Opening Keynote at Construction EXPO North to Explore the Region’s Construction Pipeline and Delivery Challenge
‘From Pipeline to Place: Delivering the North’s Construction Opportunity’ to open the event’s CPD-accredited programme
As the industry prepares to gather at Construction EXPO North, organisers have announced the opening keynote session that will set the strategic tone for the day’s programme.
The opening panel will examine one of the most pressing issues facing the sector: the scale of construction opportunity across Northern England and the industry’s ability to deliver it.
Drawing on construction pipeline data, economic and business confidence insights, and first-hand industry expertise, the discussion will explore the scale and timing of projects across the North, how confident the sector is in its readiness, and the practical steps required to unlock delivery at pace and scale.
Diane Elebert-Morgan, Property & Construction Manager at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, will chair the opening keynote session, guiding the discussion on how the industry can translate the North’s significant construction pipeline into deliverable projects.
In her role at the Chamber, Diane is responsible for engaging with both members and non-members across the region, providing business support and advice to organisations of all sizes operating within the built environment and wider business community in Greater Manchester.
Drawing on her close connection with industry stakeholders and her insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, she will lead the panel conversation, helping to frame the key issues around capacity, skills and delivery shaping the region’s construction landscape.
The session will feature perspectives from leading voices across business, construction and economic analysis:
- Subrahmaniam Krishnan-Harihara, Director of Business Policy and Research at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
- Patrick Connolly, Director at Connolly Construction & Management Ltd and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building
- Drilon Baca, Economist at Glenigan
Together, the panel will explore the key constraints currently shaping delivery across the region, including skills shortages, capacity pressures, productivity challenges, cost inflation and supply chain resilience. The discussion will also highlight the enabling conditions needed to translate opportunity into tangible progress across the North’s construction landscape.
The opening keynote will set the direction for a CPD-accredited programme of sessions throughout the day, addressing critical themes such as skills development, sustainability, digital innovation and cross-regional collaboration.
Construction EXPO North brings together professionals from across the built environment to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of construction in Northern regions.
Registration for the event is free, with further programme announcements expected in the coming weeks.
