Finning, authorised dealer of Cat® equipment and parts in the UK and Ireland, is giving customers an exclusive chance to talk to industry experts about the issues and challenges that are critical to their business’ success with the return of FINROCK – the virtual interactive expo and conference. FINROCK22 returns
A new report published by Arden University has found that the Construction sector is set to lose 567,670 jobs in the hands of automation and technological advances in the workplace. The 2030 Workforce Report also found that by 2030, 30% of all jobs in the UK could be eradicated due
CITB’s England Construction Opportunities (ECO) commission sees eight successful bids awarded a total of just over £1.8m. This investment will directly help address the construction industry’s skills gap, increase employment retention, and provide vital support to new starters at the beginning of their construction careers. Each of the eight projects
ANTICIPATION is building for Nottingham City Council’s new Central Library, which sits at the heart of the Broad Marsh regeneration area, as work is now underway on the interior fit out and refurbishment with specialists Overbury. A new Central Library is one of the key elements of the regeneration of
With the current financial climate pulling sharply at purse strings, making your budget go further for a cost-effective project is more attractive than ever before. In this article, Simon Castle, Managing Director at fit-out specialists, Chisholm & Winch, will discuss ways in which main contractors can meet budget requirements without
Staffordshire-based housing association, Aspire Housing, has appointed independent construction, property and management consultant Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) to provide fire consultancy services for its development schemes covering new build and refurbishment projects. Aspire Housing owns and manages more than 9,000 homes across Staffordshire and Cheshire. RLB has been appointed on
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Door Group has launched the new Powershield Rathlin door, which is LPS 2081 certified and prevents unauthorised access by various physical security products when targeted by intruders using stealth. The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) is a globally recognised third-party certification body that sets the standards
CONSTRUCTION of a building that will accelerate modern construction skills in Sunderland is set to move forward, after the appointment of a North East contractor. Tolent has been awarded the contract to design and construct the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA), a world-class training facility that will provide
Research by Warwick Estates reveals that the UK’s property management services industry is on track to have a market value of more than £30 billion by 2025 as a pandemic slump makes way for consecutive years of steady growth. The property management services industry covers all businesses that provide third-party
A new survey by UK Construction Week Birmingham has revealed that those who work in the industry believe better school careers advice and improving the sector’s ‘dirty’ image are key steps to resolving the current skills gap in construction. With just two weeks before the three-day show returns to the
Finning, authorised dealer of Cat® equipment and parts in the UK and Ireland, is giving customers an exclusive chance to talk to industry experts about the issues and challenges that are critical to their business’ success with the return of FINROCK – the virtual interactive expo and conference. FINROCK22 returns to screens on November 24th (2pm – 8pm) and builds on the success of last year’s live interactive event which attracted an audience of 1,000 Finning customers and industry colleagues from the construction, aggregates, and waste sectors from across the UK and Ireland. In line with feedback from visitors to the event last year, Finning has expanded the live interviews and debates taking place on FINROCK TV, which will address the most topical issues and challenges customers face today. This includes sessions on getting the most out of machine assets through condition monitoring and tailored servicing – with customers joining the team of Finning and Caterpillar experts to share their knowledge and experiences leading to business success. Promising to be bigger and better, FINROCK22 also gives customers an exclusive opportunity to ask a panel of industry experts about the issues and challenges they are facing today. The live chat will be focused on key topics such as fuel efficiency, safety, and operator training. FINROCK22 also includes two new customer zones. The first, a ‘sustainability zone’ will give customers from across all industries an insight into the many systems, approaches, and products that are available to help them reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environmental performance of their operations. These include what’s involved in switching to renewable fuels through to commissioning a rebuild to extend the operational lifespan of a machine. The second new zone will provide an in-depth look at the aftermarket expertise, products and services Finning provides to customers. It includes a spotlight on the engineering expertise that is embedded throughout the company, as well as a look at the crucial role asset conditioning monitoring plays in keeping machines fully operational, so sites are productive and profitable. “Over the last few years, we, alongside many other firms, have developed new and exciting ways to interact with customers,” explains Peter Seaman, Head of Customer Experience and Marketing at Finning. “FINROCK is a prime example of this and gives us a unique and innovative way to get closer to our customers so we can understand the issues that are important to their business success as well as their needs and challenges. We can then, as a supplier and partner, tailor the right level of expertise and support they need. “We’ve spoken to customers who took part last year and what they valued most was the opportunity to hear from experts across the industries they work in. One of the biggest talking points last year was around the ‘demolition debate’ that brought together the biggest names – and characters – from the sector to discuss issues pertinent to both contractors and operators such as the transformation to deconstruction and in driving more sustainable practices in the sector. “So, this year, we’ve extended the live TV sessions and widened out the discussions on other hot industry topics, such as the role of technology in digitising construction and waste industries, and how we’re working closely with our customers to support them in meeting their own sustainability ambitions.” The equipment showroom also returns, giving visitors hands-on experience with different machines so they can get a feel for how technologies can benefit their sites and businesses. Visitors can also consult Finning experts for machine, business, and financial advice, ensuring that they have everything they need to keep sites running, and business a success. As well as attending talks and demonstrations, visitors can browse opportunities at the careers fair and network with other attendees. Registration for FINROCK22 is completely free. Sign up today, for an exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with the latest machines, technology and the people making the biggest impact in the construction, aggregates, and waste industries. You can register your place at FINROCK22 here: Finrock.live
A new report published by Arden University has found that the Construction sector is set to lose 567,670 jobs in the hands of automation and technological advances in the workplace. The 2030 Workforce Report also found that by 2030, 30% of all jobs in the UK could be eradicated due to automation changing the workforce. With more jobs set to involve working alongside or in tandem with new technologies, the research also found that only a minority of employees are currently up to speed and comfortable working with developing digital technology. In the Construction sector, it found that 20 per cent of people felt they had a digital skills gap and weren’t prepared for the technological changes at hand. Commenting on this, Carl Lygo, CEO and Vice Chancellor at Arden University says: “As automation begins to play a greater role in economic production, it will disrupt these industries the most significantly, with the effects being felt across society and the nation’s economy. “Upskilling is most urgent – particularly for the employees who may not have the digital skills to prepare them for the evolving jobs of the future. It is now up to education institutions to ensure they are teaching and preparing the next generation for the jobs of the future and not solely for the jobs of today.” The worst affected in the UK Over a half of jobs are set to become extinct in the transport and storage industry (56% of jobs) with manufacturing (46%), wholesale, retail, and repair of motor vehicles (44%), admin & support services (37%), and public admin & defence, social security/ financial & insurance services (32%), being the remaining top sectors expected to undergo a massive shift in the next decade. “The pandemic has magnified this shift with the rise of home-working and online socialising. Yet whilst much of the population becomes ever more proficient, for some, a lack of technological proficiency or access risks them being left behind. “As digital technology plays a more prominent role in most jobs, and more employees work alongside tech, basic digital literacy will become an essential skill, on a par with reading and writing. As more jobs require digital skills, upskilling the population is a key priority. “It is without a doubt that automation will result in a foundational change to the landscape of work. Higher education institutions now have a very important job to do to ensure that the nation is ready and prepared for the jobs of the future,” concludes Carl.
CITB’s England Construction Opportunities (ECO) commission sees eight successful bids awarded a total of just over £1.8m. This investment will directly help address the construction industry’s skills gap, increase employment retention, and provide vital support to new starters at the beginning of their construction careers. Each of the eight projects will deliver a combined total of 3,500 employment support plans to assist individuals, with the aim of achieving long-term sustained employment. Through the ECO funding, the selected suppliers will bring support systems to the following regions: Abbey Access Centre Ltd – Lincoln Barking Riverside Ltd – London Gement Ltd – London and South-East Hampshire County Council Landau Ltd – Shropshire NFRC – England WMCA – West Midlands Women into Construction – England Over the course of three years, the ECO projects will support individuals to overcome any initial challenges they may face as they begin their career in construction, while also providing ongoing in-work support to improve retention and importantly, progression. The successful suppliers all have established links with the construction industry, many already working with contractors and employers across a range of sites throughout the UK. Hampshire County Council, Landau Ltd, WMCA and Barking Riverside Ltd are all recognised for previously supporting construction opportunities through the Construction Skills Fund (CSF), a similar model designed and delivered collaboratively through CITB and the Department for Education. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), Women into Construction, Abbey Access Centre Ltd and Gement Ltd all have expertise in specialist careers advice, training, and employment opportunities within the construction industry. CITB’s investment in the ECO commission will provide critical support to deliver the skills industry requires to meet demand, with many of the selected suppliers anticipating a high level of activity in the coming years. Landau Ltd is just one of the projects that will be engaging with local employers to cater to the high demand for new build projects in Telford, currently the fourth most active area within the UK for new build homes. Barking Riverside Ltd and the WMCA will also be centring their projects around local activity, with large-scale regeneration planned in both Birmingham, following the Commonwealth Games, and across the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The eight projects are aligned in their approach, with the belief that regular ‘touch points’ and guidance sessions with sector specialists will be key to retaining more participants in construction roles. Many of the projects aim to implement bespoke support and action plans for learners, with this investment from CITB enabling them to have a greater presence in the individual’s training and development. Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “It’s fantastic to see the ECO commission progress forward with eight successful bids. Their wealth of knowledge and experience, combined with their established partnerships, will be vital in creating the opportunities, supporting new entrants, and critically maximising skills retention in the industry, all of which CITB recognises is and will continue to be crucial for the foreseeable future. “With a changing landscape and a demand in England alone for over 220,000 additional workers by 2026, the challenge industry faces should not be underestimated. However, this commission presents a great opportunity to contribute and address some of those key skills challenges, primarily helping towards securing construction’s talent pipeline. I’m really looking forward to watching the projects flourish and wish them all the best of luck as they move into the next phase.”
ANTICIPATION is building for Nottingham City Council’s new Central Library, which sits at the heart of the Broad Marsh regeneration area, as work is now underway on the interior fit out and refurbishment with specialists Overbury. A new Central Library is one of the key elements of the regeneration of the city’s Southside area and will be surrounded by transformed streets, with pedestrianisation, planting, seating and plans for a new plaza to link through the demolished section of the former shopping centre to Lister Gate and the city centre beyond. A masterplan is in place outlining a vision for the Broad Marsh site, including green space, an enhanced entrance to the City of Caves attraction and a mixture of housing, retail and leisure uses. Working together with acclaimed architects FaulknerBrowns and M&E consultancy Chord, Overbury and Morgan Sindall Construction will transform the new Central Library shell into three modern levels split into creative zones. The project has prioritised cost-effective modern design and specification with bespoke feature joinery and ceilings, which take inspiration from Nottingham’s lace making heritage. The outstanding design also utilises carefully selected materials, including timber for a natural aesthetic and improved sustainability. The library, which is part of the new Broad Marsh Car Park and Bus Station complex, will be Overbury’s first major project to be procured through SCAPE – one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities – which has been made possible via its sister company Morgan Sindall Construction, who were appointed to the SCAPE national framework last year. This next phase of the project will see Overbury working alongside Nottingham City Council’s chosen project manager, Pick Everard. The library will then open to the public in the Summer 2023. Andrew Wood, Managing Director at Overbury, said: “Starting work on this important project for the region is incredibly exciting. Our team has years of high-quality experience to help smoothly collaborate with stakeholder partners, which will expertly bring the inspiring interior design for the new Central Library to life. Throughout the project, we also look forward to prioritising social value and sustainability, which is extremely important to us and touches everything we do.” The new library will feature a high-quality children’s library with an immersive story telling room, extensive book collection and comfortable areas to sit and read. Other amenities will include a cafe and ground floor reception area – which can be converted into a performance space, a learning lab for special activities and school class visits, meeting rooms, exhibition space and creative design areas. Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture & Planning at Nottingham City Council, said:“We are looking forward to working with Overbury to transform the interior of the Central Library, working together to see our vision for a modern library come to life. The bright state-of-the-art facility will include a fantastic children’s library and some great features and we are excited to see the work progress to create a fantastic facility for everyone to use and enjoy.” With a focus on social value, Overbury has committed to building back into the city by allocating project spend with local Nottinghamshire businesses and the wider Midlands region. Furthermore, part of this spend will be with not-for-profit local enterprises. Overbury’s in-house carbon calculation tool ‘CarboniCa’ developed by Morgan Sindall plc, will measure the embodied carbon of the project. Rob Cant, Framework Director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “The ability for us to work with sister companies Overbury and Lovell to deliver work on the SCAPE framework will be a huge benefit. It means we are able to provide a complete offering across every sector with clients having direct access to leading experts in construction, interior fitout and housing. On top of that, our purpose and values align perfectly with that of SCAPE’s as we collectively strive to transform local communities and leave meaningful and lasting legacies behind.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE said: “The Central Library is an excellent example of how a regeneration project can breathe new life into an area and deliver true social value that benefits the local community and businesses. With the support of our expert delivery team and integrated social value approach, we are excited to work with Overbury to accelerate this project forward and create a sustainable legacy for the people of Nottingham.” For more information about Overbury, please visit www.overbury.com
With the current financial climate pulling sharply at purse strings, making your budget go further for a cost-effective project is more attractive than ever before. In this article, Simon Castle, Managing Director at fit-out specialists, Chisholm & Winch, will discuss ways in which main contractors can meet budget requirements without compromising on quality, when it comes to working collaboratively with a specialist fit-out contractor. Aside from the basics of insurances and liabilities, this piece offers tips and advice on what to look for when choosing a fit-out subcontractor that goes beyond just installation; such as working to rethink material selection, where required, after sight of architectural designs. And how a specialist fit-out contractor can manage the supply chain to find cost effective product alternatives that fit the brief whilst maximising the budget. The article will look into the importance of streamlined processes, meticulous planning and early engagement methods. Also, the importance of working with a company that offers end-to-end solutions and includes experts with specialist market knowledge who know their materials and ensure the cost and buildability of products is right (especially in the current climate of long lead times) whilst factoring in whole life costs. Finally, how considering a team that provides accountability and in-house installers to deliver the fit out, means acquiring no extra hidden costs through subcontracting third party installers.
Staffordshire-based housing association, Aspire Housing, has appointed independent construction, property and management consultant Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) to provide fire consultancy services for its development schemes covering new build and refurbishment projects. Aspire Housing owns and manages more than 9,000 homes across Staffordshire and Cheshire. RLB has been appointed on a three-year contract to support Aspire Housing with putting in place best in class fire safety practices and preparing for the ongoing regulations arising from the Building Safety Act. Tim Sims, RLB Partner and Building Safety Lead for the Midlands, said: “Ensuring the ‘golden thread’ from design to construction to handover is an essential part of fire safety, we are really proud to have been appointed by Aspire Housing to support them with this vital work. It demonstrates the commitment of Aspire to instil best practice building safety measures into the core of its operations and being prepared for any new future regulations.” Farmeda Kosar, Director of Development and Regeneration at Aspire Housing, comments: “We have ambitious growth plans at Aspire Housing and providing the best, safest homes to our customers is at the very heart of this. The expertise that the RLB team bring with them in fire consultancy services is exemplary and we are really looking forward to working with them on our development schemes.”
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Door Group has launched the new Powershield Rathlin door, which is LPS 2081 certified and prevents unauthorised access by various physical security products when targeted by intruders using stealth. The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) is a globally recognised third-party certification body that sets the standards needed to ensure that fire and security products and services perform effectively. The new standard LPS 2081, created by the LPBC with the BRE and Secured by Design, specifies two grades of security relating to the tools used and the time taken by attackers where they want to avoid making any significant noise. This standard is separate to LPS 1175, which also relates to vandalism and security, but has different requirements to the noise element. With LPS 2081, the security performance is split into two categories – A or B – based on the tools used and the duration of the attack. The new Powershield Rathlin is LPS 2081 Security B rated, which is the more advanced rating, prolonging the attack for up to 3 minutes, and with an enhanced set of tools. The new Powershield Rathlin comprises of morticed mechanical escape lock with automatic deadlocking, panic pad, key with AASD Guard, louvre vents, pull handle, surface mounted pull handle, vison panels, and active leaf. Brian Sofley, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland Door Group, explained: “The market leading Powershield steel door range combines high performance with high quality, offering a fully compliant, fully finished door set with factory-fitted hardware. Doors and frames are designed to ensure ease of installation on-site and provide the end user with a premium door solution. “Our new Powershield Rathlin’s LPS 2081 certification demonstrates the door’s ability to withstand a stealth attack, where the intruder avoids making significant noise that would usually draw attention. “This new addition adds to our existing comprehensive portfolio of high-performance products that meet the standards and legislation for safety and security.” To find out more about how ASSA ABLOY Powershield range, visit https://www.assaabloy.com/uk/en/solutions/products/doors/powershield
CONSTRUCTION of a building that will accelerate modern construction skills in Sunderland is set to move forward, after the appointment of a North East contractor. Tolent has been awarded the contract to design and construct the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA), a world-class training facility that will provide ‘next generation skills for next generation homes’ and support the city’s advanced manufacturing, carbon reduction and renewable energy ambitions. Sunderland City Council has appointed the contractor to progress with the building, which will be led by Sunderland College to deliver ground-breaking training that will educate and upskill local people to create innovative factory-built new homes, the first of which will be assembled at Riverside Sunderland. Planning consent for the development was granted in March and it is hoped that – with Tolent appointed – work will be able to commence on the £15m building later this year when the technical design is complete. The facility, which will stand at Sheepfolds and will re-purpose the existing goods shed on the corner of Hay Street, will be operated by Sunderland College with support from education and industry partners including one of the founding partners, the Ministry of Building Innovation and Education (MOBIE), which is led by Washington-born TV architect, George Clark. It will form a key part of Sunderland’s ambitious city centre housing ecosystem, enabling Sunderland people to meet the city’s future housing needs, with the skill and expertise to employ modern methods of construction (MMC). Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said he was delighted to see the project advancing. He said: “I’m pleased that we have appointed a construction partner able to help us drive forward with a development that is of huge significance to the city – a development that will fuel the development of construction skills that will make Sunderland a leader in MMC and retrofit. “With Tolent working on the development of the first housing scheme on Vaux too, it is quite fitting that they will also be building the training academy that will develop skills to help us deliver future phases of residential development at Riverside Sunderland.” When completed, HICSA will support the development of scores of eco-friendly homes planned for Riverside Sunderland and the city centre. It has been backed by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) – announced as part of the last Autumn Budget – with £20m committed to supporting the city’s housing ecosystem, including £9m of support for HICSA. CEO of Tolent, Paul Webster, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to construct this trailblazing academy that will help nurture the next generation of skilled people, who will build homes of the future in Sunderland. “The talent that emerges from HICSA will no doubt power our own future skills pipeline, so we’re pleased to be playing a part in bringing this important project forward.” The facility – the brainchild of the three organisations working in partnership – will enable Sunderland to build the skills-base to upgrade the city’s homes locally, using MMC, low carbon, renewable energy and smart technology. It will position Sunderland at the heart of the UK’s net zero ambitions, enabling the city to capitalise on the move towards modern methods of construction and sustainable house-building while helping Sunderland realise its Smart City and Net-Zero Carbon ambitions. Ellen Thinnesen, chief executive of Sunderland College and Education Partnership North East, said: “I am grateful to Sunderland City Council and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for supporting this vision. A significant increase in training provision is needed for all skills and roles across the construction and energy sectors if we are to build homes of the future, and support the UK’s low carbon ambitions. HICSA will be a key part of the ecosystem.” HICSA is one of several exciting projects that are incorporated in the Riverside Sunderland Masterplan, which sets out a development framework for this new urban quarter, comprising the former Vaux Brewery site, High Street West, Keel Square, Galley’s Gill, Farringdon Row and Sheepfolds. Expo Sunderland is also part of the plan, helping to engage and inspire industry and local people in the delivery of innovative homes on the site, and positioning Sunderland as a world-class place to live, work and play. The event will take place in 2024. To find out more about the plans for Riverside Sunderland, visit https://www.riversidesunderland.com
Research by Warwick Estates reveals that the UK’s property management services industry is on track to have a market value of more than £30 billion by 2025 as a pandemic slump makes way for consecutive years of steady growth. The property management services industry covers all businesses that provide third-party or outsourced services to oversee the management and maintenance of property, as well as tenant relations, on behalf of owners or landlords. Today, the industry is made up of 22,245 businesses employing 309,172 members of staff, combining to generate a market value of £27.7 billion. This value represents an increase of 5.3% since last year but still isn’t enough to bring market value back to where it was prior to the pandemic. The current market remains -4.9% down on 2019 when its value peaked at £29.1 billion, but there needn’t be too much cause for concern because today’s value is still 26.8% higher than it was a decade ago. Furthermore, projected figures suggest that 2022’s start towards post-pandemic recovery is paving the way for at least three years of continuous market growth culminating in 2025 when the property management services industry is expected to be worth £30.4 billion; a 9.8% increase on today’s value. If this comes to fruition, it will mean that the market reaches a higher value that at any other point in the past decade, including its pre-pandemic peak of 2019. Data tables Data tables and sources can be viewed online, here.
A new survey by UK Construction Week Birmingham has revealed that those who work in the industry believe better school careers advice and improving the sector’s ‘dirty’ image are key steps to resolving the current skills gap in construction. With just two weeks before the three-day show returns to the NEC on October 4th, the survey polled over 1,100 people across the sector, including architects, engineers, housebuilders, installers, joiners, contractors and consultants. It found over a quarter (26%) of respondents felt the solution to fixing the skills gap was ‘better career advice at school/college to paint a more attractive picture of construction to young people’, while 24% said the answer was ‘a long-term strategy to attract and retain talent, not just a short fix’. Key barriers to young people pursuing a career in construction were seen as the industry being perceived as ‘dirty job’ (23%), lack of careers advice (19%), and the sector being seen as male-dominated (15%). Other survey results included: The main barriers to people’s own advancement in construction was due to lack of training support from their employer (18%); poor careers advice (18%); and lack of funding (17%) 57% of respondents thought the skills gap had either worsened or stayed the same in the last two years, with ‘the great resignation’ (19%); uncertainty (17%); and long lead times and the rise of materials and product costs (17%) being the principal causes Respondents said the best things about working in construction are the tangible results (25%); learning new skills (20%); and the fact that no two days are the same (15%) When asked what the construction industry workforce will look like in 2050, the most popular responses included ‘a more diverse/female workforce’; ‘more use of AI’; ‘increase in mechanisation/robotics’; and ‘it will be more lucrative and attractive to graduates’ 84% of respondents said flexible/hybrid working was now an option in their role, with the key reasons for the 16% who don’t have that flexibility being ‘not practical – we need to be on site at all times’ (52%); ‘the directors do not like it’ (18%) and ‘it’s never been discussed’ (16%) Nathan Garnett, UKCW Birmingham’s event director said: “Our survey is a clarion call to both the government and construction sector, and outlines what we need to change if we are to tackle the skills crisis we currently face. We plan to use our event in just two weeks’ time to set out some of the solutions that our survey points to so we can create real culture change. “Our survey not only highlights the challenge, but it also illustrates the variety and truly rewarding nature of being part of the built environment – a message we will get across loud and clear.” Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “As we continue to work hard to supercharge our region’s economic recovery, the construction sector will play a key role. Many of our young people – and indeed local job seekers of all ages – have recognised that joining this industry can offer an exciting, practical and well paid career path for those willing to grasp the opportunity. “However, it’s clear from the survey that we have more work to do to change perceptions and highlight the positive side of this booming sector which will shape the West Midlands for many years to come. I hope to play my part in fostering interest in construction – working together with the industry and other bodies like CITB – not only to connect local residents with great jobs but also to alleviate the skills shortage in the sector which is essential if we are to reach our full potential.” Tim Balcon, Chief Executive, CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) said: “We welcome this insight, which highlights the challenge that is being faced to attract and retain talent and to address the skills gap. We need to work collaboratively across industry to strengthen the entire talent pipeline and increase the number of people joining and staying in construction. “By investing over £233m across the sector this year, we’re doing all that we can to facilitate key routes into industry such as apprenticeship and employer grants, occupational traineeships, and onsite experience hubs. In short, we’re working hard to support the construction industry to address the gap highlighted in this report so that we can build a skilled, competent and inclusive workforce both for now and in the future.” This year UKCW Birmingham is expecting around 25,000 attendees, will officially be opened by Channel 4 presenter George Clarke and features guest speaker Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands. Celebrating culture change in the construction industry with an exciting programme of debate and discussion from top speakers, the show will also shine a spotlight on over 6,000 products from more than 300 exciting exhibitors. Visitors will also be able to find sections dedicated to Net Zero, Building Materials, Digitalisation, Infrastructure, Surface & Materials, Offsite Construction, and Skills & Careers. Register for free here, UKCW Birmingham registrations and if you are part of an industry group or community and you’d like to host your own networking event please get in touch via info@ukconstructionweek.com. Follow on social media @uk_cw #UKCW2022