Construction Disrupted

Peter Sumpton

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. A 2025 Review That Doesn't Mention AI

    12/23/2025

    A 2025 Review That Doesn't Mention AI

    Construction Disrupted Episode 97 - 2025: A 2025 Review That Doesn't Mention AI (23.12.25) In this episode, we take a concise look back at the most significant UK construction news stories of 2025. The projects, policies and pressures that shaped the year. Every item we discuss in this episode has previously featured in our co-host Ryan Jones’s weekly LinkedIn Construction Round-Up, (here's a link to an example - follow Ryan while you're there - well worth it). In fact, most of our headlines come from this each week.. And yes, we do mention AI in this episode, and no, despite everything you may have read this year, AI still hasn’t stolen all our jobs, and it doesn't make the top 3 this year! So what were the top 3 headlines from 2025? One year of Labour — are we likely to get Britain building again? Labour’s first year in government has seen a shift in tone towards housing, with a focus on planning reform and promises to “get Britain building again.” The government aims to deliver 1.5 million homes by 2029, but the next 12 months will be critical in determining whether these reforms translate into tangible results. Industry leaders are cautiously optimistic, but concerns remain about whether the planning system can overcome delays and bottlenecks to meet ambitious targets. Colleges halt construction enrolments as demand hits the roof Colleges are struggling to meet surging demand for construction and engineering courses, with over half reporting waiting lists and some halting enrolments altogether. A demographic surge in young learners and a £600 million government investment to train 60,000 construction workers have overwhelmed college capacity. Nearly a third of colleges have limited construction apprenticeship starts, raising concerns about the ability to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the sector. The case for optimism in construction Despite economic challenges, there are signs of hope for the UK construction industry. Easing inflation and interest rate cuts are stabilising material costs and improving financing conditions. The government’s £530 billion infrastructure pipeline, with 780 projects, has sparked cautious optimism, particularly in the commercial property and infrastructure sectors. Increased commercial lending and temporary vacancies in construction suggest developers are preparing for new projects, but industry leaders stress the need for government action to address regulatory delays and funding uncertainties. 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...

    36 min
  2. Blackpool, Bilbao and the Future

    12/17/2025

    Blackpool, Bilbao and the Future

    Construction Disrupted Episode 96 - Blackpool, Bilbao and the Future (17.12.25) From groundbreaking architecture to transformative infrastructure projects and the future of construction technology, we dive deep into the topics that are redefining industries and communities. Frank Gehry: from LA experimentalist to the architect of the Bilbao effect In this episode, we celebrate the life and legacy of Frank Gehry, one of the most influential architects of our time. From his experimental beginnings in Los Angeles to iconic global projects like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Gehry’s work transformed architecture into an art form. We reflect on his groundbreaking designs, his ability to create cultural spectacles, and his quieter, more intimate projects like Maggie’s Centres, which showcase his versatility and humanity. Gehry’s architectural vocabulary continues to inspire and shape the world. Blackpool seeks contractors to join £200M North West highways and civils framework Blackpool Council has launched an ambitious £200 million Highways Framework to enhance the region’s infrastructure over the next four years. This initiative is divided into two major areas: highways surfacing and civil engineering works, with plans to secure up to eight suppliers to deliver extensive projects. The framework aims to improve the North West’s highway network, foster collaboration with neighbouring authorities, and support regional growth through innovative and sustainable infrastructure development. Construction industry outlook 2026: The trends shaping how contractors build, budget and deliver The construction industry is undergoing a transformative shift as it prepares for 2026. This episode explores how technology, including AI, automation, and predictive analytics, is revolutionising workflows and decision-making processes. We discuss the challenges posed by cost pressures, labour constraints, and the demand for operational efficiency, as well as the strategies contractors are adopting to operate leaner and smarter. From just-in-time delivery practices to remote monitoring, we uncover how the industry is adapting to a rapidly changing landscape. 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...

    34 min
  3. Grinding Gears

    12/10/2025

    Grinding Gears

    Construction Disrupted Episode 95 - Grinding Gears (10.12.25) The UK construction industry is at a crossroads, facing challenges that range from economic recovery to skills shortages and infrastructure costs. But with the right strategies and investments, there’s hope for a brighter, more sustainable future. This episode highlights this perfectly. UK Construction Grinds Back into Gear The UK construction industry is showing signs of life after a challenging year, with a modest 3% increase in project starts from August to November 2025. While this is a step in the right direction, the sector still has a long way to go to recover from a 4% dip compared to 2024 levels. Standout performers - offices, industrial projects, and social housing - are leading the charge in this recovery. Regional disparities are clear, from London’s 77% surge in project starts to the West Midlands’ 13% decline. Is the government’s recent budget enough to keep the momentum going, or are we just patching up potholes on the road to recovery? UK Lacks the Skills to Hit Net Zero, MPs Warn A committee of MPs has issued a stark warning: the UK is falling short of the skills needed to meet its ambitious net zero targets. With a shortfall of 250,000 workers required for new housing and retrofit projects, the government is being urged to step up its game. Committee’s recommendations included the call for a nationally recognised, industry-backed construction and retrofit skills program. We’ll also explore how this skills gap could impact the UK’s clean energy goals and the potential for creating high-quality jobs in every community. London Could Halve Cost of New Transport Projects London’s transport infrastructure is notoriously expensive, but a new report suggests that adopting European planning and financing models could cut costs by up to 50%. From the Elizabeth Line to the paused Crossrail 2 project, we take a look at how London can learn from Madrid’s "low-cost and speedy approach" to metro extensions. 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...

    27 min
  4. Skills to Pay the £10bn Bill | Episode 94

    12/03/2025

    Skills to Pay the £10bn Bill | Episode 94

    Construction Disrupted Episode 94 - Skills to Pay the £10bn Bill (03.12.25) From groundbreaking safety achievements to transformative urban projects and workforce challenges, here are the top three headlines this week: BSR Sees Record Gateway 2 Determinations to November 2025 The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has achieved record-breaking progress in processing Gateway 2 applications for high-rise residential buildings. By November 24, 2025, a total of 272 decisions were made, with 578 decisions made since August. London accounted for 76% of October's decisions, highlighting the city's focus on safety improvements. Operational changes, including a batching process and the establishment of an Innovation Unit, have accelerated application assessments and closures. The regulator aims to clear historic cases by the end of December while maintaining safety standards. Council Clears Way for £10bn Earls Court District The Earls Court Development Company has received approval for a £10 billion redevelopment project in London. The plan will transform a 44-acre site into a 4,000-home innovation district, featuring cultural venues, parks, and workspace for climate-innovation firms. The project promises to inject £3 billion annually into the UK economy and create 23,500 jobs. Phase one, including 1,300 homes and public spaces, is set to begin next year, with full completion targeted for 2041. This milestone marks a significant step in revitalising one of London's largest cleared development sites. Construction Employment Hits Lowest Proportion in 100 Years A report by the Centre for Social Justice reveals that construction employment in the UK has reached its lowest proportion of the workforce in over a century. Latest government figures show the construction workforce fell 1.3% in the third quarter to 2.05 million, marking a 15% collapse in capacity. This decline poses a significant threat to the government's target of building 1.5 million homes. The shortage of workers highlights the urgent need for strategies to attract and retain talent in the construction sector to meet housing demands and sustain industry growth. (CSJ - Skills to Build) 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...

    30 min
  5. Becoming Rachel Reeves

    11/26/2025

    Becoming Rachel Reeves

    Construction Disrupted Episode 93 - Becoming Rachel Reeves (26.11.25) From government initiatives to boost housing and infrastructure, to the challenges of balancing fiscal policies and keeping consumer confidence, if you were in charge of the red box! Let's go. Reeves Set to Hire Hundreds More Planners Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce this initiative, which aims to "get Britain building" by increasing the number of graduate planners and launching a Planning Careers Hub. The goal? To support retention and open new routes into the profession, ultimately helping the government meet its target of building 1.5 million homes and making 150 planning decisions on major infrastructure projects. Consumer confidence drops ahead of budget November brought a slight dip in consumer confidence, just in time for the holiday shopping season. All five measures of confidence took a tumble, with the major purchase index dropping three points—making big-ticket items about as tempting as leftover fruitcake. Sentiment about the economy and personal finances also slipped, both in terms of looking back and looking ahead. Marketers are now holding their breath, hoping the upcoming budget will inject some much-needed optimism into shoppers’ spirits. Will the budget bring a festive rebound or just more socks for Christmas? Could You Do Better Than Reeves as Chancellor? With a £12 billion shortfall to address, Reeves must balance raising funds for public services, keeping taxes acceptable to voters, and maintaining market confidence. We'll discuss the options on the table, from tax increases to spending cuts, and explore the complexities of fiscal policy. Plus, we talk about the Guardian's interactive budget game that lets you try your hand at crafting a successful budget. Can we keep the markets calm and your MPs happy? 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 - a href="https://www.builddifferent.marketing/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    34 min
  6. Featuring Robert De Niro

    11/19/2025

    Featuring Robert De Niro

    Construction Disrupted Episode 92 - Featuring Robert De Niro (19.11.25) From Hollywood glamour in Manchester to AI’s untapped potential, and the challenges facing colleges, we’ve got this week covered. Let’s get started! AI potential “being wasted” in construction AI could revolutionise construction, but the industry is falling behind. A survey shows 81% of professionals lack advanced AI knowledge, and only 20% of firms are ready to automate processes. Without proper training and policies, companies risk wasting investments and facing cybersecurity threats. The solution? AI literacy training, formal strategies, and tailored tools to unlock productivity and innovation. Colleges halt construction enrolments as demand hits the roof UK colleges are overwhelmed by record demand for construction and engineering courses, driven by demographic growth and government plans to train 60,000 new tradespeople. Teacher shortages and limited space have forced over half of colleges to create waiting lists. With 1.5 million new homes planned by 2029, urgent funding is needed to meet the demand and prepare the workforce of tomorrow. Robert De Niro’s waiting, for BSR approval Hollywood icon Robert De Niro is behind the £360 million Nobu Manchester skyscraper, set to be the tallest residential tower outside London. But construction is stalled as the project awaits Building Safety Regulator approval. With plans to build atop the historic Castlefield railway viaduct, this ambitious project blends luxury with heritage. Will the team break ground next year? 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...

    35 min
  7. Constructions Big Numbers

    11/12/2025

    Constructions Big Numbers

    Construction Disrupted Episode 91 - Constructions Big Numbers (12.11.25) In this episode, we dive into the latest developments shaping the UK’s construction and housing sectors. From cutting-edge AI investments to ambitious housing programmes and major infrastructure updates, we’ve got all the insights you need. Join us as we explore the stories making headlines and their impact on the industry. Balfour Beatty Unveils £7.2m AI Investment with MicrosoftBalfour Beatty is revolutionising the construction industry with a £7.2 million investment in Microsoft 365 Copilot. This four-year partnership integrates AI into their operations, boosting productivity and safety across projects. A trial on the A9 dualling project in Scotland showcases how AI is automating processes like reviewing Inspection and Test Plans, freeing up engineers for high-value tasks. This move aligns with their “Build to Last” strategy, setting a new standard for innovation in construction. The Social and Affordable Homes Programme Prospectuses: What You Need to KnowThe UK government’s Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) for 2026-2036 is set to deliver 300,000 affordable homes, with 60% allocated for social rent. Backed by £2.5 billion in low-interest loans, the programme focuses on estate regeneration, supported housing, and rural development. With bidding opening in February 2026, this initiative aims to tackle the housing crisis and provide safe, affordable homes for communities across the UK. £2.7bn Sunk on Scrapped Transport ProjectsA National Audit Office report has revealed that £2.7 billion has been written off due to cancelled transport projects in the UK. High-profile cancellations include HS2 Phase 2 and the Stonehenge tunnel, reflecting shifting government priorities and affordability concerns. The Department for Transport is now focusing on maintaining existing infrastructure, raising questions about the future of transport planning and investment. 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. a...

    33 min
  8. Invest in the Future of Construction

    11/05/2025

    Invest in the Future of Construction

    Construction Disrupted Episode 90 - Invest in the Future of Construction (05.11.25) In this episode, we dive into three major developments shaping the future of the UK’s economy and industries. From addressing the £400 billion AI skills gap to rebuilding Britain’s infrastructure and analysing industrial advertising trends, we explore how these initiatives are driving growth, innovation, and sustainability. Join us as we uncover the challenges, opportunities, and transformative strategies that are setting the stage for the UK’s future. Help for UK businesses to fill £400bn AI skills gap A new report by Skills England highlights a significant AI skills gap in the UK workforce, which could hinder businesses from unlocking up to £400 billion in economic growth by 2030. Three innovative tools have been launched to address this gap: AI Skills Framework: Identifies technical, responsible, and non-technical skills required for various job roles. AI Skills Adoption Pathway Model: Guides organisations through stages of AI adoption, from awareness to scaling. Employer AI Adoption Checklist: Helps businesses assess their AI readiness and identify workforce gaps. Rebuilding Britain The UK Government’s ambitious 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy aims to deliver resilient, decarbonised, and digitally enabled infrastructure to drive economic growth and sustainability. Key recommendations include: Accelerating Project Delivery: Appointing a dedicated infrastructure minister, streamlining planning processes, and incentivising high-quality design. AI-First Infrastructure Delivery: Leveraging AI for cost optimisation, faster project delivery, and real-time asset management. Unlocking Private Investment: Reimagining public-private partnerships and enhancing government capabilities to attract private sector investment. WARC Expenditure Review The AA/WARC Expenditure Report reveals that industrial advertising was the only category to register growth in display spend in Q2 2025, up 1.8%. Total UK adspend rose by 9.1% in Q2 2025, driven by online formats like search and online display, which accounted for 83.3% of overall adspend. VOD (Video on Demand) emerged as the fastest-growing medium, combining TV’s effectiveness with digital’s targeted delivery and measurable outcomes. 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...

    35 min

About

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.

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