Actions Not Words: How Will We Deliver the Quality Built Environment We Deserve?
On Wednesday 21st January 2026, we welcomed members, partners and industry leaders to our annual conference, Actions Not Words—a day dedicated to exploring the practical steps we can take now to turn ambition into meaningful progress and shape a better future for our industry.
The event was incredibly well received, offering a valuable space for delegates to connect, exchange insights and celebrate the passion, innovation and commitment to improvement that is driving real change across the built environment. Thank you to everyone who joined us. We hope the conversations and ideas shared throughout the day will inspire you to keep pushing forward—focusing not just on what needs to change, but on the actions we can take together to make that change happen.
Find a copy of the Conference Programme here.
Speakers
We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Conference for taking the time out of their busy schedules to come along and share their views.
Host
In Conversation with Ian Shapiro and Fergus Harradence
Panel 1: How do we define what we want?
Panel 2: How do we set up for success?
Keynote Speech
Panel 3: How do we deliver that success?
Panels and Speeches
During the event we held 3 panels, 1 keynote speech and 1 conversation session exploring different aspects of the day’s theme, ‘Actions Not Words’.
Key Points of Discussion
In Conversation: Ian Shapiro and Fergus Harradence
This discussion highlighted the construction sector’s huge untapped potential and the need for faster progress on government reforms, particularly around planning, skills and regulation.
The importance of rebuilding confidence, improving digital adoption and strengthening information flows to boost productivity was emphasised and call was made for a more positive industry narrative to showcase the innovation and sustainability already driving change.
Panel 1: How do we define what we want?
This panel focused on the importance of clearly defining project outcomes from the very start, using established standards and evidence to guide clients in shaping what they truly need.
Panellists highlighted the value of early supply chain engagement, transparent budgeting and outcome‑based briefs to ensure clarity throughout procurement and delivery. Social value was a recurring theme, with a call for it to be embedded meaningfully rather than treated as a tick‑box exercise.
Panel 2: How do we set up for success?
The second panel explored what’s needed to set projects up for success, emphasising the growing pressures of climate change, resource scarcity and supply chain uncertainty.
Speakers highlighted the importance of early collaboration, digital planning, modularisation and stronger data practices to reduce waste and increase efficiency. They also stressed the need for cultural change—embracing whole‑life thinking, supporting clients through frameworks, and empowering the next generation to drive lasting improvement.
Keynote Speech
The keynote from Melissa Zanocco set out a long‑term vision for a more integrated, standardised and digitally enabled construction ecosystem. She highlighted the need for shared rules, stronger data flows and a “kit of parts” approach to improve productivity, safety and repeatability across the sector. Crucially, Melissa emphasised that the foundations already exist—what’s needed now is a coordinated, scalable, industry‑wide effort to bring these elements together.
Panel 3: How do we deliver that success?
The final panel focused on what it really takes to deliver success, emphasising the need for clear definitions of project outcomes, early and meaningful supply chain involvement, and simple, accessible digital tools that support teams on the ground.
Speakers highlighted the importance of transparency, single‑source data and trust‑based collaboration to avoid duplication and drive certainty. The panel also stressed the need to attract and retain new talent by embracing innovation, sharing success stories and creating a more modern, inclusive and engaging industry culture.
CCLG Joins Constructing Excellence
We were also thrilled to make an announcement at the conference that, from 1 April 2026, the Construction Clients Leadership Group (CCLG) will become part of Constructing Excellence (CE).
Read more about this move here.
Appreciation
Finally we offer our thanks to our sponsors, exhibitors and partners for joining us in making this event such a success- their support is highly appreciated.
Headline Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Exhibitors and Partners
