Construction Disrupted

Construction Disrupted Episode 137 - Radical New Plans (21.10.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing what a credible Budget could unlock—from viable homes and long-term retrofit to the apprentices needed to deliver them. With housing consents running at just 58% of the level needed to meet the government’s annual target, ministers must decide how to fund the planning, delivery and skills capacity their promises depend on. Is it possible?

The Budget must treat construction as a national priority

Construction is p...

Construction Disrupted Episode 136 - Pre-Budget Conditions in Construction. Pause or Play? (14.10.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing one number, one bottleneck and one new delivery model. An PMI edging upward but still below 50, specialist capacity keeping pressure on project costs, and Liverpool gaining a direct route to turn regeneration plans into homes and sites. Here’s what that means for the projects moving next—and those still waiting for momentum. Let's go!

Recovery in commercial work helps see output rise as i...

Construction Disrupted Episode 135 - Can UK Construction Really Deliver? (07.10.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this, our 50th episode, we're discussing how the new government is promising radical reform, but facing entrenched challenges, the brutally fast construction of AI data centers and the generation of young people dangling between ambition and estrangement, these are not polite policy debates. Let's go!

Hope again? Five key takeaways from Labour conference 2026

At the 2026 Labour conference, real hope replaced performative slogans, as the built environment sector...

Construction Disrupted Episode 134 - UK Constructions 3% Margin Barrier (30.09.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, as political winds shift and regulatory reforms take hold, the construction and housing sectors are experiencing both renewed optimism and fresh uncertainty. From bold government pivots that could reshape social housing delivery, to a dramatic rebound in housing starts driven by regulatory overhaul, and a historic leap in contractor profitability, these stories reveal the high stakes and rapid changes shaping the industry’s future. Let's go.

Burnham’s Pivo...

Construction Disrupted Episode 133 - UK Construction: A Great Idea, Poorly Executed? (16.09.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio.

Check out Adobe Acrobats NEW Interactive Report feature and turn static documents into insightful, engaging reports.

In this episode, we're discussing the quiet end of a government initiative that has some of us fuming, the urgent need for productivity as a core delivery strategy, and why retaining older workers is vital for the industry's future. Let's go!

Construction champion role quietly scrapped

The UK government's construction champion role, once seen as a...

Construction Disrupted Episode 132 - The Construction Jobs Plan (09.09.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing new insights on salaries and workplace expectations, government plans to address workforce shortages, and bold ideas to accelerate housing delivery around train stations.

High salaries but higher expectations: survey takes industry temperature on work trends and salary

A recent Construction Management survey reveals that while construction professionals are enjoying higher salaries—average earnings have risen to nearly £78,000, with over 21% earning above £100,000—expectations are also rising...

Construction Disrupted Episode 131 - Construction Supply Chain Strength (02.09.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing the government’s major affordable homes funding announcement, the strengthening industrial construction pipeline, and Foster + Partners’ innovative research into robotic swarm construction systems. Let's go!

Government reveals allocations for first £10bn spend from affordable homes programme

The UK government has announced the first allocations from its £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP), with £9.6bn awarded to 33 organisations outside London. This funding aims to deliver...

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 finds

New research from the Association for Project Management reveals a ma...

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...

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 2023

The 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 re...

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 year

Construction 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...

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 go

Andy Burnham’s cabinet: Faces the construction industry should know

The 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 ma...

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 says

Housing 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...

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 industry

A 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 so...

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 e...

Construction Disrupted Episode 122 - Yes, We're Still Talking About Brexit (01.07.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing the aftershocks of Brexit, the fierce debate over product safety rules, and a bold new approach to training the next generation of tradespeople. Let's do this!

Poll shows construction professionals believe Brexit was wrong

A recent YouGov poll of 136 construction professionals reveals that 59% believe leaving the EU was the wrong decision, with only 33% supporting Brexit. If a new referendum were held, 52% would...

Construction Disrupted Episode 121 - Did We Mention 1.5 Million Homes? (24.06.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing the future of the UK's built environment if the King of the North was elected, the impact of AI on planning, and the architectural lowlights of the past two years. Dive into our three featured stories for a comprehensive look at policy, technology, and design in Britain. Let's go!

What would prime minister Burnham look like for the built environment?

Andy Burnham's potential...

Construction Disrupted Episode 120 - Unlocking 500,000 Houses (17.06.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing the latest in UK infrastructure, housing regeneration, and construction project delivery. From renewed investor confidence in infrastructure, to ambitious plans for housing-led regeneration in the North, and new evidence on how early contractor involvement can transform project outcomes. Let's go!

Investment sentiment in UK infrastructure improving despite geopolitical instability, survey finds

Investor confidence in UK infrastructure is at its highest since 2023, even amid global and domestic...

Construction Disrupted Episode 119 - A Familia Story For UK Construction (10.06.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're delving into the evolving landscape of the UK construction industry, examining market trends, workforce initiatives, and efforts to address skills shortages. Each headline provides insight into a major development that is set to shaping the sector’s future. Let's go:

Is UK commercial construction experiencing a comeback?

The UK construction sector continues to face significant challenges, with Glenigan’s June 2026 Construction Index showing a 7% drop in p...

Construction Disrupted Episode 118 - Investment v Waste (03.06.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we explore innovation and resilience in the UK’s construction and healthcare sectors. From strategic investments shaping the future workforce, to creative solutions for sustainability and patient care, here’s what’s made our podcast headlines this week:

CITB publishes its Business Plan for 2026–27 setting out how Levy payers’ money will be invested

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has unveiled its 2026–27 Business Plan, focusing on transparency and impactfu...

Construction Disrupted Episode 117 - Burnham, Baby, Burnham (27.05.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're covering the government’s ambitious £120bn construction framework renewal, the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) call for city architects, and Manchester’s ongoing urban transformation under Under Mayor Andy Burnham’s leadership.

Government starts renewal race for £120bn mega framework

The UK Government has launched the tender for its largest-ever construction framework, valued at £120bn over eight years (2027–2035). The RM6320 framework will consolidate procurement for public sector...

Construction Disrupted Episode 116 - The Kings of Construction (20.05.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're covering recent growth trends, legislative changes from the King’s Speech, and RIBA’s push for higher professional standards. Let’s get started.

Construction output growth accelerated in March despite impact of Iran war, official figures show

Despite global uncertainties, including the Iran war, UK construction output saw a notable acceleration in March. Official statistics reveal a 1.5% growth in output, up from 0.5% in February and 0.7% in January. Howeve...

Construction Disrupted Episode 115 - Leaky Roofs and Leaky Budgets (13.05.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we discuss new guidance for competency management, the financial case for transparency in infrastructure, and the ambitious restoration of Blenheim Palace. Let's go!

Built environment competency guidance nears publication

The Industry Task and Finish Group (ITFG) is set to release new guidance on managing competence in the built environment. This guidance aims to help organizations plan, monitor, and evidence competence, putting the Industry Competence Committee’s...

Construction Disrupted Episode 114 - Bridging Gaps in Construction (06.05.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we discuss the resurgence of regeneration under new models, to the rise of AI-assisted dispute resolution, and the launch of a marketplace for steel reuse in bridge works - yes, that's right, marketplace for steel reuse in bridge works. We cover is all on this podcast. Let's go!

Regeneration is back - but under a very different model: What the first three months of Regen Connect...

Construction Disrupted Episode 113 - UK Construction 2.0 (29.04.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we dive into the evolving standards for affordable housing design, the government's investment in technical skills for high-growth industries, and CITB's Industry Impact Fund that we're struggling to work out why we haven't heard about it before! Let's go.

As mentioned in the episode:

CITB Industry Impact Fund (IIF)

SLG Horizon Report 2026

NOW, let's go!

Good Homes for...

Construction Disrupted Episode 112 - Women and the Wharf are Winning (22.04.26)

Constructing Excellence AI Roundtable Registration (22.04.26 @ 2pm)

In this episode, we examine the conflicting perspectives on the impact of the Middle East conflict, celebrate the surge in women completing construction apprenticeships, and hear from Canary Wharf’s development director about the estate’s remarkable transformation. Let's do this.

Two conflicting reports on the impact of the Middle East conflict

Middle East conflict to have ‘limited impact’ on full-year results, says Barratt Redrow

Barratt Redrow, a leading UK housebuilder, has stated that the...

Construction Disrupted Episode 111 - Opportunity and Optimism (15.04.26)

In this episode, we take a look at the efforts to accelerate cladding remediation, the transformative power of apprenticeships and the resilience of architects amidst global challenges. Let's go!

BSR Aims to Beat 12-Week Decision Time on Cladding Applications

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is taking significant steps to address the backlog of external cladding remediation applications. With 299 live cases awaiting decisions and current median approval times stretching to 36 weeks, the BSR has set an ambitious goal to reduce decision times to under 12 weeks...

Construction Disrupted Episode 110 - Graduates in Hard Hats (08.04.26)

In this episode, we traverse from government funding initiatives to infrastructure investments and surprising career trends, it's what's shaping the industry right now, so let’s dive in!

MHCLG Announces £70m for Building Inspector Training and Safety Reforms

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has committed £70 million to address the shortage of building inspectors and fire engineers. This funding will train up to 700 new inspectors and expand fire engineering education.

Additionally, consultations are underway to streamline minor works in h...

Construction Disrupted Episode 109 - The Great British Build-Up (01.04.26)

In this episode we cover groundbreaking policy changes, ambitious housing plans and strategies to improve project delivery, exploring how these initiatives aim to transform the industry and impact communities across the country. Let’s get going!

Construction retentions to be banned

The UK government has announced the abolition of retention payments in construction contracts to protect smaller firms from financial risks like insolvency and late payments. Retention payments, often up to 5% of a contract’s value, have long been criticized for restricting cash flow...

Construction Disrupted Episode 108 - Gamification of Construction (25.03.26)

In this episode we're going youthful, exploring how the next generation is shaping the future of construction, from leveraging gaming skills to government initiatives and promising data on the industry’s age profile. Let's all drink from the fountain of construction youth.

But first:

Check Adobe Acrobat PDF Spaces which helps us put this podcast together each week: https://bit.ly/4swHSiq

The Next Generation’s Gaming Skills Can Help Shape Modern Construction

Gaming isn’t just a pastime—it’s a training g...

Construction Disrupted Episode 107 - 706,000 Workers Wanted (18.03.26)

In this episode, we're covering a record-breaking infrastructure pipeline, calls for a streamlined planning system and a transformative housing project in London. Plus a bonus intro to congratulate Ryan and the SLG Team for reaching the top spot in the CMA Agency League 2025.

Updated UK Infrastructure Pipeline tops £700bn and gives granular data for workforce planning

The UK Government has unveiled its updated 10-year Infrastructure Pipeline, now valued at an impressive £718 billion. This comprehensive plan includes detailed workforce demand projections, estimating the need for up to 706,000 workers an...

Construction Disrupted Episode 106 - Women, Warnings and Wins (11.03.26)

In this episode we take a loom into record-breaking growth in manufacturing output under the threat of material price increases to critical updates on gateway 2 cases and efforts to improve inclusivity on job sites, we’ve got a lot to cover. Let’s get started!

Manufacturing Output Growth at 17-Month High in February

February marked a significant milestone for UK manufacturing, with output growth reaching its fastest pace in 17 months.

The S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recorded a score of 51...

Construction Disrupted Episode 105 - Safety First, Robots Second, and a Really Big Church (04.03.26)

In this episode we take a look at groundbreaking government reforms in building safety, the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, and the awe-inspiring milestone of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia. An episode packed with insights and intrigue.

Government Cracks Down on Unsafe and Unregulated Building Products in Response to Grenfell Tower Tragedy

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the UK government has unveiled major proposals to reform construction product regulations.

The Construction Products Reform White Paper introduces...

Construction Disrupted Episode 104 - The 61-Year Renovation Project (25.02.26)

From signs of recovery in the building sector to the importance of prioritizing quality, and the ambitious restoration plans for the Palace of Westminster. Let's dive in!

Signs of a Building Recovery as Pipeline Begins to Stir

The construction sector is showing early signs of recovery, with tender price inflation forecasts improving and legacy projects re-emerging.

RIBA’s Workload Index indicates growing optimism, especially in private housing and infrastructure markets.

While challenges like financing and margin pressures persist, anticipated rate cuts in...

Construction Disrupted Episode 103 - Bottlenecks and Blueprints (18.02.26)

Three compelling topics: the challenges of regulatory delays in high-risk building approvals, the transformative power of trauma-informed design, and why being an architect remains a rewarding and vital profession despite industry challenges. Let’s dive in!

Gateway Three Delays Trigger Fears of Bottleneck

The construction industry in the UK is facing significant challenges due to delays in the gateway three approval process for higher-risk buildings (HRBs).

This stage, overseen by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), is critical as it ensures newly built HRBs meet sa...

Construction Disrupted Episode 102 - Are Robot Dogs the Answer? (11.02.26)

From rising costs in the UK construction sector to the impact of data center growth on labor markets, and even the futuristic use of robot dogs in nuclear decommissioning, we’ve got a fascinating lineup of topics to discuss.

UK Construction Costs Set to Rise by 3.6% as Uncertainty Stalls Development, Says Currie & Brown

Consultancy firm Currie & Brown has forecasted a 3.6% rise in UK construction costs for 2026, surpassing the global average of 2.4%. This increase reflects moderate growth amidst market uncertainties.

Contributing factors include st...

Construction Disrupted Episode 101 - Self-Belief and Smart Planning (04.02.26)

This week we're discussing three key topics, covering the importance of self-belief in delivering the UK’s infrastructure ambitions, the progress of HS2 tunnelling into central London, and why construction leaders must plan without delusion. Let’s dive in.

‘We need more self-belief’… Chris Ball of AtkinsRéalis explains how the industry can deliver the UK’s infrastructure ambitions

Chris Ball, UK and Ireland president of AtkinsRéalis, highlights the need for self-belief in the construction industry to deliver the government’s ambitious 10-year infrastructure strategy. He str...

Construction Disrupted Episode 100 - Fraud, Funding, and Frozen Frontiers (28.01.26)

From the UK’s ambitious Warm Homes Plan to calls for fraud investigations in insulation schemes, and the completion of a groundbreaking Antarctic construction project, exploring the southernmost, coldest, driest, and windiest construction project we could find, showing that delivering a project on time, even "when it's a bit cold and wet", is achievable.

Everything You Need to Know About the Warm Homes Plan

The UK’s Warm Homes Plan is finally here, promising a transformative £15 billion investment to upgrade homes, reduce energy bills, and t...

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...

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: