Construction Disrupted copertina

Construction Disrupted

Construction Disrupted

Di: Peter Sumpton & Ryan Jones
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A proposito di questo titolo

 Construction Disrupted is a podcast for people working in the construction industry who need to stay current without drowning in noise. With a focus on the current, real-world issues across the built environment, the stories behind the headlines, the shifts worth your time, and the ideas to get you thinking. No froth, all coffee. Each episode follows a clear 3, 2, 1 structure: 3 headlines. Covering the most relevant and interesting topics from the world of construction. 2 opinions. Straight-talking analysis and debrief that digs deep beyond each headline. Why it matters and what it means for the future. 1 takeaway. Sometimes practical, sometimes actionable, or perhaps something to make you think. Hosted by Peter Sumpton and Ryan Jones, who bring a combined 40 years in construction and marketing, Construction Disrupted is designed for thought-leaders and decision-makers who prefer podcasts with more substance and less spin. We know the backdrop, fragmented supply chains, rising costs, skills gaps and sustainability pressures, and we won’t rehash doom for the sake of it. Instead, we move past the headlines and delve into the topics that are shaping the industry today, tomorrow, and probably a couple more days after that. Subscribe and join us every week – most weeks, anyway. Expect clear thinking, dry humour and the occasional soapbox moment.Copyright 2026, Peter Sumpton (buildDifferent) & Ryan Jones (SLG Agency) Economia Politica e governo
Episodi
  • UK Construction 2.0 | Episode 113

    UK Construction 2.0 | Episode 113
    Apr 29 2026
    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 min
  • Women and the Wharf are Winning | Episode 112

    Women and the Wharf are Winning | Episode 112
    Apr 22 2026
    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 min
  • Opportunity and Optimism | Episode 111

    Opportunity and Optimism | Episode 111
    Apr 15 2026
    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 min
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