Grenfell, COVID and Brexit - UKCW's first 10 years
As the UK’s biggest event for the built environment enters its 10th anniversary year, members of the UK Construction Week Advisory Board have been reflecting on some of the biggest impacts to the industry in the show’s first decade.
The UKCW Advisory Board is a prestigious panel of top industry leaders, featuring a Who’s Who of top level experts, including:
- === Ron Lang, Regional Director, AtkinsRealis ===
- === Trudi Sully, UK and Europe Lead - Industrialised Design & Construction, Mott MacDonald ===
- === Amanda Long, Chief Executive, Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) ===
- === Emily King, Industrialisation Consultant on the New Hospital Programme, NHS England ===
- Nigel Ostime, Project Delivery Lead, Hawkins Brown
When asked the question: ‘What do you think has been the biggest change or had the biggest impact in the construction sector in the last 10 years?’, board members gave a range of reflections and responses,
Amanda Long commented: “Given the perspective of my work, without doubt the biggest impact has been the Grenfell tragedy; that is what is going to drive the greatest change in terms of culture and behaviour, which will bring together so many of the other changes that need to happen in the sector.”
Emily King added: “I think one of the things that’s had the largest impact over the last 10 years has been COVID - it forced us to rethink and innovate. We’re quite a stagnant industry - we’re like an oil tanker; it takes us a long time to change and struggle to revolutionise because our projects are so big, they take years to even design.
“COVID forced us to reassess everything very, very quickly - we had to rethink every activity to make it safe for everyone. What that encouraged was a reflection on efficiency; being driven from a need is much better than being driven from the top down by your client.”
Trudi Sully commented: “The biggest impact for me personally is that I came into the industry 10 years ago, but throughout that time it’s been about transformation and change; although sometimes it feels like it’s been a slow burn , when you look back there’s been so much happening.”
Ron Lang noted: “I’ve been involved with UK Construction Week for all of its 10 years, and we’ve gone through lots of periods of challenge like COVID, and come together to collaborate on solutions.
“I’m really looking forward to a more positive longer term outlook, because a lot of challenges like climate change still remain.”
Nigel Ostime commented: “For me, the biggest changes have been environmental regulation, digital technology, and Brexit and its impact on the economy.”
Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, commented: “These fascinating insights into our first 10 years illustrate not only the raft of incredible challenges the industry has had to face and overcome, but how the sector has to constantly adapt and innovate - a topic which has always been on the agenda at UKCW and will continue to be.”
As UK Construction Week London celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the 2025 seminar programme promises to be the most impactful and engaging yet, built around the unifying theme, "Where Decisions Are Made."
The event will serve as a critical platform for addressing the key challenges and opportunities shaping the construction industry. With a focus on fostering debate, showcasing innovation, and driving actionable outcomes, this year’s seminars will cover a diverse range of topics across eight dedicated theatres, each tailored to the needs of professionals and stakeholders across the sector.
By partnering with organisations like CITB, FMB, CCPi, and RICS, the seminar programme will ensure a rich exchange of knowledge and perspectives. With curated debates, practical workshops, and visionary talks, UK Construction Week London 2025 will truly be where decisions are made.
UKCW’s 10th anniversary comes at a time of huge growth for the show, with additions to the London event including brand new sections Workwear & PPE Live in partnership with PCIAW, Onsite On Hire, a showcase of the latest tools and machinery as well as an array of international pavilions from Italy, China and Turkey.
UK Construction Week will also be co-located with The Stone Show & Hard Surfaces making this event the largest construction exhibition in the UK, delivering a visitor experience that celebrates the built environment and offers more value than ever before to construction professionals.
To find out more about UKCW London and to register for free, visit: https://forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-london-2025/cab-pr
Featured articles and news
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.