Where decisions are made. Networking at the heart of UKCW Birmingham

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

UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham, which celebrates its 10th anniversary later this month, will once again be a bustling networking hub for all tier 1 and tier 2 contractors; housebuilders and developers; local authority and housing associations; architects; buyers and procurement experts.

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.

Other key networking opportunities at UKCW Birmingham include:

• A new dedicated show app which allows delegates to:
  • Explore tailored recommendations for exhibitors, products, sessions, and speakers
  • Book meetings and connect directly with other attendees using the built-in messaging tool
  • Stay organised with My Event, a personalised schedule of favourite sessions and confirmed meetings, all in one place
• Visitors looking for somewhere to meet contacts or continue a conversation away from the show floor can upgrade their pass and make use of the VIP Lounge for just £99 per day. The pass allows VIP guests to skip the queues with fast-track entry, relax in the exclusive VIP Lounge with complimentary coffee, a range of alcoholic and soft drinks, and a dedicated Wi-Fi network throughout the day. Free parking at the venue is also included in the purchase of the ticket.
• Catch up with old acquaintances 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

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, andTurkey. Amongst those already confirmed are Lanes Group; Build Warranty; Reader Cement; Unibond; Xpedeon; Cure It Composites; Don & Low; Metador; and Licata.

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

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