As the industry enters a defining period, UK Construction Week Birmingham has unveiled a bold new theme and focus, The Construction Reset, to act as a positive catalyst to help kickstart a golden age for the sector
Structured around three key pillars – Building Better, Building Smarter and Building Responsibly – this year’s event (NEC, 29 September to 1 October) will shine a spotlight on the biggest challenges and opportunities facing housebuilders and developers.
The programme is designed to encourage fresh thinking, showcase innovation and support the industry’s drive towards a more productive, sustainable future.
The new theme has been welcomed by politicians, business leaders and industry experts, each offering their own perspective on what a ‘Construction Reset’ should involve.
Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly MP, shadow secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, said: “A construction reset means recognising that we cannot tax and regulate our way to growth. The reset I want to see is one where the government removes barriers rather than adding them, scrapping stamp duty, cutting red tape and backing builders.”
UKCW Role Models 2025 Icon winner, David J Stevens, director of estates, facilities and capital development, East London NHS Foundation Trust added: “The Construction Reset is about moving beyond talking about the challenges and getting better at delivering solutions.”
Main Stage programme
Central to The Construction Reset will be a refreshed Main Stage programme, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, clients, contractors, manufacturers and innovators to showcase what’s already working, where real progress is being made and the practical actions that can accelerate delivery, improve productivity, drive sustainability and unlock growth.
The three-day event 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 & AI: 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 professional support.
Five 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.
- Futurebuild Innovation Stage.
The Build Connect Lounge will be a chance to join focused partner-led conversations, workshops and clinics, The Build Connect Lounge will be more than a networking area.
It will act as a live event hub where key partners can host their own roundtables, workshops and clinics aligned to the Construction Reset themes.
Another key UKCW feature will be the Client & Buyer Exchange, where visitors will be able meet buyers, specifiers and project teams, and turn conversations into commercial opportunities. It will be a more focused and purposeful evolution of traditional meet-the-buyer activity.
The first tranche of confirmed speakers for UKCW Birmingham includes George Clarke, architect and TV presenter; Jackie Rigby, assistant director, regeneration, partnerships and major projects, Homes England; Tim Balcon, CEO, CITB; Sarah-Jayne Pizzie, construction deputy director, Ministry of Justice; and Desiree Blamey, managing director, Considerate Constructors Scheme.
Martin Hurn, UKCW Birmingham editorial director, said: “The Construction Reset will position UKCW as a more intentional marketplace and industry meeting point, built around the real challenges, opportunities and partnerships shaping construction today.”
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 four stages, alongside a series of built-for-purpose sections.
To find out more and to register free for UKCW Birmingham, click here.
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