Story Highlight
– Paul Brown appointed new Chair of Build UK.
– Previously Vice Chair, brings 25 years experience.
– Government plans £725 billion infrastructure investment announced.
– Paul emphasizes integrated approach and construction safety.
– Two new Board members join alongside existing members.
Full Story
Build UK, the principal organisation representing the UK’s construction sector, has announced the appointment of Paul Brown, Chief Executive of John Sisk & Son, as its new Chair during this significant 10th anniversary year.
Brown, who previously served as Vice Chair after joining the Board in 2022, brings extensive leadership experience spanning over 25 years to this position. A qualified civil engineer, he is passionate about the transformative potential of construction and its role in shaping a sustainable future. His election highlights Build UK’s pivotal influence in advancing key industry priorities that benefit all areas of the UK construction landscape.
The announcement of Brown’s appointment was made during the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, where members listened to insights from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Right Honourable James Murray MP. Murray elaborated on the Government’s plans to invest and sustain £725 billion in economic and social infrastructure over the next ten years in line with the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy.
Paul Brown takes over from Julie White, Managing Director of D-Drill & Sawing and a member of the Drilling and Sawing Association (DSA), who has led Build UK for the past two years. White departs with gratitude from both the Board and the membership for her successful tenure.
In his inaugural address to Build UK members, Brown remarked, “Taking on the role of Build UK Chair at such a pivotal time for our industry is a huge privilege. Construction is taking an increasingly integrated approach to infrastructure planning, improving the way we deliver projects, and driving forward the highest standards of building safety. Build UK has a vital role to play in supporting these priorities, and I look forward to working with members across the supply chain to deliver change and demonstrate the positive impact of construction on the economy and local communities across the UK.”
Welcoming Brown to his new role, Build UK Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol OBE said, “We are delighted to have Paul as our new Chair. By bringing the whole industry together around the same table, Build UK has demonstrated that it can successfully respond to the issues we face, such as the new building safety regime. Paul’s leadership and experience will be invaluable as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. I would also like to thank Julie for her outstanding contribution over the past two years and for all her support in representing the industry since she was first elected to the Board ten years ago.”
In addition to the leadership changes, Build UK has introduced two new Board members: Katy Dowding, President and CEO of Skanska, and Lee Rowswell from GKR Scaffolding, a member of the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC). Together with existing Board members, they will help ensure that Build UK continues to effectively represent the diverse interests within the construction sector.
Further details regarding the Build UK Board can be found at www.BuildUK.org/Board.
Congratulations to Paul Brown on his appointment. With his experience and clear focus on integrating infrastructure and construction safety, now is the moment to turn policy into practical, site level action. Priorities should include aligning safety expectations across supply chains, improving competency and training for the changing workforce, and embedding proactive risk management into project planning from the earliest stages. Strong industry leadership can help ensure that the planned investment delivers safer, more resilient outcomes for workers and communities.