Construction Disrupted

Construction Disrupted Episode 139 - UK Construction Welcomes Budget Measures (04.11.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing a budget that brings fresh support for housing and regional growth, while the government plans to tighten what counts as a UK supplier on public projects. At the same time, AI, robotics and digital tools are raising a practical question for the sector: can technology help deliver more, faster and with less waste? Let's go!

Budget measures welcomed, but much more work left to do – industry warns

The Budget offers a guarded boost for construction, led by more than £40bn for England’s 10-year social and affordable housing programme, including an extra £1bn, alongside support for first-time buyers and greater local spending powers.

Industry bodies welcome the prospect of stronger housing demand, regional investment and more certainty for developers. But the central warning is that small measures may not overcome deep constraints: rising employment costs, persistent skills shortages and weak support for SME builders could limit recruitment, training and delivery. Concerns also remain over reduced environmental safeguards, a £1bn cut to the Warm Homes Plan and whether devolution will come with reliable long-term funding.

Mentioned within the discussion: Building’s Budget Scorecard: did Healey’s announcements deliver for construction?

Government to publish definition of ‘UK supplier’ in January as part of buy British initiative on public jobs

Government will publish a definition of a “UK supplier” for public procurement in January, aiming to track domestic suppliers and subcontractors more effectively through public-sector supply chains.

The policy targets businesses that have relied on little more than a UK post-box address to be treated as British. It is framed as a resilience measure to protect sovereign capability in key supply chains. A new National Procurement Policy Statement is also due in Parliament in March 2027, with priorities including high-quality jobs, fair pay and skills opportunities.

How far can new tech from AI to robotics shift the productivity dial?

AI, robotics and digital twins can improve construction productivity, but only when they are built into standardised, production-led project delivery rather than bolted on as standalone tools.

The new PAS 4010:2026 standard calls for auditable, whole-life productivity strategies, sound data foundations and human oversight of AI. The evidence is practical: robotically manufactured 3D-printed concrete sleepers on Teesside cut concrete and steel use by 40% and saved about 100 tonnes of CO2. Yet adoption is still uneven, with 70% of UK construction firms reported to struggle to embed new technologies. The real shift will come from earlier collaboration, repeatable design and supply chains equipped to scale proven innovations.

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.

Peter Sumpton - buildDifferent

Peter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.

His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.

Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.

Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.

Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.

Construction Disrupted Episode 138 - Local Plans, For Local People (28.10.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing regional leaders seeking control of housing and regeneration, to award-winning council homes that challenge low expectations of public delivery, and Heathrow’s attempt to convert a contested runway into thousands of skilled jobs. These stories expose the same fault line within construction - Big promises are plentiful; durable funding, delivery capacity and political consent are the harder parts. Let's go!

What if Britain’s next construction boom is driven from the regions?

Devolution could give construction a more dependable route from local ambition to viable projects, shifting influence away from Whitehall and towards regional leaders, councils and place-based partnerships. The opportunity is significant: better alignment of housing, transport, utilities, skills and regeneration could create clearer pipelines and faster delivery.

But devolving power alone will not remove barriers. Regional authorities need planning, procurement and development expertise, long-term and flexible funding, and the ability to tailor solutions to local needs. The central test is whether capability and funding move with decision-making. The Accrington regeneration programme illustrates the potential when councils, consultants and communities work around a shared vision rather than institutional boundaries.

Lion Green Road’s Stirling Prize victory is a timely political statement about the future of council housing delivery

Lion Green Road’s Stirling Prize win puts the quality and ambition of council housing firmly in the spotlight. At a time when local authorities are again being asked to help tackle housing need, the recognition argues that publicly led housing should not be treated as a compromise in design, space or long-term value.

The political message is that councils can deliver exemplary homes when they have the confidence, capacity and funding to do so. The challenge is turning an exceptional project into a repeatable model: sustained investment, capable delivery teams and procurement that protects design quality will matter as much as headline targets.

Heathrow pitches 17,500 building jobs as runway doubts grow

Heathrow is pairing its third-runway case with a major skills offer: at least 17,500 local construction jobs at peak, 33,000 jobs across nine neighbouring boroughs by 2055, and 5,000 youth apprenticeships, traineeships and other entry routes. Its new Infrastructure Skills Council, training-centre role and expanded SME Academy are intended to prepare local people and firms for engineering, logistics and trade opportunities.

The economic proposition is substantial, but it remains conditional on political support and a long planning process. While the chancellor backs the growth case, the prime minister has not endorsed expansion, and Heathrow now indicates a possible 2039 opening, four years later than originally targeted. The jobs programme strengthens the project’s local case, but does not resolve the runway’s core political uncertainty.

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.

Peter Sumpton - buildDifferent

Peter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.

His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.

Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.

Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.

Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.

Construction Disrupted Episode 137 - Radical New Plans (21.10.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing what a credible Budget could unlock—from viable homes and long-term retrofit to the apprentices needed to deliver them. With housing consents running at just 58% of the level needed to meet the government’s annual target, ministers must decide how to fund the planning, delivery and skills capacity their promises depend on. Is it possible?

The Budget must treat construction as a national priority

Construction is presented as the foundation of economic growth, housing delivery and net-zero progress—not a side issue for the Treasury. Planning consents are at a 20-year low: 216,141 homes received permission in the year to Q1 2026, only 58% of the annual level needed to meet the government’s 1.5 million-home target. Meanwhile, contractor failures are damaging supply chains and local projects.

The article calls for a serious Budget package: multi-year funding for planning departments, more flexible Section 106 agreements, a construction resilience fund, value-based procurement and a predictable public-work pipeline. It also argues for a decade-long retrofit programme, expanded apprenticeships and FE capacity, plus stronger Building Safety Regulator performance.

Think-tank sets out a radical new plan to make housing more affordable in every postcode

The Prosper UK Housing Commission argues that the housing crisis cannot be solved with one lever. Weak buyer confidence restricts sales, while rising costs and static prices make consented projects unviable. Since 2020, building a new home has cost £76,000 more, with half of that increase attributed to regulation, policy and tax.

Its plan links viability, demand, supply and renting: pause new regulatory burdens for three years; reform developer obligations; offer targeted shared equity for first-time buyers of energy-efficient new homes; create a National Planning Service; review Green Belt boundaries; and make higher-density development standard. For rental housing, it proposes lower stamp duty for Build to Rent, standardised Section 106 terms and a public programme using public land to deliver more social rent homes.

CITB’s New Entrant Support Team celebrates milestone of over 13,500 apprenticeship starts

CITB’s New Entrant Support Team has helped launch more than 13,500 construction apprenticeships since September 2022, supporting 7,230 employers and 3,925 existing apprentices. In 2024–25 alone, it supported more than 4,100 starts—over 12% of all construction apprenticeship starts in Britain.

NEST helps employers recruit, retain and mentor new entrants, while navigating grants and funding. The milestone matters because the sector needs more than 41,000 additional workers each year. The focus is not only on getting people into training, but helping them build lasting construction careers that meet demand for modern building, retrofit and infrastructure skills.

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.

Peter Sumpton - buildDifferent

Peter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.

His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.

Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.

Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.

Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.

Construction Disrupted Episode 136 - Pre-Budget Conditions in Construction. Pause or Play? (14.10.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing one number, one bottleneck and one new delivery model. An PMI edging upward but still below 50, specialist capacity keeping pressure on project costs, and Liverpool gaining a direct route to turn regeneration plans into homes and sites. Here’s what that means for the projects moving next—and those still waiting for momentum. Let's go!

Recovery in commercial work helps see output rise as industry waits on Budget

UK construction’s downturn eased in September, with the PMI rising from 44.3 to 46.1, its least severe contraction since January. Commercial activity was the main support, improving to 48.5, while civil engineering and housing also declined more slowly. Housing remained the weakest segment at 40.7 despite an improvement from August.

The caveat is clear: output has now been below the no-change mark for 21 months. New work fell at its fastest pace since June as high borrowing costs, geopolitical uncertainty, delayed major-project decisions and rising inputs weighed on demand. Industry confidence has weakened ahead of the Budget, with firms looking for dependable infrastructure commitments and lower uncertainty around the cost of doing business.

Tier 1 tender rises cool but specialist trades costs hold firm

Tender price inflation is expected to rise by 3.25% in 2026, down from Gardiner + Theobald’s previous 3.5% forecast, as Tier 1 contractors compete more actively for selected work. Well-prepared projects valued at £10m–£30m are attracting the strongest competition.

But this is a more selective market, not a cheaper one. Main contractors are sharing a constrained pool of MEP, façade and structural-steel specialists, limiting clients’ ability to benefit from softer headline tender inflation. MEP capacity is the sharpest pinch point, reported by 68% of respondents. Larger or more complex projects, especially above £50m, are finding it harder to secure credible bidder fields. Risk-heavy contract terms, compressed programmes and immature designs are also adding allowances to bids.

Liverpool City Region agrees first-of-its-kind regeneration partnership with Homes England

Liverpool City Region has become the first English mayoral authority to sign a Place Delivery Agreement with Homes England and the National Housing Bank. The model shifts the relationship from collaboration to co-delivery, using joint delivery units led by representatives from each organisation.

The agreement gives Mayor Steve Rotheram greater influence over housing and regeneration investment and targets major schemes including Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation and Central Station Gateway, alongside the broader housing pipeline. Its stated ambition is practical: unlock stalled schemes, accelerate council and social housing delivery, and direct investment to where it has the greatest local impact. Homes England intends to pursue similar agreements with other mayoral strategic authorities.

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.

Peter Sumpton - buildDifferent

Peter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.

His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.

Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.

Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.

Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.

Construction Disrupted Episode 135 - Can UK Construction Really Deliver? (07.10.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this, our 50th episode, we're discussing how the new government is promising radical reform, but facing entrenched challenges, the brutally fast construction of AI data centers and the generation of young people dangling between ambition and estrangement, these are not polite policy debates. Let's go!

At the 2026 Labour conference, real hope replaced performative slogans, as the built environment sector absorbed the arrival of a new prime minister and a government eager to show tangible progress. Conversations focused less on policy inertia and more on the need for delivery.

The introduction of a new National Planning Policy Framework signaled major change, moving planning from the centre of debate to make room for urgent action on leasehold reform and support for first-time buyers. Yet, while the industry welcomed schemes like 'Your First Home,' many questioned whether the benefits would filter down beyond large contractors and bring about enduring improvements for SMEs or local builders. Infrastructure policy, though mentioned with ambitions like public control over utilities, remained in the background, with unresolved questions about devolution and funding casting some uncertainty. For now, the mood across the conference was buoyant, but the difficult work of translating ambition into real-world change remains ahead.

The claim that the UK has a million young people unwilling to work is largely a myth. Most want meaningful employment, but the pathway from interest to lasting work in construction is fractured and inconsistent. Outreach efforts—school visits, site experiences, work placements—often spark enthusiasm, but they are too fragmented and poorly followed up to convert into careers.

The imminent Milburn review on NEETs underscores that the challenge is not reaching young people but nurturing enduring connections; if those first work experiences go awry or support dries up, potential workers are lost. Innovative pilot programmes, such as Morgan Sindall’s Rise and Build, are reimagining this process—offering ongoing mentoring, tracking outcomes for years, and welcoming not just school leavers but returners and career changers alike. The future of the industry depends on persistent, community-based support making opportunity last, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce is not just a goal, but a reality.

The UK is in the midst of a £100bn data centre building boom driven by surging AI demand. However, the rush to deliver new capacity has introduced real risks. Research shows a large majority of operators feel pressured to compromise on critical factors such as cabling just to meet deadlines. Many are making hasty decisions or cutting corners that lead to performance bottlenecks post-launch, undermining both investment and sustainability cases.

The challenge is compounded by rapidly evolving hardware needs and a shortage of specialised skills. Instead of simply speeding up builds, industry leaders argue that cabling, compute, power, and cooling should be planned cohesively from the outset to ensure longevity and scalability. In short, the industry must move beyond a mindset focused solely on completion dates to delivering infrastructure that truly meets tomorrow’s needs—and can withstand public scrutiny over resources and performance.

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.

Peter Sumpton - buildDifferent

Peter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.

His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.

Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.

Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.

Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.

Construction Disrupted Episode 134 - UK Constructions 3% Margin Barrier (30.09.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, as political winds shift and regulatory reforms take hold, the construction and housing sectors are experiencing both renewed optimism and fresh uncertainty. From bold government pivots that could reshape social housing delivery, to a dramatic rebound in housing starts driven by regulatory overhaul, and a historic leap in contractor profitability, these stories reveal the high stakes and rapid changes shaping the industry’s future. Let's go.

Burnham’s Pivot to Council Housebuilding Risks an Immediate Drop in Delivery

Labour’s recent shift towards council-led social housing, championed by Andy Burnham, aims to address the UK’s deepening housing crisis. However, industry experts warn this pivot could stall thousands of social homes already in the pipeline via housing associations and private developers. With 326,000 people—169,000 of them children—currently in temporary accommodation, the urgency is clear.

The new approach risks delays and funding cutbacks for non-council providers, potentially reducing immediate delivery. Experts urge the government to maintain continuity, maximize the capacity of all providers, and treat housing as long-term infrastructure, not just a political quick win.

Gateway 2 Push Fuels 20% Jump in Housing Starts

The second quarter saw a 20% surge in new-build housing starts in England, reaching 35,910 units. This rebound is largely attributed to reforms at the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), which streamlined approvals and boosted higher-rise project numbers. BSR-reported starts hit 5,758 this quarter—five times their previous peak—making up 16% of all starts.

Despite this positive trend, overall activity remains 47% below the 2023 peak, and completions have plateaued. The data suggests the housing pipeline is recovering after a sharp downturn, but the sector is still far from pre-slump levels.

CN100 Breaks 3% Margin Barrier

For the first time, the UK’s largest contractors have achieved an average pre-tax margin above 3%, according to the 2026 CN100 report. The unweighted average margin rose to 3.4%, up from 2.7% last year and 2.1% the year before.

Two-thirds of top firms improved their margins, signaling stronger financial health in the sector. This milestone reflects improved efficiency and resilience among leading contractors, even as the industry navigates ongoing challenges.

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.

Peter Sumpton - buildDifferent

Peter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.

His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.

Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.

Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.

Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.

Construction Disrupted Episode 133 - UK Construction: A Great Idea, Poorly Executed? (16.09.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio.

Check out Adobe Acrobats NEW Interactive Report feature and turn static documents into insightful, engaging reports.

In this episode, we're discussing the quiet end of a government initiative that has some of us fuming, the urgent need for productivity as a core delivery strategy, and why retaining older workers is vital for the industry's future. Let's go!

Construction champion role quietly scrapped

The UK government's construction champion role, once seen as a promising initiative, has been quietly discontinued. According to former champion Mike Reader, the scheme was "a great idea, poorly executed." Its removal reflects ongoing challenges in government-led industry interventions and raises questions about how the sector will now address leadership and advocacy at a national level. The lack of clear communication around the decision has left many in the industry uncertain about future government engagement and support.

Why construction productivity has to become a delivery strategy, not another industry talking point

Despite decades of analysis, UK construction productivity remains stagnant—20% lower than in the 1970s, with only a 1% improvement since 1997. The Mace Construct "Build Smart, Build Better" report highlights that productivity gains are driven by early design maturity, stable workforces, supply chain integration, and industrialised methods.

Workforce churn alone costs the sector £1.3bn annually. The report urges that productivity must be embedded as a delivery metric, not just discussed. Standardising processes, involving contractors early, and measuring performance can unlock billions in value and help deliver the UK's ambitious infrastructure pipeline with fewer resources.

Retention of older workers vital for construction productivity

With over 140,000 vacancies and a projected need for 60,000 new workers annually, the construction sector faces a workforce crisis. Older workers (50+) now make up a third of the workforce, but many leave early due to the physical demands and health issues. Retaining these experienced workers is crucial for productivity, quality, and safety.

The Centre for Ageing Better advocates for age-friendly employer practices and government action to support longer working lives. Keeping older workers engaged can reduce errors, improve mentoring, and ensure knowledge transfer, all of which are essential for meeting future construction demands.

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.

Peter Sumpton - buildDifferent

Peter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.

His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.

Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.

Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.

Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.

Construction Disrupted Episode 132 - The Construction Jobs Plan (09.09.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing new insights on salaries and workplace expectations, government plans to address workforce shortages, and bold ideas to accelerate housing delivery around train stations.

High salaries but higher expectations: survey takes industry temperature on work trends and salary

A recent Construction Management survey reveals that while construction professionals are enjoying higher salaries—average earnings have risen to nearly £78,000, with over 21% earning above £100,000—expectations are also rising. Job stability remains strong, with 76% confident about future opportunities, but satisfaction is increasingly tied to more than just pay. Holiday entitlement and wellbeing benefits are highly valued, while work-life balance and personal development need improvement.

The workforce remains predominantly male (87%) and older, raising concerns about succession planning. Professional membership, especially with CIOB, boosts optimism and career prospects. Recruitment experts note that career development and recognition are now as important as salary in retaining talent.

Construction Salary and Market Trends Survey 2026

Government to publish construction jobs plan this year

The UK government is set to release a comprehensive construction jobs plan aimed at tackling workforce shortages. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook highlighted the sector’s ongoing pressures, particularly the loss of EU labour post-Brexit and high dropout rates from construction courses.

The plan, developed with industry input, will include a £625 million skills package for boot camps, placements, and retraining. The government’s new towns programme is expected to provide a long-term pipeline for modern construction methods, helping to attract and upskill workers. Pennycook emphasized the need for certainty and sustained investment to support both traditional and factory-based construction, aiming to make the sector more appealing to young people and those not currently in education or employment.

Hand Network Rail land to metro mayors to speed up housing delivery around train stations, think tank tells government

The Centre for Cities think tank urges the government to transfer control of Network Rail land around train stations to regional mayors to accelerate housing delivery. Their research shows that matching housing densities seen in France and Japan could reduce the UK’s housing shortage by 25%, adding over a million homes in major cities. The report argues that current low-density development and fragmented land ownership are major barriers. Fast-tracking land transfers and empowering mayoral development corporations could cut planning delays and boost regeneration.

While Network Rail’s Platform4 is working to address these issues, the think tank insists that only urgent reform and stronger partnerships will unlock the full potential of these sites for housing and economic growth.

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.

Peter Sumpton - buildDifferent

Peter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.

His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.

Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.

Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.

Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.

Construction Disrupted Episode 131 - Construction Supply Chain Strength (02.09.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing the government’s major affordable homes funding announcement, the strengthening industrial construction pipeline, and Foster + Partners’ innovative research into robotic swarm construction systems. Let's go!

Government reveals allocations for first £10bn spend from affordable homes programme

The UK government has announced the first allocations from its £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP), with £9.6bn awarded to 33 organisations outside London. This funding aims to deliver over 73,600 homes, 60% of which will be for social rent. Notably, local authorities are named as Homes England strategic partners for the first time, marking a shift in how funding is distributed and empowering councils to build more homes directly.

Key recipients include Orbit Group, Together Housing, and Vistry Homes, each receiving around £350m to deliver thousands of affordable homes. Mayoral authorities such as Greater Manchester and West Midlands will also see significant investment, with over £2bn allocated to these regions. The government is further supporting councils by allowing full use of Right to Buy receipts and investing £46m to boost building capacity. Sector leaders have welcomed the funding, highlighting its potential to reduce homelessness and increase the supply of genuinely affordable homes.

Industrial construction pipeline strengthens

The UK’s industrial construction sector is experiencing robust growth, with planning approvals for industrial projects reaching £2.13bn in the three months to June—a 22% increase year-on-year. Major projects over £100m have tripled in value, particularly in the East Midlands and North East. Manufacturing leads the sector, accounting for two-thirds of new starts, including significant investments by BAE Systems in Kent and Rolls-Royce in Bristol.

The food sector is also active, with Apetito UK launching a £73.75m facility in Wiltshire. Logistics and warehousing remain strong, highlighted by a £14.3bn takeover bid for Segro and upcoming projects like the £53.12m Cliffe Hill Farm redevelopment in Leicestershire. The sector is forecast to grow by 16% next year, driven by continued demand in manufacturing and logistics.

Foster + Partners secures €4 million to research ‘robotic swarm’ construction system

Foster + Partners has been awarded a €4 million grant from the European Innovation Council to lead the SWIFT-BUILD project, an ambitious initiative to revolutionize timber construction using swarms of autonomous robots. Over the next three years, a consortium of leading universities and Foster + Partners will develop a system where ground-based robotic assemblers and lifting units work together to build timber structures from the top down.

Drones will monitor progress and provide real-time feedback, enabling the robots to adapt and operate safely with minimal human intervention. The project aims to culminate in a full-scale demonstration of a multi-storey timber pavilion assembled autonomously. SWIFT-BUILD’s focus on modular, reversible construction and integrated AI supports sustainability and circularity, with the potential to transform how buildings are designed, constructed, and deconstructed.

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.

Peter Sumpton - buildDifferent

Peter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.

His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.

Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.

Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.

Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.

Construction Disrupted Episode 130 - Bold Moves in Construction (26.08.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing a surge in government confidence for major infrastructure delivery, a transformative shift in national planning policy, and a bold government commitment to end rough sleeping. Each story carries significant implications for senior leaders and decision makers across the sector. Lets go!

‘Burnham Bounce’ boosts confidence in Government delivery of major infrastructure projects, new research finds

New research from the Association for Project Management reveals a marked increase in confidence among project professionals regarding the government’s ability to deliver major infrastructure projects since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister. 64% of respondents report greater confidence, with trust in government delivery rising to 95%.

This renewed optimism is underpinned by visible improvements in project leadership and delivery standards, positioning infrastructure as a central driver of economic growth. However, supply chain and procurement management remain areas for further enhancement. Senior leaders should capitalise on this momentum by embedding project-centric thinking and ensuring robust resource allocation to sustain delivery performance.

‘A pretty bold swing’: New NPPF ushers in an era of permissive, nationally-led planning policy but could be scuppered by viability crisis

The newly published National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) marks a decisive shift towards a more permissive, nationally-led planning regime. Key changes include a stronger presumption in favour of development, especially around well-connected transport hubs, and a reduction in the weight of inconsistent local plans.

While these reforms are designed to accelerate housing and infrastructure delivery, concerns persist around scheme viability, particularly in the face of rising costs and regulatory burdens. The framework also introduces stricter requirements for accessible homes and community asset protection, but softens some density and environmental standards. The success of the NPPF will hinge on local authority cooperation and the sector’s ability to translate consents into deliverable projects amid ongoing viability challenges.

UK National Planning Policy Framework for Sustainable Development PDF Space for you to explore.

Govt outlines £422m plans to end rough sleeping by Christmas

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a £442 million package to end rough sleeping in England by Christmas, focusing on emergency accommodation, settled homes, and wraparound support. The initiative includes over 1,000 new settled homes and prioritises areas with the greatest need.

While the move is widely welcomed, experts highlight the need for integrated support services and caution that housing provision alone will not resolve systemic homelessness. The plan also calls for bringing empty homes back into use and improving design standards for temporary accommodation. For construction leaders, this represents both a social imperative and an opportunity to contribute to housing-led solutions, particularly through retrofitting and mixed-tenure development models.

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.

Peter Sumpton - buildDifferent

Peter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.

His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.

Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.

Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.

Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.