Construction Disrupted
Construction Disrupted is a podcast for people working in the construction industry who need to stay current without drowning in noise. With a focus on the current, real-world issues across the built environment, the stories behind the headlines, the shifts worth your time, and the ideas to get you thinking. No froth, all coffee. Each episode follows a clear 3, 2, 1 structure: 3 headlines. Covering the most relevant and interesting topics from the world of construction. 2 opinions. Straight-talking analysis and debrief that digs deep beyond each headline. Why it matters and what it means for the future. 1 takeaway. Sometimes practical, sometimes actionable, or...
10
UK Construction 2.0
<p>Construction Disrupted Episode 113 - UK Construction 2.0 (29.04.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, we dive into the evolving standards for affordable housing design, the government's investment in technical skills for high-growth industries, and CITB's Industry Impact Fund that we're struggling to work out why we haven't heard about it before! Let's go.</p><p>As mentioned in the episode:</p><p>CITB Industry Impact Fund (IIF)</p><p>SLG Horizon Report 2026</p><p></p><p>NOW, let's go!</p><p></p><p>Good Homes for...
Women and the Wharf are Winning
<p>Construction Disrupted Episode 112 - Women and the Wharf are Winning (22.04.26)</p><p>Constructing Excellence AI Roundtable Registration (22.04.26 @ 2pm)</p><p>In this episode, we examine the conflicting perspectives on the impact of the Middle East conflict, celebrate the surge in women completing construction apprenticeships, and hear from Canary Wharf’s development director about the estate’s remarkable transformation. Let's do this.</p><p>Two conflicting reports on the impact of the Middle East conflict</p><p>Middle East conflict to have ‘limited impact’ on full-year results, says Barratt Redrow</p><p>Barratt Redrow, a leading UK housebuilder, has stated that the...
Opportunity and Optimism within Construction
<p>Construction Disrupted Episode 111 - Opportunity and Optimism (15.04.26)</p><p>In this episode, we take a look at the efforts to accelerate cladding remediation, the transformative power of apprenticeships and the resilience of architects amidst global challenges. Let's go!</p><p></p><p>BSR Aims to Beat 12-Week Decision Time on Cladding Applications</p><p>The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is taking significant steps to address the backlog of external cladding remediation applications. With 299 live cases awaiting decisions and current median approval times stretching to 36 weeks, the BSR has set an ambitious goal to reduce decision times to under 12 weeks...
Graduates in Hard Hats
<p>Construction Disrupted Episode 110 - Graduates in Hard Hats (08.04.26)</p><p>In this episode, we traverse from government funding initiatives to infrastructure investments and surprising career trends, it's what's shaping the industry right now, so let’s dive in!</p><p></p><p>MHCLG Announces £70m for Building Inspector Training and Safety Reforms</p><p>The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has committed £70 million to address the shortage of building inspectors and fire engineers. This funding will train up to 700 new inspectors and expand fire engineering education.</p><p>Additionally, consultations are underway to streamline minor works in h...
The Great British Build-Up
<p>Construction Disrupted Episode 109 - The Great British Build-Up (01.04.26)</p><p>In this episode we cover groundbreaking policy changes, ambitious housing plans and strategies to improve project delivery, exploring how these initiatives aim to transform the industry and impact communities across the country. Let’s get going!</p><p></p><p>Construction retentions to be banned</p><p>The UK government has announced the abolition of retention payments in construction contracts to protect smaller firms from financial risks like insolvency and late payments. Retention payments, often up to 5% of a contract’s value, have long been criticized for restricting cash flow...
Gamification of Construction
<p>Construction Disrupted Episode 108 - Gamification of Construction (25.03.26)</p><p>In this episode we're going youthful, exploring how the next generation is shaping the future of construction, from leveraging gaming skills to government initiatives and promising data on the industry’s age profile. Let's all drink from the fountain of construction youth.</p><p>But first:</p><p>Check Adobe Acrobat PDF Spaces which helps us put this podcast together each week: https://bit.ly/4swHSiq</p><p>The Next Generation’s Gaming Skills Can Help Shape Modern Construction</p><p>Gaming isn’t just a pastime—it’s a training g...
706,000 Workers Wanted
<p>Construction Disrupted Episode 107 - 706,000 Workers Wanted (18.03.26)</p><p>In this episode, we're covering a record-breaking infrastructure pipeline, calls for a streamlined planning system and a transformative housing project in London. Plus a bonus intro to congratulate Ryan and the SLG Team for reaching the top spot in the CMA Agency League 2025.</p><p>Updated UK Infrastructure Pipeline tops £700bn and gives granular data for workforce planning</p><p>The UK Government has unveiled its updated 10-year Infrastructure Pipeline, now valued at an impressive £718 billion. This comprehensive plan includes detailed workforce demand projections, estimating the need for up to 706,000 workers an...
Women, Warnings and Wins
<p>Construction Disrupted Episode 106 - Women, Warnings and Wins (11.03.26)</p><p>In this episode we take a loom into record-breaking growth in manufacturing output under the threat of material price increases to critical updates on gateway 2 cases and efforts to improve inclusivity on job sites, we’ve got a lot to cover. Let’s get started!</p><p>Manufacturing Output Growth at 17-Month High in February</p><p>February marked a significant milestone for UK manufacturing, with output growth reaching its fastest pace in 17 months.</p><p>The S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recorded a score of 51...
Safety First, Robots Second, and a Really Big Church
<p>Construction Disrupted Episode 105 - Safety First, Robots Second, and a Really Big Church (04.03.26)</p><p>In this episode we take a look at groundbreaking government reforms in building safety, the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, and the awe-inspiring milestone of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia. An episode packed with insights and intrigue.</p><p>Government Cracks Down on Unsafe and Unregulated Building Products in Response to Grenfell Tower Tragedy</p><p>In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the UK government has unveiled major proposals to reform construction product regulations.</p><p>The Construction Products Reform White Paper introduces...
The 61-Year Renovation Project
<p>Construction Disrupted Episode 104 - The 61-Year Renovation Project (25.02.26)</p><p>From signs of recovery in the building sector to the importance of prioritizing quality, and the ambitious restoration plans for the Palace of Westminster. Let's dive in!</p><p>Signs of a Building Recovery as Pipeline Begins to Stir</p><p>The construction sector is showing early signs of recovery, with tender price inflation forecasts improving and legacy projects re-emerging.</p><p>RIBA’s Workload Index indicates growing optimism, especially in private housing and infrastructure markets.</p><p>While challenges like financing and margin pressures persist, anticipated rate cuts in...
