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Welcome to the Building the Future Conference

18 September | Church House, London, SW1P 3NZ

The Building the Future Conference returned to the live stage in 2024

In its second year, the Building the Future Conference returned to central London on 18 September, bringing together leading industry experts to unpack the biggest issues facing the built environment.

All our panel sessions were fully interactive, allowing those in attendance the chance to have their say, and put their questions to any of the panels.

Then, in the evening, they were joined by those who have been shortlisted for the 2024 Building Awards and Architect of the Year Awards to celebrate the industry's shining stars.

Building the Future Conference 2024

BTFC conference 1 (1)

Key takeaways from the Building the Future Conference and Housing Today Live

2024-09-19T12:24:00+01:00

Church House in Westminster yesterday played host to two back-to-back conferences on construction and housing attended by hundreds of professionals from the built environment. Here is a round-up of the key talking points from the event, run by Building and Housing Today.

workers

‘Certainty of pipeline’ one of the keys to productivity improvements, conference told

2024-09-19T06:00:00+01:00By

Overhaul of planning system would improve historically low levels

Building safety panel

Industry leaders criticise lack of resource and competence at Building Safety Regulator

2024-09-18T16:51:00+01:00By

Bosses at Wates and Hill Group said that the BSR needs to be resourced properly and “isn’t currently competent”

Mark Robinson headshot

‘Embrace AI technologies,’ Scape boss urges construction

2024-09-18T16:40:00+01:00By

Mark Robinson told Building the Future conference that integration of AI can benefit the construction industry by reducing waste and costs

BTFC investing for growth

Days of demolish and rebuild ‘long gone’, Bam chief tells conference

2024-09-18T15:12:00+01:00By

Chief operating officer John Wilkinson says retaining existing structure is the right thing to do

wates boss

Industry needs to be more vocal in supporting Grenfell findings, Wates boss says, and warns contracting’s ‘bizarre’ margins not sustainable

2024-09-18T12:55:00+01:00By

Eoghan O’Lionaird bemoans industry’s ‘relative silence over report and admits firm’s 2% margin is not good enough

southern

Southern’s freeze on new development will last until financial circumstances improve, says CEO

2024-09-18T11:56:00+01:00By

Paul Hackett tells Housing Today Live: London conference this is the “toughest time” for housing association finances he can remember

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2024 AGENDA


Guests to sign in via registration desk prior to pre-conference refreshments.


Katy

Chloe is editorial director at Assemble Media Group overseeing three publications – Building, Building Design and Housing Today – and bringing relevant and impactful news, insight and analysis to professionals in the built environment. The titles boast a membership community of 85,000 professionals in over 100 countries. Her team of journalists regularly interview industry CEOs, review ground-breaking buildings and report on controversies and challenges facing construction.

Chloe is an award-winning editor and journalist, with over two decades of experience working in digital and print media. In 2023 she won both the PPA Editor of the Year (Business Media) and the PPA Independent Publisher Awards Editor of the Year title.

She specialises in setting editorial agendas and devising campaigns that will resonate with audiences. As the face of the flagship title Building she regularly chairs online debates, hosts podcasts and speaks at public events.



Katy

Eoghan O’Lionaird joined Wates as chief executive in February 2023. He sits on the group board and executive committee.

He was previously chief executive of FTSE-listed marine services company James Fisher and Sons plc and has held executive roles at Spectris plc, Danaher Corporation, Philips and Mitsui Kinzoku. Eoghan is fluent in Irish and Japanese and has Bachelor and Masters degrees in engineering as well as an MBA.



Investing for growth: What is the future of net zero in the built environment?

Speakers include:

US US







The urgency to combat climate change has put a spotlight on the built environment industries, which are significant contributors to carbon emissions. As we strive to achieve ambitious net zero targets, it's imperative to explore the needs, challenges, and opportunities for these industries to drive forward the net zero agenda. Join us for an enlightening panel discussion where thought leaders, policy makers, innovators, and stakeholders converge to chart a path towards a sustainable future.

Key discussion points include:
  • Policy and regulatory frameworks:
    • Evaluating the role of government policies and regulations in promoting sustainability
    • Identifying gaps and opportunities for policy reform to support the net zero agenda
    • Case studies highlighting successful implementation of sustainable policies in the built environment sector

  • Innovation and technology:
    • Leveraging innovative technologies and solutions to reduce carbon footprint
    • Building partnerships to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and technologies
    • Showcasing successful examples of collaborative initiatives driving the net zero agenda forward

  • Collaboration and partnerships:
    • Importance of collaboration between industry, government, and communities
    • Building partnerships to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and technologies
    • Collaborative approaches between developers, local authorities, and communities to enhance the planning process

  • Skills and education:
    • Addressing the need for upskilling and reskilling the workforce for a sustainable future
    • Incorporating sustainability principles into built environment education and training programs
    • Strategies for promoting a culture of sustainability within the industry workforce



Coffee, tea and light refreshments


The future of Building Safety: What does progress look like for government and industry leaders?

Speakers include:

US US



In the wake of building safety concerns and policy reform, there is no question that the impetus to enhance safety standards within the construction industry has never been greater. However, navigating the complexities of building safety regulations and compliance processes often presents significant challenges. In this session, our industry leaders and policy experts will come together to explore the essential requirements and strategies needed to simplify and accelerate the building safety agenda.

Key discussion points include:
  • Understanding the building safety landscape:
    • Analysis of current building safety regulations and standards
    • Identifying key challenges and bottlenecks in the compliance process

  • Policy and regulatory reforms:
    • Evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies and regulations in ensuring building safety
    • Proposing reforms to streamline regulatory frameworks and approval processes

  • Industry and governmental collaboration and best practice:
    • Unpacking the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders, regulators, and policymakers
    • Sharing best practices and lessons learned from successful building safety initiatives
    • Strategies for fostering a culture of safety within the construction industry

  • Training and education:
    • Understanding and ensuring the application of building competency requirements
    • Addressing the need for enhanced training and education on building safety standards and practices
    • Exploring how best to embed building safety competency into traditional training


Coffee, tea and light refreshments


Finding a path to construction output growth: How can the new government and industry work together to transform productivity and innovation?

Speakers include:

US US



In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving societal needs, the built environment industries face the ongoing challenge of modernisation to meet current challenges and future demands. To do this, collaboration between industry and government is essential, if transformation is to be driven effectively. The panel discussion will ask industry leaders and policymakers to explore innovative strategies and collaborative approaches for ensuring built environment industries are fit-for-purpose moving into the future.

Key discussion points include:
  • Aligning vision and objectives:
    • Understanding the shared goals and priorities between industry and government
    • Identifying opportunities for collaboration in driving modernisation efforts
    • Ensuring alignment with broader economic, environmental, and social objectives

  • Policy and regulatory frameworks:
    • Evaluating existing policies and regulations impacting the built environment industries
    • Proposing reforms to encourage innovation, sustainability, and resilience
    • Balancing regulatory oversight with a culture of innovation and growth

  • Innovation and technology adoption:
    • Harnessing emerging technologies to drive efficiency and innovation in construction and infrastructure development
    • Supporting research and development initiatives to spur technological advancements in the built environment

  • Workforce development and skills training:
    • Addressing skill gaps and training needs in the built environment industries
    • Collaborating on workforce development programs to equip workers with modern skills and competencies
    • Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce to foster innovation and creativity



Katy

Mark Robinson has enjoyed over 30 years in the public sector, starting his career as a YTS apprentice, spending 16 years in Local Government.

He progressed into roles including construction operations, strategic planning and corporate procurement, before moving into the housing sector where he set up an ALMO and became a Chief Executive aged 32.

In 2009, Mark was appointed CEO of SCAPE. Mark's leadership has taken SCAPE from a small design and procurement company, to a nationally recognised and market leading organisation for the public sector.

Today, SCAPE has over 1,600 live projects and commissions, valued at £6.5bn, and its frameworks are currently the most widely used across the UK. Mark champions smarter procurement and best practice in efficient construction.

He works closely with some of the biggest construction companies in the UK and leading industry bodies to help improve the built environment across the public estate.

Mark is also a Trustee and Board Director of UKGBC (The UK Green Building Council) and a Board Director of Build UK.



Conference attendees have the opportunity to network and reflect on the day at the end of the conference formalities.


All conference attendees are invited to join those who have been shortlisted for the 2024 Building Awards and Architect of the Year Awards to network with more than 300 of the industry's shining stars.



Tickets on sale now

Previous speakers include:

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Interested in partnering with us on the Building the Future Conference?

Contact Cameron Marshall, commercial director, Assemble Media Group cameron.marshall@assemblemediagroup.co.uk

With thanks to our conference supporters:

With thanks to our partners

  • BuildUK

  • Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists

  • Constructing Excellence

  • UKGBC

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