Construction Disrupted

Construction Disrupted Episode 95 - Grinding Gears (10.12.25)

The UK construction industry is at a crossroads, facing challenges that range from economic recovery to skills shortages and infrastructure costs. But with the right strategies and investments, there’s hope for a brighter, more sustainable future. This episode highlights this perfectly.

UK Construction Grinds Back into Gear

The UK construction industry is showing signs of life after a challenging year, with a modest 3% increase in project starts from August to November 2025. While this is a step in the right direction, the sector still has a long way to go to recover from a 4% dip compared to 2024 levels.

Standout performers - offices, industrial projects, and social housing - are leading the charge in this recovery. Regional disparities are clear, from London’s 77% surge in project starts to the West Midlands’ 13% decline. Is the government’s recent budget enough to keep the momentum going, or are we just patching up potholes on the road to recovery?

UK Lacks the Skills to Hit Net Zero, MPs Warn

A committee of MPs has issued a stark warning: the UK is falling short of the skills needed to meet its ambitious net zero targets. With a shortfall of 250,000 workers required for new housing and retrofit projects, the government is being urged to step up its game.

Committee’s recommendations included the call for a nationally recognised, industry-backed construction and retrofit skills program. We’ll also explore how this skills gap could impact the UK’s clean energy goals and the potential for creating high-quality jobs in every community.

London Could Halve Cost of New Transport Projects

London’s transport infrastructure is notoriously expensive, but a new report suggests that adopting European planning and financing models could cut costs by up to 50%. From the Elizabeth Line to the paused Crossrail 2 project, we take a look at how London can learn from Madrid’s "low-cost and speedy approach" to metro extensions.

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 94 - Skills to Pay the £10bn Bill (03.12.25)

From groundbreaking safety achievements to transformative urban projects and workforce challenges, here are the top three headlines this week:

BSR Sees Record Gateway 2 Determinations to November 2025

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has achieved record-breaking progress in processing Gateway 2 applications for high-rise residential buildings. By November 24, 2025, a total of 272 decisions were made, with 578 decisions made since August.

London accounted for 76% of October's decisions, highlighting the city's focus on safety improvements. Operational changes, including a batching process and the establishment of an Innovation Unit, have accelerated application assessments and closures. The regulator aims to clear historic cases by the end of December while maintaining safety standards.

Council Clears Way for £10bn Earls Court District

The Earls Court Development Company has received approval for a £10 billion redevelopment project in London. The plan will transform a 44-acre site into a 4,000-home innovation district, featuring cultural venues, parks, and workspace for climate-innovation firms.

The project promises to inject £3 billion annually into the UK economy and create 23,500 jobs. Phase one, including 1,300 homes and public spaces, is set to begin next year, with full completion targeted for 2041. This milestone marks a significant step in revitalising one of London's largest cleared development sites.

Construction Employment Hits Lowest Proportion in 100 Years

A report by the Centre for Social Justice reveals that construction employment in the UK has reached its lowest proportion of the workforce in over a century. Latest government figures show the construction workforce fell 1.3% in the third quarter to 2.05 million, marking a 15% collapse in capacity.

This decline poses a significant threat to the government's target of building 1.5 million homes. The shortage of workers highlights the urgent need for strategies to attract and retain talent in the construction sector to meet housing demands and sustain industry growth.

(CSJ - Skills to Build)

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 93 - Becoming Rachel Reeves (26.11.25)

From government initiatives to boost housing and infrastructure, to the challenges of balancing fiscal policies and keeping consumer confidence, if you were in charge of the red box! Let's go.

Reeves Set to Hire Hundreds More Planners

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce this initiative, which aims to "get Britain building" by increasing the number of graduate planners and launching a Planning Careers Hub. The goal? To support retention and open new routes into the profession, ultimately helping the government meet its target of building 1.5 million homes and making 150 planning decisions on major infrastructure projects.

Consumer confidence drops ahead of budget

November brought a slight dip in consumer confidence, just in time for the holiday shopping season. All five measures of confidence took a tumble, with the major purchase index dropping three points—making big-ticket items about as tempting as leftover fruitcake. Sentiment about the economy and personal finances also slipped, both in terms of looking back and looking ahead. Marketers are now holding their breath, hoping the upcoming budget will inject some much-needed optimism into shoppers’ spirits. Will the budget bring a festive rebound or just more socks for Christmas?

Could You Do Better Than Reeves as Chancellor?

With a £12 billion shortfall to address, Reeves must balance raising funds for public services, keeping taxes acceptable to voters, and maintaining market confidence. We'll discuss the options on the table, from tax increases to spending cuts, and explore the complexities of fiscal policy.

Plus, we talk about the Guardian's interactive budget game that lets you try your hand at crafting a successful budget. Can we keep the markets calm and your MPs happy?

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 92 - Featuring Robert De Niro (19.11.25)

From Hollywood glamour in Manchester to AI’s untapped potential, and the challenges facing colleges, we’ve got this week covered. Let’s get started!

AI potential “being wasted” in construction

AI could revolutionise construction, but the industry is falling behind. A survey shows 81% of professionals lack advanced AI knowledge, and only 20% of firms are ready to automate processes. Without proper training and policies, companies risk wasting investments and facing cybersecurity threats. The solution? AI literacy training, formal strategies, and tailored tools to unlock productivity and innovation.

Colleges halt construction enrolments as demand hits the roof

UK colleges are overwhelmed by record demand for construction and engineering courses, driven by demographic growth and government plans to train 60,000 new tradespeople. Teacher shortages and limited space have forced over half of colleges to create waiting lists. With 1.5 million new homes planned by 2029, urgent funding is needed to meet the demand and prepare the workforce of tomorrow.

Robert De Niro’s waiting, for BSR approval

Hollywood icon Robert De Niro is behind the £360 million Nobu Manchester skyscraper, set to be the tallest residential tower outside London. But construction is stalled as the project awaits Building Safety Regulator approval. With plans to build atop the historic Castlefield railway viaduct, this ambitious project blends luxury with heritage. Will the team break ground next year?

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 91 - Constructions Big Numbers (12.11.25)

In this episode, we dive into the latest developments shaping the UK’s construction and housing sectors. From cutting-edge AI investments to ambitious housing programmes and major infrastructure updates, we’ve got all the insights you need. Join us as we explore the stories making headlines and their impact on the industry.

Balfour Beatty is revolutionising the construction industry with a £7.2 million investment in Microsoft 365 Copilot. This four-year partnership integrates AI into their operations, boosting productivity and safety across projects. A trial on the A9 dualling project in Scotland showcases how AI is automating processes like reviewing Inspection and Test Plans, freeing up engineers for high-value tasks. This move aligns with their “Build to Last” strategy, setting a new standard for innovation in construction.

The UK government’s Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) for 2026-2036 is set to deliver 300,000 affordable homes, with 60% allocated for social rent. Backed by £2.5 billion in low-interest loans, the programme focuses on estate regeneration, supported housing, and rural development. With bidding opening in February 2026, this initiative aims to tackle the housing crisis and provide safe, affordable homes for communities across the UK.

A National Audit Office report has revealed that £2.7 billion has been written off due to cancelled transport projects in the UK. High-profile cancellations include HS2 Phase 2 and the Stonehenge tunnel, reflecting shifting government priorities and affordability concerns. The Department for Transport is now focusing on maintaining existing infrastructure, raising questions about the future of transport planning and investment.

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 90 - Invest in the Future of Construction (05.11.25)

In this episode, we dive into three major developments shaping the future of the UK’s economy and industries. From addressing the £400 billion AI skills gap to rebuilding Britain’s infrastructure and analysing industrial advertising trends, we explore how these initiatives are driving growth, innovation, and sustainability. Join us as we uncover the challenges, opportunities, and transformative strategies that are setting the stage for the UK’s future.

Help for UK businesses to fill £400bn AI skills gap

• A new report by Skills England highlights a significant AI skills gap in the UK workforce, which could hinder businesses from unlocking up to £400 billion in economic growth by 2030.
• Three innovative tools have been launched to address this gap:

1. AI Skills Framework: Identifies technical, responsible, and non-technical skills required for various job roles.
2. AI Skills Adoption Pathway Model: Guides organisations through stages of AI adoption, from awareness to scaling.
3. Employer AI Adoption Checklist: Helps businesses assess their AI readiness and identify workforce gaps.

Rebuilding Britain

• The UK Government’s ambitious 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy aims to deliver resilient, decarbonised, and digitally enabled infrastructure to drive economic growth and sustainability.
• Key recommendations include:

1. Accelerating Project Delivery: Appointing a dedicated infrastructure minister, streamlining planning processes, and incentivising high-quality design.
2. AI-First Infrastructure Delivery: Leveraging AI for cost optimisation, faster project delivery, and real-time asset management.
3. Unlocking Private Investment: Reimagining public-private partnerships and enhancing government capabilities to attract private sector investment.

WARC Expenditure Review

• The AA/WARC Expenditure Report reveals that industrial advertising was the only category to register growth in display spend in Q2 2025, up 1.8%.
• Total UK adspend rose by 9.1% in Q2 2025, driven by online formats like search and online display, which accounted for 83.3% of overall adspend.
• VOD (Video on Demand) emerged as the fastest-growing medium, combining TV’s effectiveness with digital’s targeted delivery and measurable outcomes.

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 89 - Invest in People or Tech? (29.10.25)

In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking report by Barbour ABI, created in partnership with Futurebuild and the C&BE Network, which makes a compelling case for increased marketing investment in the built environment. The discussion highlights the critical role of skilled human capital, the strategic integration of AI, and the need to reshape the construction industry's image. Join us as we explore the challenges, opportunities, and actionable insights that can redefine marketing in this vital sector.

What the report covers and we dig into:

The Value of Skilled People in Marketing:

• Why human expertise remains the cornerstone of effective marketing in the built environment.
• Survey findings show that leaders prioritise hiring and training over technology investments.

The Role of AI in the Industry:

• 94% of industry leaders believe AI will significantly impact the built environment within five years.
• There is a concerning gap between AI awareness and strategic implementation, with 52% of firms lacking plans to integrate AI.

Fixing the Construction Industry’s Brand:

• The construction sector struggles with its image and how marketing can lead the charge in reshaping perceptions.
• Shifting the narrative from challenges to successes, innovation, and rewarding careers.

Barriers to Marketing Success:

• Why marketing is still seen as a cost by many businesses and how this mindset limits growth.
• The dominance of networking and relationships in winning work, and why this approach needs to evolve.

The Case for Long-Term Brand Investment:

• The importance of balancing short-term sales activation with long-term brand building.
• Shocking statistics show that over 70% of firms spend less than 20% of their marketing budget on brand development.

Leadership and Industry Culture:

• Leadership advocacy is the strongest predictor of marketing investment.
• The need for marketers to educate and influence leadership to prioritise strategic marketing.

1. Opportunities for the Future:

• Social values, education, and community building in attracting young talent to the industry.
• AI can lighten workloads and enhance efficiency, but only when used strategically.

Key Takeaways:

• Marketing in the built environment is at a crossroads, with significant opportunities to redefine the industry’s image and attract new talent.
• Skilled marketers, supported by leadership and equipped with the right tools, can drive this transformation.
• The integration of AI and a focus on long-term brand building are essential to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Link to the report: The Case for Marketing in the Built Environment

Other Links:

Long and Short of It

Tracksuit - Continuous Brand Tracking

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 88 - Mind the Gaps (22.10.25)

In this episode, we’ve explored the challenges and opportunities shaping the construction sector, from policy delays and workforce development to the adoption of cutting-edge technology.

‘Emergency’ Planning Package to Boost London’s Housebuilding Delayed

The much-anticipated government planning package aimed at revitalising London’s struggling housebuilding market has been delayed until at least the end of October. This initiative, which includes measures such as reducing affordable housing requirements from 35% to 20% on private sites, was expected to address the ongoing housing crisis. However, political disagreements between the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Greater London Authority have stalled its release.

The delay comes amidst rising construction costs, economic pressures, and challenges posed by the Building Safety Regulator. With housing starts and permissions in decline, the Home Builders Federation has warned that the government’s housing targets are unachievable without immediate intervention. This segment explores the implications of the delay and the potential impact on London’s housing pipeline.

Plan to Train 12,000 Construction Workers Unveiled

In response to a critical labour shortage, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has announced a £75 million initiative to train over 12,000 construction workers over the next three years. This ambitious program aims to equip workers with skills in bricklaying, engineering, design, plastering, and painting, ensuring the region is prepared for an anticipated construction boom.

Research by the Construction Industry Training Board highlights the need for 4,000 new workers annually to meet the demand for over 12,000 new homes and a £160 million retrofit scheme. Mayor Parker emphasised the importance of investing in local talent to sustain growth and create opportunities. This segment delves into how this initiative could shape the future of construction in the West Midlands.

“Widening Gap” Between Adopters and Non-Adopters of Construction AI

A recent survey of over 1,000 construction leaders reveals a growing divide between organisations that embrace AI and those that do not. While 75% of decision-makers believe AI will play a critical role in construction over the next five years, only 25% are actively using it to manage risks, and 20% have not adopted it at all.

Key barriers to adoption include a lack of expertise and resistance to change, with non-adopters citing uncertainty as a major deterrent. In contrast, organisations that have integrated AI report greater confidence in achieving project goals and managing uncertainty. This segment examines the transformative potential of AI in construction and the risks of falling behind in a rapidly evolving industry.

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 87 - Make Do and Mend (15.10.25)

Administrations hit ‘worrying milestone’ as year-to-date total passes 200

Financial instability in the construction sector.

• Over 200 business administrations in 2025, with September equaling February’s peak of 32.
• A third more failures in September compared to August, signalling economic pressures.
• Rising costs, supply chain issues, and economic uncertainty contribute to industry vulnerability.
• Businesses need to adapt and strengthen financial strategies to survive.

Now is not the time to panic about low planning approvals

The government’s ambitious housing target and challenges in planning approvals.

• Secretary of State Steve Reed reaffirmed the goal to build 1.5 million homes this parliamentary term.
• The slogan “Build, Baby, Build” reflects growing political consensus on housing needs.
• Low planning approval rates pose a significant challenge to achieving the target.
• Policymakers are urged to maintain confidence and stick to long-term plans despite discouraging statistics.

Designing for circularity: championing materials re-use at 30 Duke Street St James’s

The building exemplifies sustainable design and circular economy principles.

• Over 78% of the structural steel frame is reclaimed, saving 744 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
• Reclaimed materials like Portland stone, granite panels, and marble interiors were creatively reused, adding historical and aesthetic value.
• Innovative reuse projects include artworks by Studio Tip and Matthew Small.
• The building targets top sustainability certifications: BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL Platinum, and NABERS UK 5-Star.
• Future-proof design with bolted connections allows for easy disassembly and reuse of materials.
• Flexible office spaces with column-free floorplates offer unobstructed views of London landmarks.

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 86 - The £2 Trillion Question (07.10.25)

Project uncertainty has wiped £2tn from global construction activity this year, according to Currie & Brown report

Global Financial Losses in Construction:

Project uncertainty has led to a £2 trillion loss in global construction activity in 2025, equivalent to 13.7% of the surveyed companies' pipelines.

The financial losses per company averaged £1.6 billion, which could fund up to 40 schools or build up to 500 new airports.

Causes of Uncertainty:

Material price inflation, planning delays, and skills shortages are identified as key contributors to the uncertainty.

Systemic issues such as outdated procurement processes, misaligned objectives, and a culture of accepting billion-dollar projects without complete designs exacerbate risks.

Country Rankings for Project Confidence:

The UK scored 55 out of 100 for project delivery confidence, ranking higher than France (49) and Japan (51) but lower than the US (59) and China/India (61).

Recommendations for Improvement:

Cutting regulatory barriers to accelerate planning processes.

Enhancing pipeline visibility for public projects.

Increasing the use of repeatable designs.

Encouraging the adoption of AI in operations, which has been linked to higher project delivery confidence.

Call for Systemic Change:

Alan Manuel, CEO of Currie & Brown, emphasised the need to dismantle outdated systems and adopt new methods to address volatility and systemic issues in the construction industry.

Digital ID Scheme Could Transform Construction

Introduction of Digital ID System:

The UK government plans to implement a mandatory digital ID system for all citizens and legal residents to verify their right to work.

The system will function similarly to an NHS app or contactless bank card and aims to reduce illegal working and streamline hiring processes.

Potential Benefits:

Faster onboarding of workers and reduced administrative burdens for recruitment agencies and contractors.

Reduction in fraudulent documents and improved compliance across the construction industry.

Enhanced integration with existing systems like the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) digital skills passport.

Challenges and Concerns:

Implementation details are critical, with concerns about alienating older workers who may not have smartphones.

Risk of adding complexity if the system does not integrate seamlessly with current industry processes.

Skepticism about the system’s ability to completely eliminate illegal working.

Industry Feedback:

Industry figures suggest the system could be a "game-changer" but emphasize the need for careful planning and integration.

Suggestions include linking the digital ID system with existing tools like CSCS cards to avoid redundancy and ensure ease of use.

Building the Future Conference 2025

Building Safety and Competency:

Building safety and competency were central themes, with discussions on delays at gateway 2 approvals and the need for regulatory improvements.

Andy Roe, chair of the Building Safety Regulator, emphasised the importance of the new building safety regime but acknowledged challenges in its implementation.

Calls for simpler and more accessible guidance for SMEs and a unified accreditation system for industry competency.

Product Safety and Traceability:

Discussions on aligning UK product safety regulations with EU standards while ensuring stricter safety measures.

Emphasis on the need for revolutionary changes in product safety and traceability, including stronger incentives for manufacturers and better education for specifiers.

Housing Delivery Challenges:

The government’s target of 1.5 million homes was discussed, with challenges such as environmental pressures, policy uncertainty, and labour shortages highlighted.

Housing associations face difficulties due to poor management arrangements by housebuilders and regulatory barriers.

Suggestions included treating housing as critical national infrastructure and improving collaboration between housebuilders and housing associations.

Skills Shortages and Workforce Development:

Concerns over the shortage of skilled workers, particularly in trades and professions like roofing, planning, and surveying.

Emphasis on attracting and retaining young professionals through inspiring work, clear career progression, and mental health support.

Regulatory and Retrofit Challenges:

Discussions on navigating regulatory uncertainty and retrofitting the UK’s housing stock amidst growing political opposition to net-zero targets.

Calls for prioritising fabric-first approaches to retrofitting and addressing the economic inefficiencies of alternative methods.

Future Funding and Data Centres:

Debate on the need for public finance initiatives to rebuild Britain’s infrastructure.

Exploration of the potential growth in data centre development despite challenges like high energy costs and planning barriers.

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.