![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.constructionplantworld.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Productivity-and-workplace-panel-1.jpg\")
Christina, who is also Chair of Balfour Beatty\u2019s LGBT & Allies Network, had this to say after the panel concluded: \u201cI think the conversation about diversity has only really just begun. With 51% of the working population being women, but only 11% of them working in construction, the gender imbalance is huge. For LGBT+ people, the industry is still seen as one where homophobia, biphobia and transphobia still exists, which we need to change. The national curriculum and government agenda need to address the current skills shortage if we\u2019re going to engage with the next generation of our industry. We have major projects set to be delivered over the next 20-30 years, but with people retiring at a quicker rate than we\u2019re recruiting, we need to address this now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Next up, Mark Farmer, Founding Director and CEO of Cast Consultancy took to the stage to explore the implications and fallout from The Farmer Report one year on, particularly the overall response to the challenges he posed to the construction industry in his report. Speaking exclusively to UK Construction Week after the event, Mark said: \u201cThe big opportunity we have as an industry now is to engage with the future skills agenda and to start recognising the skills we need in the short to medium term, this needs to reflect a journey towards higher levels of technology use and changing the way we deliver. This includes moving the balance between what\u2019s delivered in manufacturing facilities and what is traditionally built on site. This creates new opportunities in logistics, assembly and precision tolerance working. There are only a few events in the calendar where the UK construction industry comes together, and UK Construction Week is one of them. The full spectrum of the industry is represented here showcasing innovation, best practice and the bedrock of our industry in action. It\u2019s a great event that shines a light on many of the positives of working in our industry.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, The Innovation Trail showcased the best products and services the industry currently has on offer, with British Power International showcasing its BPI POC Mast. A unique and cost-effective solution for future developers and network operators, the \u2018Point of Connection\u2019 mast offers a viable solution that provides significant design, installation, easy maintenance, health and safety, environment and cost benefits.<\/p>\n Over at the Surface & Materials Show, exhibitor Dural received a lot of interest in its unique \u2018Micro Joint\u2019 \u2013 an excellent choice for those seeking a slimmer, profiled expansion solution for flooring. What\u2019s more, Dural can custom design any of their profiles for maximum discretion or high impact with the use of colour or integrated branding. Bespoke is a key theme at this year\u2019s Surface & Materials Show, with exhibitors including brick and tile specialists H.G. Matthews displaying some striking options for customised hand glazing, and AY YIPPE creating a buzz with their high-impact decorative metal coating capability.<\/p>\n Over at the HVAC and Energy Hub, Ehab Sayed of Biohm examined the impact of \u2018living buildings\u2019 on wellbeing, productivity and resource efficiency \u2013 a concept promising to provide fresh momentum in the drive for more sustainable buildings.<\/p>\n Continuing the efficiency theme, Iain Gordon, President of KNX UK, delivered a talk on connected buildings to his audience over at the Smart Buildings Hub, exploring the productivity gains that can be achieved by implementing connected systems which offer unparalleled control for the end user.<\/p>\n Towards the end of the day, Kevin McCloud, designer and TV presenter, made an appearance on the main stage alongside a panel of industry experts to debate how we can build homes fit for generations, as well as tackling issues such as housing quality, modern methods of construction, and how to retain good design without slowing down the build process.<\/p>\n For additional information on the full programme of events, please visit www.ukconstructionweek.com <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.constructionplantworld.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Mark-Farmer-CEO-of-Cast-Consultancy-1.jpg\")