エピソード

  • Burnham, Baby, Burnham | Episode 117

    Burnham, Baby, Burnham | Episode 117
    2026/05/27
    Construction Disrupted Episode 117 - Burnham, Baby, Burnham (27.05.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we're covering the government’s ambitious £120bn construction framework renewal, the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) call for city architects, and Manchester’s ongoing urban transformation under Under Mayor Andy Burnham’s leadership.Government starts renewal race for £120bn mega frameworkThe UK Government has launched the tender for its largest-ever construction framework, valued at £120bn over eight years (2027–2035). The RM6320 framework will consolidate procurement for public sector building, infrastructure, defence, healthcare, nuclear, and overseas projects.It’s divided into seven specialisms, including general construction, civil engineering, offsite solutions, healthcare (ProCure24), defence, international, and nuclear. Each category is split by project size and region, opening opportunities for a wide range of suppliers.The framework aims to foster long-term supply chain relationships, innovation, and continuous improvement, supporting the Construction Playbook and Gold Standard guidance. Bidders have until June 2026 to submit, with awards expected in January 2027.RIBA calls for return of city architectsRIBA’s new report calls for city architects to be embedded across England, starting with a three-year pilot in combined authorities like Greater Manchester. The report projects that a city architect could add £47.6 million in value over three years, with increased housebuilding, tax revenue, and economic growth.RIBA argues that strong design leadership is essential to balance ambitious housing targets with quality, sustainability, and community wellbeing. The report highlights the historical impact of city architects and urges their expertise be central in planning and delivery, ensuring long-term social, economic, and environmental value.Free PDF Spaces analysis of the RIBA Making the case for city architects report.Manchester: Ambition and Model for GrowthManchester is recognized as the UK’s fastest-growing city and a benchmark for successful devolution. Under Mayor Andy Burnham’s leadership, the city’s architectural value has risen, and it has become a model for urban regeneration and growth.Manchester’s approach demonstrates how strategic vision, investment in design, and collaborative governance can drive transformation. The city’s achievements reinforce the importance of integrating architectural expertise and ambition in shaping the future of UK cities.(full interview with Andy Burnham)BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter 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.
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    42 分
  • The Kings of Construction | Episode 116

    The Kings of Construction | Episode 116
    2026/05/20
    Construction Disrupted Episode 116 - The Kings of Construction (20.05.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we're covering recent growth trends, legislative changes from the King’s Speech, and RIBA’s push for higher professional standards. Let’s get started.Construction output growth accelerated in March despite impact of Iran war, official figures showDespite global uncertainties, including the Iran war, UK construction output saw a notable acceleration in March. Official statistics reveal a 1.5% growth in output, up from 0.5% in February and 0.7% in January. However, this positive momentum was tempered by a sharp 10% drop in new orders during the first quarter, mainly due to declines in commercial and infrastructure projects. The industry remains resilient, but faces ongoing challenges in securing new work amid geopolitical and economic pressures.King’s Speech sets out several key bills that will shape the construction sectorThe 2026 King’s Speech introduced several bills with significant implications for construction:Remediation Bill: Mandates manufacturers to fund the removal of unsafe cladding, aiming to resolve long-standing safety issues post-Grenfell.Energy Independence Bill: Sets new efficiency standards for rented homes and targets energy bill support for those most in need.Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill: Confirms the nationalisation of British Steel.Small Business Protections (Late Payments) Bill: Imposes stricter penalties for late payments to suppliers, supporting SMEs.Nuclear Regulation Bill: Accelerates approval for new nuclear projects.Industry reactions are cautiously optimistic, with leaders welcoming progress on safety and payment reforms but noting gaps, such as the lack of a formal Construction Regulator Bill and insufficient coverage of internal building safety defects. The legislative programme also includes measures to improve social housing, tenancy protections, and water system reforms, but investors remain concerned about economic and political stability.‘End the anyone-can-do-it era’: RIBA proposes framework for protection of functionRIBA has unveiled a proposal for a new legal framework to protect the function of architects. Key points include:Only ‘authorised’ professionals, regulated by a new Built Environment Council, would be allowed to submit planning and Building Regulations applications for most projects.Reserved activities would cover planning submissions, fire safety strategies, structural design, and certification, ensuring only competent, chartered professionals are responsible for critical decisions.The framework aims to simplify the current system, remove duplication, and establish clear accountability, with legal repercussions for unqualified individuals performing reserved tasks.The Built Environment Council would operate alongside existing regulators and be funded by membership fees from approved charter bodies.RIBA’s initiative seeks to raise standards, prioritise safety and quality, and provide accessible routes for public complaints and enforcement, marking a shift away from the ‘race to the bottom’ in building practices.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter 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 ...
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    41 分
  • Leaky Roofs and Leaky Budgets | Episode 115

    Leaky Roofs and Leaky Budgets | Episode 115
    2026/05/13
    Construction Disrupted Episode 115 - Leaky Roofs and Leaky Budgets (13.05.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we discuss new guidance for competency management, the financial case for transparency in infrastructure, and the ambitious restoration of Blenheim Palace. Let's go!Built environment competency guidance nears publicationThe Industry Task and Finish Group (ITFG) is set to release new guidance on managing competence in the built environment. This guidance aims to help organizations plan, monitor, and evidence competence, putting the Industry Competence Committee’s 15 principles into practice. Formed under the Building Safety Act 2022, the ICC focuses on improving competence, especially for higher-risk buildings.The guidance, developed collaboratively with over 40 professional bodies, reframes competency as both an individual and organizational responsibility, emphasizing leadership, governance, supervision, procurement, and ongoing development. It’s scalable for small and medium-sized organizations, supporting proportionate arrangements and building safety reforms post-Grenfell.Here's a link to the PDF Space for the ITFG's: Managing Competence in the Built Environment: An industry guide on how to meet the ICC principlesTransparency in infrastructure needs a business case and this is how to make itGlobally, governments lose a significant portion of infrastructure spending to inefficiency and corruption—up to one-third, according to the IMF. Transparency is more than a governance principle; it’s a tool for improving financial performance.The CoST Infrastructure Transparency Initiative, with the Government Transparency Institute, has developed a methodology to quantify the financial benefits of transparency, accountability, and participation. Examples include Thailand’s Ministry of Finance saving over £70M in one year and Uganda increasing tender bids sevenfold. The methodology assesses competition, corruption risks, efficiency, prices, and quality, showing that transparency leads to better markets, reduced risks, and improved value for money. Once its financial value is proven, transparency becomes essential for maximizing public investment.Fixing the roof while the sun is shining: Making Blenheim Palace fit for the next 300 yearsBlenheim Palace is undergoing a £12m restoration to repair its roof, stonework, and water-damaged painted ceilings, aiming to withstand a once-in-500-years storm and boost climate resilience.The project involves meticulous planning to stay on budget and minimize disruption to the palace’s one million annual visitors. Innovative solutions include opening the construction works to public view, retention tanks for rainwater, and laser cleaning for stonework to protect historic lichens.The restoration reinstates original roof structures, improves gutter and drainage design, and uses reclaimed lead for durability. Fire safety measures are strict, and the paintings are being restored with new cleaning methods. This project is part of a larger £40m, 10-year conservation plan to secure Blenheim’s future for centuries.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter 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 ...
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    39 分
  • Bridging Gaps in Construction | Episode 114

    Bridging Gaps in Construction | Episode 114
    2026/05/06
    Construction Disrupted Episode 114 - Bridging Gaps in Construction (06.05.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we discuss the resurgence of regeneration under new models, to the rise of AI-assisted dispute resolution, and the launch of a marketplace for steel reuse in bridge works - yes, that's right, marketplace for steel reuse in bridge works. We cover is all on this podcast. Let's go!Regeneration is back - but under a very different model: What the first three months of Regen Connect revealRegeneration in the UK is experiencing a revival, with billions in public investment and a move toward decentralised, place-led decision-making. Regional mayors and local authorities now have greater control, and major cities like London, Birmingham, and Bristol are leading ambitious projects.While optimism is high, delivery remains complex due to market conditions and policy changes. The sector is adapting to new funding streams and long-term investment, but each region faces unique challenges and opportunities as regeneration becomes more locally driven.AI-Assisted adjudication nearsThe UK construction sector is preparing for AI-assisted adjudication, inspired by models in the US. The process, which is typically paper-based and fast-paced, is well suited for AI tools that can quickly analyse documents and draft preliminary findings. Human adjudicators remain responsible for final decisions, ensuring fairness and accountability.While AI promises greater efficiency, challenges around data availability, confidentiality, and legal compliance must be addressed. The sector is cautiously embracing AI, with best-practice guidance and staged integration to maintain trust and integrity.New online marketplace launches to facilitate steel reuse in bridge worksExpedition Engineering and Format Engineers have launched Re-Bridge, an online platform that connects asset owners and engineers to surplus bridge elements for reuse. This marketplace aims to reduce embodied carbon, cut costs, and promote a circular economy by making it easier to match redundant components with new projects.Re-Bridge builds on research into practical reuse pathways and addresses barriers like certification and procurement. By improving visibility and collaboration, the platform is helping redefine waste as a resource and encouraging more sustainable infrastructure practices.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter 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.
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    39 分
  • UK Construction 2.0 | Episode 113

    UK Construction 2.0 | Episode 113
    2026/04/29
    Construction Disrupted Episode 113 - UK Construction 2.0 (29.04.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we dive into the evolving standards for affordable housing design, the government's investment in technical skills for high-growth industries, and CITB's Industry Impact Fund that we're struggling to work out why we haven't heard about it before! Let's go.As mentioned in the episode:CITB Industry Impact Fund (IIF)SLG Horizon Report 2026NOW, let's go!Good Homes for All 2.0: ‘The context has shifted materially since the first edition’The second edition of "Good Homes for All" responds to a dramatically changed environment for affordable housing. Rising construction costs, tighter viability, and deepening housing emergencies have made design quality more crucial than ever. Architects Luke Tozer and Jay Morton emphasize that design is not a luxury but a necessity for resolving competing pressures—such as density, viability, and efficient land use.The publication showcases 15 built schemes, demonstrating how thoughtful design can unlock delivery, create enduring places, and support communities for generations. It targets policymakers, developers, and treasury teams, aiming to shift perceptions so that design is seen as a tool for delivery, not a constraint. The overarching message: prioritizing design quality is essential for aligning scarce resources with urgent needs, and architects must be involved early to ensure long-term value and public health benefits.New Technical Excellence Colleges focus on fastest-growing industriesThe UK government is investing £175 million in 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) to train 65,000 learners for high-demand jobs in sectors like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, and digital technologies. This initiative addresses the projected need for 600,000 additional workers by 2030 and aims to provide clear routes from education to well-paid, skilled employment. TECs are strategically located to match regional industry demands and will act as hubs of excellence, raising standards nationwide.The investment supports improved teaching, courses, and access to specialist equipment, building on previous construction-focused TECs. The government’s broader goal is to break down barriers to opportunity, increase higher-level learning among young people, and drive local and national growth. This aligns with the Industrial Strategy and includes a major cash injection to create more apprenticeships and employment opportunities.Free digital training programme for small buildersSmall, medium, and micro construction businesses can now access a free digital training programme designed to help them adopt and integrate modern technology into their operations. Supported by CITB’s Industry Impact Fund, the "Solving Tech for Small Builders" programme was developed by North London Loft Rooms and partners, following a successful pilot with 50 builders.The course, now expanded with £98,000 in funding, is accessible online and delivered in video format, designed to be neurodiverse-friendly. It aims to boost confidence and financial outcomes for participants, making technology practical and accessible. The Industry Impact Fund backs innovative, scalable projects that address workforce challenges, supporting skills, digital adoption, and sustainable solutions across the sector.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter 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 ...
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    33 分
  • Women and the Wharf are Winning | Episode 112

    Women and the Wharf are Winning | Episode 112
    2026/04/22
    Construction Disrupted Episode 112 - Women and the Wharf are Winning (22.04.26)Constructing Excellence AI Roundtable Registration (22.04.26 @ 2pm)In this episode, we examine the conflicting perspectives on the impact of the Middle East conflict, celebrate the surge in women completing construction apprenticeships, and hear from Canary Wharf’s development director about the estate’s remarkable transformation. Let's do this.Two conflicting reports on the impact of the Middle East conflictMiddle East conflict to have ‘limited impact’ on full-year results, says Barratt RedrowBarratt Redrow, a leading UK housebuilder, has stated that the Middle East conflict will have only a limited effect on its full-year 2026 results. The company reported a solid third quarter, with a resilient reservation rate and strong forward sales. CEO David Thomas highlighted Barratt Redrow’s proven ability to navigate uncertainty, maintaining a 2% build cost inflation forecast for 2026. However, analysts urge caution, noting that current reservation rates may be supported by buyers using previously secured, lower-priced mortgages. The company acknowledges that higher energy costs could drive up material prices in 2027 and will provide further updates in July.Conflict in Middle East causes construction sector uncertaintyIn contrast, other industry voices are more cautious. Consultants warn that the conflict could lead to higher energy and material costs, impacting project pricing and contractors’ willingness to take on new work. The sector is closely monitoring the situation, aware that the conflict’s trajectory could quickly alter forecasts and disrupt project pipelines. The overall mood is one of vigilance, as stakeholders weigh the risks of cost inflation and possible delays against the need to maintain momentum in a challenging market.Women completing construction apprenticeships have tripled since 2018The UK construction industry is seeing a significant shift in gender diversity. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the number of women starting construction apprenticeships rose from 1,450 in 2018 to 2,410 in 2025, and completions increased from 340 to 910. CITB and partners like The Skills Centre have invested in training and work placements, with 182 women trained for construction employment in 2025 alone.The Women and Work All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) released a report in 2025 focusing on strategies to break down barriers for women entering construction. With the industry needing 47,000 additional workers annually, diversity is seen as a solution to the skills gap. Deb Madden, Executive Director at CITB, emphasized the importance of retaining women in the sector and ensuring their apprenticeships lead to long-term, secure careers.‘It was never dying.’ Canary Wharf’s development director on the resurgence of the Docklands estateCanary Wharf, once considered in decline, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. Chief development officer Tom Venner rejects the narrative of decline, describing how the estate has transformed over the past five to six years. Originally finance-focused, Canary Wharf is now diversifying into residential, life sciences, and leisure. By 2028, only 55% of the estate will be finance-related, down from over 90% in the 1990s. The area now boasts more than 3,500 residents, over 300 retailers, hotels, and vibrant weekend activity.In 2025, the estate recorded its highest-ever footfall, with 72.6 million visitors. Major projects include JP Morgan’s new European headquarters, a three-million-square-foot development by Foster & Partners, and the transformation of the HSBC tower into a mixed-use space with a hotel and leisure facilities. Venner highlighted investments in public spaces, amenities, and sustainability, as well as adaptability in the face of challenges such as the collapse of modular construction firm Caledonian. Canary Wharf continues to attract major tenants and remains a key player in London’s property market.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 ...
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    35 分
  • Opportunity and Optimism | Episode 111

    Opportunity and Optimism | Episode 111
    2026/04/15
    Construction Disrupted Episode 111 - Opportunity and Optimism (15.04.26)In this episode, we take a look at the efforts to accelerate cladding remediation, the transformative power of apprenticeships and the resilience of architects amidst global challenges. Let's go!BSR Aims to Beat 12-Week Decision Time on Cladding ApplicationsThe Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is taking significant steps to address the backlog of external cladding remediation applications. With 299 live cases awaiting decisions and current median approval times stretching to 36 weeks, the BSR has set an ambitious goal to reduce decision times to under 12 weeks by December. While this is still above the statutory eight-week target, it represents a major improvement.Key measures include:Dedicated Taskforce: A specialised team will streamline communication with applicants and expedite approvals.Flexible Approval Methods: Projects can commence while technical issues are being resolved.Enhanced Resources: New guidance and tools will help applicants submit complete and accurate applications, reducing delays caused by errors.Online Tracking: Applicants will soon be able to monitor the status of their submissions online.BSR’s board chair, Lord Andy Roe, emphasised the importance of these changes in ensuring high-rise residents experience essential safety improvements without unnecessary delays. This initiative is a critical step in addressing the legacy of cladding issues and improving building safety across the UK.The Value of Apprenticeships for Social Mobility and Regional Growth is Real. So What’s Holding Businesses Back?Apprenticeships are a powerful tool for driving social mobility and regional economic growth, particularly in the construction industry. Nicola Hodkinson highlights how construction offers unique opportunities for individuals to build meaningful careers without traditional academic routes, allowing them to earn while they learn and progress from apprentice to leadership roles.However, structural challenges are preventing businesses from fully leveraging apprenticeships:Project-Based Nature of Construction: Unlike stable workplaces, construction projects are temporary and geographically dispersed, making consistent training and oversight challenging.Economic Uncertainty: The industry’s low margins and high risks make long-term commitments to apprenticeships financially daunting for many employers.Policy Misalignment: Current frameworks are designed for industries with predictable employment models, which don’t align with construction’s dynamic nature.Hodkinson calls for targeted government support, including financial assistance for early-stage apprenticeship costs, flexible delivery models, and improved pipeline visibility through long-term procurement planning. By addressing these barriers, the construction industry can unlock the full potential of apprenticeships, creating pathways to prosperity for individuals and communities.Architects Remain Optimistic Despite Impact of Middle East Conflict, RIBA Survey FindsThe latest RIBA Future Trends survey reveals cautious optimism among architects, despite the economic pressures stemming from the Middle East conflict. While workload expectations softened slightly in March, the overall outlook remains positive, with medium and large practices showing significant growth in confidence.Key findings from the survey include:Workload Expectations: The index dipped from +5 in February to +1 in March, but medium and large practices saw a sharp increase in confidence, with indices rising from +12 to +39.Sector-Specific Trends: Public and commercial sectors showed slight improvements, while private housing and community sectors experienced declines.Challenges from the Middle East Conflict: The conflict has led to increased material costs, supply chain pressures, and reduced client confidence, which could impact new commissions if inflation and interest rates rise.Despite these challenges, RIBA’s executive director Adrian Dobson praised the resilience of the profession, noting that architects remain optimistic about their ability to navigate these turbulent times. This optimism stands in contrast to the broader construction industry, which has seen a sharp decline in new orders and a significant rise in material costs.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 ...
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    36 分
  • Graduates in Hard Hats | Episode 110

    Graduates in Hard Hats | Episode 110
    2026/04/08
    Construction Disrupted Episode 110 - Graduates in Hard Hats (08.04.26)In this episode, we traverse from government funding initiatives to infrastructure investments and surprising career trends, it's what's shaping the industry right now, so let’s dive in!MHCLG Announces £70m for Building Inspector Training and Safety ReformsThe Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has committed £70 million to address the shortage of building inspectors and fire engineers. This funding will train up to 700 new inspectors and expand fire engineering education.Additionally, consultations are underway to streamline minor works in high-risk buildings and improve fire risk assessor standards. These measures aim to enhance building safety and address skills shortages in the sector.£165m Fund to Unlock Stalled Housing SitesThe UK government has launched the Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund, allocating £165 million to provide transport infrastructure for stalled housing and development sites near motorways and A-roads.This initiative, part of the Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3), seeks to revive idle projects, create jobs, and address housing shortages. Local authorities will soon be invited to register eligible sites for funding consideration.Nearly Half of UK Graduates Would Choose Construction CareersA survey by MoneySuperMarket reveals that 45% of UK graduates would opt for a trade career, such as construction, if given the chance to start over. Electricians are the most popular choice, followed by painters/decorators and carpenters/joiners. Key motivators include the appeal of self-employment, avoiding desk jobs, and better long-term earnings.Despite this interest, only 30% of young people seriously consider construction careers, highlighting the need for targeted recruitment efforts to address the industry’s skills gapBiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter 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.
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    33 分