Episodes

  • Bold Moves in Construction | Episode 130

    Bold Moves in Construction | Episode 130
    Aug 26 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 130 - Bold Moves in Construction (26.08.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we're discussing a surge in government confidence for major infrastructure delivery, a transformative shift in national planning policy, and a bold government commitment to end rough sleeping. Each story carries significant implications for senior leaders and decision makers across the sector. Lets go!‘Burnham Bounce’ boosts confidence in Government delivery of major infrastructure projects, new research findsNew research from the Association for Project Management reveals a marked increase in confidence among project professionals regarding the government’s ability to deliver major infrastructure projects since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister. 64% of respondents report greater confidence, with trust in government delivery rising to 95%.This renewed optimism is underpinned by visible improvements in project leadership and delivery standards, positioning infrastructure as a central driver of economic growth. However, supply chain and procurement management remain areas for further enhancement. Senior leaders should capitalise on this momentum by embedding project-centric thinking and ensuring robust resource allocation to sustain delivery performance.‘A pretty bold swing’: New NPPF ushers in an era of permissive, nationally-led planning policy but could be scuppered by viability crisisThe newly published National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) marks a decisive shift towards a more permissive, nationally-led planning regime. Key changes include a stronger presumption in favour of development, especially around well-connected transport hubs, and a reduction in the weight of inconsistent local plans.While these reforms are designed to accelerate housing and infrastructure delivery, concerns persist around scheme viability, particularly in the face of rising costs and regulatory burdens. The framework also introduces stricter requirements for accessible homes and community asset protection, but softens some density and environmental standards. The success of the NPPF will hinge on local authority cooperation and the sector’s ability to translate consents into deliverable projects amid ongoing viability challenges.UK National Planning Policy Framework for Sustainable Development PDF Space for you to explore.Govt outlines £422m plans to end rough sleeping by ChristmasPrime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a £442 million package to end rough sleeping in England by Christmas, focusing on emergency accommodation, settled homes, and wraparound support. The initiative includes over 1,000 new settled homes and prioritises areas with the greatest need.While the move is widely welcomed, experts highlight the need for integrated support services and caution that housing provision alone will not resolve systemic homelessness. The plan also calls for bringing empty homes back into use and improving design standards for temporary accommodation. For construction leaders, this represents both a social imperative and an opportunity to contribute to housing-led solutions, particularly through retrofitting and mixed-tenure development models.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.Peter's ...
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    42 mins
  • Does Construction Have A Jesus Complex? | Episode 129

    Does Construction Have A Jesus Complex? | Episode 129
    Aug 19 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 129 - Does Construction Have A Jesus Complex? (19.08.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.Here's what we're discussing in this episode - Years of fragmented reforms have left education and training pathways confusing for young people and employers alike, with a persistent divide between academic and technical routes. As the government pushes for devolution and local empowerment, new research shows that construction labour markets are becoming more localised, making regional skills strategies more important than ever. Meanwhile, innovation is accelerating, with technologies like atmospheric water generation offering practical solutions to sustainability and resource challenges on site. Let's go!Why construction must get ahead of Burnham’s skills planThe UK’s construction skills system is widely seen as outdated and confusing, with repeated reforms failing to bridge the gap between academic and technical education. Andy Burnham’s new plan aims to elevate technical subjects in schools from age 14, linking them to local job opportunities and devolving education funding to regional authorities.Early pilots, like the Manchester Baccalaureate, have partnered with hundreds of employers to offer T-level placements in growth sectors such as construction and the green economy. However, the sector must actively engage to ensure reforms deliver real workplace readiness, valuable placements, and sufficient funding—especially for SMEs. Without industry involvement, there’s a risk of perpetuating a broken system and missing out on new talent.New report finds increasingly localised construction labour markets support the Government's agendaRecent research from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) highlights a shift: construction workers are less willing to travel long distances for work, with only 28% working more than 50 miles from home (down from 32% in 2022).This trend supports the government’s push for localised skills development and technical education pathways for young people. As workforce mobility declines, employers must invest in local training and recruitment to meet regional labour demands. The report stresses that place-based skills strategies and stronger partnerships between employers, training providers, and local authorities are essential to address emerging skills shortages and deliver on housing and infrastructure goals.Read the report: Workforce Mobility research shows that skills strategies must become more localisedTurning air into drinking water: could atmospheric water generation change construction?Atmospheric water generators (AWGs) are emerging as a practical solution for on-site drinking water, extracting moisture from the air and purifying it for consumption. Companies like Altitude Water are promoting AWGs for construction sites, reducing reliance on bottled water and temporary supplies. The technology, already used in disaster relief and remote locations, is gaining traction in the UK due to rising concerns over water security and infrastructure strain.AWGs can be integrated into new developments for direct supply to kitchens and drinking points, while solar-powered mobile units offer off-grid solutions. Although still unfamiliar to many, AWGs could soon become a standard feature on construction projects, supporting sustainability and resilience as water scarcity intensifies.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.Having seen first-hand how unfocused ...
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    42 mins
  • Stop, Collaborate and Listen | Episode 128

    Stop, Collaborate and Listen | Episode 128
    Aug 12 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 128 - Stop, Collaborate and Listen (12.08.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we're discussing record housing starts, the urgent need for supply chain collaboration, and the visionary clients behind the UK’s most celebrated new buildings. Let's go.Housing starts hit the highest level since 2023The UK recorded 40,770 housing starts in the first quarter of 2026, the highest since the exceptional surge in Q2 2023. This marks a 14% increase over Q1 2025 and a 7.2% rise from the previous quarter, though starts remain below pre-pandemic levels. England led the way, accounting for 84.5% of all UK starts, with private enterprises responsible for most activity. Wales saw the strongest quarterly growth, while Scotland experienced a decline. Completions also rose slightly year-on-year, but remain subdued compared to historic highs. Industry experts highlight the resilience of private developers amid ongoing viability challenges and emphasise the need for balanced regulation and supportive government policy to sustain momentum in housing delivery.From adversarial to aligned - the case for change in supply chain relationships and why collaboration can’t waitDespite decades of effort, adversarial behaviours persist in construction supply chains, undermining project delivery. Only 58% of projects are delivered on time and within budget, with instability driven by poor estimating, uncontrolled scope changes, and late payments. Globally, 61% of professionals view supply chains as inherently adversarial, and UK architects report a high need for formal dispute resolution. However, 83% believe trust is critical, and 81% say collaboration resolves issues faster. Collaborative contracts offer clear benefits—improving delivery, reducing disputes, and boosting profitability—but adoption remains limited, especially in the UK. The report urges clients, particularly in the public sector, to lead the shift toward collaborative frameworks, as better relationships are essential for future project success.Download the report here: https://www.neccontract.com/insights-supply-chain or analyse the report using this PDF Space: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/spaces/urn:aaid:sc:EU:c9dbb865-d6f8-43d0-b81a-edbb2c5d3b0dThe clients commissioning the UK's best new buildings – RIBA Client of the Year 2026 shortlist revealedThe RIBA Client of the Year 2026 shortlist honours six clients for their transformative projects:York Minster – Two contemporary buildings forming a public engagement campus at the historic cathedral.British Land for Norton Folgate – Revitalisation of derelict sites into an office-led development in Spitalfields.Sadler's Wells & London Legacy Development Corporation – A new dance theatre and choreography school at Sadler’s Wells East.Redruth Revival CIC for The Buttermarket – Conversion of a historic market into a vibrant, accessible community hub in Cornwall.Brighton College – The Richard Cairns Building, a mixed-use performing arts and teaching facility.Natural History Museum, London – The Urban Nature Project, transforming the museum’s gardens into a living exhibition.These clients exemplify ambition and vision, delivering architecture that benefits users, communities, and visitors. The winner will be announced at the Stirling Prize ceremony on 15 October 2026.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, ...
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    39 mins
  • Reforming Construction | Episode 127

    Reforming Construction | Episode 127
    Aug 5 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 127 - Reforming Construction (05.08.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we're discussing industry confidence, the future of technical education, and the complexities of reforming construction professions. Let's go!Construction confidence jumps to highest level this yearConstruction firms in the UK are experiencing a surge in optimism, with sector confidence reaching its highest point in over a year. According to the latest Lloyds Business Barometer, confidence jumped 10 points to 56%, well above the 12-month average. Key drivers include stronger customer demand and improved financial conditions, with 65% of firms planning to hire more staff.Optimism about the wider economy is also on the rise, supported by steady interest rates and lower global energy prices. This renewed confidence signals a shift from short-term survival to long-term planning and investment in people and capacity.ICE: Why we need to build technical education to lastSteve Feeley from the Institution of Civil Engineers highlights the cultural shift needed in technical education. He argues that success should not be measured solely by academic routes but by diverse pathways, including apprenticeships and vocational training. The goal is to create a system where all routes - academic and technical - are valued equally, enabling more young people to see themselves in engineering and infrastructure careers.Feeley calls for policymakers to listen to educators, employers, and students, build cross-party consensus, and ensure reforms are practical for schools. The focus should be on connecting existing pathways and supporting teachers, rather than imposing rapid, unsupported changes.Paul Morrell: The problem with reforming construction professions is knowing where to startPaul Morrell, former chief construction adviser, examines the daunting task of reforming construction professions. He notes the complexity of the sector, with numerous stakeholders and overlapping competencies. Morrell warns against creating a "Christmas tree" of regulations and stresses the need for government clarity on its role, whether as sponsor, client, or regulator.He suggests that reforms must be focused, enforceable, and proportionate, with clear standards of competence and accountability. Morrell also emphasizes that government should lead by example, ensuring its own procurement and regulatory practices reflect the standards it expects from the industry.Call for Evidence: Strategy for the built environment professions, trades and occupationsBiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.
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    43 mins
  • Shuffling Cabinets | Episode 126

    Shuffling Cabinets | Episode 126
    Jul 29 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 126 - Shuffling Cabinets (29.07.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we're discussing key cabinet appointments, regulatory changes in building safety, and the rapid rise of AI in architecture, each with major implications for the UK construction industry. Let's goAndy Burnham’s cabinet: Faces the construction industry should knowThe new UK cabinet under Prime Minister Andy Burnham introduces several important figures for the construction sector. John Healey, now Chancellor of the Exchequer, is expected to play a major role in funding and investment decisions. Angela Rayner returns as Housing Secretary, bringing experience from her previous tenure, where she led significant housing reforms and prioritised affordable and social housing.Miatta Fahnbulleh, the new Energy Secretary, is known for her expertise in energy efficiency and net zero policy, and her background as an economist and policy developer signals a continued focus on sustainable energy projects. Other notable appointments include Matthew Pennycook as Housing Minister, Wes Streeting as Defence Secretary, and Kanishka Narayan as Minister for AI. Industry leaders have welcomed these appointments, emphasising the importance of strong leadership for housing delivery, planning reform, and energy efficiency.BSR puts main contractors on notice over subcontractor qualityThe Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is increasing its scrutiny of how main contractors manage subcontractors on high-risk projects. The regulator expects main contractors to have experienced staff who can assess and challenge subcontractor workmanship, ensuring that on-site work matches approved designs. Regular inspections will be conducted to verify compliance from the design approval stage (gateway two) through to project completion (gateway three).This heightened oversight is a response to past failures, such as those seen in the Grenfell Tower tragedy, which highlighted the dangers of poor subcontractor management. Gateway two approval rates have improved significantly, rising to around 85%, and determination times have dropped, but the final success of projects depends on effective quality control throughout the supply chain.AI adoption reaches tipping point across UK architecture – but human judgement remains criticalAI is rapidly transforming UK architecture, with 74% of practices now using AI for most projects, up from 59% last year. Many practices report productivity gains and positive returns on investment, but there are concerns about the impact on early-career professionals, as 61% believe AI makes it harder for them to gain essential skills.Despite the widespread adoption, only a minority think AI improves design quality, and the majority believe that human creativity and judgement remain irreplaceable. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stresses the need for competence-led regulation and responsible AI use, ensuring that critical decisions remain in the hands of qualified professionals. The profession recognises the benefits of AI but maintains that human oversight is essential for high-quality, safe, and sustainable design.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' ...
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    36 mins
  • Build it and they will come, but won't stay | Episode 125

    Build it and they will come, but won't stay | Episode 125
    Jul 22 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 125 - Build it and they will come, but won't stay (22.07.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we're discussing government intervention in housebuilding, the real challenge of retaining talent, and how data-driven innovation is transforming development and community trust. Let's go!State housebuilder could support sector through troughs, minister saysHousing secretary Steve Reed has revealed that the UK government is considering the creation of a state-owned housebuilder. This initiative aims to support the construction sector during market downturns, maintaining activity and preserving skills, investment, and delivery capacity when private demand weakens.Reed emphasised that while private housebuilders would still deliver most homes, a state-backed developer could help smooth out the effects of deep market troughs, preventing the loss of skilled workers and ensuring a faster recovery. The proposal is in early stages, with officials examining potential models and the broader implications for regional devolution and council housebuilding.Attracting talent isn’t the problem… keeping it isThe construction industry has made progress in attracting young talent, but retention remains a significant challenge. Many new entrants leave within their first year, resulting in the loss of future leaders and specialists. The article highlights the importance of structured onboarding, mentorship, and exposure to various roles to help new recruits find their place and purpose.Companies like Legendre UK have seen success with sustained investment in training and rotating young employees through different departments. The sector must also improve its image, showcase its impact, and create inclusive environments to appeal to a diverse workforce. Ultimately, recruitment should be the start of a conversation about long-term career growth and support.Fabian Society - Building Skills ReportData can open doors to new developmentReal-time data monitoring is revolutionising the built environment by increasing efficiency, enabling proactive decision-making, and building public trust. Technologies like Stantec’s ADAhub platform integrate live data from sensors monitoring noise, air quality, and vibration, helping teams address issues early and comply with regulations.Transparent data sharing can reduce community opposition to new developments by demonstrating efforts to minimise disruption and environmental impact. Case studies in Birmingham, Stockport, and Wrexham show how data-driven approaches have improved air quality and fostered positive relationships with local communities. Embracing smart technology and environmental monitoring is key to creating sustainable, trusted, and community-focused developments.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.
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    40 mins
  • Constructions Guilty Pleasure | Episode 124

    Constructions Guilty Pleasure | Episode 124
    Jul 15 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 124 - Constructions Guilty Pleasure (15.07.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we're discussing calls for stronger safety reforms, the use of robotics on building sites, and what’s really playing in the vans of Britain’s tradespeople. Let's go!Hackitt-led group calls for ‘firmer approach’ to industryA recent report from the Industry Safety Steering Group, chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, highlights that the construction sector has not changed enough in response to post-Grenfell safety recommendations.While some industry bodies have engaged with government and regulators, the group is concerned that many companies have not acknowledged underlying problems or taken ownership for meaningful change. The report stresses the need for the industry to work together to create a future focused on high building safety standards. It criticises clients for prioritising cost over quality and perpetuating mistrust through practices like retentions, which undermine safety and quality.The group urges the government to lead by example in procurement and contracting, and to accelerate overdue reforms in construction product testing and regulation, emphasising that both incentives and sanctions are needed to drive real progress.Annual Report February 2026: the construction industry.McLaren employs robot army for site quality checksMcLaren Construction has partnered with FieldAI to introduce autonomous quadruped robots to its UK sites. These robots are being used to capture 360-degree site imagery and generate data that supports safety compliance and quality assurance.The robots conduct regular automated scans, creating a detailed visual and spatial record of ongoing work. AI-driven analysis compares this data against design models, allowing for quicker identification of quality issues. Unlike previous generations of robots, these machines can navigate complex, changing environments without relying on pre-mapped routes, adapting as the site evolves.This deployment marks a significant step in McLaren’s five-year digital transformation strategy, with plans to expand the robots’ roles from monitoring to logistics and multi-robot coordination, all while working alongside human teams to enhance productivity, safety, and quality.Radio still dominates van listening – and today’s tradies are SwiftiesAccording to new research from InstallerSHOW, traditional radio remains the top choice for UK tradespeople while driving or working, with nearly three-quarters preferring it over other audio options.Only a small percentage regularly listen to podcasts, while personal playlists are the second most popular choice. When it comes to music tastes, nostalgic acts like Oasis, Queen, Taylor Swift, and ABBA are the most common “guilty pleasures,” though some newer artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Coldplay also make the list.The findings suggest that, despite the rise of podcasts in the wider market, radio still holds a strong place in the daily routines of tradespeople. The InstallerSHOW 2026 and National Heat Pump Week are also highlighted as key upcoming events for the sector.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions'...
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    37 mins
  • UK Government Clearing the Sewage | Episode 123

    UK Government Clearing the Sewage | Episode 123
    Jul 8 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 123 - UK Government Clearing the Sewage (08.07.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we're discussing the latest developments shaping the UK construction and housing landscape. We’ll explore political pledges, breakthrough infrastructure deals, and the critical skills gap threatening new-town ambitions. Let's go!Will Andy Burnham’s pledge of growth in every postcode deliver bricks and mortar?Andy Burnham, poised to become the UK’s next prime minister, is recognized for his clear and inspirational communication. His 10-year plan emphasizes investment beyond London, collaboration, and delivering “good growth for all.” However, the real challenge lies in translating this vision into tangible results. Burnham must leverage existing government capacity and capability to create momentum, especially as the nation expects policy promises to materialize by the third year of the parliamentary term. The effectiveness of his leadership will be measured by the ability to deliver actual construction and regeneration across every postcode, not just rhetoric.Ministers clear sewage works deadlock stalling 18,000 homesA major breakthrough has been achieved as the government, through the Water Delivery Taskforce, brokered a deal with Anglian Water to resolve wastewater capacity issues that had stalled nearly 20,000 homes in the East of England. The agreement introduces a phased infrastructure strategy, allowing housing developments and utility upgrades to progress together. Key schemes now moving forward include:7,750 homes at Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community3,700 homes at Dunton Hills, Essex3,400 homes at Spitalgate Heath, Grantham3,200 homes at Baldock, Hertfordshire21 homes at Beccles, SuffolkThe deal also initiates plans for a new water recycling centre and a strategic reservoir, marking another success for the government’s efforts to unblock housing delivery by addressing utility constraints.Construction skills shortages threaten new-town delivery, MPs toldThe government’s ambition to build tens of thousands of homes in seven new towns faces a significant hurdle: construction skills shortages. Jonathan Mitchell of Skills England warned MPs that talent gaps pose a “real risk” to these plans. The success of large-scale housing projects depends on a robust workforce, and current shortages could delay or derail delivery. Addressing this challenge will require coordinated efforts to attract, train, and retain skilled workers across the sector.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.
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    37 mins