Contractors warned over bribery risks after industry cautionary tale

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has urged contractors to remain vigilant against bribery and corruption, following a cautionary account from a former industry professional whose business and personal life were upended by a legal case involving client "favours".

Speaking on BESA's Behind the Built Environment podcast, Andrew Blunsdon, former managing director of Priddy Engineering, described how decisions he believed to be well-intentioned ultimately resulted in criminal charges and financial collapse. His story highlights the severe consequences of failing to scrutinise client requests and contractual practices.

Blunsdon pleaded guilty to two counts of bribery related to his involvement in projects for energy firm E.On between 2011 and 2015. An investigation found that Blunsdon had authorised a free air conditioning installation and facilitated payments that were later traced to a business linked to a senior E.On director. He acknowledged that insufficient due diligence played a significant role in the events that followed.

Although he stated he had no criminal intent, Blunsdon received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was ordered to carry out 150 hours of community service. He also faced substantial personal consequences, including the collapse of his business and the loss of pension savings due to legal costs. His family, he said, was deeply affected by the experience.

BESA chief executive David Frise said the incident should serve as a warning to others in the sector, particularly those who might overlook risks in the interest of maintaining client relationships. "This is the story you need to hear," Frise said. "It shows how quickly trust can be exploited and how devastating the fallout can be."

Reflecting on the experience, Blunsdon advised others in the sector to approach client requests with caution and to take anti-bribery policies seriously. His message: "Just say no" to anything that appears irregular.

"If it doesn’t sound right or smell right, it probably isn’t. Ask questions, get clarification, and don’t be afraid to walk away from work that compromises your values," he said.

Frise added that while this case centred on a breach of the Bribery Act, similar risks exist in relation to other areas of compliance, such as anti-money laundering regulations and the Building Safety Act.

BESA provides legal guidance to its members on contractual and compliance issues, including bribery and corruption. Members seeking advice can contact the association via legal@thebesa.com.