Can you handle a construction boom?

Construction activity is reportedly continuing to expand, including growth in residential works, new business and employment numbers. But under the weight of this expansion, the supply chain is beginning to buckle, with cracks showing in delivery times, product availability and rising costs.

Construction specifiers keen to ensure that their supply network is solid, product repertoire extensive and forecast knowledge accurate, won’t want to miss out on this year’s Build Show according to UK Construction Week. Visitors can access more than 10,000 products and over 650 exhibitors, alongside networking opportunities, an Innovation Trail, seminars, CPD sessions and more.

Live demonstrations will be featured such as virtual reality from Fischer Fixings; high-performance wireless power tools from Trumpf; and new wet and dry safety vacuum cleaners from Karcher.

With recent reports that the UK market for volumetric modular buildings is on the rise, there will be a dedicated Offsite section.

Discover the latest offsite solutions including: Containex’s temporary and permanent modular buildings, Fermacell’s energy efficient and eco-friendly building board; and Morland’s award-winning offsite fire doors.

Offsite design, research and development will be discussed in the Offsite Theatre supported by MPBA. Visitors can hear about hybrid concrete solutions, factory-built bathrooms and certification from The Concrete Centre, Offsite Solutions and Lucideon.

Offsite will join the other Build Show sections: Doors, Windows and Glass; Roofing, Cladding and Insulation; and Tools, Health and Safety, to showcase more than 100 product launches.

The BMF Pavilion provides specifiers with the opportunity to network and discover the latest products and technology. Industry forums, Q&A sessions, and a talk by two-time Olympic silver medallist, Steve Backley OBE, will also take place at the first-ever Young Merchant Conference.

Everyone involved in the construction supply chain can reportedly access valuable information that will help them to gain business, save time and reduce costs. The Regeneration Hub, sponsored by Easy-Trim, includes talks on making housing affordable, where we can build more homes, and whether self-build is the future of housing.

An Innovation Trail celebrates this year’s theme: the ‘Future of Construction’. The trail champions innovating and pioneering ideas, projects and products such as Soudal’s Soudabond Easy, which offers the equivalent of 50kg of adhesive plaster in one 750ml canister.

The Future of Construction Hub provides an immersive opportunity to discover digital construction, 3D printing, robotics, AI and AR and modern methods of construction. Coventry University is bringing its virtual reality simulator, used as part of its training for construction students, for visitors to experience.

Talented people in construction will be recognised by the newly established Role Models campaign, said to be inspiring others and raising awareness of the breadth of roles available in the construction industry.

Other highlights across UKCW include:

• A free CPD programme,
• REA Theatre and the Sustainability Hub;
• The Timber Focus Theatre supported by TRADA; and
• The Beer Festival sponsored by Velux.

Book free tickets and keep up to date with the latest information about exhibitors, product launches and speakers across UKCW via the website www.buildshow.com and on Twitter at @BuildShow or using the hashtag #BuildShow2018.