UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK CELEBRATES A SUCCESSFUL RETURN TO BIRMINGHAM'S NEC
UK Construction Week Birmingham 2024 once again proved to be a key highlight in the industry calendar. After months of anticipation, the UK’s largest event for the built environment returned to Birmingham’s NEC, attracting over 20,000 visitors across three days.
The event showcased cutting-edge products, two exclusive show launches—‘Onsite On Hire’ and the ‘Roofing, Cladding, Insulation Expo’—along with a diverse array of international exhibitors and a prestigious line-up of speakers. With so many exciting features, UK Construction Week continues to be the ultimate destination for construction professionals.
The event kicked off with an exciting opening by George Clarke, Architect and TV presenter, and continued to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals for a few unforgettable days of networking, inspiration, and groundbreaking ideas.
From keynote addresses by Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, and Mark Reynolds, CEO of Mace, to the showcase of innovative products and solutions on the exhibitor stands, the energy was electric.
Featuring six shows under one roof - Infrastructure, Roofing Cladding and Insulation Expo (RCI Expo), Build X, Net Zero, Digital Construction, and Onsite On Hire, UKCW Birmingham was sponsored and supported by some of the industry’s biggest names, including MERS, HotelPlanner, Reconomy, Build Warranty & The Hire Exchange.
A major highlight of the event was the Role Models ceremony on the opening day, celebrating the unsung heroes of the construction industry. Now in its seventh year, the campaign introduced three new categories—Rising Star, Pioneer, and Icon—shining a spotlight on diverse talent across the sector.
The three winners are:
Rising Star - Bethany Collins from BPS Builders Merchants (Building & Plumbing Supplies Ltd). Since joining the LEAP apprenticeship in 2022, she has swiftly advanced to Area Support Manager, inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.
Pioneer - James Brown, Head of Digital Manufacturing at Prodtex. As a true innovator, he drives digital transformation and helps companies embrace technologies like BIM and offsite construction.
Icon - Paula McMahon, Chartered Civil Engineer at Sir Robert McAlpine. As Lead Engineer for Hinkley Point, she passionately champions sustainability and empowers professionals through her roles with ICE and WES.
But that’s not all. Each year, the UK Construction Week team strolls through the show, impressed by the increasingly impressive stands and discreetly selecting the most outstanding ones.
Congratulations for the following exhibitors for grabbing this year’s Stand Awards in Birmingham:
Sustainability Initiative Award- Enterprise Estonia (Trade with Estonia)
Best Space Only Stand - Reader Cement Products
Most Interactive Stand - Saint-Gobain
Best Shell Scheme Stand - Xylem Water Solutions
With this year’s theme of ‘Growth,’ UK Construction Week Birmingham reaffirms its commitment to every facet of the construction industry by launching two brand-new shows. Showcasing the very best tools, compact plant and equipment, Onsite On Hire made its debut in Birmingham.
Also made its first appearance at the Birmingham event was the Roofing, Cladding and Insulation Expo, displaying some of the biggest names from the roofing industry, including Insulfix, Easy-Trim, Frénéhard, SIG and Bové.
There were so many exciting products on offer at UK Construction Week Birmingham, with networking in full swing, seminar hubs buzzing, and incredible crowds throughout the three-day celebration of the construction industry.
Sam Patel, Divisional Director – Construction, said after the show: “It’s been another incredible UK Construction Week; the new Onsite On Hire and RCI features have been really well received, and the feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike has been great. Deals have been done, new contacts made and plenty of knowledge learned through our myriad talks and panel discussions.”
In 2025, we’re ready to take a multi award-winning show to new heights with the latest additions in safety gear, construction clothing, and footwear at the exclusive launch of Workwear & PPE Live. Making its grand debut at ExCeL London from 7-9, alongside the Stone Show & Hard Surfaces, this event promises to elevate your construction insights to the next level.
Registration is now open.