The UK built environment is navigating a complex landscape of shifting economic pressures, regulatory evolutions and emerging sector opportunities. That’s why Futurebuild have partnered with Barbour ABI for an exclusive webinar, where an expert panel will map out the structural changes driving the industry forward.

Chaired by Martin Hurn (Event Director, Futurebuild), the session will begin with Ed Griffiths (Head of Business & Client Analytics, Barbour ABI) delivering a comprehensive macroeconomic overview. Ed will break down the current headwinds and tailwinds impacting the industry, highlighting why infrastructure remains a resilient growth sector.

Following this broad market briefing, Hannah Robbins (Sectors & Markets Expert, Barbour ABI) will lead a data-driven deep dive into the UK's fastest-accelerating asset classes. Hannah will explore the explosive growth of the data centre sector, now classified as Critical National Infrastructure and trace its direct, symbiotic reliance on the rapid rollout of renewable energy infrastructure.

The discussion comes at a pivotal time for the sector. The growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services is driving unprecedented demand for data centres and associated energy infrastructure, while renewable energy deployment continues to reshape investment priorities and project delivery requirements. Industry leaders are increasingly focused on balancing growth ambitions with energy resilience, sustainability goals and long-term infrastructure planning.

Attendees will gain insight into:

• The infrastructure sectors showing the strongest growth potential

• The impact of data centre expansion on the built environment

• The relationship between renewable energy investment and infrastructure delivery

• Key market trends influencing project pipelines

• Challenges around power, resources and delivery capacity

• Opportunities for organisations across the construction and infrastructure supply chain

The webinar will uncover where the pipeline is moving and how to position your business for the next wave of built environment investment.

Martin Hurn, Event Director at Futurebuild, said:

"The built environment sits at the centre of some of the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the UK economy. From digital infrastructure and data centres to renewable energy and major capital programmes, understanding where growth is happening is essential for businesses looking to plan ahead and make informed decisions."

Thursday, 18th June 2026 12:00 – 12:45 pm BST

The webinar is free to attend, but advance registration is required. Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4580638464997112670

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

About Futurebuild

Futurebuild is the UK’s leading built environment event, which took place at Excel London from 12 to 14 May 2026. The show brings together thousands of professionals from across construction, housing, local government and sustainability to share knowledge, showcase innovation and build partnerships.

By bringing together the entire supply chain, Futurebuild is a powerful platform to connect with the right people from senior specifiers and architects to major contractors and developers - all actively looking for innovative solutions to shape ambitious construction projects.

With a three-day CPD accredited knowledge programme and a dynamic, solutions-focused exhibition, Futurebuild is where meaningful conversations turn into impactful collaboration.

For more information visit: futurebuild.co.uk

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