Delegates at the CIOB’s International Inspiring Construction conference will be among the first to see “Building Tomorrow”, a special co-production between the CIOB and ITN Productions.
A 15-minute abridged version of the full 90-minute programme will be screened midway through the conference, after which the full version will be available on the CIOB website, where it can be viewed and shared.
“Building Tomorrow” examines today’s industry with a focus on the shifting trends that will take the industry forward into a more technologised and digital era.
The film aims to showcase the breadth and depth of the industry’s contribution to life in the UK, with broadcast-quality production values.
It is introduced by CIOB chief executive Chris Blythe with national newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, who also hosted ceremonies at this year’s CMYA event in October.
A total of 20 organisations have partnered with the CIOB to produce the landmark programme, including Willmott Dixon Energy Services; Autodesk, and the British Ceramic Tile Association.
In each of the 20, four-minute segments, a national news reporter visits a location to find out more about the subject, investigating background issues and interviewing partners’ expert commentators.
The collaboration with ITN Productions has also resulted in five shorter films, examining the links between the construction industry and the military; women’s careers in the industry; innovations and new technologies.
In the fourth film, dedicated to Minecraft, Ian Eggers, former managing director of Mace and now an independent development consultant, talks to young Minecraft enthusiasts about taking their passion into a career in construction.
ITN Productions’ UK head of industry news Simon Shelley, said: “We’re excited to embark on this project to engage with and inform professionals from the industry.”
Vox pop: what’s on the agenda at the conference?
Ahead of the CIOB’s International Inspiring Construction conference, we asked four of the speakers for a preview of the insights they’ll be sharing:
Dr Jianxi Cheng, Wanda One UK
The UK is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for Chinese investors, for its well established regulation system and yet pragmatic and flexible approaches to foreign investment. I will discuss how UK and Chinese companies can work together so that mutual benefits and ultimately investment success can be achieved.
I will also reveal how to overcome small cultural differences, such as managing a meeting, strategic decision-making and forming the right partnerships.
Arnaud Bekaert, managing director (Construction London), Bouygues UK
I will be sharing our experiences and talking about Bouygues UK’s journey as a company that started out here in the UK some 20 years ago, working on PFI and BSF schemes initially, largely within London, to one that is now working on over 100 projects, delivering high-quality housing, commercial, construction and regeneration schemes up and down the country; from Birmingham to Brighton and Southampton to Swansea.
Thomas Wilson, partner, Squire Patton Boggs
The Middle East is a region experiencing both unprecedented turmoil and unprecedented demand for construction services.
A fast-growing population and ever-expanding infrastructure needs are pitted against sustained
low oil prices and political uncertainty. Navigating the cross-currents of this dynamic market has never been more difficult.
At the conference I look forward to providing market insights based on my eight years as a construction lawyer in the region and to discussing strategies for success in this always challenging yet rewarding construction market.
Munish Datta, head of property, Plan A and offices FM at Marks & Spencer
With the launch of Plan A in 2007, Marks & Spencer set itself the ambitious target of becoming the world’s most sustainable retailer. I’ll be describing the evolution of our strategy and processes over the past eight years, and the steps that we have taken to achieve a cultural shift, both internally and with our construction partners.
I’ll also discuss the new M&S property ethical auditing policy for our UK-based Tier 1 contractors, which will ultimately benefit the entire supply chain.
The International Inspiring Construction conferemce takes place on 24 November at the QEII Conference Centre, London. To book a place at the conference, or the accompanying CPD stream, please visit inspiring.ciob.org
