Building cultural change at UKCW

UK Construction Week (UKCW) comes to London on 3-5 May at ExCel, with the promises of a major face to face event for the construction industry for 25,000 expected visitors.

The organisers have developed a key focus for UKCW London 2022, namely “how the industry implements new behaviours, best practice, and a true cultural shift in how it builds for the future.”

The organisers comment: “There are many changes facing architects this year, including potential new CPD requirements, changes to the education system, huge expectations around the role of architects in achieving the country’s net zero objectives, and a continued push to improve diversity, equality and inclusion in the profession.” They add: “Coming at the same time as new legislation on building safety, this event will be a well-timed opportunity to come together to learn, network, inspire, debate, and discuss practical ideas to address these changes.”

The organisers believe that UKCW London is likely to be “the biggest construction event the capital has seen in many years,” with over 40,000 m2 of exhibition space, and more than 300 exhibitors. It says there are planned to be 10,000 products on show, as well as 300 expert speakers, seven theatre stages, multiple specialist hubs, and 150 hours of CPD content.

The event will provide insights into the issues affecting the way in which buildings are designed and the “emerging markets, technology innovations and global design trends to watch.” Some of the major companies signed up include HS2, ABC+ Warranty, Bosch, Hanson Plywood, Xero, Entserv UK and Construction Industry Solutions.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME 

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 new ways in which the industry is pursuing projects as wide ranging as prisons, hospitals, road and rail infrastructure, education buildings and housing. Day two promises a “deep dive” into digitisation, net zero and “energy futures,” and day three will focus on people – diversity, health and wellbeing, and recruitment and retention.

The main stage will be sponsored by construction software firm COINS, while CEMEX will be sponsoring the Infrastructure Hub. Expert speakers from the Infrastructure Projects Authority and Barbour ABI will showcase learning from major projects including HS2, Thames Tideway, Royal Docks London and the West Midlands Growth Engine, as well as analysing government policies that will affect infrastructure over the next 10-15 years.

The Sustainability Hub includes sessions on best practice in low carbon building and European retrofit, plus “regenerative design” and “biomimicry,” as well as hydrogen innovation, 3D printing, dealing with waste, and building for disassembly.

The Digital Construction Hub, in partnership with Build in Digital, will deliver practical workshops on digital strategy, BIM, cloud computing, cybersecurity, use of Big Data, and how technology can improve efficiency, productivity and profitability.

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

Free registration to UK Construction Week London is now open – one badge also gives access to the Offsite Show, Concrete Expo, and Grand Designs Live.

If you’re interested in attending or participating, visit WWW.UKCONSTRUCTIONWEEK.COM/MAKE-AN-ENQUIRY