UK Construction Week (UKCW) comes to London on 3-5 May at ExCel, with the promises of a major face to face event for the construction industry for 25,000 expected visitors
The organisers have developed a key focus for UKCW London 2022, namely “how the industry implements new behaviours, best practice, and a true cultural shift in how it builds for the future.”
The organisers comment: “There are many changes facing architects this year, including potential new CPD requirements, changes to the education system, huge expectations around the role of architects in achieving the country’s net zero objectives, and a continued push to improve diversity, equality and inclusion in the profession.” They add: “Coming at the same time as new legislation on building safety, this event will be a well-timed opportunity to come together to learn, network, inspire, debate, and discuss practical ideas to address these changes.”
The organisers believe that UKCW London is likely to be “the biggest construction event the capital has seen in many years,” with over 40,000 m2 of exhibition space, and more than 300 exhibitors. It says there are planned to be 10,000 products on show, as well as 300 expert speakers, seven theatre stages, multiple specialist hubs, and 150 hours of CPD content.
The event will provide insights into the issues affecting the way in which buildings are designed and the “emerging markets, technology innovations and global design trends to watch.” Some of the major companies signed up include HS2, ABC+ Warranty, Bosch, Hanson Plywood, Xero, Entserv UK and Construction Industry Solutions.
Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, expressed how excited he was to bring UK Construction Week to London. “This is the year to focus on how we achieve the systemic changes we’ve been discussing for some time, and to share the learning from the organisations who have already made a strong start.”
Conference programme
Day one will include updates on the new rules around public procurement, the new regulatory regime on building safety, the forthcoming Building Safety Act, and the new ways in which the industry is pursuing projects as wide ranging as prisons, hospitals, road and rail infrastructure, education buildings and housing. Day two promises a “deep dive” into digitisation, net zero and “energy futures,” and day three will focus on people – diversity, health and wellbeing, and recruitment and retention.
The main stage will be sponsored by construction software firm COINS, while CEMEX will be sponsoring the Infrastructure Hub. Expert speakers from the Infrastructure Projects Authority and Barbour ABI will showcase learning from major projects including HS2, Thames Tideway, Royal Docks London and the West Midlands Growth Engine, as well as analysing government policies that will affect infrastructure over the next 10-15 years.
The Sustainability Hub includes sessions on best practice in low carbon building and European retrofit, plus “regenerative design” and “biomimicry,” as well as hydrogen innovation, 3D printing, dealing with waste, and building for disassembly.
The Digital Construction Hub, in partnership with Build in Digital, will deliver practical workshops on digital strategy, BIM, cloud computing, cybersecurity, use of Big Data, and how technology can improve efficiency, productivity and profitability.
The Offsite Alliance Hub will share learning from Alliance members who work alongside leading organisations, as well as government, local authorities and housing associations to increase the uptake and delivery of offsite technologies across the residential sector.
Role Models
UKCW’s Role Models awards – an opportunity to recognise talented professionals – returns for its fourth year after receiving a record number of nominees last year from all areas of construction, including a large number of architects.
Entries for the 2022 Role Models awards are now open and will be closing on 25 February. This year’s shortlist will be announced at UKCW London, with the winner crowned at UKCW Birmingham, which is being held 4-6 October at the NEC.
UKCW’s organisers sat the events are a chance to “celebrate the sector’s achievements and some of the best thought leaders and innovators construction has to offer.” With sponsors including Aico, Northgate Vehicle Hire and Bosch, UKCW London runs alongside Concrete Expo (3-4 May), the Offsite Show with Buildoffsite, (3-5 May), and Grand Designs Live (30 April – 8 May), all at ExCel. Industry conferences will be held by the Timber Trade Federation (3 May) and on the Future of Work in Construction (4 May).
Free registration to UK Construction Week London is now open – one badge also gives access to the Offsite Show, Concrete Expo, and Grand Designs Live.
Visitors can download the free UKCW app (from both iOS and Android app stores) and book one-to-one appointments with delegates and exhibitors. To get regular updates on the event, follow UKCW on social media using the hashtags #UKCW2022 #UKCWLDN
If you’re interested in attending or participating in UKCW London 2022, visit www.ukconstructionweek.com/Make-an-enquiry