Construction Disrupted

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, s

Construction Disrupted is a news podcast hosted by Peter Sumpton & Ryan Jones, with 133 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Peter Sumpton & Ryan Jones hosts Construction Disrupted, a news show with 133 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #134

  UK Constructions 3% Margin Barrier | Episode 134

  Sep 30, 202641 min

  Construction Disrupted Episode 134 - UK Constructions 3% Margin Barrier (30.09.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio . Check them out and show them some love. In this episode, as political winds shift and regulatory reforms take hold, the construction and housing sectors are experiencing both renewed optimism and fresh uncertainty. From bold government pivots that could reshape social housing delivery, to a dramatic rebound in housing starts driven by regulatory overhaul, and a historic leap in contractor profitability, these stories reveal the high stakes and rapid changes shaping the industry’s future. Let's go. Burnham’s Pivot to Council Housebuilding Risks an Immediate Drop in Delivery Labour’s recent shift towards council-led social housing, championed by Andy Burnham, aims to address the UK’s deepening housing crisis. However, industry experts warn this pivot could stall thousands of social homes already in the pipeline via housing associations and private developers. With 326,000 people—169,000 of them children—currently in temporary accommodation, the urgency is clear. The new approach risks delays and funding cutbacks for non-council providers, potentially reducing immediate delivery. Experts urge the government to maintain continuity, maximize the capacity of all providers, and treat housing as long-term infrastructure, not just a political quick win. Gateway 2 Push Fuels 20% Jump in Housing Starts The second quarter saw a 20% surge in new-build housing starts in England, reaching 35,910 units. This rebound is largely attributed to reforms at the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), which streamlined approvals and boosted higher-rise project numbers. BSR-reported starts hit 5,758 this quarter—five times their previous peak—making up 16% of all starts. Despite this positive trend, overall activity remains 47% below the 2023 peak, and completions have plateaued. The data suggests the housing pipeline is recovering after a sharp downturn, but the sector is still far from pre-slump levels. CN100 Breaks 3% Margin Barrier For the first time, the UK’s largest contractors have achieved an average pre-tax margin above 3%, according to the 2026 CN100 report. The unweighted average margin rose to 3.4%, up from 2.7% last year and 2.1% the year before. Two-thirds of top firms improved their margins, signaling stronger financial health in the sector. This milestone reflects improved efficiency and resilience among leading contractors, even as the industry navigates ongoing challenges. 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.

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  Episode #132

  The Construction Jobs Plan | Episode 132

  Sep 9, 202645 min

  Construction Disrupted Episode 132 - The Construction Jobs Plan (09.09.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio . Check them out and show them some love. In this episode, we're discussing new insights on salaries and workplace expectations, government plans to address workforce shortages, and bold ideas to accelerate housing delivery around train stations. High salaries but higher expectations: survey takes industry temperature on work trends and salary A recent Construction Management survey reveals that while construction professionals are enjoying higher salaries—average earnings have risen to nearly £78,000, with over 21% earning above £100,000—expectations are also rising. Job stability remains strong, with 76% confident about future opportunities, but satisfaction is increasingly tied to more than just pay. Holiday entitlement and wellbeing benefits are highly valued, while work-life balance and personal development need improvement. The workforce remains predominantly male (87%) and older, raising concerns about succession planning. Professional membership, especially with CIOB, boosts optimism and career prospects. Recruitment experts note that career development and recognition are now as important as salary in retaining talent. Construction Salary and Market Trends Survey 2026 Government to publish construction jobs plan this year The UK government is set to release a comprehensive construction jobs plan aimed at tackling workforce shortages. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook highlighted the sector’s ongoing pressures, particularly the loss of EU labour post-Brexit and high dropout rates from construction courses. The plan, developed with industry input, will include a £625 million skills package for boot camps, placements, and retraining. The government’s new towns programme is expected to provide a long-term pipeline for modern construction methods, helping to attract and upskill workers. Pennycook emphasized the need for certainty and sustained investment to support both traditional and factory-based construction, aiming to make the sector more appealing to young people and those not currently in education or employment. Hand Network Rail land to metro mayors to speed up housing delivery around train stations, think tank tells government The Centre for Cities think tank urges the government to transfer control of Network Rail land around train stations to regional mayors to accelerate housing delivery. Their research shows that matching housing densities seen in France and Japan could reduce the UK’s housing shortage by 25%, adding over a million homes in major cities. The report argues that current low-density development and fragmented land ownership are major barriers. Fast-tracking land transfers and empowering mayoral development corporations could cut planning delays and boost regeneration. While Network Rail’s Platform4 is working to address these issues, the think tank insists that only urgent reform and stronger partnerships will unlock the full potential of these sites for housing and economic growth. 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.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #131

  Construction Supply Chain Strength | Episode 131

  Sep 2, 202640 min

  Construction Disrupted Episode 131 - Construction Supply Chain Strength (02.09.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio . Check them out and show them some love. In this episode, we're discussing the government’s major affordable homes funding announcement, the strengthening industrial construction pipeline, and Foster + Partners’ innovative research into robotic swarm construction systems. Let's go! Government reveals allocations for first £10bn spend from affordable homes programme The UK government has announced the first allocations from its £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP), with £9.6bn awarded to 33 organisations outside London. This funding aims to deliver over 73,600 homes, 60% of which will be for social rent. Notably, local authorities are named as Homes England strategic partners for the first time, marking a shift in how funding is distributed and empowering councils to build more homes directly. Key recipients include Orbit Group, Together Housing, and Vistry Homes, each receiving around £350m to deliver thousands of affordable homes. Mayoral authorities such as Greater Manchester and West Midlands will also see significant investment, with over £2bn allocated to these regions. The government is further supporting councils by allowing full use of Right to Buy receipts and investing £46m to boost building capacity. Sector leaders have welcomed the funding, highlighting its potential to reduce homelessness and increase the supply of genuinely affordable homes. Industrial construction pipeline strengthens The UK’s industrial construction sector is experiencing robust growth, with planning approvals for industrial projects reaching £2.13bn in the three months to June—a 22% increase year-on-year. Major projects over £100m have tripled in value, particularly in the East Midlands and North East. Manufacturing leads the sector, accounting for two-thirds of new starts, including significant investments by BAE Systems in Kent and Rolls-Royce in Bristol. The food sector is also active, with Apetito UK launching a £73.75m facility in Wiltshire. Logistics and warehousing remain strong, highlighted by a £14.3bn takeover bid for Segro and upcoming projects like the £53.12m Cliffe Hill Farm redevelopment in Leicestershire. The sector is forecast to grow by 16% next year, driven by continued demand in manufacturing and logistics. Foster + Partners secures €4 million to research ‘robotic swarm’ construction system Foster + Partners has been awarded a €4 million grant from the European Innovation Council to lead the SWIFT-BUILD project, an ambitious initiative to revolutionize timber construction using swarms of autonomous robots. Over the next three years, a consortium of leading universities and Foster + Partners will develop a system where ground-based robotic assemblers and lifting units work together to build timber structures from the top down. Drones will monitor progress and provide real-time feedback, enabling the robots to adapt and operate safely with minimal human intervention. The project aims to culminate in a full-scale demonstration of a multi-storey timber pavilion assembled autonomously. SWIFT-BUILD’s focus on modular, reversible construction and integrated AI supports sustainability and circularity, with the potential to transform how buildings are designed, constructed, and deconstructed. 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.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #130

  Bold Moves in Construction | Episode 130

  Aug 26, 202642 min

  Construction Disrupted Episode 130 - Bold Moves in Construction (26.08.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio . Check them out and show them some love. In this episode, we're discussing a surge in government confidence for major infrastructure delivery, a transformative shift in national planning policy, and a bold government commitment to end rough sleeping. Each story carries significant implications for senior leaders and decision makers across the sector. Lets go! ‘Burnham Bounce’ boosts confidence in Government delivery of major infrastructure projects, new research finds New research from the Association for Project Management reveals a marked increase in confidence among project professionals regarding the government’s ability to deliver major infrastructure projects since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister. 64% of respondents report greater confidence, with trust in government delivery rising to 95%. This renewed optimism is underpinned by visible improvements in project leadership and delivery standards, positioning infrastructure as a central driver of economic growth. However, supply chain and procurement management remain areas for further enhancement. Senior leaders should capitalise on this momentum by embedding project-centric thinking and ensuring robust resource allocation to sustain delivery performance. ‘A pretty bold swing’: New NPPF ushers in an era of permissive, nationally-led planning policy but could be scuppered by viability crisis The newly published National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) marks a decisive shift towards a more permissive, nationally-led planning regime. Key changes include a stronger presumption in favour of development, especially around well-connected transport hubs, and a reduction in the weight of inconsistent local plans. While these reforms are designed to accelerate housing and infrastructure delivery, concerns persist around scheme viability, particularly in the face of rising costs and regulatory burdens. The framework also introduces stricter requirements for accessible homes and community asset protection, but softens some density and environmental standards. The success of the NPPF will hinge on local authority cooperation and the sector’s ability to translate consents into deliverable projects amid ongoing viability challenges. UK National Planning Policy Framework for Sustainable Development PDF Space for you to explore. Govt outlines £422m plans to end rough sleeping by Christmas Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a £442 million package to end rough sleeping in England by Christmas, focusing on emergency accommodation, settled homes, and wraparound support. The initiative includes over 1,000 new settled homes and prioritises areas with the greatest need. While the move is widely welcomed, experts highlight the need for integrated support services and caution that housing provision alone will not resolve systemic homelessness. The plan also calls for bringing empty homes back into use and improving design standards for temporary accommodation. For construction leaders, this represents both a social imperative and an opportunity to contribute to housing-led solutions, particularly through retrofitting and mixed-tenure development models. 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.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #128

  Stop, Collaborate and Listen | Episode 128

  Aug 12, 202639 min

  Construction Disrupted Episode 128 - Stop, Collaborate and Listen (12.08.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio . Check them out and show them some love. In this episode, we're discussing record housing starts, the urgent need for supply chain collaboration, and the visionary clients behind the UK’s most celebrated new buildings. Let's go. Housing starts hit the highest level since 2023 The UK recorded 40,770 housing starts in the first quarter of 2026, the highest since the exceptional surge in Q2 2023. This marks a 14% increase over Q1 2025 and a 7.2% rise from the previous quarter, though starts remain below pre-pandemic levels. England led the way, accounting for 84.5% of all UK starts, with private enterprises responsible for most activity. Wales saw the strongest quarterly growth, while Scotland experienced a decline. Completions also rose slightly year-on-year, but remain subdued compared to historic highs. Industry experts highlight the resilience of private developers amid ongoing viability challenges and emphasise the need for balanced regulation and supportive government policy to sustain momentum in housing delivery. From adversarial to aligned - the case for change in supply chain relationships and why collaboration can’t wait Despite decades of effort, adversarial behaviours persist in construction supply chains, undermining project delivery. Only 58% of projects are delivered on time and within budget, with instability driven by poor estimating, uncontrolled scope changes, and late payments. Globally, 61% of professionals view supply chains as inherently adversarial, and UK architects report a high need for formal dispute resolution. However, 83% believe trust is critical, and 81% say collaboration resolves issues faster. Collaborative contracts offer clear benefits—improving delivery, reducing disputes, and boosting profitability—but adoption remains limited, especially in the UK. The report urges clients, particularly in the public sector, to lead the shift toward collaborative frameworks, as better relationships are essential for future project success. Download the report here: https://www.neccontract.com/insights-supply-chain or analyse the report using this PDF Space: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/spaces/urn:aaid:sc:EU:c9dbb865-d6f8-43d0-b81a-edbb2c5d3b0d The clients commissioning the UK's best new buildings – RIBA Client of the Year 2026 shortlist revealed The RIBA Client of the Year 2026 shortlist honours six clients for their transformative projects: York Minster – Two contemporary buildings forming a public engagement campus at the historic cathedral. British Land for Norton Folgate – Revitalisation of derelict sites into an office-led development in Spitalfields. Sadler's Wells & London Legacy Development Corporation – A new dance theatre and choreography school at Sadler’s Wells East. Redruth Revival CIC for The Buttermarket – Conversion of a historic market into a vibrant, accessible community hub in Cornwall. Brighton College – The Richard Cairns Building, a mixed-use performing arts and teaching facility. Natural History Museum, London – The Urban Nature Project, transforming the museum’s gardens into a living exhibition. These clients exemplify ambition and vision, delivering architecture that benefits users, communities, and visitors. The winner will be announced at the Stirling Prize ceremony on 15 October 2026. 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.

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