Feeling good – highlights from UK Construction Week: Day Two

Day Two of UK Construction Week (5-7 October) – the country’s largest built environment event – saw another busy day packed full of the latest innovations and products, networking opportunities and specialist seminars, gathering some of the best industry professionals all under one roof.

The theme was Wellbeing, which for many is more important than ever since the pandemic began. This theme focused on the crucial issues of diversity, health and wellbeing in construction, including mental health, and what can be done to tackle these both as businesses, and as individuals.

Day Two highlights

Key highlights from day two’s line up included a keynote presentation by Richard Lee OBE,  chief people officer at Willmott Dixon. There was also the ‘Diversity and Inclusion in Construction – Building Bridges’ discussion with Anjali Pindoria, project surveyor at Avi Contracts and former winner of the UKCW Role Models of the Year Awards, and Bola Abisogun OBE, founder and chairman of DiverseCity Surveyors. The pair delivered an in-depth look at what meaningful diversity, equality and inclusion means and how the industry can further drive this change.

‘The future of construction labour force’ session, chaired by Keith Waller, chief executive of the Construction Innovation Hub, and Clare Addy, head of partnerships at Causeway Education was well attended at the UKCW main stage.

The programme, sponsored by COINS, also featured a talk on ‘The future of construction health and wellbeing’, with talks by David Phelan, business development director at Sui Engineering, Martin Coyd OBE, head of health and safety at Capco and Thriving at Work Leadership Council, and Sarah Bolton, head of charitable services at Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity.

At the Regeneration Hub sponsored by EasyTrim, ‘The health inequality gap in the construction industry and how to close it’ seminar by Andy Stevens, builder, broadcaster and ambassador at Build:It; Andy von Bradsky, consultant architect, and Richard Harral, founder and trustee of We Build the Future was another big draw and learning opportunity on this topical theme.

The day ended on a high with the UKCW Role Models awards announcement. The UKCW Role Models shortlist was made up of 102 passionate individuals from all sectors and walks of life and was the highest number of nominees yet.

Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, comments:

“It’s been another fantastic day centred around another major industry theme, and there’s been a great energy from speakers, exhibitors and visitors.

“Wellbeing and awareness of the importance of diversity, equality, inclusion and physical and mental health has grown significantly throughout the construction industry in recent years but can always improve and still has a way to go, as highlighted by some of our brilliant keynotes and seminars.

“As the largest dedicated event for one of the largest industries, we want to be champions of change and represent the many faces of construction, showing what collaboration and innovation can achieve.

“There is still plenty to see, do and learn, so I encourage anyone thinking of joining us tomorrow to do so. The show’s definitely not over or winding down just yet and there is still time to register and benefit from everything the final day of the show has to offer.”

Day three of UKCW will be themed around Building Quality and Safety, but will cover additional topics such as digital construction, BIM and zero carbon. On the main stage there will be a wide range of speakers and seminars covering building safety and quality, with presentations on ‘Construction outlook for 2021 and beyond: levelling up, Brexit, and the post-COVID world‘, ‘High-speed Hospital’ – the story of the transformation of the NEC into The Nightingale Hospital, ‘Time for change – putting building safety first‘, and ‘Building Back Better: Improving quality in construction for a safer future.’

Registration to UKCW

Free registration to UK Construction Week is open – register here.

One entry badge gives access to multiple sections: Build, Modern Methods of Construction, Building Tech, Timber, Civils, Energy and HVAC, and Surface and Materials, as well as Grand Designs Live (6-7 October only).

In addition, visitors will receive an exclusive copy of AMA Research’s latest report on the booming market for home RMI (repair, maintenance and improvement) work.

Download the free UKCW 2021 app and book one-to-one appointments with delegates and exhibitors. It is available from both iOS and Android app stores. Also available to download now is the show preview, providing much more information on the many other attractions at this event.

To get regular updates on the event, including safety protocols and new features, follow UKCW on social media using the hashtag #UKCW2021.

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