UK&I QS & Construction Conference 2026

• 09:00–09:10: Welcome and opening remarks
  • Jeevani Subasinghe MRICS, Programme Lead, Transport for London
     
• 09:10–09:55: Opening Keynote: An economic outlook for construction & infrastructure
  • A forward-looking analysis of the economic landscape shaping UK construction. This session will examine inflation trends, supply chain volatility, labour pressures, interest rates, and the future pipeline for infrastructure and development. Delegates will gain insight into market confidence, investment patterns, and the factors likely to influence commercial decision making over the next 12 months.
  • Keynote: Gareth Harrison, Agent, North East, Bank of England
     
• 09:55–10:05: Break
  
  
• 10:05–10:50: Infrastructure spotlight: lessons from The Thames Tideway Tunnel
  • This session will explore the defining features that enabled the programme to deliver at scale, at pace, and with a legacy that extends well beyond its physical footprint. It will examine the innovative commercial, technical and organisational approaches that underpinned success, and reflect on what they reveal about delivering mega‑programmes on time, on budget, and with long‑term value embedded from the outset.

It will cover:

• Innovative finance model: how the project’s funding structure embedded value creation from the start and set a precedent for future privately financed infrastructure
• Innovative operating and contracting model: a “thin client” approach supported by a multidisciplinary integrator and a single professional services provider, working alongside a small number of construction partners contractually incentivised to deliver in line with client needs.
• Minimised design change: achieving only a handful of design changes across the entire programme — exploring the cultural, technical and governance mechanisms that made this possible.
• Delivering mega‑programmes to time and budget: reflections on the critical drivers of success, and what differentiates programmes that meet their commitments from the many that do not.
• Sustainability legacy: a holistic view of Social, Economic, Environmental and Industry outcomes, and how these were embedded into programme strategy and delivery.
  
  • Stuart Grant, Director of Asset Management and Operations, Tideway London
  • Megan Hembrow MRICS, Senior Manager, Tideway London
     
• 10:50–11:00: Break
  
  
• 11:00–11:45: Navigating the future of information management in surveying
  • As the industry shifts from a BIM‑centric mindset to a broader, more strategic approach to information management, this session explores why surveying professionals must rethink how data is created, structured and used. We will examine how updated government and industry standards are reshaping expectations, and how strong information‑management practices form the essential foundation for effective AI and digital tools.
  • The session will also highlight the wider impacts of better data, from reducing insurance risk to improving decision‑making in building surveying and discuss the growing economic value being placed on data across the construction sector. With quantity surveyors increasingly central to this evolution, the session will outline the cultural, technical and process changes needed to unlock the full benefits of digital transformation.
  • Shahida Rajabdeen MRICS, BIM Manager, Director, AtkinsRéalis
     
• 11:45–11:55: Break
  
  
• 11:55–12:40: Breakout Sessions
  
  
• Stream A: Contractors under pressure: navigating risk, regulation and reinvention
  • This session brings together leading voices from across the contracting sector to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping 2026. Speakers will examine the impact of the supply chain fragility, cost volatility, and the shift toward net zero construction. They will also discuss how digital tools, new delivery models, and improved commercial governance can help contractors adapt and thrive.

Key topics will include:

• The collapse of new orders and what it means for forecasting and commercial strategy
• Rising contractor insolvencies and how QSs/PMs can strengthen supply chain resilience
• Navigating the Building Safety Act and new regulatory gateways
• Integrating sustainability and embodied carbon into cost and programme planning
  • Moderator: Natasha Orange MRICS, Project Director, Turner & Townsend
  • Stacey Price FRICS, Senior Commercial Manager, Laing O'Rourke
     
• Stream B: Private finance in infrastructure: new models, risks & opportunities
  • A review of emerging financing models for major infrastructure, including long-term investment structures, risk allocation, regulatory considerations and lessons from recent UK and international projects. The session will also include a practical application, demonstrating how these financing approaches operate in real project environments, the commercial implications for surveyors, and how financial models influence risk management, procurement strategy, and long-term asset performance.
  • Elina Beale, Group Treasurer, Tideway London
     
• 12:40 -12:50: Break
  
  
• 12:50 -13:30: Legal case law update
  • A focused update on recent case law affecting construction contracts, commercial risk, dispute resolution, and professional liability. Delegates will gain clarity on key judgments and their implications for Quantity Surveyors and commercial practice.
  • Mathias Cheung, Barrister, Atkin Chambers
     
• 13:30: Close of Day 1

• 09:00–09:05: Welcome and opening remarks
  
  
• 09:05–10:00: The latest on Net Zero goals; progress, policy shifts, and climate resilience
  • This opening session sets the scene by exploring how the UK’s Net Zero agenda is evolving and what it means for construction. The discussion looks at how policy, standards and climate‑resilience expectations are shifting, and how these changes are reshaping project decisions, investment priorities, and delivery strategies across the built environment. With new guidance emerging for both new build and retrofit, and resilience becoming a core part of risk management, this session provides a clear sense of where the industry is heading and what it needs to prepare for next.

This session will include:

• How the UK’s Net Zero pathway is evolving and what it means for construction.
• The latest direction of travel for the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard.
• Why climate resilience is becoming a core part of design, procurement, and delivery.
• What these shifts mean for commercial planning, risk, and long‑term asset performance.
  
  
• 10:00–10:10: Break
  
  
• 10:10–10:55: Breakout Sessions
  
  
• Stream A: Renewable energy and the evolving role of the Quantity Surveyor
  • This session examines how surveyors can lead the commercial and cost management aspects of renewable energy integration across infrastructure and commercial projects. With rising pressure on grid capacity and increasing demand for clean power, Quantity Surveyors now play a critical role in navigating both the financial and technical implications of the energy transition.

Attendees will gain practical insights into:

• Grid related challenges, including connection delays, reinforcement costs, temporary power strategies for construction sites, and programme impacts when power availability constrains sequencing.
• The emerging role of data centres as energy partners, including opportunities for heat reuse, flexible demand services, colocation with renewables, and long term PPAs that stabilise project economics.
• Supporting ESG and regulatory compliance, including net zero pathways, sustainability linked financing, and evolving reporting requirements.
  • Josh Bullard, Group Director, Coreus Group
  • Leah Stonehouse, Operations Director, Coreus Group
     
• Stream B: Social Value in Construction: legal context, procurement levers & real world impact
  • This session explores how social value is evolving from a “nice to have” into a measurable and enforceable requirement within construction. Delegates will gain clarity on the legal duties shaping client expectations and contractor obligations, the procurement levers now being used to embed social value into bids and contracts, and how organisations can demonstrate authentic community impact. Real world examples will highlight what good looks like, what pitfalls to avoid, and how social value can be embedded across project lifecycles to deliver sustainable outcomes.
  • Wesley Ankrah, Director, Social Value, Savills Earth
     
• 10:55–11:05 Break
  • 11:05–11:50: Breakout Sessions
  • Breakout chair: Lindsay Richards MRICS, Managing Director, Richards Partnership Ltd.
     
• Stream A: Contract payment, contract change & the future of retention
  • This session provides a practical, up‑to‑date look at how payment processes and contractual obligations are evolving across modern construction contracts. Alongside core issues such as pay‑less notices, valuation disputes and cashflow risk, the session will explore wider changes in contract practice and the implications of the latest government initiatives to remove retention from construction projects.
     
• Stream B: 11:00–11:45 Digital innovation & emerging tech in Surveying
  • A practical exploration of the technologies reshaping surveying practice. This session will cover the latest developments in tech and speakers will discuss real world applications, data accuracy, ethical considerations, and how surveyors can integrate these tools to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance project outcomes.
     
• 11:50–12:05: Break
  
  
• 12:05 -12:50: Future Talent and attracting young People into the profession: what the next generation wants and needs
  • This session explores how the construction and surveying professions can attract and retain future talent by aligning with what young people value in a modern career. Alongside themes such as purpose driven work, skills development, and meaningful progression, the discussion will emphasise the central role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in shaping career expectations for the next generation.
  • Alison Watson MBE, Founder & CEO, Class of Your Own
     
• 12:50: Closing remarks
  
  
• 13:00: Close of Conference