on high-quality detail and offering transparency throughout — it is only through these collaborative and trusted relationships that we can progress through these rigorous systems.

For more information on how Wallace Whittle can support your next project through Gateway 2 and beyond, please visit: https://www.wallacewhittle.com/