UK Construction Week 2017 provides a vital boost of optimism and record attendance

UK Construction Week closed its doors last week on its most successful outing in its three year history, with a record 33,697 construction professionals attending over three packed days of business, networking, discussion and celebration. The increased attendance represents an 11% increase year on year, proving that a large scale construction event for the whole sector is needed for this vital part of the UK economy.

UK Construction Week 2017 provided an opportunity for construction firms of all sizes to gain competitive advantage, as well as learn how to deal with BREXIT, seize the advantages offered by modern methods of construction and how we all tackle the skills shortage. These debates were held in front of the nation’s media including BBC Breakfast, ITN, Sky News and regional news outlets, bringing construction front and centre of national debate.

Nathan Garnett, Event Director for UK Construction week commented “This was a big year for UK Construction Week. It was only our third year, but to get an 11% uplift in attendees is a real stamp of approval that we are delivering the kind of innovative, forward thinking, national event that brings the whole sector together. It has proven itself as the place to meet and do business, and look at how we tackle the enormous challenges to come in the years ahead. It is also a massive celebration, with thousands of professionals attending a variety of awards over the three days.”

Mark Farmer, author of the landmark Modernise or Die report spoke at the event and said “UK Construction Week brings together a massive cross section of the construction industry so not to be here would be a lost opportunity”.

Visitor feedback has been phenomenally positive, with innovation and solutions provided by over 650 exhibitors: “Regulations are changing all the time, and a lot of the guys here have solutions we need to know about so, this is a one stop opportunity to meet all of those people” Russell Shellard, Managing Director of Bramdean Construction.

Key industry brands have commented on the events success, and a large number of them have already confirmed their return for 2018.

James Fairclough, Head of Marketing for CEMEX said “We have had another great year at UKCW talking to many new and existing customers. We felt it was a perfect event to launch our new ‘neogem’ aggregates range which received a massive amount of interest. We have already booked for 2018 and are looking forward to yet another successful event next year!”

“UK Construction Week is more than a trade show; it’s where you do business. First time exhibitor but what a successful week we had!” Katrina Gates, Client Engagement Director, TLC.eu

Companies who have already made their commitment to UK Construction Week 2018 and the 9 dedicated events within it include Rockwool, CAT, Velux, G2 Energy, Steico, Fundermax, and Lumineux. The number of companies stating their commitment to UKCW in the week after has quadrupled year on year

The amount of press surrounding this year’s event also meant the visitors were coming from further afield, shining a spotlight on UK companies. “The show brought a high quality, broad spectrum of customers from all areas including London, home counties, North East, Midlands, Ireland, Middle East and even the Seychelles.” commented Surfaces & Materials exhibitor, John Barham from Barham & Sons.

The plethora of partners to UK Construction Week gives it the ability to bring everyone together. Lead partner for Timber Expo, TRADA comments: “The Media 10 team are very passionate about Timber Expo, as they are for UK Construction Week and all their other shows. It was great to see plenty of engaging stands and features this year.  I encourage every company selling wood-based solutions and products to pull together, get involved and help make the ‘timber pie’ bigger.” Rupert Scott, Membership and Marketing Manager, TRADA.

Plans are already well underway for the 2018 event with a large amount of space already committed to by exhibitors and a number of new innovative features and events planned, next year promises to be even bigger and better for UK Construction Week.

UK Construction Week 2018 is set to take place from 9 – 11 October, please visit www.ukconstructionweek.com   for more information.

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