Construction Disrupted Episode 133 - UK Construction: A Great Idea, Poorly Executed? (16.09.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check out Adobe Acrobats NEW Interactive Report feature and turn static documents into insightful, engaging reports.In this episode, we're discussing the quiet end of a government initiative that has some of us fuming, the urgent need for productivity as a core delivery strategy, and why retaining older workers is vital for the industry's future. Let's go!Construction champion role quietly scrappedThe UK government's construction champion role, once seen as a promising initiative, has been quietly discontinued. According to former champion Mike Reader, the scheme was "a great idea, poorly executed." Its removal reflects ongoing challenges in government-led industry interventions and raises questions about how the sector will now address leadership and advocacy at a national level. The lack of clear communication around the decision has left many in the industry uncertain about future government engagement and support.Why construction productivity has to become a delivery strategy, not another industry talking pointDespite decades of analysis, UK construction productivity remains stagnant—20% lower than in the 1970s, with only a 1% improvement since 1997. The Mace Construct "Build Smart, Build Better" report highlights that productivity gains are driven by early design maturity, stable workforces, supply chain integration, and industrialised methods.Workforce churn alone costs the sector £1.3bn annually. The report urges that productivity must be embedded as a delivery metric, not just discussed. Standardising processes, involving contractors early, and measuring performance can unlock billions in value and help deliver the UK's ambitious infrastructure pipeline with fewer resources.Retention of older workers vital for construction productivityWith over 140,000 vacancies and a projected need for 60,000 new workers annually, the construction sector faces a workforce crisis. Older workers (50+) now make up a third of the workforce, but many leave early due to the physical demands and health issues. Retaining these experienced workers is crucial for productivity, quality, and safety.The Centre for Ageing Better advocates for age-friendly employer practices and government action to support longer working lives. Keeping older workers engaged can reduce errors, improve mentoring, and ensure knowledge transfer, all of which are essential for meeting future construction demands.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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