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Women, Warnings and Wins | Episode 106
Construction Disrupted Episode 106 - Women, Warnings and Wins (11.03.26)
In this episode we take a loom into record-breaking growth in manufacturing output under the threat of material price increases to critical updates on gateway 2 cases and efforts to improve inclusivity on job sites, we’ve got a lot to cover. Let’s get started!
Manufacturing Output Growth at 17-Month High in February
February marked a significant milestone for UK manufacturing, with output growth reaching its fastest pace in 17 months.
The S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recorded a score of 51.7, signaling expansion for the fourth consecutive month.
This growth was driven by increased new business from both domestic and international markets, with export orders rising at the fastest rate in four-and-a-half years.
Key markets such as North America, mainland China, the EU, and the Middle East contributed to this positive trend.
Rob Dobson, Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, highlighted the sector’s optimism, with nearly 60% of manufacturers expecting production to rise over the next year. Factors such as new product launches, improved client confidence, and planned investments are expected to sustain this growth despite challenges like geopolitical uncertainty and recent government policy changes.
Special Mention: The Construction Products Association has issued warnings about the potential impact of rising material prices on UK construction jobs if the Middle East conflict continues.
Higher energy costs, particularly due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz oil and gas route, could lead to significant increases in the cost of key construction products.
Gateway 2 Cases Backlog Virtually Cleared as Government Responds to Damning Lords Report on BSR
The UK government has made significant progress in addressing the backlog of Gateway 2 cases, a critical step in the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) process. This development comes in response to a damning report from the House of Lords, which criticized delays in implementing safety measures following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
The Gateway 2 process is a vital part of ensuring that high-risk buildings meet stringent safety standards before construction begins. Clearing the backlog demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving building safety and restoring public confidence in the sector. This progress is expected to pave the way for more efficient and safer construction practices across the UK.
How the National Site Standard Can Make Women’s Inclusion the Norm on Construction Sites
The National Site Standard is emerging as a transformative initiative to promote gender inclusivity on construction sites. Historically, the construction industry has been male-dominated, but this standard aims to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for women.
By implementing policies that address workplace culture, safety, and accessibility, the National Site Standard seeks to break down barriers and encourage more women to pursue careers in construction. This initiative is not only a step toward gender equality but also a way to tap into a broader talent pool, ensuring the industry’s growth and innovation.
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.
View all episodes
By Peter SumptonConstruction Disrupted Episode 106 - Women, Warnings and Wins (11.03.26)
In this episode we take a loom into record-breaking growth in manufacturing output under the threat of material price increases to critical updates on gateway 2 cases and efforts to improve inclusivity on job sites, we’ve got a lot to cover. Let’s get started!
Manufacturing Output Growth at 17-Month High in February
February marked a significant milestone for UK manufacturing, with output growth reaching its fastest pace in 17 months.
The S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recorded a score of 51.7, signaling expansion for the fourth consecutive month.
This growth was driven by increased new business from both domestic and international markets, with export orders rising at the fastest rate in four-and-a-half years.
Key markets such as North America, mainland China, the EU, and the Middle East contributed to this positive trend.
Rob Dobson, Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, highlighted the sector’s optimism, with nearly 60% of manufacturers expecting production to rise over the next year. Factors such as new product launches, improved client confidence, and planned investments are expected to sustain this growth despite challenges like geopolitical uncertainty and recent government policy changes.
Special Mention: The Construction Products Association has issued warnings about the potential impact of rising material prices on UK construction jobs if the Middle East conflict continues.
Higher energy costs, particularly due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz oil and gas route, could lead to significant increases in the cost of key construction products.
Gateway 2 Cases Backlog Virtually Cleared as Government Responds to Damning Lords Report on BSR
The UK government has made significant progress in addressing the backlog of Gateway 2 cases, a critical step in the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) process. This development comes in response to a damning report from the House of Lords, which criticized delays in implementing safety measures following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
The Gateway 2 process is a vital part of ensuring that high-risk buildings meet stringent safety standards before construction begins. Clearing the backlog demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving building safety and restoring public confidence in the sector. This progress is expected to pave the way for more efficient and safer construction practices across the UK.
How the National Site Standard Can Make Women’s Inclusion the Norm on Construction Sites
The National Site Standard is emerging as a transformative initiative to promote gender inclusivity on construction sites. Historically, the construction industry has been male-dominated, but this standard aims to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for women.
By implementing policies that address workplace culture, safety, and accessibility, the National Site Standard seeks to break down barriers and encourage more women to pursue careers in construction. This initiative is not only a step toward gender equality but also a way to tap into a broader talent pool, ensuring the industry’s growth and innovation.
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.