The magazine of the Federation of Master Builders
SPRING 2026
Drilling Down Technology is the focus of our new themed section Wave my wand What would you do with all the power in the world?
Kitchen comforts Happy Building London Limited is one of several members featured in this edition’s ‘picture perfect’ projects pages, showcasing outstanding quality
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SPRING 2026 _ CONTENTS
Made by members 08 Picture perfect See exciting member projects from across the UK 13 Wave my wand What would you change about the construction industry? 14 Built with Lego Atlantic Dwellings Ltd’s demolition, rebuild and extension job Business support 36 Compliant characteristics How to prove compliance 37 Raising the roof Why and how to upskill
38 Help is here H&S issues members often face 39 Worker rights reformed Employment Rights Act Your FMB 40 FMB National Conference Book your ticket now 41 Protect your pipeline Insurance to help you win work 44 Lessons in refinement Insights from site inspections 45 Update from members Round-up from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland 50 Five in Five Q&A with two members
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Contents SPRING 2026
Feature 34 Artificial expectations Clients are increasingly using AI tools in building projects, from generating ideas to challenging quotes – so what does this technological adoption mean for the way you manage relationships with clients?
Drilling Down 23-32 Top tips on technology Expert insights, members’ experiences and practical advice to get you started with your digital transformation
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Advertising Advertising enquiries connections@fmb.org.uk
Editorial Editor Bradford Keen
Master Builder has been carefully prepared but articles are published without responsibility on the part of the publishers or authors for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any view, information or advice included therin. Articles published in Master Builder do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Federation of Master Builders Ltd nor can the Federation of Master Builders Ltd, the publishers or authors accept any responsibility for any claims made by advertisers.
bradford.keen@redactive.co.uk FMB Marketing Department Alan Shortall, Radhika Tripathi, Robyn Williams, Toby Bowers Designer David McCullough Picture editor Jessica Marsh Publishing director Joanna Marsh Production Production manager Aysha Miah-Edwards +44 (0)20 7880 6241 aysha.miah@redactive.co.uk
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BRIAN BERRY _ WELCOME
Welcome A s you turn the pages in this edition of Master Builder , you will notice a few differences. For a start, we’re your tools. Given how much of an issue lost and stolen tools can be for builders, this is a valuable system to be aware of.
Be the change Elsewhere in the magazine, members tell us what they would change about the industry if they had a magic wand they could wave. Compliance is an ongoing issue and one that FMB members excel at, not least because of the high standards they MB members excel at, not of the high standards they
featuring more projects by members so everyone can see the excellent work being done throughout the UK. The images speak for themselves, but at the FMB, we can confidently say that our members know how to get the job done efficiently and beautifully. You can see their projects in the ‘Made by members’ section.
maintain. We address what compliance looks like in practice through the lens of the Building Safety Act while assessing the impact and progress of our ongoing Licence to Build campaign. From how best to acquire new skills to breaking down what the Employment Rights Act might mean for you as an employer – and a great deal in between – this edition is packed with practical guidance,
Drilling Down We’ve added a new Drilling Down themed segment in the middle of the magazine. Going forward, each edition will explore a specific theme, and for the first one, we’re focusing on technology and innovation. It’s a huge topic for members and the construction industry more
Technology is huge topic for members and presents a significant opportunity to improve the way you run your business
broadly – and presents a significant opportunity to improve the way you run your business. Our Head of Digital Liz Porter introduces the section, urging members to focus on practicality.
inspirational projects and clear evidence of how exceptional our community is. Finally, you may have noticed that this edition is dated April-June 2026 – we will now be publishing our magazine every quarter, with a freshly themed Drilling Down l now be publishing every quarter, with ed may have noticed that dated April-June
You will read about how one member, frustrated by the same nagging issue in their own business, decided to create software to solve the problem – now they want you to trial it . It worked so well that they want you to test it in your business and let them know how it goes. Another member tells of AI-powered technology making their working life more efficient and eliminating room for error. In Coach’s Corner, Maria Coulter helps you map out your tech journey in a way that is purposeful, efficient and sustainable. Our Drilling Down sponsor, KYNEKT, showcases an innovative solution to track
section in each one. If you would like to be featured in Master Builder , get in touch with your local Director to let them know. We’re excited to hear your story. h one. If you e featured in l Director to let e’re excited to y.
BRIAN BERRY, Chief Executive, Federation of Master Builders
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MADE BY MEMBERS _ PROJECT SHOWCASE
Picture perfect A SNAPSHOT OF THE THE SHEER VARIETY OF WORK MEMBERS DO
From old cottage to eco-friendly family home
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In Torth, Kev Wilson Builders Ltd replaced a deteriorating cottage with a new home that maintains the traditional appearance of the original building while concealing a contemporary structure behind it. The concept, developed jointly by the client and architect, aimed to respect the local style while creating a modern open-plan living environment. From the roadside, the property appears to be a classic cottage. Moving through the building reveals a dramatic extension with double-height glazing and open-living spaces designed to maximise natural light and views across the landscape. The home delivers a strong environmental performance through solar power, underfloor heating and high thermal insulation values.
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Disused brewery in County Durham is now a beauty salon
The team retained many of the building’s original features, including exposed brickwork and roof trusses, which were cleaned and sealed to preserve their character. New materials and colours were selected to complement these elements while creating a calm, contemporary environment.
Radford Construction Services Limited converted a disused microbrewery within a hotel complex
into a hair and beauty salon. The objective was to create a welcoming, high-use space that could serve hotel guests attending weddings and events as well as local residents.
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PROJECT SHOWCASE _ MADE BY MEMBERS
Former agricultural site becomes serene rural living space
Sustainability and outdoor living were key objectives, leading to features such as living roofs, extensive planting and woodland development. Beyond the house itself, the site includes vegetable gardens, greenhouses and beehives, along with spa and wellness facilities, a gym and outdoor kitchen area. An equestrian complex with stables, tack room and a floodlit training arena allows the owners to pursue their sport at home.
What was once an agricultural site in the Vale of Glamorgan has been transformed into a sustainable countryside home by MJ Construction Wales. The project replaced old cattle sheds with a new detached property designed to support a low- impact lifestyle closely connected to the surrounding landscape. The home was planned with generous open-living areas, high ceilings and large windows to maximise natural light and views of nearby fields.
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Modern extension for this historic Georgian home Build My Home Ltd carried out a sensitive renovation and extension to a tired Georgian property overlooking gardens and woodland. The aim was to modernise the house in Brighton while preserving its period character. Old outbuildings were demolished and replaced with a contemporary rear extension, housing a large kitchen and dining area designed for modern entertaining. The project was completed while the client remained living in the house. A standout feature is the structural glass oriel window, which frames views across the south-facing garden and draws natural light into the interior. The extension’s linear Ibstock brickwork and aluminium detailing provide an interesting contrast with the traditional house. Externally, the team rehung the existing tile hanging and reconstructed the front porch based on historic photographs from the 1950s. Internally, bespoke joinery, a handmade kitchen, shadow gaps and plaster-in pocket doors create a clean contemporary finish.
Natural materials and warm timber finishes create a calm interior environment.
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MADE BY MEMBERS _ PROJECT SHOWCASE
New home with breathtaking view of Belfast Lough Distinguished Homes delivered an impressive new-build residence in County Down, Northern Ireland. Set on a 1.2-acre elevated woodland site overlooking Belfast Lough, the 5,100 sq ft Georgian-style detached home provides six bedrooms and two garages, designed for modern family living. Appointed by a developer client, Distinguished Homes worked with the architect to balance traditional aesthetics with practical construction, efficient layouts and long-term running costs. The project presented significant challenges, including demolition of a derelict asbestos-containing property, ecological constraints due to bats, and the protection of 177 mature trees under preservation orders. Through meticulous planning and ongoing collaboration, the team delivered a high-quality period-style home, maximising the site’s views while respecting its environmental sensitivities.
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Water damage leads to bright bathroom upgrade
floorboards required careful work before the space could be rebuilt.
When a major leak caused significant
damage to an existing bathroom, the client – based in Inverbervie, Scotland – knew they needed a high-quality contractor they could trust. So they called in CTJ Services Ltd to completely rebuild the main bathroom. The project objective was straightforward: remove the damaged installation and deliver a durable, modern replacement with improved finishes The original bathroom was fully tiled, which created the main challenge during demolition. Removing the old tiles and deteriorated
Once the structure was prepared, the room was refitted with new boards,
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plumbing and finishes. The standout feature of the finished space is the striking tile selection within the shower enclosure, chosen by the client to bring colour and character to the room. Although modest in scale, the project demonstrates how coordinated trades and clear communication can deliver a smooth refurbishment process
and a high-quality final result for the homeowner.
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PROJECT SHOWCASE _ MADE BY MEMBERS
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Contemporary living in a spacious home full of character A modernisation and extension project by Modplan Building & Refurbishment Contractors Limited transformed a detached three-bedroom home in Hertfordshire into a spacious contemporary property – all while preserving its historic character. The existing house was stripped back and refurbished, including new heating and electrical systems, upgraded insulation, repointing, replastering and a full roof replacement. The rear extension is made for open-plan living, combining the kitchen, island seating, dining space and a media wall lounge. Finishes such as oak herringbone flooring and a staircase with oval metal balustrade reference the property’s 1920s origins.
Tailored transformation for London family home
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first-floor additions and a loft conversion to increase usable space. While the front façade retains its traditional appearance, the rear introduces contemporary architecture and large openings connecting the interior to landscaped gardens.
A major remodelling project in Sutton turned a traditional house into a distinctive modern family home. Delivered by Happy Building London Limited, the brief was to create a functional yet highly personalised living space reflecting the client’s style while accommodating their growing family. The works included
Boutique and bespoke
A luxury bathroom installation in North Yorkshire showcases the skills of Yorkbuilder. com, which was tasked with creating a boutique-style bathroom with a timeless design and high-end specification for the client. The team installed bespoke fittings and carefully selected finishes to create a refined, hotel-style space. Premium brassware sits alongside custom features such as a WC and sink divider that helps organise the room while maintaining visual flow.
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single-storey rear and side extensions,
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FMB MEMBER E-SHOP Log in to the website and visit the FMB Shop for apparel, safety gear and signage. All exclusive to members. fmb.org.uk/fmbshop BShop for ge.
WAVE MY WAND _ MADE BY MEMBERS
Ever wished you had complete control to effect change? Well, here we ask members what they would do if they could wave their magic wand Removing uncertainty
Q How realistic is it for this without your magical wand? RR: Probably more realistic than we’d like to admit. Until then, we’ll stick to clear conversations, good planning and hoping the tea turns up before the rain does. PC: It’s realistic, but it requires leadership on clearer pre-construction processes, braver pricing, honest client conversations and the discipline to walk away from poorly defined projects. We don’t need magic, just consistently applied higher standards. change to come about – even
Q If you could wave a magical wand to change one thing about the construction industry, what would it be? Ross Roberts: I’d create a review site for domestic customers, written by tradespeople. So before we start a project, we’d know whether we’re dealing with “makes great tea and trusts the process” or “changes their mind after watching one episode of Grand Designs .” Patrick Coll: I would eliminate ambiguity at the start of every project. Complete clarity on scope, budget, risk and responsibility – before any work begins.
Q Why does this change matter to you personally? RR: Because trades are judged online almost entirely on reviews, yet we’re expected to go into every job completely blind. A little balance would go a long way. PC: Because most stress, disputes and lost profit don’t come from poor workmanship, they come from misaligned expectations. As SME builders, when something goes wrong it’s our name, our cash flow and our evenings that absorb the impact. Clarity protects not just margin, but reputation and wellbeing. Q What do you think would happen if you got what you wanted? RR : It would be a massive time-saver. Projects would run smoother, expectations would be clearer, and clients would get the best results which benefits everyone. PC: We’d see fewer disputes, healthier margins and stronger client relationships. Builders could focus on quality rather than conflict. The industry would feel less adversarial and more professional, which benefits everyone.
ROSS ROBERTS, Director of Roberts Roofing in Sutton PATRICK COLL, Managing Director of Collstone Developments in Somerset
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MADE BY MEMBERS _ ATLANTIC DWELLINGS LTD
H as a client ever you ever thought about building a scale model using Lego to show them what it would look like? This is exactly what the team at Atlantic Dwellings Ltd did to help the client understand the end result. The new roof design was unusual and traditional 2D drawings struggled to convey the complexity of the form. So they reached for Lego blocks and got to work. It was a simple but effective struggled to visualise their project? Have solution that clarified the details for all parties and ensured confidence before the project began. Work included transforming the rear of the modest three-bedroom home into a bright, open-plan kitchen, dining and
Compact in scale but ambitious in scope, this is the story of Atlantic Dwellings Ltd’s sensitive demolition, rebuild and extension project in St Albans Built with Lego
living space, while also demolishing and rebuilding the existing master bedroom to incorporate a mezzanine home office above. The clients, a couple with two children, remained living in the home throughout the build, so maintaining a safe, liveable environment during structural alterations was central to the project’s success. What stood out Despite the home’s compact footprint and small courtyard garden, the finished, open-plan result delivers an impressive sense of space and light that complements the outdoor area. A defining feature is the introduction of triangular windows and a large flat rooflight, articulated with expressed structural rafters. As sunlight filters through the rooflight and across the exposed timbers, the atmosphere of the space shifts throughout the day, responding to the sun’s strength and direction. The result is a sense of movement and warmth in the home. The entire ground floor is now unified with a diamond- polished concrete floor,
creating a durable yet refined surface. The highlight, though, is the
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ATLANTIC DWELLINGS LTD _ MADE BY MEMBERS
polished stainless steel island worktop and sink unit, incorporating an integrated draining board and frameless window sill. Greenery suspended from a timber hexagonal wall installation softens the industrial materials while a wall-mounted skateboard, now acting as light and glass rack, adds a playful touch that reflects the clients’ character. What challenged the team Access and logistics – without direct vehicle access to the rear, all materials and waste were moved manually through the side gate. When investigations revealed the existing annex structure was unstable, the safest and most efficient solution was to demolish the majority of it. This significantly increased the manual handling required. Team welfare – proactive job rotation and additional on-site training were implemented, along with clear communication and careful supervision to ensure structural works were completed safely, safeguarding both the client’s and their neighbour’s property. Sustainability and neighbourly consideration – the team constructed a flat roof extension using timber frame to improve thermal performance and enable them to build directly to the boundary with minimal disturbance. Lightweight, stick-built wall panels were fully finished before being lifted into position using compact Genie lifts, reducing disruption and improving efficiency.
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Sequencing – temporary works and constant monitoring underpinned this phase of the build.
Lessons learnt Frequent, structured communication is essential. Here’s what the team did: evening update meetings every two weeks kept decisions on track and supported cashflow management; informed neighbours were about key stages, fostering goodwill that proved invaluable for parking, security and general cooperation; appointed a dedicated site supervisor and set up a portable site office so plans, programmes and health and safety information were always visible and accessible, reinforcing organisation and professionalism. 1 The team built a demo model out of Lego to help the client visualise the project. 2 Large triangular windows let in plenty of natural light. 3 The master bedroom has a mezzanine home office. 4 Open-plan living provides a sense of spaciousness.
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CAMPAIGN TRAIL _ IN THE KNOW
SPENCER CLARKE GROUP DONATES FOOD PARCELS Licence to build Licensing in construction is coming – in one form or another – within the next few years, says the FMB’s Head of External Affairs Jeremy Gray
T he government is looking to license principal contractors of high-risk buildings. It’s a positive development but details remain scarce. Beyond this, the scope for licensing is up for debate – but it could extend to most of the industry. The FMB’s Licence to Build campaign has been gaining momentum. Here’s a list of notable achievements. 1 We launched a licensing construction research report at parliament to a receptive audience. Momentum for change continues to grow. 2 Our Licence to Build campaign, active on our website, features member resources and showcases victim testimonials, highlighting the severity of the issue. 3 The FMB’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Berry, spent an hour on the BBC Radio 4 You and Yours programme taking calls from the public to discuss rogue builders. We also ensured coverage on the issue in national publications including The Sun and The Mirror – which reaches millions of people in the UK. 4 In a massive win for the licensing campaign, the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee backed licensing, noting its support for licensing retrofit work after evidence came to light revealing sub-standard installation of retrofit measures.
report showing that licensing is required to ensure competence of builders carrying out flood-prevention measures. 7 We’ve conducted important research, including:
Teaming up with the HomeOwners Alliance to find that 45% of UK homeowners wrongly believe that builders are licensed. Surveying 2,000
JEREMY GRAY Head of External Affairs at the FMB
5 The FMB joined the Retrofit Reform Advisory Panel, chaired by the Energy Consumer Minister, to look at how
members of the public about their experiences with dodgy builders, we found a staggering £14.3 billion was paid to rogues over a five-year period. Money that could have gone to reputable tradespeople. 8 Late last year, Conservative MP Mark Garnier – a long-time backer of licensing – hosted a debate at Westminster Hall with MPs from across the political spectrum to discuss how licensing could prevent cowboy builders from preying on the public. 9 This year, we’ve been speaking with government offi cials who are researching the feasibility of licensing for builders, lending our expertise to ensure what is delivered makes sense for our members. 10 We’re hosting a drop-in session in Portcullis House – the offices of MPs – on 28 April for MPs to learn more about our campaign. We will also present to them the data we have gathered in collaboration with the HomeOwners Alliance that measures the negative impact of cowboy builders.
licensing can address inadequate retrofit installation in the wake of government- backed schemes to upgrade homes. 6 The FMB formed part of the leadership team into the government inquiry into flood- prevention measures, which led to a
The campaign for licensing is being re-energised due to the current government’s willingness to investigate the issue
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IN THE KNOW _ WHY IT MATTERS
Why it matters UPDATES FROM THE UK CONSTRUCTION SECTOR YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
WHY IT MATTERS HY IT ERS
FMB charity partner works to prevent industry suicides The FMB’s national charity partner, The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has partnered with Ripple Suicide Prevention to improve the mental wellbeing of construction workers in the UK. There is a pressing need for this type of intervention given how many workers in the industry suffer from high levels of stress but have limited access to emotional and pyschological support. The partnership aims to: encourage conversations around mental health and suicide prevention; increase awareness of the support available to construction workers; and help employers build safer, more supportive workplaces. The Lighthouse Charity provides confidential, in-person, online and telephone support delivered by trained professionals with sector expertise. Ripple Suicide Prevention’s technology adds a layer of protection for at-risk individuals by intercepting harmful online searches related to suicide and self-harm, and signposting users to free, 24/7 support. It is provided to individual users and educational institutions at no cost through the Ripple Suicide Prevention charity and is deployed in workplaces via Ripple For Business.
Construction is one of the highest- risk industries for suicide in the UK.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50, and for those working in construction, g en ose ion,
the risk is four times greater.
Pressure, pace, and resilience – seen as strengths – make it harder for people to seek help.
News in numbers
885,000 The number of construction SMEs in the UK (at the start of 2025), accounting for 16% of the 5.64m small businesses across all sectors.
5,594 The number of homes kept empty due to Gateway 3 delays by the Building Safety Regulator.
Source: Freedom of information (FOI) request by law firm Irwin Mitchell
Source: Federation of Small Businesses
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WHY IT MATTERS _ IN THE KNOW
Funding for land fails to deliver
Billions of pounds marked for housing land have failed to deliver enough new homes, according to a report by the National Audit Office (NAO). The NAO’s report revealed that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) allocated £10.5 billion (since 2016) to unlocking land for more than
700,000 homes, but only 33,300 homes – roughly 5% – have been built so far.
WHY IT MATTERS Both MHCLG and Homes England have failed to track whether unlocked sites result in housing delivery, the NAO said. From April, MHCLG plans to add existing programmes to a new £21 billion National Housing Delivery Fund, including a National Housing Bank operating under Homes England. The NAO said the new fund will only deliver value for money if the government sets clear priorities, improves performance monitoring and tracks land unlocked and homes built.
Twice the price Annual costs for construction materials for all work have more than doubled in the last 20 years, according to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), which publishes construction material price indices, categorised under: all work; new housing; other new work; and repair, maintain, improve (RMI). Prices for all work in 2025 were 39% higher than pre-pandemic in 2019. Comparing December 2025 with December 2024, prices rose by:
3.3% All work
4.2% New housing
3.7% Other new work
4.1% for RMI
WHY IT MATTERS This was the 12 th consecutive
month in which the index showed increasing annual costs after 18 months of decreasing costs between June 2023 and December 2024. Dr David Crosthwaite, Chief Economist at BCIS, said the shift could indicate either a return of demand or, more likely, that suppliers have increased their prices.
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WHY IY MATTERS _ IN THE KNOW
WHY IT MATTERS Given so many FMB members work in the repair, maintain and improve (RMI) sector, the opportunities to win more work are obvious. The challenge is that the Warm Homes plan doesn’t fall the same way as schemes that have preceded it.
done yet unsure of where this upskilling will come from. Plus, this is not the first government-backed scheme aimed at making homes more energy efficient. Given their previous performances and outcomes, SME builders working in retrofit are right to be apprehensive.
The FMB said the plan is “a critical step forward” yet warned that without clear delivery timelines and long- term funding certainty, small contractors will struggle to plan and invest”. Contractors highlighted the skills challenge, requiring more workers to get jobs
The Warm Homes Plan launched by the government and backed by £15 billion aims to upgrade five million homes by 2030. Designed to cut energy bills, tackle fuel poverty, and accelerate decarbonisation, the plan dedicates funding to insulation, low-carbon heating and energy efficiency upgrades for homes.
Plan for warmer homes in the UK
News in numbers
Women’s safety
sites. The Considerate Constructors Scheme was the first to adopt the standard, which aims to solve issues such as: Unsuitable PPE Inadequate welfare provision Inconsistent behavioural expectations Loss of women from site-based roles.
The standard lists clear, enforceable expectations on how to create safe, respectful and equitable conditions for women at work, which include: safety with PPE, welfare and systems of work to meet women’s physical and operational needs on site; WHY IT MATTERS Construction for Women has successfully launched the UK’s first national standard for women’s safety on construction sites at the House of Lords. The standard, known as the National Site Standard for Female Operatives, covers women’s safety, dignity and progression, setting minimum conditions expected on
2,140 The number of construction businesses forced to close in 2024 due to late payments
Source: Funding Circle
dignity through private and secure welfare facilities for women; giving women equal access to opportunities and site participation; zero tolerance
1 in 4 The number of construction workers who consider themselves neurodivergent
for harassment or discrimination; and accessibility to all women.
Source: National Federation of Builders
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DRILLING DOWN _ WHATS INSIDE
Contents
26 Crunching numbers It’s difficult to quantify just how much technology permeates the construction industry, but this assortment of facts and figures presents a numerical overview of the state of adoption 28 Keeping track of costs Frustrated by repeated issues in his own construction business,
microphone and AI subscription service simplifed his life
30 Case in point Drilling Down sponsor KYNEKT showcases precisely how its solution keeps your tools safe from loss and theft 31 Coach’s corner Construction Coach Maria Coulter advises members to be clear about business needs before adopting technology 32 Key resources Scan the QR code to access plenty of articles and podcast episodes that tackle the topic of technology and innovation
31
29
Andrew Phillips created a software solution from the ground up
29 For the record Keeping track of the finer details of client conversations no longer needs to be difficult – just ask Seán McAllister how a
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08/07/2024 11:14 13/03/2026 11:20
24 Master Builder SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
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WELCOME _ DRILLING DOWN
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Welcome
Enough is enough
A s margins tighten and client customers and organise work matters. Digital tools are no longer just for larger firms with dedicated IT teams. Increasingly, they are accessible, affordable and can make a real difference for small businesses. In this edition’s Drilling Down section, you’ll read about members who are putting innovation into practice. Some are developing their own software to solve day-to-day challenges. expectations rise, how we manage information, communicate with Others are using tools to record site conversations, keep everyone on the same page and reduce paperwork. AI is helping with routine tasks, from drafting documents and organising notes to improving marketing and responding to enquiries more efficiently. None of this replaces skill or experience, but it can free up time and support better decision-making. At the FMB, we are building a dedicated innovation and technology hub on our website to help you cut through the noise so you know what is worth your time, what could genuinely help, and what might not be a priority right now. It will bring together guidance, webinars, podcasts and member stories in one place. You do not need to adopt every new tool. But staying informed and open to improvement will help you stay competitive and ready for what comes next. Practical innovation
A few years ago, I walked onto one of my building sites and realised we’d been cleaned out overnight. We lost around £70,000 worth of tools and equipment. Chop saws, lifting gear for steel beams – even my golf clubs disappeared. I’d taken them out of the van while picking up materials and left them on site. The theft was bad, but what followed was worse. Like most people working in construction, I had receipts scattered everywhere – in the van, in old folders, some long gone. When it came to claiming from insurance, I spent weeks digging through paperwork and sending bundles of receipts back and forth. Some were unreadable, some weren’t clear enough, and the process dragged on for two months. In the end, I only recovered around 40% of what was stolen because I couldn’t prove ownership of everything. If tool theft is so common, why is the process for dealing with so slow and tedious? That experience pushed me to create KYNEKT. I’m not a tech founder from outside of the industry. I’m a builder who got tired of seeing the same thing happen over and over again – to me, my workers, and other tradespeople. I wanted change. KYNEKT is about making it easier for builders to keep track of their tools, prove ownership if something goes missing, and make stolen equipment far less useful to thieves.
JAMES MURDOCH is Founder of KYNEKT
LIZ PORTER is Head of Digital at the FMB
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DRILLING DOWN _ CRUNCHING NUMBERS
97% The percentage of UK construction professionals who believe that there will be greater investment in digital technologies and solutions in 2026, but around a quarter of respondents said the cost of implementation remains an issue of brining in new tech. Source: HSB, part of the Munich RE Insurance Group
Crunching numbers A NUMERICAL SNAPSHOT OF HOW UK CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES ARE EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY
35%
70% The percentage of UK construction firms struggling to implement new technologies. Source: PlanRadar 97% How many UK construction professionals expecting more digital investment in the next three years, particularly in construction project management software. Source: PlanRadar
£460m+ The amount of venture capital money and private equity raised by the UK’s Construction Tech sector, which comprises
290 companies focused on creating tools to help carry out any construction project from design to completion, such as digital platforms for procurement and HR, as well as building technologies such as 3D
The percentage of construction companies using drones for site surveying and monitoring. Source: Zipdo
printing, robotics and modular construction.
Source: Tracxn
Technology concerns
77% OF RESPONDENTS WHO CONSIDER IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO BE DIFFICULT The main perceived barriers to launch tech solutions include the cost of implementation, fears of there being a low return on their investment, a lack of training on how to use technology, traditional approaches to working.
30% OF QS AND CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS WORRY ABOUT DATA QUALITY For artificial intelligence and other digital solutions to add value to businesses, they need to ensure their data is of a sufficiently high quality. Many smaller
41% OF QS AND CONSTRUCTION WORKERS FEEL OVERWHELMED BY TECH’S PACE OF CHANGE While there is a great deal of optimism regarding how technology can transform the sector for the better, a significant percentage of people are worried about future uncertainty, including how technology will affect their own roles.
firms struggle due to fragmented, incomplete or inconsistent data.
Source: PlanRadar
Source: RICS artificial intelligence in construction report 2025
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CRUNCHING NUMBERS _ DRILLING DOWN
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EMBRACING AI
37%
The percentage of businesses now using artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Source: Autodesk
65% The percentage of contractors who see AI and machine learning as key drivers for future industry innovation. Source: Zipdo
How much productive time was saved by those who adopted AI in their businesses. 500 hours
Source: Bluebeam’s new AEC Technology Outlook 2026
ASSESSING THE IMPACT
According to research by data firm Zipdo, construction companies that implemented digital tools have reaped benefits. These include:
42% 61% 68% 80%
Boosted collaboration among project stakeholders
Improved project efficiency
The amount of money that UK SMEs (not just construction) could add to the economy by 2035 due to productivity gained by using AI. Source: Microsoft and policy consultancy WPI Strategy’s report ‘Unlocking Regional Growth: The impact of AI adoption by SMEs’
Meanwhile, the government’s SME Digital Adoption Taskforce, says that even a 1% productivity uplift across SMEs could add £94 billion a year to the UK’s gross domestic product (GDP). Source: SME Digital Adoption Taskforce: final report
Reductions in project costs
Enhanced on-site safety management
Source: Zipdo
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DRILLING DOWN _ FROM THE GROUND UP
Keeping track of costs Frustrated by recurring challenges in his own construction business, Andrew Phillips created a software solution to simplify his life A ndrew Phillips has led Carreg Construction in Wales for more than two decades, delivering high-end residential projects in the door becomes a final agreed cost of £1,200, with the system removing the allowance, adding the agreed figure, and updating the contract sum.
MORE INFORMATION Members interested in testing the software for a limited free period and to see how it could support your business can contact Andrew Phillips at support@agoredbuild.com. problems in my own business. It wasn’t designed as a commercial product. But it works – and I believe it can help others. This isn’t a gimmick. It’s your front-line tool for managing project finances.” functionality and forecasting – mapping variations against programmes to show time and cost impacts instantly. Phillips says: “I built this to solve looks like an app. It is hosted securely on Microsoft Azure, with both parties accessing the same real-time data. “The accuracy is 100%. It produces a live, up-to-date contract sum at all times.” And it’s intuitive. “None of our clients have needed training. Once you’re in, you understand it.” So what’s next? Future developments could include integration with accounting software, automatic invoicing, payment clie yo developer. “They knew nothing about construction. I had to teach them terms like provisional sum and variation.” Together Phillips and the developer built the software, tested it on live projects and refined it. Lessons learnt Most importantly, Phillips says, the software works, solving the problems he set out to remedy. When it comes to implementation, he has insights to share. “Both parties need to be willing,” Phillips says. “Most clients are because they see the benefit – accurate, controlled reporting of costs.” The few clients who have refused to use the system “turned out to be our most difficult.” The software is server-based but M M s a y P So Fut int aut fun var tim P pro de wo Th too
“We’ve run £1 million-plus projects through the system – probably £3–5 million worth of work in total – without disputes,” Phillips explains. “Everything is agreed in real time and documented.” It also simplifies applications for payment. Phillips can select items from the original quote and approved variations, claim a percentage or value, and generate a new report in minutes. The problem this tech solves Phillips says: “Most builders understand construction, but many struggle with clearly, accurately and transparently communicating costs.” The software is about removing friction – usually money disputes – between client and builder. Once Phillips had his mindmaps drawn, he partnered with a software
private sector. Throughout, a common challenge arose: keeping track of costs and communications with clients. What started with a hand-drawn mindmap soon transformed into the software solution, AGOREDBuild. (In Welsh, ‘agored’ means ‘open’.) What is AGOREDBuild? “This is about communication and cost control. It’s not an estimating tool,” Phillips says. “I didn’t want to overcomplicate it. “In private work, construction is a transaction between two parties – builder and client. It’s like a tennis match – I send something, you send it back.” The system captures all exchanges: quotes, variations and claims. Clients receive a notification, open it on their phone, and can query, amend, reject or approve. Once approved, it is recorded transparently, effectively like a mini- contract within the main contract. So if a £1,000 provisional sum for a
FIX IT WITH SOFTWARE
ANDREW PHILLIPS, Director of Carreg Construction in Wales
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MAKING IT WORK _ DRILLING DOWN
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If you’ve ever struggled to take notes of your conversations with clients, here’s a potential solution For the record
a fluid, comfortable conversation. It builds confidence and professionalism – clients and subcontractors know important points are being captured.” Lessons learnt Phone calls pause recordings – which can cause transcripts to be lost. Recording alone isn’t enough – you must extract actions and circulate key notes afterwards. Two microphones are sometimes too few – on a building site you often have four key voices: two clients, a project lead and a site manager. Capturing the right people matters. Noise is a factor – but transcripts are useful for checking small but crucial details such as door swings, appliance locations, throwaway comments that actually matter. “Homeowners expect impeccable record-keeping and using tools properly is increasingly part of delivering a professional service,” McAllister says. “Overall, it increases clarity, reduces misunderstandings, and gives everyone reassurance that decisions and comments won’t simply disappear into thin air.” To fellow members, McAllister says: “Start small, experiment, and see how it works for you. The security it gives as a business owner is significant… With the Building Safety Act and increasing regulatory pressure, we all need to up our record-keeping game. This is one practical, accessible way to do it.
S eán McAllister needed a new approach because the old one wasn’t working. Navigating “mucky, messy, rainy” building sites, trying to listen carefully to clients’ demands, requests and feedback was hard enough, but he is also dyslexic and cannot always rely on his memory. “On site, you’re cold, distracted, and trying to be present in the conversation while worrying you might miss something that later gets used against you,” says McAllister, Director of Pencil and Brick in London. So he bought a wearable microphone – specifically a DJI Mic 2 – to record conversations with clients (with their permission, of course) and paired it with an AI transcription service to provide him with accurate notes of his interactions. “It allows us to stay present and reduces issues falling between the cracks,” he says. “AI transcription has now reached
a tipping point where it’s practical, commercial and genuinely useful.”
How it works in practice McAllister is still refining the process, but here’s what typically happens. He asks clients for permission to be recorded because their words are important to capture. He sets up the DJI Mic 2 – with two remote mics that feed into his iPhone, recording separate audio tracks, which helps transcription later. He records directly into Fireflies which transcribe afterwards, not in real time. “Transparency and making people comfortable is essential,” he says. “No one wants to feel they’re being recorded without understanding why.” The biggest impact for McAllister has been being more present with his clients. “Instead of furiously taking notes, we have
HOW TO BE PRESENT
SEÁN MCALLISTER, Director of Pencil and Brick in London
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