Registered building control approver (RBCA) Corporate Approved Inspectors (CAI) has told the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) it cannot continue with its operations, Construction News can reveal.
The company, which had offices in London’s West End, Derbyshire and Surrey, has already transferred two higher-risk projects to the BSR. Its other work is expected to be picked up by local authorities or other private building control companies.
CN understands it informed customers of its situation in the f
inal week of May, citing “health and unforeseen circumstances”.
It remains on the public register of RBCAs, as it has not entered insolvency.
A BSR spokesperson said: “Corporate Approved Inspectors Ltd recently made BSR aware of issues affecting [its] future operations as a Registered Building Control Approver.
“We are in contact with CAI Ltd and discussing potential impact on building control projects [it was] appointed on.”
The discussions also cover issues relating to its registration, the spokesperson added.
According to its website, CAI worked across residential and commercial building control and provided specialist support on major developments.
The firm was incorporated in 2019 but it was too small to be required to publicly report its turnover and profit.
Other private building control firms affected
Its most recent accounts, for the year to 31 May 2024, show it had working capital of £36,703 and net assets of £13,677.
In April the firm was hit with a winding-up petition by HMRC, although the case was subsequently dismissed.
It faced compulsory strike-off action from the register of companies in November 2024 and 2025, as well as in August 2021, but in all cases the action was discontinued.
Calls to CAI’s office went unanswered when CN tried to contact the firm on Friday afternoon. The company has been emailed for comment.
In 2024, the BSR was criticised after AIS Surveyors – also known as Approved Inspector Services and Building Control Special Services – went into liquidation just over a month after the new RBCA registration scheme came into effect on 6 April 2024.
To register as an RBCA, companies must demonstrate that they are financially viable, with a structure and resources sufficient to effectively deliver their functions, according to the profession’s assessment criteria overseen by the BSR.
Last month, Ealing Council said the collapse of Assent Group RBCAs Oculus and LB Building Control, along with PWC Building Control, had contributed to a severe backlog in its building control service.
The council publicly urged residents to use private providers where possible.
