This is a guest blog post from Bethany Holroyd. She is an accomplished health and safety leader, dedicated to improving conversations around safety, particularly in the Construction industry.
This week, I had the pleasure of attending the UKI Construction Dinner in the heart of Soho, London. I was in great company, joined by leaders from top construction firms, where we talked about some of the biggest challenges facing our industry today. Between courses, we covered everything from streamlining workflows, to bridging gaps in safety communication within a heavily regulated environment. Here’s a quick recap of our key discussions.
Unifying Project Data and Workforce Communication
One of the biggest challenges that came up is centralising data and communication across project teams, especially when multiple subcontractors are involved. With so many systems in place, data and processes often become siloed, frequent shifts between digital and paper-based communication that slows progress down. Leaders agreed that a more integrated digital approach could be a game-changer, allowing for better information flow and more seamless collaboration from contractors to clients.
Unlocking Project Efficiency Through Real-Time Data
Access to real-time project data is critical. We spoke about the frustration of projects having multiple ‘sources of truth’ and how draining this can be when it distracts you from your day-to-day focus. Imagine if every department had the right information at the right time, even across different programs. They highlighted a need for systems that could ‘talk to each other’ providing timely, accurate information and how this could lead to fewer delays and positively impact the bottom line.
Enhancing Compliance with Safety Standards
Compliance is a hot topic for us all considering regulations like the Building Safety Act (2022). We explored how consistent communication with internal teams and subcontractors is a key priority. With retrofitting projects becoming more common, leaders highlighted the challenge of updating older buildings to meet new safety standards. We agreed on the need for tools that make compliance tracking and communication more seamless across contractor networks, whilst making sure this information is accessible to those who need it.
Bridging the Skills Gap & Preserving Industry Knowledge
As many of us are well aware, the sector faces a growing skills shortage on the back of an aging workforce, so how can we ensure that their knowledge and skills be passed onto the next generation? This was a key discussion point as the group discussed how digital tools could capture and preserve essential trade knowledge, bridge this gap to retain critical skills within the industry whilst acknowledging the need for empathy and support when engaging with those who may find technology daunting.
Boosting Industry Diversity & Attracting Talent
It was so inspiring to be amongst a group of people who shared my passion for making construction more inclusive and appealing, especially for women and underrepresented groups. Improving the industry’s image and highlighting the wide range of opportunities available were seen as key steps to attracting a broader talent pool. By attracting a more diverse workforce, we introduce a wider range of perspectives to the industry.
Overall, the evening was filled with engaging discussions and delicious food, and leaders shared their unique perspectives on data integration, compliance, diversity and knowledge retention. Events like these highlight the importance of adopting agile digital solutions to bridge communication gaps and support industry-wide compliance. When we come together like this, we see just how impactful shared insights and innovative thinking can help us all to navigate the ever-changing industry landscape.
