
As the dust settles after the phenomenal success of UK Construction Week (UKCW) London, planning is already well underway for the 11th edition of its sister event, UKCW Birmingham, which returns to the NEC this autumn
With an overarching theme of “The Construction Reset”, UKCW Birmingham (29 September to 1 October) will be the national platform for the built environment to connect, collaborate and shape the future of construction.
Martin Hurn, editorial director for UKCW Birmingham, said: “As the construction sector faces growing challenges around skills, sustainability, productivity and delivery, UKCW Birmingham has been set to reflect the needs of today’s industry. Moving beyond the traditional exhibition format, the show is designed to create meaningful opportunities for businesses and professionals to connect and collaborate.”
Key themes are:
- Building Better.
- Building Smarter.
- Building Responsibly.
Sponsored by Wyre, HotelPlanner and Build Warranty, UKCW Birmingham will feature over 250 leading brands, 200 speakers and over 150 hours of CPD-accredited seminars across five stages.
Opened by architect and Channel 4 presenter George Clarke, the show will once again feature an extensive programme of seminars, workshops, live demonstrations and networking opportunities across three packed days.
UKCW Birmingham will feature:
Built-for-purpose sections
- Roofing, cladding & insulation: A dedicated destination for contractors, installers, specifiers and designers who want to explore the latest innovations in durability, efficiency and weather protection and architectural impact.
- Digitalisation: See how technology, automation and AI are redefining the way we plan and build.
- Futurebuild Innovation Showcase: New for 2026, bringing together some of the most innovative products, technologies, materials and solutions transforming the built environment.
- Building & onsite safety: Featuring product and systems supporting safer buildings and safer sites.
- Equipment, tools & hire: Explore the newest tools and equipment driving productivity.
- Construction training & services: Connect with experts in project delivery, compliance, training, and professiona support.
Four theatres offering a varied programme of talks and workshops from industry experts and thought leaders:
- Main Stage.
- Building & Occupational Safety Stage.
- Building Envelope Stage.
- Digitalisation & AI Stage.
In May, visitors flocked to Excel in London as three key shows came together to form the UK’s “built environment super event”.
UK Construction Week (UKCW) London ran alongside both Futurebuild and the Stone & Surfaces Show across three-packed days full of conversations, innovation and networking.
Show highlights included:
- Three shows in one: Running alongside Futurebuild and the Stone & Surfaces Show for the first time, UKCW London gave visitors access to an even broader range of exhibitors, CPD-accredited content, networking opportunities and cross-sector insight all under one roof. The co-location brought together professionals from across the construction, sustainability, materials and surface design sectors, creating added value for attendees.
- Visitors heard from key construction business leaders and those driving the industry forward, including Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly MP, shadow secretary of state for housing, communities and local government; Tom Copley, deputy mayor of London for housing and residential development; Mark Reynolds, group executive chairman, Mace Group; Renee Preston, CEO, Gallaway Construction; and George Clarke, architect and TV presenter.
- Making its debut at UKCW London, the Live Demonstration Zone showcased a programme of hands-on sessions designed to be practical, varied and genuinely engaging. Visitors experienced everything from live dust-free drilling with Hilti’s Nuron platform to heavy-duty cordless demonstrations moving large concrete blocks, proving real on-site capability.
- Now in its ninth year, the Role Models Awards recognised exceptional talent and commitment across the sector, with shortlists revealed in three new categories: rising star, pioneer and icon. The winners will be announced at UKCW Birmingham in September.
- The Stone & Surfaces Show, the UK’s only trade exhibition with a section devoted entirely to natural stone, featured its very own Surfaces Cinema showcasing architectural photography and documentary film exploring the cultural and environmental narratives of stone. It included the UK premiere of Milestone, a feature-length documentary from renowned Portuguese director Frederico Miranda.
Sam Patel, divisional director, UK Construction Week London, said: “Bringing UKCW London, Futurebuild and the Stone & Surfaces Show together under one roof created an unrivalled opportunity for the industry to connect across the entire built environment.
“The response from visitors and exhibitors has exceeded our expectations and reflects the appetite for a more joined-up event experience that encourages collaboration, innovations and new business opportunities.”
To register free for UKCW Birmingham, click here.
The post UK Construction Week Birmingham resets to reflect sector’s changing needs appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.