UK Construction Week

UK Construction Week Birmingham returns this autumn to tackle key issues head-on

Innovative, inspirational and progressive, UK Construction Week Birmingham returns for its ninth year this autumn with a ‘call to action’ for the sector to set its own agenda rather than wait for the government to respond

The UK’s largest event for the built environment, registration is now live for UK Construction Week Birmingham, which will run from October 3rd to 5th; it will run alongside two co-located shows, Grand Designs Live and Timber Expo, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2023.

Nathan Garnett, UK Construction Week show director, commented: “Construction is often criticised for being too disparate, lacking collaboration, not addressing its skills crisis, reverts to protecting the bottom line, is scared of innovation and too often ignores safety and environment.

“UK Construction Week, as the UK’s largest event bringing all parts of the industry together, is the place to learn from those shaping this rapidly changing industry. We’ll tackle key issues head-on – including mental health, fire safety and the skills gap – if you work in any part of the industry, you cannot afford to not be at UK Construction Week Birmingham.

“We had a hugely successful UK Construction Week London in May, but in such a fast-paced industry, the Birmingham show will give visitors invaluable insight into the latest trends, legislation, innovation and tech, with many new exhibitors and demonstrations.”

The three-day construction show, welcoming over 25,000 visitors, will hero culture change in construction and will feature over 6,000 products and services. Over 150 CPD hours during sessions led by 400 thought leaders and keynote speakers including West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street will also be attainable at UK Construction Week Birmingham.

Visitors will also be able to explore sections dedicated to Build, Infrastructure, Roadmap to Net Zero, Digital Construction and Offsite. The construction show, which has already allocated more than 80% of its available slots to the likes of 300 exhibitors including Biffa, Topcon, Containex, SDS, Hanson Plywood, Expedeon, Celsa Steel UK and HP Construction Services, is on track to be the most successful one yet.

What are the key features of UK Construction Week?

Officially opened by architect and Channel 4 presenter George Clarke and championed by partners and sponsors such as HP, Northgate, Find It In Birmingham, CIOB, BMF and NFB, the show will feature sessions and seminars led by industry experts across six stages:

• UK Construction Week Main Stage – used to take on construction industry topics, with a mixture of keynotes, panel debates and case studies from industry leaders.

• Sustainability Hub – the heart of Timber Expo. The hub programme will tackle the issues, layout strategies and case studies to help the sector reach its net zero targets.

• Infrastructure Hub – From digitalisation to improving quality and sustainability, this hub will deliver a three-day programme for those working on infrastructure projects of case studies, debates, networking opportunities, and keynote speeches on crucial issues.

• Digital Construction Hub – the centrepiece of innovation at UK Construction Week. This hub will deliver a series of presentations and panel discussions, including topics such as Information Management using BIM.
• CPD Hub – a mix of industry-relevant CPDs delivered by industry experts, association partners, government departments and exhibitors.

• Culture Change Hub – a focus on improving inclusivity within the built environment, wellbeing and mental health and professional development.

Other key features include:

• Future Lab – featuring ground-breaking and innovative products, including the Exoskeleton from exhibitor German Bionic; a wearable device that can make users feel less tired and reduce the risk of strain injuries.

• Robotics Theatre, sponsored by HP, will showcase all types of construction robotic innovation.
• COBOD 3D concrete printer will be live printing a house.
• UK Construction Week Role Model Awards – celebrating the unsung heroes of construction, the award ceremony will be taking place on the main stage on 5th October.
• Timber Expo – celebrating ten years at UK Construction Week this year, the UK’s largest display event for wood and timber presents the future of the sector – from sawmills, timber cladding and mouldings to doors, windows and flooring products.

• Seminar programme – details of the comprehensive seminar programme and CPD opportunities will be revealed in July, covering the latest building regulations, the Building Safety Act and its implications, and advice on retrofit.