West Midlands 2035 - Building The Region of The Future

📍 University College Birmingham
📅 Friday 12 June 2026

Sponsored by: West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Wickes, SIPS, University College Birmingham, Birmingham City University, Dudley College, OM Group, Marrons and South & City College Birmingham.

Now in its third year, the Construction Summit & Careers Fair brings together industry leaders, local authorities, educators, employers and emerging talent to shape the future of construction in the West Midlands.

This high-impact event connects strategy with opportunity bringing two audiences together for one shared future.

Dynamic, engaging and passionate about diversity in construction, Santina will guide the day’s discussions and keep the energy high throughout the Summit and Careers Fair — ensuring every conversation counts.

Chair: Emma Rhymes (Winvic)
Panelists:

• Jayne Hanson, Birmingham City Council
• Siu Mun Li, Constructing Siu-lutions
• John McKeon, Dudley College of Technology
• Connie Collett, Wickes

How can projects create lasting community impact through jobs, apprenticeships and inclusive growth?

Chair: Simon Delahunty-Forrest (Birmingham City Council)
Panelists:

• Dave Browne, Pareto Projects
• Damini Sharma, OM Group
• Brian Mullin, Marrons
• Eddie Wrench, Birmingham City Council
• Eddie Hughes, Hughes Housing (Former UK Housing Minister)

What must change to unlock opportunity and deliver the homes and infrastructure the region needs?

Chair: Prof Rosa Wells (University College Birmingham)
Panelists:

• Prof Mohammad Mayouf, Birmingham City University
• Fiona Aldridge, Skills Federation
• Charlene Wall, Wood Manor Properties
• Mark Harrison, CIOB

Who will build the region of 2035 — and how do we prepare them now?

Chair: Dr Carol Massey
Panelists:

• Dr Bola Abisogun OBE, Digital Twin Skills Academy
• Khumerha, Pareto (BTF Alumni Co-Chair)
• Mark Beardmore, Jacobs
• David Philp, Bentley
• George Simms, WMCA

How do we ensure the West Midlands leads in sustainable and digital construction, rather than simply keeping up?

Running alongside the Summit, the Careers Fair offers 200 students from 12 secondary schools the chance to:

✔ Take part in interactive workshops
✔ Connect directly with employers and training providers
✔ Explore apprenticeship and career routes
✔ Discover real-life tools, technologies and earning potential

This is not a static exhibition — it’s active engagement with the next generation of builders, designers and innovators.

Led by Sachin Parmar, Rapleys LLP

Students and professionals come together for a refreshingly honest exploration of:

• The real opportunities across the construction sector
• Career progression and earning potential
• The vital role young people will play in shaping the region’s future

Exchange insights, build partnerships and align with the West Midlands 2035 vision.

Connect with 200 students at a crucial decision-making stage and strengthen your social value impact.

Deliver meaningful employer engagement aligned with Gatsby Benchmarks.

The West Midlands faces growing housing demand, workforce challenges and rapid technological change.

This summit is your opportunity to collaborate with those shaping the sector — and those who will inherit it.

One day. Two audiences. One shared future.

Showcase your organisation, engage future talent and demonstrate leadership in shaping the built environment.

📩 To exhibit or enquire: [email protected]
🌐 buildingthefutureawards.co.uk

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