Construction Disrupted

Peter Sumpton & Ryan Jones
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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 perhaps something to make you think. Hosted by Peter Sumpton and Ryan Jones, who bring a combined 40 years in construction and marketing, Construction Disrupted is designed for thought-leaders and decision-makers who prefer podcasts with more substance and less spin. We know the backdrop, fragmented supply chains, rising costs, skills gaps and sustainability pressures, and we won’t rehash doom for the sake of it. Instead, we move past the headlines and delve into the topics that are shaping the industry today, tomorrow, and probably a couple more days after that. Subscribe and join us every week – most weeks, anyway. Expect clear thinking, dry humour and the occasional soapbox moment.

  1. 20h ago

    Constructions Guilty Pleasure

    Construction Disrupted Episode 124 - Constructions Guilty Pleasure (15.07.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love. In this episode, we're discussing calls for stronger safety reforms, the use of robotics on building sites, and what’s really playing in the vans of Britain’s tradespeople. Let's go! Hackitt-led group calls for ‘firmer approach’ to industry A recent report from the Industry Safety Steering Group, chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, highlights that the construction sector has not changed enough in response to post-Grenfell safety recommendations. While some industry bodies have engaged with government and regulators, the group is concerned that many companies have not acknowledged underlying problems or taken ownership for meaningful change. The report stresses the need for the industry to work together to create a future focused on high building safety standards. It criticises clients for prioritising cost over quality and perpetuating mistrust through practices like retentions, which undermine safety and quality. The group urges the government to lead by example in procurement and contracting, and to accelerate overdue reforms in construction product testing and regulation, emphasising that both incentives and sanctions are needed to drive real progress. Annual Report February 2026: the construction industry. McLaren employs robot army for site quality checks McLaren Construction has partnered with FieldAI to introduce autonomous quadruped robots to its UK sites. These robots are being used to capture 360-degree site imagery and generate data that supports safety compliance and quality assurance. The robots conduct regular automated scans, creating a detailed visual and spatial record of ongoing work. AI-driven analysis compares this data against design models, allowing for quicker identification of quality issues. Unlike previous generations of robots, these machines can navigate complex, changing environments without relying on pre-mapped routes, adapting as the site evolves. This deployment marks a significant step in McLaren’s five-year digital transformation strategy, with plans to expand the robots’ roles from monitoring to logistics and multi-robot coordination, all while working alongside human teams to enhance productivity, safety, and quality. Radio still dominates van listening – and today’s tradies are Swifties According to new research from InstallerSHOW, traditional radio remains the top choice for UK tradespeople while driving or working, with nearly three-quarters preferring it over other audio options. Only a small percentage regularly listen to podcasts, while personal playlists are the second most popular choice. When it comes to music tastes, nostalgic acts like Oasis, Queen, Taylor Swift, and ABBA are the most common “guilty pleasures,” though some newer artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Coldplay also make the list. The findings suggest that, despite the rise of podcasts in the wider market, radio still holds a strong place in the daily routines of tradespeople. The InstallerSHOW 2026 and National Heat Pump Week are also highlighted as key upcoming events for the sector. Bios Ryan Jones - SLG Agency For 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 - buildDifferent Peter 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.

    Constructions Guilty Pleasure

  2. Jul 8

    UK Government Clearing the Sewage

    Construction Disrupted Episode 123 - UK Government Clearing the Sewage (08.07.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love. In this episode, we're discussing the latest developments shaping the UK construction and housing landscape. We’ll explore political pledges, breakthrough infrastructure deals, and the critical skills gap threatening new-town ambitions. Let's go! Will Andy Burnham’s pledge of growth in every postcode deliver bricks and mortar? Andy Burnham, poised to become the UK’s next prime minister, is recognized for his clear and inspirational communication. His 10-year plan emphasizes investment beyond London, collaboration, and delivering “good growth for all.” However, the real challenge lies in translating this vision into tangible results. Burnham must leverage existing government capacity and capability to create momentum, especially as the nation expects policy promises to materialize by the third year of the parliamentary term. The effectiveness of his leadership will be measured by the ability to deliver actual construction and regeneration across every postcode, not just rhetoric. Ministers clear sewage works deadlock stalling 18,000 homes A major breakthrough has been achieved as the government, through the Water Delivery Taskforce, brokered a deal with Anglian Water to resolve wastewater capacity issues that had stalled nearly 20,000 homes in the East of England. The agreement introduces a phased infrastructure strategy, allowing housing developments and utility upgrades to progress together. Key schemes now moving forward include: 7,750 homes at Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community3,700 homes at Dunton Hills, Essex3,400 homes at Spitalgate Heath, Grantham3,200 homes at Baldock, Hertfordshire21 homes at Beccles, Suffolk The deal also initiates plans for a new water recycling centre and a strategic reservoir, marking another success for the government’s efforts to unblock housing delivery by addressing utility constraints. Construction skills shortages threaten new-town delivery, MPs told The government’s ambition to build tens of thousands of homes in seven new towns faces a significant hurdle: construction skills shortages. Jonathan Mitchell of Skills England warned MPs that talent gaps pose a “real risk” to these plans. The success of large-scale housing projects depends on a robust workforce, and current shortages could delay or derail delivery. Addressing this challenge will require coordinated efforts to attract, train, and retain skilled workers across the sector. Bios Ryan Jones - SLG Agency For 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 - buildDifferent Peter 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.

    UK Government Clearing the Sewage

  3. Jul 1

    Yes, We're Still Talking About Brexit

    Construction Disrupted Episode 122 - Yes, We're Still Talking About Brexit (01.07.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love. In this episode, we're discussing the aftershocks of Brexit, the fierce debate over product safety rules, and a bold new approach to training the next generation of tradespeople. Let's do this! Poll shows construction professionals believe Brexit was wrong A recent YouGov poll of 136 construction professionals reveals that 59% believe leaving the EU was the wrong decision, with only 33% supporting Brexit. If a new referendum were held, 52% would vote to rejoin the EU. The poll highlights ongoing concerns about Brexit's impact on employment and supply chains. While construction employment has declined since 2019, experts note that the primary cause is an aging workforce rather than Brexit alone. However, Brexit continues to disrupt supply chains, with about 10% of UK firms still attributing delays to it. The episode features industry leaders discussing both immediate and lingering effects of Brexit on construction, including labor shortages and increased delivery times. If product safety matters, the rules must apply to everyone Paul Morrell critiques the UK government's construction product safety reforms, arguing that new safety duties should apply to all products, regardless of origin. The current white paper proposes stricter regulations for UK businesses while allowing EU CE-marked products to enter the market without additional requirements. This dual system creates complexity and potential safety risks, as CE marking does not guarantee product safety. Morrell warns that imposing higher standards only on domestic producers is both unfair and counterproductive, potentially driving manufacturing and testing overseas. He calls for a unified approach: if safety measures are necessary, they must be universal to ensure public protection and industry clarity. FMB pilot aims to build pipeline of site-ready tradespeople The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), with support from the Construction Industry Training Board, has launched Build Academy—a pilot program designed to address the construction skills shortage. The academy offers hands-on, multi-trade training in a simulated site environment, preparing students for real-world work. The first cohort of 20 graduates has progressed from no site experience to being job-ready, with many reporting increased confidence and ambition. The FMB hopes to expand the program, emphasizing the importance of employer-led training in building a skilled workforce to meet the UK's housing Bios Ryan Jones - SLG Agency For 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 - buildDifferent Peter 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.

    Yes, We're Still Talking About Brexit

  4. Jun 24

    Did We Mention 1.5 Million Homes?

    Construction Disrupted Episode 121 - Did We Mention 1.5 Million Homes? (24.06.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love. In this episode, we're discussing the future of the UK's built environment if the King of the North was elected, the impact of AI on planning, and the architectural lowlights of the past two years. Dive into our three featured stories for a comprehensive look at policy, technology, and design in Britain. Let's go! What would prime minister Burnham look like for the built environment? Andy Burnham's potential as UK Prime Minister signals a major shift for housing, infrastructure, and skills. His agenda prioritises: Social Housing: Burnham advocates for a massive increase in council housebuilding, aiming for 500,000 new social rent homes by 2030 and ending Right to Buy. He proposes redirecting existing funding and exploring innovative financing, such as local tax supplements and land value capture.Infrastructure: He supports reviving HS2 between Birmingham and Manchester, but with a slower, cheaper model funded partly by local taxpayers. Burnham also champions the Northern Powerhouse Rail and improved regional transport links.Skills & Education: Burnham’s MBacc program in Greater Manchester offers a technical education pathway, focusing on sectors like construction and the green economy. He envisions nationwide rollout, guaranteeing work placements for 16–18-year-olds. While ambitious, these plans may face fiscal and political constraints, but they mark a clear intent to reshape the built environment. AI tool to slash planning decision times as government accelerates push to build 1.5 million homes The UK government has introduced two AI tools to modernise England’s planning system: AI Prototype for Applications: Currently in early testing, this tool aims to halve the processing time for householder planning applications from 8 to 4 weeks. It triages and summarises applications, supporting planning officers in decision-making. Extract Tool: Now available to all councils, Extract digitises decades-old planning documents, saving an estimated 250,000 hours annually. This streamlines access to planning data and supports faster, more reliable decisions. These innovations are part of a broader push to build 1.5 million homes, reduce administrative burdens, and accelerate housing delivery. Importantly, all AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by qualified officers, ensuring professional oversight. The Carbuncle Cup 2026 The Carbuncle Cup 2026 highlights the worst new buildings in Britain, as judged by a panel of experts and public nominations. This year’s (dis)honours go to: Astley Warehouses: Criticised for its scale, poor design, and as a symbol of bureaucracy and greed over quality of life. Filigree: Noted for technical failures, resident displacement, and failing to deliver on affordable housing promises. Other shortlisted buildings include Robeson House, Belgrove, Aspen Tower, and Art’otel in Hoxton, each exemplifying issues like incoherent design, poor integration, and value engineering gone wrong. The Cup serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritising scale and cost over community and quality. Bios Ryan Jones - SLG Agency For 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 - buildDifferent Peter 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.

    Did We Mention 1.5 Million Homes?

  5. Jun 17

    Unlocking 500,000 Houses

    Construction Disrupted Episode 120 - Unlocking 500,000 Houses (17.06.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love. In this episode, we're discussing the latest in UK infrastructure, housing regeneration, and construction project delivery. From renewed investor confidence in infrastructure, to ambitious plans for housing-led regeneration in the North, and new evidence on how early contractor involvement can transform project outcomes. Let's go! Investment sentiment in UK infrastructure improving despite geopolitical instability, survey finds Investor confidence in UK infrastructure is at its highest since 2023, even amid global and domestic uncertainty. The UK now outperforms several European peers for infrastructure investment attractiveness. This optimism is driven by government efforts to address regulatory challenges, especially in the water sector, and to improve accountability. However, regulatory complexity and political instability remain significant barriers. Notably, more investors plan to deploy $2–3 billion in UK infrastructure over the next year, with a growing focus on net zero projects. Maintaining a strong project pipeline and a stable regulatory environment is essential to sustain this positive momentum. Housing-led regeneration could unlock 500,000 homes in the North with the right support, report says A Northern Housing Consortium report finds that targeted regeneration could unlock over 500,000 homes in the North of England. Key recommendations include a £500 million annual regeneration fund devolved to mayoral authorities, a dedicated regeneration finance facility via Homes England, and a minister for regeneration. The report suggests these measures could accelerate 100,000 homes through town centre densification, unlock 320,000 homes on brownfield land, and improve 100,000 existing homes. The right framework would enable more social and affordable housing and transform communities in need of investment. Early contractor involvement cuts project cost overruns, study finds A major study by the Centre for Construction Best Practice shows that early contractor involvement (ECI) in public sector projects significantly reduces cost overruns and delays. Projects with contractors engaged at the earliest design stages (RIBA 0–2) delivered on or below budget, while late appointments (RIBA 4) saw average cost overruns of 17.35%. Despite this, most public sector projects still use late-stage procurement, exposing them to avoidable risks. The report recommends mandating ECI by RIBA Stage 2, strengthening public sector capability, and introducing mandatory value checks. Early engagement enables innovation and better project certainty, crucial for future public investments. Bios Ryan Jones - SLG Agency For 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 - buildDifferent Peter 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.

    Unlocking 500,000 Houses

  6. Jun 10

    A Familia Story For UK Construction

    Construction Disrupted Episode 119 - A Familia Story For UK Construction (10.06.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love. In this episode, we're delving into the evolving landscape of the UK construction industry, examining market trends, workforce initiatives, and efforts to address skills shortages. Each headline provides insight into a major development that is set to shaping the sector’s future. Let's go: Is UK commercial construction experiencing a comeback? The UK construction sector continues to face significant challenges, with Glenigan’s June 2026 Construction Index showing a 7% drop in project starts over the last quarter and a 23% decline year-on-year. The industry is grappling with persistent economic uncertainty, political distractions, and the ongoing Middle East conflict, all of which have contributed to a subdued market. Residential construction remains particularly weak, with private housing starts falling sharply due to affordability issues and reduced investor confidence. Civil engineering and infrastructure projects have also seen notable declines, reflecting a lack of momentum in planned capital works. Despite these headwinds, there are signs of resilience in non-residential construction. Office projects have experienced remarkable growth, buoyed by major developments in London, while retail and leisure sectors have shown modest gains, hinting at a tentative return of consumer confidence. Public sector construction, especially in education and health, has also posted positive results. Regionally, London stands out with strong performance, largely driven by office construction, while other areas show mixed results. Although the overall outlook remains cautious, these pockets of growth suggest that a broader recovery could be on the horizon if economic conditions stabilise. Construction careers campaign could help tackle rising youth unemployment, says CIOB The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) emphasises the importance of targeted careers campaigns to address both rising youth unemployment and the construction sector’s skills shortages. With an aging workforce and a growing need for skilled professionals, the CIOB advocates for greater collaboration between industry, government, and educational institutions. By promoting construction as a viable and rewarding career path, and by connecting young people with training and apprenticeship opportunities, such campaigns can help bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. These efforts are seen as essential not only for reducing youth unemployment but also for ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the construction industry. CITB launches Accelerated Apprenticeships to boost homebuilding and tackle regional skills shortages The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has launched Accelerated Apprenticeships as part of a broader strategy to meet the government’s target of building 1.5 million new homes by 2029 and to address regional skills shortages. This innovative programme allows apprentices to complete their training in as little as 14 to 18 months, compared to the traditional two to three years, by combining intensive early learning with structured block release and on-site experience. The initial rollout targets regions with high housing demand and training gaps, including Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the West Midlands, Kent, and Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire. CITB is supporting colleges and training providers with setup funding and ongoing assistance, aiming to increase apprenticeship uptake and completion rates. The programme also places a strong emphasis on long-term employment outcomes, ensuring that trainees are well-prepared for sustained careers in homebuilding. By accelerating the training process and aligning it with local labour market needs, CITB hopes to create a more resilient and responsive construction workforce. Lego gets Familia: https://www.dezeen.com/2026/06/04/lego-sagrada-familia-largest-set-antoni-gaudi/) Bios Ryan Jones - SLG Agency For 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 - buildDifferent Peter 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.

    A Familia Story For UK Construction

  7. Jun 3

    Investment v Waste

    Construction Disrupted Episode 118 - Investment v Waste (03.06.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love. In this episode, we explore innovation and resilience in the UK’s construction and healthcare sectors. From strategic investments shaping the future workforce, to creative solutions for sustainability and patient care, here’s what’s made our podcast headlines this week: CITB publishes its Business Plan for 2026–27 setting out how Levy payers’ money will be invested The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has unveiled its 2026–27 Business Plan, focusing on transparency and impactful investment of Levy funds. Over £136 million will directly support employers through grants, apprenticeships, and workforce development. The plan prioritizes getting more people into construction, ensuring high-quality training, and upskilling the current workforce. CITB’s approach is shaped by industry feedback and aims to address immediate and long-term skills challenges. A consultation on the Strategic Plan is set for later this year, inviting further industry input. The full Business Plan for 2026–27 is available at: https://www.citb.co.uk/about-us/plans-and-performance/business-plan ‘It’s like Dunkirk for the construction industry!’ The small team rescuing London’s precious building materials Based on general knowledge, this story highlights a dedicated group working to salvage and repurpose valuable building materials from demolition sites across London. Their efforts not only preserve architectural heritage but also promote sustainability by reducing waste and supporting the circular economy. The team’s work is likened to a rescue mission, emphasizing the urgency and importance of saving resources that would otherwise be lost. 'I forgot what it's like to be outside': Intensive care ward opens on rooftop King’s College Hospital in London has opened the UK’s first outdoor rooftop intensive care ward. Designed with canopies, garden areas, and full medical support, the ward allows critically ill patients to experience fresh air and nature—proven to boost wellbeing and potentially speed recovery. Patients and staff alike benefit from the space, which features scented flowers and textured plants. The initiative, funded by over £2 million in charitable donations, aims to improve patient outcomes and could serve as a model for hospitals nationwide Bios Ryan Jones - SLG Agency For 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 - buildDifferent Peter 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.

    Investment v Waste

  8. May 27

    Burnham, Baby, Burnham

    Construction Disrupted Episode 117 - Burnham, Baby, Burnham (27.05.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love. In this episode, we're covering the government’s ambitious £120bn construction framework renewal, the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) call for city architects, and Manchester’s ongoing urban transformation under Under Mayor Andy Burnham’s leadership. Government starts renewal race for £120bn mega framework The UK Government has launched the tender for its largest-ever construction framework, valued at £120bn over eight years (2027–2035). The RM6320 framework will consolidate procurement for public sector building, infrastructure, defence, healthcare, nuclear, and overseas projects. It’s divided into seven specialisms, including general construction, civil engineering, offsite solutions, healthcare (ProCure24), defence, international, and nuclear. Each category is split by project size and region, opening opportunities for a wide range of suppliers. The framework aims to foster long-term supply chain relationships, innovation, and continuous improvement, supporting the Construction Playbook and Gold Standard guidance. Bidders have until June 2026 to submit, with awards expected in January 2027. RIBA calls for return of city architects RIBA’s new report calls for city architects to be embedded across England, starting with a three-year pilot in combined authorities like Greater Manchester. The report projects that a city architect could add £47.6 million in value over three years, with increased housebuilding, tax revenue, and economic growth. RIBA argues that strong design leadership is essential to balance ambitious housing targets with quality, sustainability, and community wellbeing. The report highlights the historical impact of city architects and urges their expertise be central in planning and delivery, ensuring long-term social, economic, and environmental value. Free PDF Spaces analysis of the RIBA Making the case for city architects report. Manchester: Ambition and Model for Growth Manchester is recognized as the UK’s fastest-growing city and a benchmark for successful devolution. Under Mayor Andy Burnham’s leadership, the city’s architectural value has risen, and it has become a model for urban regeneration and growth. Manchester’s approach demonstrates how strategic vision, investment in design, and collaborative governance can drive transformation. The city’s achievements reinforce the importance of integrating architectural expertise and ambition in shaping the future of UK cities. (full interview with Andy Burnham) Bios Ryan Jones - SLG Agency For 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 - buildDifferent Peter 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.

    Burnham, Baby, Burnham
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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 perhaps something to make you think. Hosted by Peter Sumpton and Ryan Jones, who bring a combined 40 years in construction and marketing, Construction Disrupted is designed for thought-leaders and decision-makers who prefer podcasts with more substance and less spin. We know the backdrop, fragmented supply chains, rising costs, skills gaps and sustainability pressures, and we won’t rehash doom for the sake of it. Instead, we move past the headlines and delve into the topics that are shaping the industry today, tomorrow, and probably a couple more days after that. Subscribe and join us every week – most weeks, anyway. Expect clear thinking, dry humour and the occasional soapbox moment.

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Sumpton & Ryan Jones
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026, Peter Sumpton (buildDifferent) & Ryan Jones (SLG Agency)
  • Show Website
    Construction Disrupted

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