Thought Leaders Blogs

Thought Leaders in Construction share their insights and discuss the challenges in the sector.

Lee Davies, Director, Architect, Masterplanner and Conservation Architect at HNW Architects.

Unlocking the potential of the Past: Imaginative Reuse of Existing Buildings 

Lee is a RIBA accredited Conservation Architect and takes a progressive approach to conservation and adaptive reuse of existing buildings. In this thought piece, Lee discusses the tensions between creating new buildings and retrofitting existing ones, emphasising the increasing shift towards creative reuse of existing buildings and the benefits they can bring, balancing innovation and environmental sustainability, with a glimpse to the future.


Sarra Hawes, Company director at Hawes Construction Group. 

Promoting inclusion and allyship in construction 

Sarra shares what allyship really means to her, and how she actively ensures she’s living her inclusive values – leading by example to those around her. It’s easy to say you’re an inclusive business. Yet what does that truly mean in practice? Many organisations and leaders claim they champion others with inclusive practices, announcing themselves as allies for oft-marginalised or underrepresented groups in their sector.





Keith Heard, Commercial Manager & Category Development at Hampshire County Council, Leader at Southern Construction Framework, Chair at National Association of Construction Frameworks

Keith Heard's reflection on 44 years

Keith is a Chartered Civil Engineer with experience in procurement, design, delivery and commissioning of building and civil engineering projects. In a career of over forty years in the construction industry, Keith has worked for contractors, construction managers, project managers, private client bodies, and latterly in local government.

 Keith dives into the last 44 years and provides his insights and experiences....



Richard Gibbons, Head of Process Sustainability and Compliance at Knauf UK & Ireland

Embracing ESG for a sustainable future: nurturing change across the built environment

The construction industry has long been at the forefront of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations. As the UK's largest sector, it's imperative we set the standard for ESG best practices.
 
Richard Gibbons, Head of Process Sustainability and Compliance at Knauf UK & Ireland, shares insights on ESG's importance for construction companies in this Thought Leadership blog: "Sustainable business practices are synonymous with long-term prosperity. By adhering to governance standards, ensuring transparency and accountability, and fostering collaboration across supply chains, companies are building more resilient business models."


Simon Newton,  Joint Managing Director at Darke & Taylor

The Importance of SMEs in Construction

As a sector, do we give enough credit to SMEs? For instance, SMEs bear very similar economic challenges as Tier 1 contractors but with fewer resources and less financial security? Do we do enough to enable them to succeed in the ever-changing economic and legislative environments?

Simon Newton, SECBE Board member and Joint Managing Director at Darke & Taylor, delves into the issues SMEs face and provides valuable guidance for SMEs on how to survive and thrive. Simon also looks further and calls on the sector to support SMEs.


Karine Bartle, Head of Development for Infrastructure Logistics at Wincanton

The Crucial Role of Logistics in Construction Projects – how good are yours?

With costs of logistics estimated to be up to 6% of total project costs (EY 2022) coupled with the inherent risk of poor logistics (delays, changes, penalties, injury etc.) is there a need to focus more of our attention on good logistics? 

In her blog, Karine Bartle, SECBE Board member and Head of Development for Infrastructure Logistics at Wincanton, reveals that getting logistics right isn't just about moving construction materials — it supports all project’s efforts, innovations, and success. 



Keith Heard, Chairman of the National Association of Construction Frameworks

Redefining Collaboration

Keith Heard, SECBE board member and Chairman of the National Association of Construction Frameworks, shares his insights on Integration and Collaborative Working in construction.

Keith, SECBE and NACF totally believe true collaboration and integration by all project partners consistently delivers greater and sustained success for all than any other approach - and it's far more enjoyable for all.

Here's what he says.....


Ellie Carswell, Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis

The Skills Crisis: How Can We Overcome It? 

Ellie Carswell, the winner of the Constructing Excellence SECBE G4C Future Leader Award in 2022, joined the SECBE Board to contribute to the organisation’s vision of fostering a supportive environment for new talents in the sector. Not only is she an accomplished professional but also an advocate of the diverse range of opportunities within the construction industry on a mission to inspire the next generation of construction professionals.

Explore Ellie's vision as she discusses nurturing new talents to close the gap, the values of Generation Z, and potential solutions.


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Recent Blog Posts

Promoting Inclusion and Allyship in Construction
16 October 2024
Company director at Hawes Construction Group, Sarra Hawes, shares what allyship really means to her
Read More