UK Construction Week London to focus on culture change in construction

UK Construction Week (UKCW), the country’s largest live show for the construction industry, will take place in London at the ExCeL centre on 3-5 May.

Builder’s merchants and their suppliers are being urged to join in the discussion on culture change in the construction industry, as more than 25,000 people are expected to come together to explore how the industry implements new behaviours, best practice, and a true cultural shift in how it builds for the future.

Nathan Garnett, UKCW Event Director, said: “We’re really excited to bring UK Construction Week to London. 2022 is the year to focus on how we achieve the systemic changes we’ve been discussing for some time and to share the learning from the organisations who have already made a strong start. We need to ensure there’s not a corner of construction that doesn’t know how to live its core values, implement new policies and behaviours, and be transformed by culture change.

“As always with this event, there’s also so much to see, with many displays, exhibitors, shows and products you won’t find anywhere else. It will be a chance to celebrate the sector’s achievements and some of the best thought leaders and innovators construction has to offer. This is must-attend event for anyone that wants to have their finger on the pulse of all things construction.”

UKCW London will present a main stage programme featuring pioneers of culture change debating how best to foster it across the whole sector. 

Day one will include updates on the new rules around public procurement, the new regulatory regime on building safety, the forthcoming Building Safety Act, and the completely new ways in which the industry works on projects as wide ranging as prisons, hospitals, road and rail infrastructure, education buildings and housing.

Day two will be a deep dive into digitalisation, Net Zero, and energy futures, and day three will focus on people, including diversity, health and wellbeing, recruitment and retention issues.

Over 40,000 m² of exhibition space, UKCW London will gather more than 300 exhibitors (600 including co-located shows), 10,000 products, 300 expert speakers, seven theatre stages, multiple specialist hubs, and 150 hours of CPD content and activities.

Working with content partner Build In Digital, the Digital Construction Hub will deliver practical workshops on best practice in digital strategy, BIM, cloud computing, cybersecurity, use of Big Data and the whole range of ways in which new technology can improve efficiency, productivity and profitability.

CEMEX is sponsoring the Infrastructure Hub which also brings in expert speakers from the Infrastructure Projects Authority and Barbour ABI to showcase the learning from major projects like HS2, Thames Tideway, Royal Docks London and the West Midlands Growth Engine, and to analyse government policies that will affect infrastructure over the next 10-15 years.

The Sustainability Hub will include sessions looking at best practice in low carbon building and retrofit from Europe, regenerative design and biomimicry, hydrogen innovation, 3D printing, waste issues and building for disassembly.

The Offsite Alliance Hub will share the learning from Alliance members who work alongside leading organisations, industry bodies, government, local authorities and housing associations to increase the uptake and delivery of offsite technologies across the residential sector.

UKCW  will run alongside co-located events Concrete Expo (3-4 May), the Offsite Show with Buildoffsite, (3-5 May), and Grand Designs Live (30 April-8 May).

A series of industry conferences will also run next to UKCW, including the Timber Trade Federation conference on 3 May, and the Future of Work in Construction conference on 4 May.

UKCW’s Role Models awards campaign also returns for its fourth year after receiving a record number of nominees last year. An opportunity to recognise the unsung heroes and talented professionals across all areas of construction, it aims to attract others into similar roles by sharing inspiring stories and career journeys.

Entries for the 2022 Role Models awards are now open and will be closing on 25 February. This year’s shortlist will then be announced at UKCW London, with the winner crowned at UKCW Birmingham on 4-6 October at the NEC.

Another set of awards to be announced at UKCW London in May will be the Fix Radio Tradesperson of the Year awards for the country's leading and most innovative tradesmen and women. The winners will be chosen by a panel of industry experts and announced at a ceremony hosted by Clive Holland. Nominations close on 31 March.