The potential of the Northern Powerhouse, new product launches, and experts discussions were the main features of this year’s UK Construction Week…
UK Construction Week opened on 18 October and will run until 20 October. It has brought together experts from the industry under one roof.
The event, hosted at the NEC in Birmingham, has seen some significant discussion around areas such recruitment, the value of 3D printing for the sector, and the so-called Northern Powerhouse.
The event kicked off with a panel discussion on the main stage, led by business journalist Steph McGovern. Discussion centred on how the Northern Powerhouse will become even more important in post-Brexit Britain.
Among the panellists were David McGowan, Operations Director at BAM Nuttall; Phil Mayall, Development Director at Muse Developments; Richard Green Director of Design, Planning & Economics at Aecom; Dr Mark Brown, Business Development Director at Amey; and Jonathan Spruce, Director at Fore Consulting and Vice-Chair at ICE Northern Powerhouse Steering Group.
The event saw a number of product launches
The event saw a number of product launches such as Bio-Oxygen’s business in Europe as part of AVAC 2016. The firm, which specialises in an air sterilisation system, was originally launched in Australia and is now moving into Europe. The system guarantees odour free results along with 99 per cent elimination of viruses and bacteria.
Speaking about the product, Bio-Oxygen’s business development director Emma Mogg said: “It’s been fantastic, we’ve had some quality leads so far and have found the event to be a great platform to launch our business.
“We’re really proud to be part of the Innovation Trail and it’s brought so many people excited by innovation through to our stand.”
The Innovation Trail highlights new products, services or firms that have shown great success. Among these is WikiHouse, Pavegen, EcoVolt, RA Tech, Jigtech, and g2 energy.
Outlook for the sector remains ‘broadly positive’
Economics Director for Glenigan, Allan Willén also spoke at the event, presenting trends and forecasts across a number of sectors in construction. During the Glengian Breakfast Briefing he said the forecast for construction remains broadly positive, despite a somewhat turbulent year for the UK.
He said: “We have been a keen advocate of UK Construction Week since it began. Our briefing covers different sectors of the industry and it’s great to be able to deliver it to such a diverse and relevant audience.”
New TV programme launched looking at the status of housebuilding
Yesterday also saw ITN Productions launch a news-style programme ‘Foundations for the Future’ in partnership with the Home Builders Federation (HBF).
Simon Shelley, head of industry news at ITN, commented: “The programme looks at the state of house building today and the challenges facing the sector.
“Providing a unique perspective from within the industry, the film has been designed to heighten awareness among policy makers, politicians and the wider public about these challenges.
“UK Construction Week is a great platform for us to launch the film and reach an even bigger audience.” The film has been uploaded today and can be watched on the HBF website.
Speaking about conference, UK Construction Week’s Event Director Nathan Garnett said: “[The event] has been another great success, visitor numbers have increased on last year’s event and the feedback we are getting from exhibitors is very positive.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure the content for this year’s show is of maximum relevance to benefit our visitors and I’m really encouraged by the ideas and spirit of collaboration shining through all of the debates and discussions.”
