Key Topics and Industry Speakers

The event will be hosted by Peter Haddock – well known throughout the plant-hire industry as a content creator, journalist, vlogger and event host. Peter will co-ordinate a series of speakers and panel discussions relating to key topics including opportunities for the construction plant-hire sector, building skills for the workforce, communications and decarbonisation.

The overall theme of the CPA Conference 2026 is closely linked to a major new report that has recently been produced by Oxford Economics for the CPA. Entitled ‘Half-Built Britain: Unlocking the Nation’s Growth Plans’, the report warns that Britain’s construction engine is stalling under the combined strain of skills shortages, weak investment and chronic delivery delays.

However, it also highlights the opportunity for government and industry to work together to unlock investment and close the productivity gap – a step that could generate up to £315 billion in long-term economic growth, helping fund priorities without adding to national debt.

The venue – One Great George Street – is a historic Grade II listed building located in the centre of Westminster which is headquarters to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). The Conference will take place in the purpose-built Telford Theatre, the sit-down lunch is in the opulent Great Hall and exhibitors will be in the Library.