The Evolving Landscape of Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC)

The UK Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) services market is growing and evolving, driven by both technological innovation and regulatory change. As highlighted in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification Market Report from Barbour ABI, services are expanding beyond traditional lifting equipment and pressure systems into areas such as renewable energy technologies, environmental testing, and complex infrastructure needs.

Emerging tools like AI, drones, and smart monitoring are transforming how TIC services are delivered, improving efficiency and accuracy. At the same time, governmental policies promoting safety and energy independence are further enhancing demand across sectors. The report highlights the importance of companies adapting to these shifts – leveraging technology, aligning with sustainability initiatives, and positioning themselves to capture growth opportunities in this dynamic market landscape.

Origins in the 19th century during the industrial revolution 

Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) services have a rich history that stretches back over 200 years, deeply rooted in traditional industries.

These include the testing and inspection of high-pressure steam boilers and equipment used in shipping, such as anchors, chains and lifting equipment. To mitigate safety risks, specialist institutions were established to carry out regular inspections of boilers and industrial equipment.

TIC services were also provided for insurance purposes with the formation of ship classification societies like Lloyd’s Register. These early efforts laid the foundation for modern safety standards and independent verification systems.

The Expansion of TIC Services

During the early 20th century, TIC services expanded into other sectors, like manufacturing, infrastructure and trade – as industrialisation spread across the globe. A key part of the TIC industry has been lifting equipment, like cranes. To this day, many TIC providers specialise in lifting equipment.

The TIC industry has evolved significantly to address the complexities of today’s engineering environment. This evolution is not merely a story of technological advancement but one implicitly linked to legislative progress, industry standards, and a commitment to improving safety.

Governments began to mandate quality and safety compliance and standards were developed. BSI (British Standards Institution) was founded in 1901. And following World War II, the economic boom and expansion of global trade led to international standards, with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) founded in 1947.

As technology progressed, so too did the scope of engineering TIC services, branching out from lifting equipment to include critical areas such as pressure testing, height safety, and recently, local exhaust ventilation and air quality assessments. The industry responded to an increasing awareness of the need to ensure equipment reliability and workplace safety, particularly in sectors like construction, utilities, and automotives.

TIC services now extend well beyond heavy industry and are established in pharmaceuticals, food safety, electronics and environmental compliance. Some of the leading suppliers have developed into multinational corporates, working across multiple sectors.

The Impact of Legislation

Legislation has played a crucial role in shaping the TIC landscape. The implementation of the Health and Safety at Work Act in 1974 marked a pivotal point, establishing a regulatory framework that mandated safer working conditions and processes. This act, along with subsequent regulations, has driven the demand for third-party TIC services to meet these growing safety standards. In more recent years, the Building Safety Act has led to a renewed focus on safety in and around buildings.

While there has been a marked reduction in injuries and fatalities associated with construction and facilities management, the reality is that they still occur. This persistent risk emphasises the need for continuous improvement in safety practices and standards. The TIC market is thus not static; it evolves, driven by a culture of safety and a framework of regulations that aim to protect workers and the public.

Third-party providers are important, often bringing greater skills, experience, and impartiality, particularly as the industry begins to embed technologies like IoT for real-time monitoring and AI for predictive maintenance into their inspection processes.

The Future of TIC in Infrastructure

So, what are the latest trends for TIC?

Infrastructure projects, particularly those aligned with energy independence and the transition to net zero, are significant drivers of TIC demand. The UK government’s ambitious plans for renewable energy development require extensive TIC services to ensure safety and compliance during construction and operation.

Companies are positioning themselves to support this growth by offering innovative inspection and testing solutions for projects involving wind energy, solar photovoltaic systems, and upgrades to the National Grid.

While the equipment and systems are often new (e.g. wind turbines, battery storage), some of the services provided are an evolution of those required in the early days of TIC – including lifting equipment, as well as height safety, and now including electrical components, EV charging, and fire detection.

Much innovation now involves the use of technologies like AI, IoT sensors and drones, to automate testing and inspection and minimise the risk for humans of reaching unsafe locations to assess equipment. These technologies can also predict maintenance and provide early warning of required maintenance – further reducing the risk of failure and danger to lives, and helping to operate more efficiently.

By fostering a culture of safety through rigorous testing, inspection, and certification, the TIC industry is not only safeguarding lives but also contributing to the sustainable future of construction and engineering sectors.

“The UK testing, inspection, and certification services landscape is undergoing a substantial change. It continues to be driven by regulatory imperatives, as well as technological advancements. As we navigate through the complexities of infrastructure development and sustainability, the TIC sector stands poised to play an integral role in ensuring safety and compliance across utilities operation and development, on construction sites and in the maintenance of factories and other workplaces.”

– David Bain, Editor of the report.