Industry leaders predict a ‘transformational’ period for UK house building as NHBC unveils speaker line-up for its flagship BEYOND ’26 LIVE event.
The UK’s house building sector stands on the brink of significant change. With ambitious national targets and shifting market conditions, developers, policymakers and industry professionals are preparing for what experts describe as a “transformational few years” for residential construction.
On 25 February 2026, more than 1,200 delegates will gather at the CBS Arena in Coventry for BEYOND ’26 LIVE, a landmark event hosted by the National House Building Council (NHBC) and chaired by Louise Minchin, former BBC broadcaster. Over 40 speakers from across the construction, finance, and policy sectors will share insights on the industry’s evolving landscape — from sustainability and regulatory reform to digital transformation and workforce development.
A Defining Moment for UK Housing
The government’s commitment to 1.5 million new homes by 2029 has set an ambitious pace for the industry. Achieving this target, experts warn, will depend on innovation, collaboration, and a renewed focus on quality and safety.
Cassandra Codling, Senior Regional Director at NHBC, said:
“The next few years will be transformational for UK house building. Meeting housing targets is vital, but doing so in a market defined by planning delays, skills shortages, rising costs and fragile consumer confidence demands real resilience. BEYOND ’26 LIVE is more than a conference — it’s a call to action for an industry ready to lead the change.”
The Future of the New Homes Market
One of the event’s headline sessions, “The Future of the New Homes Market: Perspectives on Delivering Growth,” will feature a powerhouse panel including Jennie Daly (CEO, Taylor Wimpey), Mark Farmer (Founder, Cast Consultancy) and Ian Workman (Chief Customer Officer, Homes England).
Discussions will focus on how the sector can maintain delivery momentum while adapting to new regulatory frameworks, shifting market dynamics, and growing sustainability demands.
Ian Workman said:
“The need for new homes has never been greater, but delivery is increasingly complex. Unlocking barriers around land, planning and skills — while embracing new design and sustainability standards — will be essential. Collaboration across the sector will define our success.”
Mark Farmer added:
“If we’re serious about building more homes, we must also build better. The next phase of growth depends on productivity, innovation, and skills reform. Smarter delivery models and investment in modern methods of construction (MMC) will be critical.”
Building the Workforce of the Future
With an estimated 250,000 additional construction workers needed by 2028 to meet demand, workforce strategy will be high on the agenda. Andy George, Director of Industry Attraction and Skills at the Home Builders Federation (HBF), will outline the Home Building Sector Skills Plan — a blueprint for recruiting, developing, and retaining the talent essential to the sector’s future.
“Our members are reshaping talent pipelines, partnering with colleges and creating new routes into the industry,” George said. “This long-term plan provides the framework to support future growth and ensure the sector is equipped to meet its housing delivery targets.”
Innovation, Regulation and Quality: The Key Themes
The BEYOND ’26 LIVE programme will explore the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, including:
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How to deliver 1.5 million homes while maintaining quality, safety and environmental standards
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Implementing the Future Homes Standard and designing for climate resilience
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Closing the skills gap through training, apprenticeships and digital upskilling
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Insights from NHBC’s Pride in the Job Awards on leadership and site excellence
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Advances in timber frame construction, MMC, and water efficiency
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Regulatory updates including the Building Safety Levy and NHBC Standards 2026
Delegates can expect a mix of panel debates, CPD-accredited workshops, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities with peers, developers, and key suppliers.
Register for BEYOND ’26 LIVE
Early Bird tickets are available for a limited time. For the full programme, speaker line-up, and registration details, visit www.nhbc.co.uk/beyond.
