Streaming data concept pattern

RICS North East: AI Knowledge Breakfast

Thu 10 Sep 2026 08:30 - 11:00 BST 1 hour structured CPD

Continuing Professional Development for RICS members

Northumbria University, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST

In-Person

Overview

Join RICS, APM and Womble Bond Dickinson Solicitors for an engaging and informative AI Knowledge Breakfast, bringing together industry professionals to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the built environment and project management sectors.

Discover how AI is reshaping professional practice across industries. James Garner FRICS will discuss the evolving role of AI in surveying and the built environment, including its potential benefits, challenges and wider implications. Humayon Pramanik, representing APM, will examine the impact of AI on project management, covering key trends, learning curves and what professionals need to know to stay ahead. Joseph Perkins from Womble Bond Dickinson, International Law Firm, will look at the legal implications of AI and it’s uses.

This interactive session will offer attendees the opportunity to deepen their understanding of AI, learn from industry experts and participate in a Q&A discussion with fellow professionals.

Agenda

8:30am – Arrival, tea/coffee and bacon rolls
9:30am – Humayon Pramanik (APM Expert)
9:50am – James Garner (RICS Expert)
10:10am – Joseph Perkins (Legal Expert)
10:30am – Q&A Session
11:00am – Networking
11:30am – Close

Whether you are new to AI or looking to better understand its growing impact on the profession, this breakfast event provides an excellent opportunity to network, share knowledge and gain valuable insights into the future of work.

Accessibility Information

Easily accessed via public transport and walking. There is no on-site parking. However, public parking is available nearby at:

  • Newcastle St John Street car park, Grainger Street (10 minute walk to the venue)
  • John Dobson Street Car Park (10 minute walk to the venue)
     

The venue is fully accessible with ramps and lifts for access.

If you have any questions about the event, dietary requirements or additional accessibility needs, please contact Maggie Simons, RICS North East Regional Engagement Manager on msimons@rics.org

Speakers

James Garner FRICS

James Garner FRICS

Senior Director at Gleeds | Global Head of Data, Insights & Analytics | Data IQ 100 2023 | BSc (Hons), FRICS, RITTECH, AMBCS

Chair of Project Data Analytics Taskforce (https://www.projectdataanalytics.co.uk/) James, an accomplished data leader in the construction industry, began his journey as a Quantity Surveyor in 2000. After earning a first-class honours degree, he wrote his university dissertation on data and digitalisation in the construction sector. James quickly built a strong portfolio, becoming a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in 2002. In 2012, he was elected as a Fellow of RICS for his significant writing contributions to the RICS Black Book technical standards. Throughout his career, James has worked on prestigious projects, including buildings for Imperial College and various Oxford University Colleges. Whilst employed at Gleeds as a Quantity Surveyor, he became head of the Education sector for London. In 2020, James took on a new challenge as Head of Insights and Analytics at Gleeds. This opportunity allowed him to further his skillset and qualify as a data analyst in 2022, launching the company's data analytics and research capabilities. Today, James leads Gleeds' Global Data, Insights, and Analytics department. With a focus on business intelligence, project intelligence, data literacy, and data maturity, he utilises his expertise in both Quantity Surveying and data analytics to drive the industry's digital transformation. As a Fellow of the RICS, a qualified Data Analyst, and an influential data leader, James recognises the crucial role data and analytics play in informing strategies and decision-making processes within the profession. Recently, James has been elected as chair of the Project Data Analytics Taskforce, further solidifying his position as a leading figure in the construction industry's digital transformation. James was nominated as one of the Top 100 People in Data 2023 by Data IQ, showcasing his dedication and impact in the field of Project Data Analytics James also publishes a weekly newsletter and podcast called ProjectFlux to help people keep up to date https://linktr.ee/projectflux

Humayon Pramanik headshot

Humayon Pramanik

Director of Influence and Advocacy, Association for Project Management (APM)

Humayon Pramanik is Director of Influence and Advocacy at the Association for Project Management (APM). APM is the only chartered body representing the projects profession in the world. Established in the United Kingdom, APM has helped establish the projects profession as a catalyst for growth, innovation and competitive advantage across borders and sectors. Humayon has worked across the private and state sectors, largely in education and academia. Previously he was a director at E-ACT, an educational trust, before joining APM where he oversees communications and public affairs.

Joseph Perkis headshot

Joseph Perkis

Associate, Womble Bond Dickinson LLP

Joseph is an Associate in the Construction & Engineering team at Womble Bond Dickinson, advising clients on both the front-end and contentious aspects of complex construction and infrastructure projects. His experience includes the drafting and negotiation of construction contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties, guarantees, bonding arrangements and other project documentation across a range of procurement models. He also advises on dispute avoidance and resolution, with experience in adjudications, delay and disruption claims, defects disputes and contractual entitlement issues. In addition, Joseph has a keen interest in the application of artificial intelligence within the legal sector, exploring how technology can improve efficiency, knowledge management and the delivery of legal services and has pilot several AI legal tools.

Price summary

RICS North East: AI Knowledge Breakfast Event

Free