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Discussed the Impact of Construction Management Technology with Saul Humphrey

Construction companies need to stay ahead of the increasing demand of customers globally. Using innovative technologies in your construction business is one tactic contractors adapt to cope with growth.

Nowadays, a vast array of technologies is accessible, and construction organizations are consistently being compelled to adapt to new technologies. How is technology influencing the way you conduct business? As it turns out, technology is impacting virtually every aspect of your business.

To gain some expert insights into the same, we interviewed Saul Humphrey to bring his perspective on construction technology to light.

Q & A with Saul Humphrey

Who Did We Interview?

Saul Humphrey is an experienced Managing Director, Consultant, Property Investor/Developer, and Construction/Project Manager in the Construction sector.

He is a Professor at Anglia Ruskin University and the Chair of the Institute of Directors.

Saul is also Chair of New Anglia LEP's Building Growth (the construction, housing, and property development sector group covering Norfolk and Suffolk).

He is also a Non-Executive Director of Great Yarmouth Borough Council's housing development/property companies, Equinox Property Holdings Limited and Equinox Enterprises Limited, and he is the Managing Director of Human Nature (Hethel).

Saul is an Ambassador of Norfolk Constructing Excellence Club (NCEC), a Committee Member of Essex Youthbuild, and the East of England past President and past National Director of the National Federation of Builders (NFB).

Saul’s core purpose is to shift the paradigm towards more sustainable development.

Let Us Quickly Get To Our Expert’s Point Of View.

Question 1: How do you see the construction industry in the year 2023? Do you think this year will be a "digital year" for construction professionals?

The industry is struggling with inflation, uncertainty, and skills shortages whilst wrestling with the responsibility to shift the dial towards much more sustainable solutions.

Digital innovations can and will assist, but the reality of higher supply costs is impacting upon commercial viability for many projects; we need an immediate resolution to planning (NPPF/5-year land supply, Nutrient Neutrality).

We must address endemic skills challenges; and the need to de-carbonize new and existing buildings must be a priority focusing on operational and embodied carbon, renewable energy and the full repertoire of environmental footprints.

Question 2: The construction industry has undergone dynamic changes over the years. What do you consider as the biggest challenge for this industry now?

Mark Farmer said the construction industry must "Modernize or die." He wasn't wrong, but the industry's negative environmental impact must be the priority right now.

Globally, the built environment is responsible for approximately 38% of CO2e emissions and further negative impacts on broader planetary boundaries. We can and must do better.

We need much less 'green wash' and a much more authentic commitment to NZC and broader sustainable ambitions recognizing all 17 SDGs.

Question 3: Where do you see the construction industry in the next five years? Please share your valuable insights with our readers.

The construction sector is at what seems like a perpetual crossroads.

It could stubbornly persist with business as usual, complaining about external forces, poor image, low morale, high risk, and low returns, or the sector could step up and seek a paradigm shift where it leads the UK towards refurbishing and retrofitting older buildings.

It commits to a drive towards low carbon solutions that create 'Value(s)' for the future.

Get to Know Our Influencer

Question 4: In four words or less, what's your prediction about the transforming construction industry?

More green-wash 'ESG' or a real purpose-driven positive impact.

Question 5: What's your success mantra?

Authenticity and teamwork. Purpose/value-driven sustainable success for all.

More Details

Saul has a Doctorate in Construction Procurement and Economics (Ph.D. awarded from Loughborough University) and Master's Degree in Construction Management (MSc awarded with distinction from Heriot-Watt University).

He is a corporate fellow, a professional assessor for the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB), and a Chartered Construction Manager. Saul is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS).

He is a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb), a Qualified Adjudicator, an honorary Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE), and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).