UK Construction 2.0 | Episode 113

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.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.As mentioned in the episode:CITB Industry Impact Fund (IIF)SLG Horizon Report 2026NOW, let's go!Good Homes for All 2.0: ‘The context has shifted materially since the first edition’The second edition of "Good Homes for All" responds to a dramatically changed environment for affordable housing. Rising construction costs, tighter viability, and deepening housing emergencies have made design quality more crucial than ever. Architects Luke Tozer and Jay Morton emphasize that design is not a luxury but a necessity for resolving competing pressures—such as density, viability, and efficient land use.The publication showcases 15 built schemes, demonstrating how thoughtful design can unlock delivery, create enduring places, and support communities for generations. It targets policymakers, developers, and treasury teams, aiming to shift perceptions so that design is seen as a tool for delivery, not a constraint. The overarching message: prioritizing design quality is essential for aligning scarce resources with urgent needs, and architects must be involved early to ensure long-term value and public health benefits.New Technical Excellence Colleges focus on fastest-growing industriesThe UK government is investing £175 million in 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) to train 65,000 learners for high-demand jobs in sectors like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, and digital technologies. This initiative addresses the projected need for 600,000 additional workers by 2030 and aims to provide clear routes from education to well-paid, skilled employment. TECs are strategically located to match regional industry demands and will act as hubs of excellence, raising standards nationwide.The investment supports improved teaching, courses, and access to specialist equipment, building on previous construction-focused TECs. The government’s broader goal is to break down barriers to opportunity, increase higher-level learning among young people, and drive local and national growth. This aligns with the Industrial Strategy and includes a major cash injection to create more apprenticeships and employment opportunities.Free digital training programme for small buildersSmall, medium, and micro construction businesses can now access a free digital training programme designed to help them adopt and integrate modern technology into their operations. Supported by CITB’s Industry Impact Fund, the "Solving Tech for Small Builders" programme was developed by North London Loft Rooms and partners, following a successful pilot with 50 builders.The course, now expanded with £98,000 in funding, is accessible online and delivered in video format, designed to be neurodiverse-friendly. It aims to boost confidence and financial outcomes for participants, making technology practical and accessible. The Industry Impact Fund backs innovative, scalable projects that address workforce challenges, supporting skills, digital adoption, and sustainable solutions across the sector.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.Peter Sumpton - buildDifferentPeter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.