UK Construction Week (UKCW), the UK’s biggest event for the built environment, will put legislation and government policy under the microscope when the doors open on three days of panel discussions, skills workshops and networking opportunities.

From product safety standards to building regs, Birmingham’s Big City Plan to social housing, a plethora of topics will be discussed and dissected across UKCW’s multitude of stages and hubs. To help attendees get the most out of the show, UK Construction Week (NEC, 30 September to 2 October)  has launched its handy web-based app.

Visitors can quickly build a personalised itinerary of talks, book meetings and navigate the floorplan all from the palm of their hand. 

Policy and legislation talk highlights include:

Tuesday 30th September

Policy, Planning, and the £39 Billion Question 

(Main Stage, 10.30am)

With £39 billion earmarked for social housing, this session explores the policy landscape shaping the next decade of construction. 

Speakers: George Clarke, Architect and TV presenter; Mike Woolliscroft, Chief Strategy Officer, Vistry Group; Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer, Clarion Housing Group; Rob Lamond, Head of Strategy & Analysis for Housing Property & Regeneration at West Midlands Combined Authority.

Product Safety and Standards: Next Steps in Regulatory Reform 

(Main Stage, 12.20pm)

With the Green Paper consultation period concluded, this session offers a timely look at the future of construction product regulation - featuring insights from the CCPI, Construction Products Regulator and senior voices from MHCLG as well as major product users. 

Speakers: Amanda Long, Chief Executive Officer, Code for Construction Products Information; Duncan Johnson, Deputy Director - Construction Product Regulation at Office for Product Safety and Standards; Louise Barr, Deputy Director, Construction Products Reform at Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Turning policy into progress 

(Main Stage, 3pm)

With bold government targets for housing and infrastructure, the UK construction industry faces a defining moment. This panel explores how policy commitments are translating into real-world delivery—examining readiness, capacity, and the barriers that remain. 

Speakers: David Atkinson, National Head of Land & Development, Willmott Dixon; Iona Stewart-Richardson, Media Manager, Federation of Master Builders; Rebecca Boundy, Managing Director for Clients and Markets, Kier Construction; Ron Lang, Regional Director, AtkinsRealis.

Wednesday October 1st

Infrastructure at the Crossroads: One Year On from the General Election

(Main Stage, 11.30am)

One year after the general election, the UK's infrastructure ambitions face renewed scrutiny as the upcoming Spending Review and Budget take shape. Industry leaders and policy experts will explore opportunities, risks, and the role of infrastructure in driving economic resilience and regional growth.

Speakers: Allan Wilen, Economics Director, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo; Marie-Claude Hemming, Director of Policy, Association for Consultancy and Engineering; Sandeep Shingadia, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Integration, Transport for West Midlands; Simon Rawlison, Head of Strategic Research & Insight, Arcadis; Vicky Evans, Director - UKIMEA Cities, Planning and Design, Arup.

The Big City Plan: How can we increase home building and still meet current regulations?

(Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Hub, 1.15pm)

There is an aspiration for Birmingham to increase the number of homes in the city centre, however this is a challenging environment from an acoustics and noise perspective. How do we design the fabric and what needs to change in terms of the building regulations and approved document guidance.

Speaker: Aneel Kilaire, Associate Technical Director, Ramboll Facades.

Thursday October 2nd

Midlands United: Driving Growth, Connectivity, and a Greener Future

(Main Stage, 11am)

Join the Mayor of the West Midlands for a powerful conversation on unlocking the full potential of the region. This session will explore ambitions for economic growth, improved connectivity, and delivering a just, green transition. Discover how collaborative leadership is shaping a stronger, more sustainable Midlands for the future.

Speakers: Diana Martin (pic). Principal and Chief Executive, Dudley College; Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands; Ron Lang, Regional Director, AtkinsRealis; Tim Balcon, CEO, Construction Industry Training Board.

Who’s Taking the Lead? Demystifying the New Principal Designer Role Under Building Regs

(Main Stage, 2.15pm)

With the new Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) role now in force under the Building Safety Act, there’s growing pressure to understand exactly who’s responsible—for what, when, and how. This session cuts through the confusion, unpacking the legal duties, practical implications, and key differences from CDM roles.

Speakers: Chris Partington, Managing Director, Zebra Architects. Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, commented: “Whatever your specialism or job title, keeping up to date with policy and legislation in construction is of paramount importance - and at UKCW we make sure we keep delegates up to speed in this fast-moving industry with our award-winning seminar programme.”

UKCW Birmingham attracts visitors and exhibitors from across the globe and will showcase a host of international exhibitors from the likes of China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Turkey. Amongst those already confirmed are Lanes Group; Build Warranty; Reader Cement; Unibond; Xpedeon; Cure It Composites; Don & Low; Metador; and Licata. Alongside over 300 leading brands from around the world, UKCW Birmingham will feature 200 speakers and over 150 hours of CPD accredited seminars and talks across five stages. 

To register for UKCW Birmingham for free, visithttps://forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-birmingham-2025​/cab-pr. To download the show app, visit www.ukconstructionweek.com/ukcw-app.