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.
IHBC NewsBlog
Old Sarum fire in listed (& disputed) WW1 Hangar - Wiltshire Council has sought legal advice after fire engulfed a listed First World War hangar that was embroiled in a lengthy planning dispute.
UK Antarctic Heritage Trust launches ‘Virtual Visit’ website area
The Trust calls on people to 'Immerse yourself in our heritage – Making Antarctica Accessible'
Southend Council pledge to force Kursaal owners to maintain building
The Council has pledged to use ‘every tool in the toolbox’ if urgent repairs are not carried out.
HE’s Research Magazine publishes a major study of the heritage of England’s suburbs
The article traces the long evolution of an internal programme to research 200 years of suburban growth
IHBC Context 183 Wellbeing and Heritage published
The issue explores issues at the intersection of heritage and wellbeing.
SAVE celebrates 50 years of campaigning 1975-2025
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has announced events across the country to celebrate bringing new life to remarkable buildings.
IHBC Annual School 2025 - Shrewsbury 12-14 June
Themed Heritage in Context – Value: Plan: Change, join in-person or online.
200th Anniversary Celebration of the Modern Railway Planned
The Stockton & Darlington Railway opened on September 27, 1825.
Competence Framework Launched for Sustainability in the Built Environment
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Edge have jointly published the framework.
Historic England Launches Wellbeing Strategy for Heritage
Whether through visiting, volunteering, learning or creative practice, engaging with heritage can strengthen confidence, resilience, hope and social connections.