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Construction Disrupted

Construction Disrupted

By: Peter Sumpton & Ryan Jones
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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.Copyright 2026, Peter Sumpton (buildDifferent) & Ryan Jones (SLG Agency) Economics Politics & Government
Episodes
  • A Familia Story For UK Construction | Episode 119

    A Familia Story For UK Construction | Episode 119
    Jun 10 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 119 - A Familia Story For UK Construction (10.06.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we're delving into the evolving landscape of the UK construction industry, examining market trends, workforce initiatives, and efforts to address skills shortages. Each headline provides insight into a major development that is set to shaping the sector’s future. Let's go:Is UK commercial construction experiencing a comeback?The UK construction sector continues to face significant challenges, with Glenigan’s June 2026 Construction Index showing a 7% drop in project starts over the last quarter and a 23% decline year-on-year. The industry is grappling with persistent economic uncertainty, political distractions, and the ongoing Middle East conflict, all of which have contributed to a subdued market. Residential construction remains particularly weak, with private housing starts falling sharply due to affordability issues and reduced investor confidence. Civil engineering and infrastructure projects have also seen notable declines, reflecting a lack of momentum in planned capital works.Despite these headwinds, there are signs of resilience in non-residential construction. Office projects have experienced remarkable growth, buoyed by major developments in London, while retail and leisure sectors have shown modest gains, hinting at a tentative return of consumer confidence. Public sector construction, especially in education and health, has also posted positive results.Regionally, London stands out with strong performance, largely driven by office construction, while other areas show mixed results. Although the overall outlook remains cautious, these pockets of growth suggest that a broader recovery could be on the horizon if economic conditions stabilise.Construction careers campaign could help tackle rising youth unemployment, says CIOBThe Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) emphasises the importance of targeted careers campaigns to address both rising youth unemployment and the construction sector’s skills shortages. With an aging workforce and a growing need for skilled professionals, the CIOB advocates for greater collaboration between industry, government, and educational institutions.By promoting construction as a viable and rewarding career path, and by connecting young people with training and apprenticeship opportunities, such campaigns can help bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. These efforts are seen as essential not only for reducing youth unemployment but also for ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the construction industry.CITB launches Accelerated Apprenticeships to boost homebuilding and tackle regional skills shortagesThe Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has launched Accelerated Apprenticeships as part of a broader strategy to meet the government’s target of building 1.5 million new homes by 2029 and to address regional skills shortages.This innovative programme allows apprentices to complete their training in as little as 14 to 18 months, compared to the traditional two to three years, by combining intensive early learning with structured block release and on-site experience. The initial rollout targets regions with high housing demand and training gaps, including Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the West Midlands, Kent, and Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire. CITB is supporting colleges and training providers with setup funding and ongoing assistance, aiming to increase apprenticeship uptake and completion rates.The programme also places a strong emphasis on long-term employment outcomes, ensuring that trainees are well-prepared for sustained careers in homebuilding. By accelerating the training process and aligning it with local labour market needs, CITB hopes to create a more resilient and responsive construction workforce.Lego gets Familia: https://www.dezeen.com/2026/06/04/lego-sagrada-familia-largest-set-antoni-gaudi/)BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 ...
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    35 mins
  • Investment v Waste | Episode 118

    Investment v Waste | Episode 118
    Jun 3 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 118 - Investment v Waste (03.06.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we explore innovation and resilience in the UK’s construction and healthcare sectors. From strategic investments shaping the future workforce, to creative solutions for sustainability and patient care, here’s what’s made our podcast headlines this week:CITB publishes its Business Plan for 2026–27 setting out how Levy payers’ money will be investedThe Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has unveiled its 2026–27 Business Plan, focusing on transparency and impactful investment of Levy funds. Over £136 million will directly support employers through grants, apprenticeships, and workforce development. The plan prioritizes getting more people into construction, ensuring high-quality training, and upskilling the current workforce. CITB’s approach is shaped by industry feedback and aims to address immediate and long-term skills challenges. A consultation on the Strategic Plan is set for later this year, inviting further industry input.The full Business Plan for 2026–27 is available at: https://www.citb.co.uk/about-us/plans-and-performance/business-plan‘It’s like Dunkirk for the construction industry!’ The small team rescuing London’s precious building materialsBased on general knowledge, this story highlights a dedicated group working to salvage and repurpose valuable building materials from demolition sites across London. Their efforts not only preserve architectural heritage but also promote sustainability by reducing waste and supporting the circular economy. The team’s work is likened to a rescue mission, emphasizing the urgency and importance of saving resources that would otherwise be lost.'I forgot what it's like to be outside': Intensive care ward opens on rooftopKing’s College Hospital in London has opened the UK’s first outdoor rooftop intensive care ward. Designed with canopies, garden areas, and full medical support, the ward allows critically ill patients to experience fresh air and nature—proven to boost wellbeing and potentially speed recovery. Patients and staff alike benefit from the space, which features scented flowers and textured plants. The initiative, funded by over £2 million in charitable donations, aims to improve patient outcomes and could serve as a model for hospitals nationwideBiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter 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.
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    36 mins
  • Burnham, Baby, Burnham | Episode 117

    Burnham, Baby, Burnham | Episode 117
    May 27 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 117 - Burnham, Baby, Burnham (27.05.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we're covering the government’s ambitious £120bn construction framework renewal, the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) call for city architects, and Manchester’s ongoing urban transformation under Under Mayor Andy Burnham’s leadership.Government starts renewal race for £120bn mega frameworkThe UK Government has launched the tender for its largest-ever construction framework, valued at £120bn over eight years (2027–2035). The RM6320 framework will consolidate procurement for public sector building, infrastructure, defence, healthcare, nuclear, and overseas projects.It’s divided into seven specialisms, including general construction, civil engineering, offsite solutions, healthcare (ProCure24), defence, international, and nuclear. Each category is split by project size and region, opening opportunities for a wide range of suppliers.The framework aims to foster long-term supply chain relationships, innovation, and continuous improvement, supporting the Construction Playbook and Gold Standard guidance. Bidders have until June 2026 to submit, with awards expected in January 2027.RIBA calls for return of city architectsRIBA’s new report calls for city architects to be embedded across England, starting with a three-year pilot in combined authorities like Greater Manchester. The report projects that a city architect could add £47.6 million in value over three years, with increased housebuilding, tax revenue, and economic growth.RIBA argues that strong design leadership is essential to balance ambitious housing targets with quality, sustainability, and community wellbeing. The report highlights the historical impact of city architects and urges their expertise be central in planning and delivery, ensuring long-term social, economic, and environmental value.Free PDF Spaces analysis of the RIBA Making the case for city architects report.Manchester: Ambition and Model for GrowthManchester is recognized as the UK’s fastest-growing city and a benchmark for successful devolution. Under Mayor Andy Burnham’s leadership, the city’s architectural value has risen, and it has become a model for urban regeneration and growth.Manchester’s approach demonstrates how strategic vision, investment in design, and collaborative governance can drive transformation. The city’s achievements reinforce the importance of integrating architectural expertise and ambition in shaping the future of UK cities.(full interview with Andy Burnham)BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor 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 - buildDifferentPeter 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.
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    42 mins
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