A new series of podcasts exploring the insights of industry thought leaders has been launched for UKCW Birmingham 2026
The Press RESET podcast has been launched to explore the construction sector’s key issues, and discuss how to solve them.
The podcast is hosted by UKCW Birmingham editorial director, Martin Hurn.
Two podcasts every week
Until UKCW Birmingham takes place from 29 September to 1 October, two episodes will be released per week.
Every guest that appears on the Press RESET podcast will also speak at the event.
The first four episodes of the podcast are available now, featuring discussions with:
- Matt Mahony, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Construction Industry Council (CIC)
- Rashida Rajgotwala, Co-Chair of the National Association of Women in Construction for the Midlands
- Jade Lewis, Chief Executive, Jade Advocacy
- Meghan Davies, Co-Founder, Cammina
Martin Hurn said: “Press RESET is about creating the conversations our industry needs right now. Construction is facing significant challenges, but there are also huge opportunities to do things differently.
“By bringing together people with fresh perspectives and practical experience, we want to look beyond the problems, challenge established thinking and explore what real solutions could look like. These are conversations designed not just to inform, but to inspire action.”
RESET is the theme for UKCW
The Construction Reset is the theme for UK Construction Week Birmingham, intending to act as a positive catalyst to kickstart “a golden age” for the sector.
Three pillars are the key points for the show, Building Better, Building Smarter, and Building Responsibly.
Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly MP, shadow secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, said: “A construction reset means recognising that we cannot tax and regulate our way to growth. The reset I want to see is one where the government removes barriers rather than adding them, scrapping stamp duty, cutting red tape and backing builders.”
Shows and talks will be given across five stages:
- Main Stage
- Building & Occupational Safety Stage
- Building Envelope Stage
- Digitalisation & AI Stage
- Futurebuild Innovation Stage
The first tranche of confirmed speakers for UKCW Birmingham includes George Clarke, architect and TV presenter; Jackie Rigby, assistant director, regeneration, partnerships and major projects, Homes England; Tim Balcon, CEO, CITB; Sarah-Jayne Pizzie, construction deputy director, Ministry of Justice; and Desiree Blamey, managing director, Considerate Constructors Scheme.
Hurn said: “The Construction Reset will position UKCW as a more intentional marketplace and industry meeting point, built around the real challenges, opportunities and partnerships shaping construction today.”
To find out more about what shows are on, read here.
