About SECBE
The South East Centre for the Built Environment

[edit] SECBE aims to inspire the construction industry to deliver better infrastructure and buildings in a more collaborative and cost-effective way, consistently.
SECBE’s mission: to drive positive change through the built environment sector – using core values of collaboration, innovation, and inspiration to secure adequate investment and action.
[edit] The need for SECBE action:
Whilst some improvements have been seen in the sector since Latham’s 1994 report “Constructing the Team”, Mark Farmer’s Oct ’16 report “Modernise or Die” confirmed margins remain stubbornly low, productivity low, customer satisfaction low, and ‘performance in use’ largely unknown – perhaps as traditional procurement, regulation, methodologies and skills also remain largely unchanged. For the sector, its companies and built facilities to radically improve, our mindset and approach also needs to radically change, and that requires a catalyst like SECBE to drive positive change.
SECBE has a strong track record in project management and facilitation, with particular expertise in the following areas:
- Creating and delivering innovative solutions
- Forming partnerships and collaborations
- Project Management of cross-sector collaborative programmes
- Project management of complex European funded business support programmes
- Developing and facilitating government and industry-led task groups and enabling networks
- Achieving measurable impacts, resulting in improved business performance and profitability
[edit] SECBE is a ‘not-for-profit’ company that leads on major programmes including:
CoTrain, our Shared Apprenticeship Scheme recruits, employs and supports over 50 apprentices.
The Constructing Excellence SECBE Awardsinspire hundreds of people to demonstrate the talent and collaborative culture that creates great companies and projects.
Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS) is championing the safest construction journeys across the UK.
Innovative Future Leaders Programme (IFLP) is driving innovation in businesses across the sector.
Featured articles and news
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.