Construction output is reportedly on the rise again, but risks from the economic uncertainty around Brexit, post-Grenfell regulatory changes and the well-documented skills shortages in building trades are raising a lot of questions about the future for the construction industry.

That’s why the Build Show, sponsored by Easy-Trim, is aiming to give construction professionals the most well-informed, forward-looking predictions, innovations and insights they need, as part of the construction industry’s largest event UK Construction Week (UKCW) which returns to the NEC from 9 to 11 October this year.

Focusing on UKCW’s theme for 2018, the ‘Future of Construction’, the Build Show will feature the latest advancements in building products, policy and projects, all designed to help construction professionals stay up-to-date and one step ahead of their competitors.

Exhibitors include: Aggregate Industries, Combilift, Concrete Centre, Containex, Easy Trim Roofing and Construction, Finning Cat, Forticrete, G&B North West, Gripple, Hikoki, HP, Karcher, KwikFit, OM Group, Portakabin, Soprema, SPSenvirowall, Styrene Packaging & Insulation, Trade Point, Trimaco, and Xella.

Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, said:

“For most people working in the trades, finding the time to keep up to date with the latest products and sourcing the best deals while juggling work commitments feels impossible.

“That’s why the Build Show is always an unmissable event for specialist trades and general builders. It brings the latest products, ideas and manufacturers to one place and is broken down into specific sections to make the search easier. It’s a much-needed opportunity to be inspired and encouraged, to make deals, and to take away lots of new ideas and products to apply straight away.”

Jamie Govier, managing director of Build Show’s major sponsor, Easy-Trim Roofing and Construction Products, said:

“This year the Easy-Trim stand will take a glimpse into the future of British manufacturing. We have come a long way yet our journey has just begun. Join us on stand B610 to find out more.”

New for 2018 are four additional sections to the show, with more than 100 exclusive product launches planned in Offsite; Doors, Windows and Glass; Roofing, Cladding and Insulation; and Tools, Health and Safety.

The Offsite Theatre, supported by the Modular and Portable Building Association (MBPA), will offer sessions on all aspects of premanufacturing, volumetric and other types of offsite construction. With almost every volume housebuilder now actively exploring these methods of construction, it’s essential to understand the new opportunities that this presents.

The most innovative products will be on display throughout the Build Show via the Innovation Trail with the opportunity to talk to manufacturers about the solutions their products can offer. Companies being featured in this year’s Innovation Trail include: Addex Group, Fischer Fixings, Quinn Building Products, Rawlplug, Rockwool, Soudal, Styrene Packaging & Insulation and Velux.

The Regeneration Hub, sponsored by Easy-Trim, will explore the latest developments, trends, innovations and projects that are going to rejuvenate cities and towns across the UK, boost local communities, improve transportation links, and provide office spaces and housing. Experts speaking in the hub will include Jules Pipe, the GLA’s deputy mayor for planning, regeneration and skills; Tim Bloxham, director of Urban Splash; and Brian Berry, director of the Federation of Master Builders.

IEMA will also be holding its conference addressing sustainability on 10 October and after hearing from the experts, delegates will be able to meet environmentally-conscious manufacturers such as Kedel, a company that manufactures all its products from recycled plastic.

It will be the third year of the BMF Pavilion which will host the first BMF Young Merchants Conference on 11 October, with guest speaker Olympian Steve Backley OBE. The theme for the conference is ‘Building for the Future’ and fits in perfectly with the overall theme of this year’s UKCW. BMF members exhibiting at the show include: Danosa, Fibo, Intact, Kingspan, Marley Plumbing & Drainage, and Marsh Industries.

This year also sees the launch of the UKCW Role Models Campaign to champion the existing talent in the industry and to inspire the next generation.

Role models are taking part in an outreach programme, going to colleges and schools in the coming months to talk to students and teachers at key stages of their education to explain what inspired them to choose construction as a career and to bust any myths around the image of construction.

37 inspiring men and women have recently been shortlisted for this campaign, and the overall Role Model of the Year will be announced on 10 October.

Debates on major national and international construction issues will take place on the UKCW Stage. Speakers already confirmed include Phil Wilbraham, expansion programme director at Heathrow; Bridget Rosewell OBE, commissioner at the National Infrastructure Commission; Ben Derbyshire, RIBA president; and Ruth Davidson, National Housing Federation executive director.

Other benefits for visitors include an extensive programme of free CPD sessions, the Beer & Ale Festival, sponsored by Velux, with hot food and live entertainment, and a chance to celebrate with the Construction Enquirer Awards.

Last year was UKCW’s most successful yet with more than 30,000 trade visitors. This year is set to be even bigger with a forecast of 35,000 visitors.

90% of visitors to the Build Show say they are there to source new products and suppliers, 79% to network with suppliers and other visitors, and 76% to talk to product experts and exhibitors’ technical staff.

They included 3,771 professionals from architectural and design firms, more than 3,000 contractors and 7,651 housebuilders and developers.

If you want to share your latest product launch or service or just want a platform that gets you directly in front of your customers, there’s still a chance to grab an exhibitor spot. Register your interest via the Build Show Exhibitor page.

Free tickets for visitors are also available now available at www.buildshow.co.uk

Tickets also allow access to the other UK Construction Week shows: Building Tech Live, Timber Expo, Civils Expo, Surface & Materials Show, Plant & Machinery Live, HVAC 2018 and Energy 2018, as well as Grand Designs Live on 10 and 11 October.

Keep up to date with the latest information about exhibitors, product launches and speakers at the Build Show via the website www.buildshow.co.uk and on Twitter at @BuildShow or using the hashtag #BuildShow2018.