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Last edited 20 Sep 2025

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UK Construction week. 10th anniversary

1 About UK Construction Week
2 ‘Where decisions are made’ - networking at the heart of UKCW Birmingham
3 Five Talks Empowering Women in construction
4 Championing sustainability with the Net Zero Trail
5 A ‘Who’s Who’ of experts and thought leaders
6 Related articles on Designing Buildings

[edit] About UK Construction Week

Now in its 10th year and with a theme of ‘where decisions are made’, UKCW Birmingham will be celebrating everything from the impact of women in shaping the built environment, a who's who of experts, and trailing net zero to championing networking. The programme of talks and workshops include sessions intended to inspire leadership, drive cultural change, and create meaningful connections across the industry. The event takes place at the NEC from 30 September to 2 October, 2025.

UKCW Birmingham attracts visitors and exhibitors from across the globe, and will showcase a host of international exhibitors from the likes of China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Turkey. Alongside over 300 leading brands from around the world, UKCW Birmingham will feature 200 speakers and over 150 hours of CPD accredited seminars and talks across five stages. Alongside over 300 leading brands from around the world, UKCW Birmingham will feature 200 speakers and over 150 hours of seminars and talks across five stages - all of which are CPD accredited.

To register for UKCW Birmingham for free, visit https://forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-birmingham-2025/cab-pr

[edit] ‘Where decisions are made’ - networking at the heart of UKCW Birmingham

At the heart of UKCW’s extensive networking opportunities will be the Build Connect Lounge, a dedicated, informal networking space for industry professionals to meet, share insights, and discuss upcoming projects. The Build Connect Lounge will feature experts across a range of skills and services, including Procurement - The Procurement Hub; LHC Procure; Contractors - Willmott Dixon; Northport Construction; Lead generation and insights - Tussell ; Marketing consultancy - kYNEKT. This dedicated networking area will also host a series of round table discussions across the three days of UKCW (NEC, September 30th to October 2nd), covering a diverse range of topics, from leadership, infrastructure and digital transformation to inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.

All networking appointments and round tables in the Build Connect Lounge are open to all delegates and bookable on the new show app on a first come, first served basis. Round table discussions are as follows:

Tuesday September 30th 1pm. AtkinsRéalis – Implementing the Social Infrastructure Roadmap.

Chaired by Ron Lang, Regional Director, AtkinsRéalis, this will explore how systems thinking can transform public infrastructure, breaking silos, aligning decisions, and using data to create resilient, people-focused projects.

Wednesday 1st October, 11am. Kier Group – From Data to Decisions:

Unlocking Value Through Technology Integration Colin Bell, Digital Construction Director, Kier Group, chairs this discussion of how measured digital transformation, featuring AI, digital twins, and connected workflows, is driving greater productivity, collaboration, and sustainability in UK construction.

Thursday 2nd October, 11am. Women Leaders in Construction – Beyond Allyship:

Conversations for Leaders Who Want to Get It Right A closed-door discussion on lived experiences, leadership, and building inclusive cultures. For leaders ready to listen, reflect, and take meaningful action.

Thursday 2nd October, 1pm. DWP (Department for Work & Pensions) & Industry Leaders – Opening Doors:

Unlocking Work Experience for the Next Generation. Discover how companies can deliver impactful work experience through school partnerships, employer engagement, and initiatives by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) to inspire the next generation of construction talent.

Catch up and make new contacts at the Opening Night Party (September 30th, Central Bar)

Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, commented: “We know from our visitor research that networking is one of the most important elements of UKCW, so we’re maximising the opportunities for delegates to have face to face meetings, plan their visit and make the most of being in the same space as thousands of other construction professionals.”

UKCW Birmingham (NEC, September 30th to October 2nd) will be three days of CPD-accredited talks, technical workshops, live demonstrations, exclusive product launches and big name speakers, including:

Richard Parker - Mayor of the West Midlands
George Clarke – Architect, TV presenter, and advocate for better housing and design
Alan Heron – Director of Procurement, Places for People
Emma Whigham – Markets & Supply Chain Director, New Hospital Programme
Rachael Owens – Co-Director, National Retrofit Hub

[edit] Five Talks Empowering Women in construction

This year’s event will address the sector’s ongoing challenges of representation and retention, while showcasing the development opportunities available for women to drive greater diversity in the construction industry, highlights include:

Wednesday 1st October. Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Hub, 10.30am.

Unlock the Power Within: A Leadership Activation: An energising session with Natalie Baksheieva, Executive Coach and Trainer. Discover practical strategies to build clarity confidence, and leadership skills for every stage of your career.

Wednesday 1st October. Digital Construction Hub, 3.30pm: Crafting Business Brilliance.

Hear from Women in BIM experts on how generative AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and agility in construction. Speakers include Emma Rees, Wates Smartspace; Hadeel Saadoon (pictured above), Turner & Townsend; Lilian Ho, Aecom; and Mairead Gallager-Morgan, Grimshaws.

Wednesday 1st October. Digital Construction Hub, 4.15pm: Women in BIM Networking Session

Connect directly with Women in BIM experts, exchange insights, and share experiences in an informal, one-to-one setting. This is expected to be a popular event, therefore seats are reserved on a first come first served basis.

Thursday October 2nd Culture Change & Skills Hub, 1.15pm - 3.15pm: Building Connections: Meet Women Who Shape Construction

Join a dynamic networking session moderated by Monique Wintle-Camp with panellists Siu Mun Li, director at Siu-lutions; Holly Kattenhorn, Senior Construction Manager at L.A. Kattenhorn & Partners; Renee Preston, CEO at Gallaway Construction & Founder, Construction for Women; and Sam McCabe, Sustainable Buildings Lead Scotland & Passive House Designer at WSP & Women in Property, who all volunteer for NAWIC (The National Association of Women in Construction). Engage in practical networking exercises, small group reflections, and conversations that explore challenges and opportunities for women in construction, and how to build a stronger, more inclusive industry. Whether you're new to the sector or a seasoned professional, come along to share, learn, and expand your network in a supportive environment. This long format session will feature the following:

Micro skills session – From Awkward to Authentic: Building Your Network with Confidence
Panel Discussion: Women at Work: Real Stories, Real Change in Construction
Small Group Reflection: What’s one bold step you’ll take next?
Round Table at the Build Connect Lounge, 11am
Women Leaders in Construction – Beyond Allyship: Conversations for Leaders Who Want to Get It Right

Bringing together a small group of industry leaders for a closed-door roundtable on lived experiences, leadership, and building inclusive cultures. Led by Monique Wintle-Camp, MD at Wintle-Camp Coaching, hear directly from women in construction about their lived experiences and reflect on what that means for your leadership, culture, and company.

Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, commented: “It was important for us to put women’s voices and experiences at the forefront of this year’s show - not just to spotlight the fantastic leaders already making waves in the built environment, but to also challenge the industry to do more. It needs to move faster on diversity and cultural change to ensure retention and inspire more women to consider a career in construction. This year’s programme has been designed to inspire reflection and action to ensure the next decade of UKCW reflects a more inclusive and dynamic community.”

[edit] Championing sustainability with the Net Zero Trail

The Net Zero Trail has been designed to guide visitors through a curated selection of green champions shaping the future of sustainable construction. Visitors will be able to follow the trail markers, which will lead them to industry experts to hear their success stories and gather practical tips. To help attendees get the most out of the show, UK Construction Week has launched its handy web-based app. Visitors can quickly build a personalised itinerary of talks, book meetings and navigate the floorplan, including viewing the Net Zero Trail, all from the palm of their hand.

UKCW Birmingham is also partnering with the UK Green Building Council, Carbon Trust, National Retrofit Hub and Hydrogen UK, who are all working to further accelerate the construction industry’s net zero ambitions. Also part of the Net Zero Trail is the Net Zero Hub, where visitors can hear from a range of high-profile speakers and hear first-hand about pioneering sustainable solutions. Talk highlights at the Net Zero Hub include:

Tuesday 30 September, 10.30am. From Roadmap to Reality: Climate Resilience Plans into On-Site Action

The UK Green Building Council’s Climate Resilience Roadmap sets out a clear vision—but how do we turn that into real change on projects today? This session dives into the most actionable parts of the roadmap, from climate risk assessments and adaptive design strategies to supply chain readiness and retrofit priorities. Join UKGBC as they share practical steps, tools, and case studies to help you embed climate resilience into your next project. Speakers: Yetunde Abdul, Director of Industry Transformation, UK Green Building Council and Nature Positive:

Tuesday 30th September, 1.15pm. Embedding Biodiversity into the Built Environment.

As biodiversity net gain becomes a legal and ethical imperative, the construction industry must rethink how projects interact with the natural world. This session explores how to integrate nature-based solutions, green infrastructure, and ecological thinking into planning, design, and delivery. Learn how aligning development with biodiversity goals can create more resilient places and unlock long-term environmental and community value. Speakers: Chris Moss, Green Infrastructure Consultant, Greengage.

Wednesday 1st October, 12.15pm. Net Zero and Infrastructure Resilience: Building for a Changing Climate

As the climate crisis intensifies, infrastructure must be designed not just to reduce emissions, but to withstand a changing environment. This session explores the critical crossover between decarbonisation and climate adaptation—highlighting how civil engineers can embed whole-life carbon thinking into every stage of project delivery. CECA shares insights on long-term planning, material resilience, and what it takes to future proof infrastructure investments. Speakers: Kate Lloyd, Civil Engineering Manager, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), Sam McCabe, Sustainable Buildings Lead Scotland & Passive House Designer, WSP & Women in Property.

Wednesday 1st October, 2pm. Building a Sustainable Future: Retrofitting for Climate Resilience

With buildings responsible for a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, retrofitting is a critical tool in the race to net-zero. This panel dives into practical strategies for transforming existing structures into climate-resilient, low-carbon assets—from smart energy upgrades to sustainable materials. Join experts to explore how retrofitting can drive environmental impact, meet rising tenant demands, and future-proof the built environment. Speakers: Jerry Harrall, Consultant and Designer, Fossil-Fuel-Free Buildings, Nick Miles, Director of Commerce and Product Innovation, EWI Pro, Richard Collins, Co-Founder, CSR Accreditation

Thursday 2nd October, 11.15am. Greening the Workforce: Building the Skills to Deliver Net Zero

As the UK accelerates toward its net zero targets, the construction sector must rapidly adapt—demanding a new wave of green skills across design, retrofit, renewable energy, materials, and on-site delivery. This session will map out the critical skills now needed, from heat pump installation to low-carbon construction methods, and explore how we can train, upskill, and mobilise the workforce at scale. Join industry leaders and educators to discover how collaboration can turn the green skills gap into a green opportunity. Speaker: Jeremy Gray, Head of External Affairs, Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, commented: “The UKCW Net Zero Trail demonstrates our commitment to sustainability, by shining a spotlight on the latest ecofriendly innovations, technologies and sustainable practices helping the UK construction industry move towards a green future. Whether you’re aiming for BREEAM excellence, rethinking your supply chain, or seeking cost-effective ways to cut carbon, it offers invaluable insight into how businesses can meet regulatory requirements and drive long-term operational efficiencies, while connecting with experts in the field.”

[edit] A ‘Who’s Who’ of experts and thought leaders

Politicians, thought leaders and major decision makers including Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker (above), David Atkinson, National Head of Land & Development, Willmott Dixon, and Emma Wigham, Director NHS New Hospital Programme, will be amongst a ‘who’s who’ of high-profile speakers at the 10th anniversary edition of the UK’s biggest construction event. The sessions collectively explore how UK construction can meet ambitious housing and infrastructure goals through policy reform, workforce development, innovation, digital transformation and decarbonisation while tackling critical challenges in safety, regulation, funding, mental health, and citizen engagement to deliver a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable built environment. With over 200 hours of CPD accredited seminars, UK Construction Week is a must-attend event for tier 1 and tier 2 contractors; housebuilders and developers; local authority and housing associations architects; buyers and procurement experts.Highlights of the speaker programme include:

Main Stage

Thursday 11.15 - 11.45am. Midlands United: Driving Growth, Connectivity, and a Greener Future

Join the Mayor of the West Midlands for a powerful conversation on uniting the region to unlock its full potential. This session will explore shared ambitions for economic growth, improved connectivity, and delivering a just, green transition.. Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands

Thursday 1.45 - 2.15pm. Partnering for Health: Unlocking Opportunity in the New Hospital Programme

This session will outline the innovative Hospital 2.0 Alliance - the new main works framework designed to foster collaboration and drive efficiency. Emma Whigham, Markets & Supply Chain Director, NHS - New Hospital Programme.

Wednesday 11.30 - 12.10pm. Infrastructure at the Crossroads: One Year On from the General Election

One year after the general election, this session will assess how political commitments have translated into delivery on the ground and what the construction sector can expect from future public investment. Sandeep Shingadia, Director of Development & Delivery, Transport for West Midlands.

Tuesday 3.00 - 3:45pm. Turning Policy into Progress

With bold government targets for housing and infrastructure, the UK construction industry faces a defining moment. From planning reform to skills, procurement, supply chains, and modern methods of construction, this session will ask: is the sector truly equipped to build what Britain needs? David Atkinson, National Head of Land & Development, Willmott Dixon and Rebecca Boundy, Managing Director for Clients and Markets, Kier Construction

Tuesday 2.15 - 2.45pm. Disruption & Innovation: Scaling Change in Construction

Innovation in construction is no longer limited to isolated pilots - it's scaling across the sector, challenging long-established practices and transforming how projects are delivered. Professor Jacqui Glass explores how emerging technologies, data-driven approaches, and new models of collaboration are driving real change. Professor Jacqueline Glass, Dean, The Bartlett, UCL’s Faculty of the Built Environment.

Housing Action Hub

Tuesday 1.15 – 1.45pm. Unlocking Opportunity

How Smarter Procurement and Frameworks Deliver for Housebuilders and Contractors cutting through the complexity, this session will show Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors exactly how to make procurement frameworks work for them, reducing risk, securing pipelines and driving project efficiency. Faye Whiteoak, Regional Director, Northern Procurement Alliance (LHC) and Alan Heron, Director of Procurement, Places for People.

Tuesday 3.15 –3.45pm. From Ambition to Action: Industrialising Affordable Housing Delivery in the UK

Solving the UK’s housing crisis demands more than incremental change a will look at how the Homes Accelerator helps shape long-term, high-ambition vision for housing delivery, grounded in a practical, phased roadmap to get us there. Keith Waller, Programme Director Construction Innovation Hub, High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Hub

Thursday 10.30 – 11.00am. It’s High Time We Conquered Working At Height

Every day, 2,000 people fall to their deaths globally when working at height – and the world falls apart for those left behind. Through its Don’t Fall Silent campaign, the IOSH aims to share better knowledge, inspire change and turn insight into action. James Quinn, Past President, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health

Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, commented: “Once again, UK Construction Week will lead the debate across a myriad of key topics, and not shy away from the difficult, burning questions which are in the minds of many who work in the sector. We’re delighted to have another phenomenal line-up of speakers who’ll be steering the conversation and making UKCW a must-attend for anyone who works in construction.”

This article was published by [email protected] on behalf of UKCW.

--UK Construction Week