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. Self-Belief and Smart Planning

    2D AGO

    Self-Belief and Smart Planning

    Construction Disrupted Episode 101 - Self-Belief and Smart Planning (04.02.26) This week we're discussing three key topics, covering the importance of self-belief in delivering the UK’s infrastructure ambitions, the progress of HS2 tunnelling into central London, and why construction leaders must plan without delusion. Let’s dive in. ‘We need more self-belief’… Chris Ball of AtkinsRéalis explains how the industry can deliver the UK’s infrastructure ambitions Chris Ball, UK and Ireland president of AtkinsRéalis, highlights the need for self-belief in the construction industry to deliver the government’s ambitious 10-year infrastructure strategy. He stresses the importance of collaboration with the government, developing strong business cases, and attracting private investment to ensure project success. Self-belief and pace: Regaining confidence and moving projects forward efficiently is crucial.Collaborative contracting: Alliancing models foster trust and improve outcomes.Attracting investment: De-risking projects and delivering reliable returns are essential for investor confidence. Ball calls on the industry to take ownership and work proactively with the government to achieve infrastructure goals. HS2 Begins Tunnelling to Central London The HS2 high-speed rail project has reached a major milestone with tunnelling into central London. At Old Oak Common station, the first of two massive tunnel boring machines began its 4.5-mile journey to Euston, marking a significant step in the project’s progress. Engineering marvel: The 1,624-tonne tunnel boring machine showcases cutting-edge technology.Economic impact: Regeneration of the Euston area could contribute £41 billion to the UK economy and create 34,000 jobs.Project reset: HS2 Ltd CEO Mark Wild has implemented a reset to ensure proper sequencing, cost control, and timely delivery. This milestone demonstrates HS2’s transformative potential for connectivity and economic growth. Why Construction Leaders Must Plan Without Delusion Greg Wilkes, founder of Develop Coaching, emphasises the dangers of overly optimistic planning in construction. He advocates for honest planning, confronting challenges, and setting clear, actionable goals. Honest planning: Address past failures and bottlenecks.Leadership consistency: Teams reflect their leaders’ behaviours, so clarity and follow-through are vital.Behavioural change: Translate ambition into specific,

    33 min
  2. Fraud, Funding, and Frozen Frontiers

    JAN 28

    Fraud, Funding, and Frozen Frontiers

    Construction Disrupted Episode 100 - Fraud, Funding, and Frozen Frontiers (28.01.26) From the UK’s ambitious Warm Homes Plan to calls for fraud investigations in insulation schemes, and the completion of a groundbreaking Antarctic construction project, exploring the southernmost, coldest, driest, and windiest construction project we could find, showing that delivering a project on time, even "when it's a bit cold and wet", is achievable. Everything You Need to Know About the Warm Homes Plan The UK’s Warm Homes Plan is finally here, promising a transformative £15 billion investment to upgrade homes, reduce energy bills, and tackle fuel poverty. With ambitious goals to lift one million families out of fuel poverty, triple rooftop solar installations, and install 450,000 heat pumps annually, the plan aims to revolutionise energy efficiency across the country. Key highlights include: Support for low-income households: Free upgrades like solar panels and heat pumps to reduce energy bills and improve living conditions.Low-cost loans for renewables: Nearly £2 billion allocated for low-interest loans to make energy-efficient technologies accessible to all.Minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties: By 2030, most rental properties must achieve a minimum EPC C rating, benefiting over 1.5 million households. However, the plan faces significant challenges. Industry experts warn that delays in its rollout and the cancellation of the ECO scheme have left the UK without the workforce needed to deliver its goals. David Weatherall of the Building Research Establishment humorously remarked, “I’ve been expecting it next week for about the last four months.” This delay has led to concerns about whether the industry can meet the plan’s ambitious targets. The government’s decision to drop the phase-out date for gas boilers has also sparked criticism, with experts urging a stronger push toward renewable energy technologies. While the Warm Homes Plan has been welcomed by many, others argue that the incentives are too weak to drive the necessary change. As one industry insider put it, “The cliff edge has probably been reached.” When the Warm Homes Plan finally arrives, will there be an industry left to deliver it? MPs Call for Fraud Probe in Solid Wall Insulation Scandal The UK’s ECO insulation program has come under fire, with MPs calling for a Serious Fraud Office investigation into widespread fraud and failures in the delivery of insulation schemes. The Public Accounts Committee has revealed shocking statistics, including a 98% failure rate in external wall insulation installations under the ECO4 scheme, leaving over 30,000 homes with defective work. Key findings from the report include: Fraud and non-compliance: Ofgem identified fraudulent installations worth 1.75% of the scheme’s value, but MPs believe the true figure is much higher.Health and safety risks: 6% of external wall insulation and 2% of internal wall insulation posed immediate risks, including inadequate ventilation and

    30 min
  3. 39bn reasons to learn from mistakes

    JAN 21

    39bn reasons to learn from mistakes

    Construction Disrupted Episode 99 - 39bn reasons to learn from mistakes (21.01.26) We start by exploring the industry’s high note as 2025 wraps up, which may go some way to explaining the £39 billion worth of projects driving growth in 2026. There is a word of caution, though, for the government’s ambitious Northern Powerhouse Rail plan, and we wrap it all up with how innovations like AI and robotics are reshaping the sector (again)! Let's go: Construction Ends 2025 on High as Analysts Predict ‘Structural Shift’ Due to Data Centre DemandAs 2025 comes to a close, the construction industry is poised for a significant shift, driven by the growing demand for data centres and other infrastructure projects. Analysts predict a "structural shift" in the sector, with data centres becoming a major focus due to the increasing reliance on digital technologies. This trend is expected to drive substantial growth and investment in the industry. Looking ahead to 2026, Glenigan’s market analysis highlights the Top 100 construction projects set to generate £39 billion worth of work. Civil engineering projects will lead the charge, contributing £23.8 billion across 29 major initiatives. The largest project is the £10.2 billion Lower Thames Crossing in Kent, which includes tunnels and approaches. Other significant projects include the A5 Western Transport Corridor in Northern Ireland (£1.7 billion) and Network Rail’s £1 billion Project Reach for trackside fibre optic cable installation in London. The office and commercial sector is also rebounding, with 23 projects valued at £6.3 billion, including the £750 million Bidder Street Data Centre in East London and a £700 million British Library extension. The housing sector is set to see 37 projects worth £6.9 billion, with private residential developments leading the way. The largest housing project is a £577 million scheme at Marsh Wall in London. With projects spanning 10 different sectors, the construction industry is gearing up for a promising year in 2026, with better times ahead for all areas of the industry. ‘Vital that Government Learns Lessons from HS2’: Reaction to Northern Powerhouse Rail PlanThe UK government has announced a £45 billion commitment to the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) project, aiming to transform connectivity across Northern England. The ambitious plan includes a new Birmingham–Manchester rail line and improved east-west links between cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle. The project is expected to boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve transport infrastructure in the region. However, industry leaders stress the importance of learning from the challenges faced during the HS2 project. Key lessons include the need for clear timelines, defined project purposes, and robust funding structures. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and other stakeholders emphasise the importance of early planning, clear leadership, and stable pipelines to ensure the success of NPR. The project is set to begin with £1.1 billion allocated for planning, design, and development work during the current Spending Review period. Construction is expected to start in the 2030s, with the project being delivered in phases. Industry leaders are calling for detailed plans,...

    31 min
  4. Is change destroying construction?

    JAN 14

    Is change destroying construction?

    Construction Disrupted Episode 98 - Is change destroying construction? (14.01.26) It's good to be back (Happy New Year everyone). 2026, the year construction builds more than just homes, it's the year for building positivity, one episode, three headlines, two opinions and one takeaway at a time. Let's get to it: 1. Market Forecast: Strong Order Books Drive Tender Inflation as Smaller Firms Struggle The UK construction industry demonstrated resilience in 2025 despite economic uncertainty. While overall sentiment suggested a slowdown, data revealed that construction output grew faster than services or manufacturing. However, this growth came with challenges: Tender Price Inflation: Tender prices increased by 3.0% in 2025, driven by persistent inflation and subdued demand that failed to yield cost savings.Building Costs: Building costs rose by 3.5%, with significant price hikes in imported materials like wood, aluminium, and electric water heaters.Smaller Firms Struggling: Smaller construction firms faced difficulties due to rising costs and economic pressures, highlighting the need for targeted support to ensure their survival. In parallel, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) reported a record year-end performance in processing Gateway 2 building control applications. Key highlights include: A 250% increase in Gateway 2 determinations in the final quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter.A focus on resolving legacy cases, with 83% of older applications approved.The establishment of an Innovation Unit to streamline approvals for new build applications, achieving results in just 12-13 weeks. These developments indicate a positive trajectory for the industry, but challenges such as cost inflation and the struggles of smaller firms remain critical issues to address. 2. Fast Homes at Scale: ‘We’ve All the Tools We Need to Solve Homelessness’ The homelessness crisis in London has reached alarming levels, with over 130,000 households in temporary accommodation as of 2025. The cost of housing families in temporary solutions has skyrocketed to nearly £3 billion annually, surpassing the budget for building affordable homes. Despite the challenges, innovative solutions exist to address this crisis: Modular Construction: Companies like ZED PODS and RSHP have developed modular housing solutions that can be deployed quickly and efficiently. For example, ZED PODS installed 25 zero-carbon homes above a car park in Bromley, retaining most parking spaces below.Prototype Modular Homes: RCKa and Rollalong have created high-quality modular...

    37 min
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

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.