Construction Disrupted Episode 99 - 39bn reasons to learn from mistakes (21.01.26)

We start by exploring the industry’s high note as 2025 wraps up, which may go some way to explaining the £39 billion worth of projects driving growth in 2026. There is a word of caution, though, for the government’s ambitious Northern Powerhouse Rail plan, and we wrap it all up with how innovations like AI and robotics are reshaping the sector (again)! Let's go:

Construction Ends 2025 on High as Analysts Predict ‘Structural Shift’ Due to Data Centre Demand

As 2025 comes to a close, the construction industry is poised for a significant shift, driven by the growing demand for data centres and other infrastructure projects. Analysts predict a "structural shift" in the sector, with data centres becoming a major focus due to the increasing reliance on digital technologies. This trend is expected to drive substantial growth and investment in the industry.

Looking ahead to 2026, Glenigan’s market analysis highlights the Top 100 construction projects set to generate £39 billion worth of work. Civil engineering projects will lead the charge, contributing £23.8 billion across 29 major initiatives. The largest project is the £10.2 billion Lower Thames Crossing in Kent, which includes tunnels and approaches. Other significant projects include the A5 Western Transport Corridor in Northern Ireland (£1.7 billion) and Network Rail’s £1 billion Project Reach for trackside fibre optic cable installation in London.

The office and commercial sector is also rebounding, with 23 projects valued at £6.3 billion, including the £750 million Bidder Street Data Centre in East London and a £700 million British Library extension. The housing sector is set to see 37 projects worth £6.9 billion, with private residential developments leading the way. The largest housing project is a £577 million scheme at Marsh Wall in London.

With projects spanning 10 different sectors, the construction industry is gearing up for a promising year in 2026, with better times ahead for all areas of the industry.

‘Vital that Government Learns Lessons from HS2’: Reaction to Northern Powerhouse Rail Plan

The UK government has announced a £45 billion commitment to the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) project, aiming to transform connectivity across Northern England. The ambitious plan includes a new Birmingham–Manchester rail line and improved east-west links between cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle. The project is expected to boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve transport infrastructure in the region.

However, industry leaders stress the importance of learning from the challenges faced during the HS2 project. Key lessons include the need for clear timelines, defined project purposes, and robust funding structures. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and other stakeholders emphasise the importance of early planning, clear leadership, and stable pipelines to ensure the success of NPR.

The project is set to begin with £1.1 billion allocated for planning, design, and development work during the current Spending Review period. Construction is expected to start in the 2030s, with the project being delivered in phases. Industry leaders are calling for detailed plans,...

Construction Disrupted Episode 98 - Is change destroying construction? (14.01.26)

It's good to be back (Happy New Year everyone). 2026, the year construction builds more than just homes, it's the year for building positivity, one episode, three headlines, two opinions and one takeaway at a time. Let's get to it:

1. Market Forecast: Strong Order Books Drive Tender Inflation as Smaller Firms Struggle

The UK construction industry demonstrated resilience in 2025 despite economic uncertainty. While overall sentiment suggested a slowdown, data revealed that construction output grew faster than services or manufacturing. However, this growth came with challenges:

1. Tender Price Inflation: Tender prices increased by 3.0% in 2025, driven by persistent inflation and subdued demand that failed to yield cost savings.
2. Building Costs: Building costs rose by 3.5%, with significant price hikes in imported materials like wood, aluminium, and electric water heaters.
3. Smaller Firms Struggling: Smaller construction firms faced difficulties due to rising costs and economic pressures, highlighting the need for targeted support to ensure their survival.

In parallel, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) reported a record year-end performance in processing Gateway 2 building control applications. Key highlights include:

1. A 250% increase in Gateway 2 determinations in the final quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter.
2. A focus on resolving legacy cases, with 83% of older applications approved.
3. The establishment of an Innovation Unit to streamline approvals for new build applications, achieving results in just 12-13 weeks.

These developments indicate a positive trajectory for the industry, but challenges such as cost inflation and the struggles of smaller firms remain critical issues to address.

2. Fast Homes at Scale: ‘We’ve All the Tools We Need to Solve Homelessness’

The homelessness crisis in London has reached alarming levels, with over 130,000 households in temporary accommodation as of 2025. The cost of housing families in temporary solutions has skyrocketed to nearly £3 billion annually, surpassing the budget for building affordable homes.

Despite the challenges, innovative solutions exist to address this crisis:

1. Modular Construction: Companies like ZED PODS and RSHP have developed modular housing solutions that can be deployed quickly and efficiently. For example, ZED PODS installed 25 zero-carbon homes above a car park in Bromley, retaining most parking spaces below.
2. Prototype Modular Homes: RCKa and Rollalong have created high-quality modular...

Construction Disrupted Episode 97 - 2025: A 2025 Review That Doesn't Mention AI (23.12.25)

In this episode, we take a concise look back at the most significant UK construction news stories of 2025. The projects, policies and pressures that shaped the year. Every item we discuss in this episode has previously featured in our co-host Ryan Jones’s weekly LinkedIn Construction Round-Up, (here's a link to an example - follow Ryan while you're there - well worth it). In fact, most of our headlines come from this each week..

And yes, we do mention AI in this episode, and no, despite everything you may have read this year, AI still hasn’t stolen all our jobs, and it doesn't make the top 3 this year!

So what were the top 3 headlines from 2025?

One year of Labour — are we likely to get Britain building again?

Labour’s first year in government has seen a shift in tone towards housing, with a focus on planning reform and promises to “get Britain building again.” The government aims to deliver 1.5 million homes by 2029, but the next 12 months will be critical in determining whether these reforms translate into tangible results.

Industry leaders are cautiously optimistic, but concerns remain about whether the planning system can overcome delays and bottlenecks to meet ambitious targets.

Colleges halt construction enrolments as demand hits the roof

Colleges are struggling to meet surging demand for construction and engineering courses, with over half reporting waiting lists and some halting enrolments altogether. A demographic surge in young learners and a £600 million government investment to train 60,000 construction workers have overwhelmed college capacity.

Nearly a third of colleges have limited construction apprenticeship starts, raising concerns about the ability to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the sector.

The case for optimism in construction

Despite economic challenges, there are signs of hope for the UK construction industry. Easing inflation and interest rate cuts are stabilising material costs and improving financing conditions.

The government’s £530 billion infrastructure pipeline, with 780 projects, has sparked cautious optimism, particularly in the commercial property and infrastructure sectors. Increased commercial lending and temporary vacancies in construction suggest developers are preparing for new projects, but industry leaders stress the need for government action to address regulatory delays and funding uncertainties.

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG...

Construction Disrupted Episode 96 - Blackpool, Bilbao and the Future (17.12.25)

From groundbreaking architecture to transformative infrastructure projects and the future of construction technology, we dive deep into the topics that are redefining industries and communities.

Frank Gehry: from LA experimentalist to the architect of the Bilbao effect

In this episode, we celebrate the life and legacy of Frank Gehry, one of the most influential architects of our time. From his experimental beginnings in Los Angeles to iconic global projects like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Gehry’s work transformed architecture into an art form. We reflect on his groundbreaking designs, his ability to create cultural spectacles, and his quieter, more intimate projects like Maggie’s Centres, which showcase his versatility and humanity. Gehry’s architectural vocabulary continues to inspire and shape the world.

Blackpool seeks contractors to join £200M North West highways and civils framework

Blackpool Council has launched an ambitious £200 million Highways Framework to enhance the region’s infrastructure over the next four years. This initiative is divided into two major areas: highways surfacing and civil engineering works, with plans to secure up to eight suppliers to deliver extensive projects. The framework aims to improve the North West’s highway network, foster collaboration with neighbouring authorities, and support regional growth through innovative and sustainable infrastructure development.

Construction industry outlook 2026: The trends shaping how contractors build, budget and deliver

The construction industry is undergoing a transformative shift as it prepares for 2026. This episode explores how technology, including AI, automation, and predictive analytics, is revolutionising workflows and decision-making processes. We discuss the challenges posed by cost pressures, labour constraints, and the demand for operational efficiency, as well as the strategies contractors are adopting to operate leaner and smarter. From just-in-time delivery practices to remote monitoring, we uncover how the industry is adapting to a rapidly changing landscape.

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including...

Construction Disrupted Episode 95 - Grinding Gears (10.12.25)

The UK construction industry is at a crossroads, facing challenges that range from economic recovery to skills shortages and infrastructure costs. But with the right strategies and investments, there’s hope for a brighter, more sustainable future. This episode highlights this perfectly.

UK Construction Grinds Back into Gear

The UK construction industry is showing signs of life after a challenging year, with a modest 3% increase in project starts from August to November 2025. While this is a step in the right direction, the sector still has a long way to go to recover from a 4% dip compared to 2024 levels.

Standout performers - offices, industrial projects, and social housing - are leading the charge in this recovery. Regional disparities are clear, from London’s 77% surge in project starts to the West Midlands’ 13% decline. Is the government’s recent budget enough to keep the momentum going, or are we just patching up potholes on the road to recovery?

UK Lacks the Skills to Hit Net Zero, MPs Warn

A committee of MPs has issued a stark warning: the UK is falling short of the skills needed to meet its ambitious net zero targets. With a shortfall of 250,000 workers required for new housing and retrofit projects, the government is being urged to step up its game.

Committee’s recommendations included the call for a nationally recognised, industry-backed construction and retrofit skills program. We’ll also explore how this skills gap could impact the UK’s clean energy goals and the potential for creating high-quality jobs in every community.

London Could Halve Cost of New Transport Projects

London’s transport infrastructure is notoriously expensive, but a new report suggests that adopting European planning and financing models could cut costs by up to 50%. From the Elizabeth Line to the paused Crossrail 2 project, we take a look at how London can learn from Madrid’s "low-cost and speedy approach" to metro extensions.

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called...

Construction Disrupted Episode 94 - Skills to Pay the £10bn Bill (03.12.25)

From groundbreaking safety achievements to transformative urban projects and workforce challenges, here are the top three headlines this week:

BSR Sees Record Gateway 2 Determinations to November 2025

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has achieved record-breaking progress in processing Gateway 2 applications for high-rise residential buildings. By November 24, 2025, a total of 272 decisions were made, with 578 decisions made since August.

London accounted for 76% of October's decisions, highlighting the city's focus on safety improvements. Operational changes, including a batching process and the establishment of an Innovation Unit, have accelerated application assessments and closures. The regulator aims to clear historic cases by the end of December while maintaining safety standards.

Council Clears Way for £10bn Earls Court District

The Earls Court Development Company has received approval for a £10 billion redevelopment project in London. The plan will transform a 44-acre site into a 4,000-home innovation district, featuring cultural venues, parks, and workspace for climate-innovation firms.

The project promises to inject £3 billion annually into the UK economy and create 23,500 jobs. Phase one, including 1,300 homes and public spaces, is set to begin next year, with full completion targeted for 2041. This milestone marks a significant step in revitalising one of London's largest cleared development sites.

Construction Employment Hits Lowest Proportion in 100 Years

A report by the Centre for Social Justice reveals that construction employment in the UK has reached its lowest proportion of the workforce in over a century. Latest government figures show the construction workforce fell 1.3% in the third quarter to 2.05 million, marking a 15% collapse in capacity.

This decline poses a significant threat to the government's target of building 1.5 million homes. The shortage of workers highlights the urgent need for strategies to attract and retain talent in the construction sector to meet housing demands and sustain industry growth.

(CSJ - Skills to Build)

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction...

Construction Disrupted Episode 93 - Becoming Rachel Reeves (26.11.25)

From government initiatives to boost housing and infrastructure, to the challenges of balancing fiscal policies and keeping consumer confidence, if you were in charge of the red box! Let's go.

Reeves Set to Hire Hundreds More Planners

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce this initiative, which aims to "get Britain building" by increasing the number of graduate planners and launching a Planning Careers Hub. The goal? To support retention and open new routes into the profession, ultimately helping the government meet its target of building 1.5 million homes and making 150 planning decisions on major infrastructure projects.

Consumer confidence drops ahead of budget

November brought a slight dip in consumer confidence, just in time for the holiday shopping season. All five measures of confidence took a tumble, with the major purchase index dropping three points—making big-ticket items about as tempting as leftover fruitcake. Sentiment about the economy and personal finances also slipped, both in terms of looking back and looking ahead. Marketers are now holding their breath, hoping the upcoming budget will inject some much-needed optimism into shoppers’ spirits. Will the budget bring a festive rebound or just more socks for Christmas?

Could You Do Better Than Reeves as Chancellor?

With a £12 billion shortfall to address, Reeves must balance raising funds for public services, keeping taxes acceptable to voters, and maintaining market confidence. We'll discuss the options on the table, from tax increases to spending cuts, and explore the complexities of fiscal policy.

Plus, we talk about the Guardian's interactive budget game that lets you try your hand at crafting a successful budget. Can we keep the markets calm and your MPs happy?

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.

Peter Sumpton -

Construction Disrupted Episode 91 - Featuring Robert De Niro (19.11.25)

From Hollywood glamour in Manchester to AI’s untapped potential, and the challenges facing colleges, we’ve got this week covered. Let’s get started!

AI potential “being wasted” in construction

AI could revolutionise construction, but the industry is falling behind. A survey shows 81% of professionals lack advanced AI knowledge, and only 20% of firms are ready to automate processes. Without proper training and policies, companies risk wasting investments and facing cybersecurity threats. The solution? AI literacy training, formal strategies, and tailored tools to unlock productivity and innovation.

Colleges halt construction enrolments as demand hits the roof

UK colleges are overwhelmed by record demand for construction and engineering courses, driven by demographic growth and government plans to train 60,000 new tradespeople. Teacher shortages and limited space have forced over half of colleges to create waiting lists. With 1.5 million new homes planned by 2029, urgent funding is needed to meet the demand and prepare the workforce of tomorrow.

Robert De Niro’s waiting, for BSR approval

Hollywood icon Robert De Niro is behind the £360 million Nobu Manchester skyscraper, set to be the tallest residential tower outside London. But construction is stalled as the project awaits Building Safety Regulator approval. With plans to build atop the historic Castlefield railway viaduct, this ambitious project blends luxury with heritage. Will the team break ground next year?

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.

Peter Sumpton - buildDifferent

Peter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap...