Construction Disrupted Episode 91 - Featuring Robert De Niro (19.11.25)

From Hollywood glamour in Manchester to AI’s untapped potential, and the challenges facing colleges, we’ve got this week covered. Let’s get started!

AI potential “being wasted” in construction

AI could revolutionise construction, but the industry is falling behind. A survey shows 81% of professionals lack advanced AI knowledge, and only 20% of firms are ready to automate processes. Without proper training and policies, companies risk wasting investments and facing cybersecurity threats. The solution? AI literacy training, formal strategies, and tailored tools to unlock productivity and innovation.

Colleges halt construction enrolments as demand hits the roof

UK colleges are overwhelmed by record demand for construction and engineering courses, driven by demographic growth and government plans to train 60,000 new tradespeople. Teacher shortages and limited space have forced over half of colleges to create waiting lists. With 1.5 million new homes planned by 2029, urgent funding is needed to meet the demand and prepare the workforce of tomorrow.

Robert De Niro’s waiting, for BSR approval

Hollywood icon Robert De Niro is behind the £360 million Nobu Manchester skyscraper, set to be the tallest residential tower outside London. But construction is stalled as the project awaits Building Safety Regulator approval. With plans to build atop the historic Castlefield railway viaduct, this ambitious project blends luxury with heritage. Will the team break ground next year?

Bios

Ryan Jones - SLG Agency

For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.

His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.

In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.

Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.

Peter Sumpton - buildDifferent

Peter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.

His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.

Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.

Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.

Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.