A well-documented Chartered Quantity Surveyor and unapologetic industry disruptor with a body of work now spanning 30years, Dr Bola Abisogun was awarded an OBE by the late HMQEII in 2018, for Services to Diversity and Young People in the construction industry. A strategic advisor on ‘digital twin’ solutions with a commercial bias, he continues to develop his subject matter expertise across a global portfolio of clients. Building upon his work delivered at the University of Cambridge / Centre for Digital Built Britain, he is the Sector Lead for Digital Skills at the Digital Twin Hub, hosted by Connected Places Catapult
Rachel Bell is an Architect and Director of Partnerships at Stride Treglown. Beyond her day job, Rachel supports numerous initiatives encouraging a more inclusive construction industry for the future. She is a mentor through the Mentoring Circle and a director for Women in Property limited. Rachel is also involved in Women’s empowerment trips, travelling with a purpose and will be back to Malawi in April 2024 leading the team. Rachel’s mantra is ‘Stand Tall’ something she supports and encourages everyone to do, to step up and out of their comfort zone. Check out the 3 seasons of the ‘Stand Tall’ podcast, https://stridetreglown.com/stand-tall-with-rachel-bell/
Brian Berry is the Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the largest trade association for SME building companies in the building industry. He is also a member of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC). Prior to his current position Brian was Director of External Affairs at the FMB. Before the FMB, Brian worked at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), where he was Head of UK Public Policy, and as a teacher at The Charterhouse Square School in central London. Brian is a Freeman of the City of London and a Director of the Tiverton Almshouse Trust. He regularly provides commentary on construction issues for the media.
Anna is Director of Policy and Public Affairs at The Housing Forum. She works to increase the housing sector’s voice to government and promote The Housing Forum and its reputation for industry insight. She also oversees The Housing Forum’s Councils Network. With a strong research and policy influencing background, Anna has a detailed understanding of UK housing policy and the housing sector. She previously worked at Cambridge University leading housing research projects for government, private and third sector bodies, and more recently leading research for Peabody. She is a member of the Housing Studies Association and ThinkHouse editorial panel.
Mark is a Partner leading CPC’s cost consultancy and project management division in London. He has over 30 years’ experience in delivering major projects in both private and public sectors and was previously a Partner at EC Harris and Davis Langdon. Mark has been involved in leading the delivery of award-winning projects in the commercial office, life sciences, residential and sports sectors with many decorated for innovation in their sustainability performance. CPC has achieved sustained growth in commercial office, retail, residential, education and infrastructure sectors over the last 4 years culminating in CPC winning Major Consultant Surveyor of the Year (over 100 staff) in the 2023 Building Awards and Project Manager of the Year (medium sized firm) at the 2023 Association of Project Management Awards.
Joanne is a Senior Director at Gleeds. She is Head of Health South UK and has over 23 years construction industry experience. Joanne has worked in a broad range of sectors including Local Authority, Commercial, Residential, Education and now specialises in the Healthcare built environment . 14 years of Joanne’s career has been spent supporting or working directly for the NHS – both Acute and Primary Care.
She is a highly respected Health and care advisor and brings first-hand experience including management, modelling and advisory of Trust Capital Projects, Capital Programmes, future year Capital pipeline planning, extensive Capital Business Case experience, Board and Regulator reporting, Estates Strategies, Master planning, Space Optimisation programmes, Investment Frameworks, Estates and Facilities Procedure and Process Management, Digital Strategies and roadmaps and stakeholder management. Joanne is an active speaker at Healthcare conferences and Women in Construction events and was a member of the New London Agenda Expert Health Panel during the 2023 season.
Joanne has a passion for Digital advancement and Smart buildings/ Smart data management, and she authored the article ‘How do we get the NHS from no CAFM to BIM?’ Joanne is also a Subject Matter Expert as part of an Ecosystem of providers that have come together to provide Smart building data solutions for the NHS from advisory and business case support to longer term interoperable software solution mapping. The ethos of the ecosystem is ‘If you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it’ (Lord Kelvin).
Katy is President and Chief Executive of Skanska UK. She is a thought leader in the digital and productivity transformation needed to drive forward construction. As an operational leader with a 35-year industry heritage, her pedigree is informing insights on the best way to develop construction know-how into practice. A keen advocate for inclusion and diversity, Katy champions the unique value of people to deliver this change and inclusive environments as the key to unlock their potential. She was the chair for the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) – an elected position – for eight years.
Karen Gidwani is a partner at construction specialist law firm Fenwick Elliott, where she advises on dispute resolution and avoidance for clients in the UK and worldwide. Her work includes advising on managing risk effectively in the course of complex construction and engineering projects, and regularly representing clients in litigation, international arbitration, mediation and adjudication.
Kay Hughes is the design director for Britain's largest infrastructure project HS2. Hughes has extensive experience working on major projects and has been part of the National Infrastructure Commission's design group, which aims to inspire, promote and champion design excellence in all nationally significant infrastructure projects. The aim of this approach is to produce infrastructure that has social value and responds creatively to the needs of people, places and the environment. She was also head of design and principal design adviser at the Olympic Delivery Authority for London 2012, senior project sponsor for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and design adviser for Sport England's major project team.
Ellie Jenkins is a Partner at the market-leading consultancy Akerlof, a certified B Corp specialising in providing advice to built environment clients on Environmental, Social and Governance, Modern Methods of Construction, and Cost. She has a background in sustainability and a commitment to delivering better outcomes. She previously served as the Director of Engagement and Communications at the Construction Innovation Hub, where she contributed to the rollout and implementation of significant sector policies, including the Construction Playbook. She also played a leading role in developing, testing, and engaging with the Government on the Value Toolkit.
Félicie is a director at Assael Architecture, having joined in 2000, and has been instrumental in the creative development of the practice, including co-leading the design review process and internal mentoring programme.
She has been pushing several research initiatives, including assisting with developing the RIBA Social Value Toolkit, and Build to Rent and ‘later living’ design research.
Félicie is also a Design Council Associate, a member of Croydon’s Design Review Panel and was one of the experts on Lord Heseltine’s National Estate Regeneration Panel. Félicie has recently been elected to serve on RIBA Council London region for a three-year term from September 2023.
Doris Lam is Project Director at Eco World London, with over 20 years’ experience in UK Real Estate market. Prior to joining Eco World London, she was Head of UK development at Chinese Estates, Project Director at Far East Consortium (FEC) and project manager at CK Hutchison. She has extensive experience working with Asian Overseas investors, combining her understanding of UK Real Estate’s market navigating the different working methods and cultural differences between UK and Asia to deliver sustainable projects where local communities can benefit while meeting investors’ objectives.
Liz Male MBE is founding director of LMC, a PR and communications consultancy that works with change-makers and thought leaders in construction, property and sustainability in the built environment. She is also chair of Trustees of the National Energy Foundation and a lay member of the Architects Registration Board. She was the independent chair of TrustMark until 2017 and undertook roles on the Construction Leadership Council and the implementation board of the Each Home Counts review to increase skills, competence and consumer protection in the retrofit sector. Liz was awarded MBE for services to construction and consumer protection.
John joined Bruntwood in 1992 after completing a Construction Management degree. He became a Chartered building surveyor in 1997 and a Board Director in 2004. At Bruntwood, John was responsible for major development projects, refurbishments, and ensuring investment buildings performed. In 2023, he joined Bruntwood SciTech as Chief Development Officer following a £500m equity injection. His role is to drive the growth of Bruntwood SciTech's UK-wide £5 Billion portfolio by 2032 through overseeing Building, Construction, and Development activities.
Flan McNamara is a seasoned construction director with extensive experience overseeing major development schemes in the UK capital. He previously led the construction of Renzo Piano's iconic Shard tower for Sellar. After troubleshooting projects like Manchester's Factory arts complex, McNamara has rejoined Sellar to spearhead upcoming schemes including the controversial Liverpool Street station redevelopment plan. His well-rounded background working for top developers and contractors like Multiplex and ISG makes him an accomplished authority in the industry.
Kamran Moazami is Executive Managing Director of WSP UK’s Property & Buildings business and is a member of both the UK Advisory Board and the UK Executive Leadership Team. Kamran has over 40 years of international experience in the USA, Middle East, China, and the UK. Kamran is responsible for the overall performance of this multidisciplinary SBU, setting business budget, strategic goals technical excellence, innovation and identifying areas of future growth.
Kamran opened the London office in 1989 and together with other directors has created one of the most successful and dynamic consultancy services in the UK responsible for iconic projects including The Shard, 22 Bishopsgate, and One Blackfriars. Kamran has been responsible for the design to completion of over 30 million square foot of building projects across the globe, many with innovative engineering solutions. He has authored and co-authored several engineering articles and was the winner of the 2013 IABSE Milne Medal.
Kamran received his BSCE and MSCE from Columbia University New York and gained his professional engineering license in New York. He is a Fellow of both the American Society of Civil Engineering and The Institution of Structural Engineers.
Robin Nicholson is a Fellow, Cullinan Studio, which he joined in 1979. He is Convenor of The Edge, the multi-disciplinary think-tank for the built and natural environment and chairs the Cambridgeshire Quality Panel. He is a member of the NHBC Foundation Expert Panel and is an Hon. Prof. at the University of Nottingham. Previously he was a Vice-President of the RIBA (1992-94), Chairman of the Construction Industry Council (1998-2000), a founder member of the Movement for Innovation Board (1998-2001), a CABE Commissioner (2002-10) and a Non-Executive Director of the NHBC (2007-14)
Iain co-founded alinea in 2013 and is now Head of London Cost Management for Turner & Townsend alinea, a 400 strong business unit. He has led many schemes across a range of sectors, but over the last 30 years has focused on the London commercial and mixed-use markets. Iain’s expertise is founded upon an impressive portfolio of projects, ranging from small fit-out works, through large mixed-use schemes and also global HQ buildings for large owner occupier corporate organisations, both in the UK and overseas.
Simon heads the Arcadis Strategic Research and Insight team. He has over 20 years’ experience in construction and built environment research and innovation. Simon’s special focus is on construction markets, pricing behaviour and risk. The Arcadis tender price forecast is used widely by UK developer clients. Simon’s clients include Crown Estates, Cadogan Estates, Land Securities and Muse.
Simon is also a well-known commentator in the construction industry. He has regularly contributed to Building magazine and other publications since 1995 and is an active speaker on the construction sector conference circuit.
Simon has been closely involved in a number of government initiatives to improve construction industry performance. Simon was a member of the UK Government BIM Task Group and has served on the Boards of the CIC and Construction Leadership Council.
Simon is presently a member of the CLC Advisory Council and sits on the Board of the RICS, where he has been appointed Chair of the global Knowledge and Practice Committee
Mark Robinson has enjoyed over 30 years in the public sector, starting his career as a YTS apprentice, spending 16 years in Local Government.
He progressed into roles including construction operations, strategic planning and corporate procurement, before moving into the housing sector where he set up an ALMO and became a Chief Executive aged 32.
In 2009, Mark was appointed CEO of SCAPE. Mark's leadership has taken SCAPE from a small design and procurement company, to a nationally recognised and market leading organisation for the public sector.
Today, SCAPE has over 1,600 live projects and commissions, valued at £6.5bn, and its frameworks are currently the most widely used across the UK. Mark champions smarter procurement and best practice in efficient construction.
He works closely with some of the biggest construction companies in the UK and leading industry bodies to help improve the built environment across the public estate.
Mark is also a Trustee and Board Director of UKGBC (The UK Green Building Council) and a Board Director of Build UK.
Jackie Sadek has 40 years’ experience in property, specializing in public-private sector partnerships. A former Specialist Adviser to Government on urban regeneration, Jackie now runs Urban Strategy, an urban regeneration consultancy.
She was part of the Grimsey Review team on the future of the high street and is an honorary Fellow of the Association of Chief Estates Surveyors. She is co-author (with Peter Bill) of “Broken Homes”. Jackie is chair of the EG Public Sector Forum. She is also chair of the UK Innovation Corridor, a bottom-up partnership of 15+ local authorities, six universities and hundreds of innovation and science companies in the London-Stansted-Cambridge sub region.
Scott's role is centered on technical design, design management, and BIM. He is passionate about quality, integrated working, and building technology. Leading a dedicated and experienced team, Scott oversees the production of construction documentation for PRP's projects in the UK. With extensive experience in UK housing, including high-rise residential, estate regeneration, refurbishment, mixed-use, and exemplary sustainable design, Scott chairs PRP’s Technical Design and BIM Steering Groups and is part of the Fire Safety Core Group.
Having recently worked for Lloyd’s of London Veronica, has also worked for large blue chip companies, such as Transport for London, Yorkshire Water and the Olympic Development Authority. As well as large real estate organisations, such as CBRE, JLL and Cushman and Wakefield. Veronica is a Chartered Manager, as well as a member of the Association of Project Manager, she is highly accomplished senior executive with 37 years extensive experience, operating at board level in a variety of roles within a number of complex organisations.
A seasoned executive with a successful record of transformational change, that has delivered and improved business performance. Particular strengthens in strategy, culture change, and performance improvement. An analytical thinker who demonstrates flexibility, adaptability and drive. Her motivational leadership style has allowed her to motivate colleagues to deliver excellent results, whilst maintaining an environment based on honest, trust and professional integrity. In addition, to this, her sensitivity of managing stakeholders, demonstrates her clear understanding of values.
Dr Neal Shasore is Head of School and Chief Executive Officer of the London School of Architecture. He joined the school following positions at the RIBA, the University of Westminster, the University of Liverpool, and the University of Oxford. He is particularly passionate about diversifying architectural education, heritage and practice. An architectural historian by training, his research and writing has primarily focused on architectural culture in Britain and the Empire in the first half of the 20th century. He is a Trustee of the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Twentieth Century (C20) Society.
Lynne Sullivan is an Architect, now a design consultant and Visiting Professor, and is a Design Advisor for RIBA Competitions, the Design Council, and for local and national Design Commissions and Review Panels. She chaired RIBA’s Sustainable Futures Committee 2014-2017 and was RIBA Climate Change Ambassador for COP21 Paris; she is a Board member of several key industry organisations, as well as authoring and chairing research projects and policy advice on the sustainable built environment. Lynne leads the Buildings Mission 2030 Taskgroup for CLC’s Green Construction Board, Chairs the Jersey Architecture Commission, the Good Homes Alliance and co-founder and Chair of the 2023 National Retrofit Hub.
Trudi is the UK & Europe Lead for Industrialised Design & Construction at Mott MacDonald, where a rapidly growing team is delivering integrated utilisation of industrialisation, DfMA, MMC, and platform approaches to unlock greater social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
She has had an eclectic career working across a broad range of industries, but with a common theme of engaging with leaders - from SMEs to multi-nationals and government departments - to tackle challenges and support transformation.
Prior to joining Mott MacDonald, Trudi spent 4 years as a director of the Construction Innovation Hub, working with government and industry to develop tools and approaches that enable improved productivity, performance, and resilience - including overseeing the production of the Product Platform Rulebook and the Value of Platforms report.
She now champions the adoption and deployment of these approaches to support the efficient delivery of a more sustainable built environment.
Gauri, a Co-Founder of Iolas Capital, leads the helm as CEO at FHP ESS, a Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Consultancy within the Iolas Capital Group. Her journey began as a Chartered Engineer in Mumbai, followed by a London stint for a Management Masters. She steered construction endeavours, elevating brands like White Stuff and Hugo Boss. Shifting gears, she consulted for esteemed names like Godiva, while advocating for diversity in her industry. Gauri champions inclusivity through mentorship, school engagements, and her podcast, 'The Business of Building.' Beyond boardrooms, she paints, dances, and cherishes family weekends with her husband and budding scientist son.
Martha Tsigkari is a Senior Partner and Head of the Applied R+D (ARD) group at Foster + Partners. Her background spans architecture, engineering, and computer science. She has two decades of experience working in projects of all scales and uses. Her work incorporates computational design, human-computer interaction, machine learning, and optimisation. She has investigated the usage of deep neural networks and genetic algorithms in the design process, aiming to solve problems ranging from passively actuated micromaterials to performance-driven urban layouts. She is also an Associate Professor at the Bartlett, UCL and has lectured and published on the subject of computational design internationally.
Jo Wright is Managing Director, Principal, at Perkins&Will. She brings a breadth of knowledge of the UK market with over 30 years of experience and previously director of architecture UKMEA at Arup and a partner at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. She has lead the design and delivery of projects across a wide range of scales and sectors, including commercial offices, hospitality, culture, higher education, healthcare, and urban design.