UKCW makes welcome return to Birmingham

UK Construction Week (UKCW) made a welcome return to the NEC in October, with a string of exclusive launches, a star-studded line-up of speakers, international pavilions from across the globe and a host of new features across three busy days

This year’s UKCW Birmingham included high-profile names including the mayors of the West and East Midlands, Richard Parker and Claire Ward; Mace chief executive Mark
Reynolds; architect and Channel 4 presenter George Clarke; and Amanda Long, chief executive of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPi).

Featuring six shows under one roof – Infrastructure, Roofing Cladding & Insulation Expo (RCI Expo); Build X; Net Zero; Digital Construction; and Onsite On Hire – UKCW Birmingham was sponsored and supported by some of the industry’s biggest names, including MERS, HotelPlanner, Reconomy, Build Warranty and The Hire Exchange With over 7,000 products on display from over 300 exciting exhibitors including Saint-Gobain, JCB, Swisspearl and Don & Low, the multi award-winning show attracted a wealth of overseas exhibitors and visitors.

UKCW Show highlights

UKCW Birmingham highlights included the Net Zero Hub, sponsored by Reconomy and partnering with National Retrofit Hub, making its UKCW debut at the Birmingham show.

Alongside this, the new Net Zero Trail showcased the latest innovations and sustainable practices driving the construction industry toward a net zero future.

Elsewhere at the show, the mayors of the West Midlands and East Midlands both made highly anticipated appearances as keynote speakers at UKCW. Richard Parker and Claire Ward both gave a “fireside chat” Q&A session, discussing their regions’ own commitments and priorities when it comes to the construction industry.

Also making its debut at the Birmingham show, Onsite On Hire showcased the very best tools, compact plant and equipment that can either be hired via independent hire/rental outlets or purchased direct. Big name exhibitors include Speedy Hire, Hire Exchange,
Milwaukee, JCB and Makita.

High-profile speakers

UKCW featured an array of over 300 high-profile speakers across seven hubs, including Trudi Sully, UK and Europe lead – industrialised design & construction, Mott MacDonald; Michael O’Hagen, Keltbray managing director; and Nick Smallwood, Infrastructure Projects Authority chief executive.

Another major debut at UKCW was the Roofing, Cladding & Insulation (RCI) Expo, which showcased over 50 exhibitors including Insulfix, Easy-Trim, Frénéhard, SIG and Bové.
Speakers include representatives from Tata Steel Building Systems, Vector Leak Consultants and Wates Construction.

Role Models campaign

An annual feature of UKCW, the Role Models campaign, now in its seventh year, announced its three worthy winners. The campaign shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes and talented professionals in the construction industry.

Winner of Rising Star was Bethany Collins from BPS Builders Merchants (Building & Plumbing Supplies). Since joining the LEAP apprenticeship in 2022, she has swiftly advanced to area support manager, inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.

The Pioneer award went to James Brown, head of digital manufacturing at Prodtex. As a true innovator, he drives digital transformation and helps companies embrace technologies like BIM and offsite construction.

Paula McMahon, chartered civil engineer at Sir Robert McAlpine, was named the Role Models Icon winner for 2024. As lead engineer for Hinkley Point, she passionately champions sustainability and empowers professionals through her roles with ICE and WES.

UKCW presents a series of Stand Awards at each of its shows, with this year’s winners in Birmingham including:

• Enterprise Estonia (Sustainability Initiative Award).
• Reader Cement Products (Best Space Only Stand).
• Saint-Gobain (Most Interactive Stand).
• Xylem Water Solutions (Best Shell Scheme Stand).

Sam Patel, divisional director – construction, said after the show: “It’s been another incredible UK Construction Week; the new Onsite On Hire and RCI features have been really well received, and the feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike has been great.

“Deals have been done, new contacts made and plenty of knowledge learned through our myriad talks and panel discussions.”

Exhibitor feedback was equally as positive. Troy Williams of Job Site Solutions, Milwaukee, said: “It’s been a good few days, with some really conversations and leads. It was definitely worth us visiting. We’ve spoken to everyone from one-man bands to big companies like Hinkley Point. It’s great to get that mix and every viewpoint.”

Chris Cartwright, sales manager of Gunn JCB, added: “Interest has been phenomenal from a wide range of industries and applications, and every level from one man band to directors. It’s nice to have a show where visitors have so much interest.”

Dates for the next two UKCW shows have already been announced. UKCW London runs from 7 to 9 May 2025 at ExCeL, while UKCW Birmingham returns to the NEC from 30 September to 2 October 2025.