Construction National

Magazine, Online Directory and Web Design Service

Mon16032026

Last updateFri, 06 Mar 2026 9am

North England Build 2016 opens its doors

Yesterday saw the launch of North England Build Expo, an event that has already cemented itself as the leading construction event for the Northern Powerhouse. The organisers said: "We've had a great turnout today and have been overwhelmed with the feedback."

The show is focusing on construction projects and developments in the north and is a great chance to create new business connections and network with industry professionals across the UK. The event featured the major contractors, suppliers, architects, developers and many more construction industry professionals from across the region. 

Whether you are looking to meet with major contractors such as Mace, Kier or Balfour Beatty to discuss the latest tender opportunities or if you're sourcing new products or services for your next project from the likes of Flowcrete, ICB or Bachy Soletanche, North England Build is the place for all of your construction industry requirements.

News over recent times has focused on the skills shortage within the industry which is putting the breaks on growth within the sector resulting in a number of companies having to turn down contracts. To address this, visitors will now also benefit from the go-to place to find the future of construction at the North England Build Skills Hub. 

With the current skills shortage an undeniable cause for concern, North England Build is launching the skills hub. This zone brings together some of the UK's leading universities, associations and talent procurement experts working within the construction industry, to provide an area for you to learn about the latest training and employment opportunities in the north of England. You'll also be able to meet with leading construction companies looking to source new talent and allowing your company to capitalise on the booming construction sector in the north of England.

Alongside the exhibition and networking opportunities there are be 2 days of fantastic conference sessions. Topics include “the Northern Powerhouse”, “Affordable Housing”, “Addressing the Skills Shortage”, and “Financing SMEs”, as well as a number of case studies on large scale projects across the north of England. 

You can also benefit from 22 CPD accredited across 4 streams: Building Solutions, Materials & Sustainable Building; Safety, Security & Building Regulation; Marketing Tools, Business Skills & Innovation; and Architecture, Design & BIM.

Opening the conference, Dr. David Hancock, Head of Construction at the Cabinet Office, examined the government's 2025 construction strategy outlined by the previous government and updated earlier this year.

Lead Event Partner, The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), will be hosting an afternoon discussion on project management, which will discuss previous challenges faced on-site and how they were overcome, as well as a look to the future of project management.

Chris Chivers CIOB President, who will also be chairing a panel discussion at the event, said: “North England Build is set to showcase why there is about to be a better balance between the rate of growth in the South East and the North in the near future. It is no coincidence that construction employers,  educationalists and recruiters will be mixing together to discuss the employment opportunities that will come as a result.  Chartered professionals like CIOB members will have a key role to play and we look forward to taking the message of professionalism into the Expo.”

Both days will also see an extensive range of networking and fantastic entertainment, including a fantastic prize giveaway. Prizes such as Man City VIP tickets, a Specialized Mountain Bike, Samsung 40 inch TV and sound system, Helicopter ride for two, tickets to the London Construction Awards featuring Al Murray and tickets to The Comedy Store Manchester!

North England Build is lining up to be the most important meeting of construction industry figureheads, presenting countless opportunities for networking and business development. The conference sessions, training workshops and exhibition are completely free to attend, so sign up today at www.northenglandbuildexpo.com to ensure that you don’t miss out!