Construction Disrupted Episode 88 - Mind the Gaps (22.10.25)

In this episode, we’ve explored the challenges and opportunities shaping the construction sector, from policy delays and workforce development to the adoption of cutting-edge technology.

‘Emergency’ Planning Package to Boost London’s Housebuilding Delayed

The much-anticipated government planning package aimed at revitalising London’s struggling housebuilding market has been delayed until at least the end of October. This initiative, which includes measures such as reducing affordable housing requirements from 35% to 20% on private sites, was expected to address the ongoing housing crisis. However, political disagreements between the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Greater London Authority have stalled its release.

The delay comes amidst rising construction costs, economic pressures, and challenges posed by the Building Safety Regulator. With housing starts and permissions in decline, the Home Builders Federation has warned that the government’s housing targets are unachievable without immediate intervention. This segment explores the implications of the delay and the potential impact on London’s housing pipeline.

Plan to Train 12,000 Construction Workers Unveiled

In response to a critical labour shortage, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has announced a £75 million initiative to train over 12,000 construction workers over the next three years. This ambitious program aims to equip workers with skills in bricklaying, engineering, design, plastering, and painting, ensuring the region is prepared for an anticipated construction boom.

Research by the Construction Industry Training Board highlights the need for 4,000 new workers annually to meet the demand for over 12,000 new homes and a £160 million retrofit scheme. Mayor Parker emphasised the importance of investing in local talent to sustain growth and create opportunities. This segment delves into how this initiative could shape the future of construction in the West Midlands.

“Widening Gap” Between Adopters and Non-Adopters of Construction AI

A recent survey of over 1,000 construction leaders reveals a growing divide between organisations that embrace AI and those that do not. While 75% of decision-makers believe AI will play a critical role in construction over the next five years, only 25% are actively using it to manage risks, and 20% have not adopted it at all.

Key barriers to adoption include a lack of expertise and resistance to change, with non-adopters citing uncertainty as a major deterrent. In contrast, organisations that have integrated AI report greater confidence in achieving project goals and managing uncertainty. This segment examines the transformative potential of AI in construction and the risks of falling behind in a rapidly evolving industry.

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.