This year, UKREiiF (The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum) returned to Leeds, reaffirming its status as a premier event in the industry calendar. The forum welcomed thousands of developers, investors, local authorities, and built environment professionals to explore investment opportunities and infrastructure initiatives across the UK.
The Save Construction Initiative (SCI) was proudly represented by Tim Whitehill, Gemma Stubbs, Kerri McKenna, Sandra Robinson, Andy Spooner and myself.
On Tuesday, 21st May, Sandra and I had the opportunity to meet with Steve Rotheram to discuss several key topics: the development of a National Skills Campaign, the implementation of Digital Project Bank Accounts, and how collaboration between Local Government and SCI can help stabilise the construction sector.
The meeting was highly productive. Steve Rotheram, a long-standing advocate for the construction industry and a valued ally of SCI, engaged enthusiastically with our updates. We shared progress on our ongoing research with Liverpool John Moores University into the sector’s deviant payment culture, our partnerships with Saible and Mindflow to support mental health, and our initiatives to address the growing skills gap.
A key outcome of the meeting was Steve’s commitment to share our “Not Just Men and Muddy Boots” campaign with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Additionally, we will be working with local authorities in Merseyside to pilot the innovative digitised Project Bank Account developed by Saible.
In summary, the forum concluded on a high note—with clear actions, strong commitments, and renewed momentum for positive change in the sector.
Zoe x