BEYOND 25’ LIVE Raising the standard for house building’s future

More than 1,000 industry professionals came together at the Coventry Building Society Arena for BEYOND '25 LIVE, NHBC’s national conference for everyone involved in the construction of new homes. With a packed agenda, engaging speakers and live demonstrations, the event delivered fresh thinking, valuable insights and practical tools to help attendees stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.

The programme tackled many of the most pressing issues facing house builders today, from changes to Building Regulations and skills shortages to customer care, claims trends and sustainability. It also positioned BEYOND ‘25 LIVE as a must-attend event for those who want to lead, not follow, in shaping the future of house building.

Designed for a changing industry

With legislation evolving at pace and expectations rising, BEYOND '25 LIVE arrived at a crucial time for the house-building sector. In an NHBC poll conducted ahead of the event, 44 percent of professionals identified standards and legislation as their biggest concern. Unsurprisingly, this became a key focus throughout the day’s sessions.

Experts shared guidance on the latest changes to Building Regulations and broke down what they mean in practice, particularly around building safety and compliance. Delegates heard from developers about how they are adapting to change, balancing new regulatory demands with innovation and commercial priorities.

There was also practical advice on navigating the Gateway process, with discussions highlighting common hurdles and how to overcome them. The NHBC team presented an overview of what is coming in the 2025 Standards, offering a clear view of how builders and developers can prepare. In a session comparing Pride in the Job outcomes with Construction Quality Reviews (CQRs), the conversation turned to how quality is defined and how NHBC continues to promote best practices.

These sessions provided real-world insight for professionals looking to stay ahead of regulation and deliver homes that meet the highest standards.

 

 

Powerful Voices, Big Ideas

The speaker lineup was as impactful as the agenda, with major names from across the sector sharing valuable insights and sparking lively debate.

Special guest speakers included:

  • Ian Workman, Chief Customer Officer, Homes England
  • Lindsey Young, CEO, Clarkson Evans
  • Nigel Cates, Chief Ombudsman, New Homes Ombudsman
  • Nigel Banks, Technical Director, Octopus Energy
  • Rhodri Williams, Technical and Sustainability Director, Home Builders Federation
  • Carl Harris, Chairman, National Association of Home Builders
  • Richard Lankshear, Director, Future Homes Hub
  • Richard Smith, Head of Standards, Innovation and Research, NHBC

 

A standout moment came during the headline session with Deborah Meaden, renowned business leader and star of Dragons' Den, who joined broadcaster and journalist Louise Minchin for an exclusive fireside chat. Their conversation ranged from sustainability in business to resilience, leadership and innovation, leaving the audience energised and inspired.

“What a great experience, very great value for money and variety of experiences. I left feeling very positive, happy and empowered!!,” said one delegate. “A very well thought out, comprehensive and varied conference in an engaging environment, with an interesting blend of sessions and some excellent speakers.”

Skills, Innovation and the Future Workforce

With the CITB predicting continued labour shortages across the construction sector, the industry’s skills crisis was front and centre. Key sessions addressed training, recruitment, and upskilling, supported by new data and insights from the CITB and NHBC’s own research. A particular highlight was the discussion of the 12 new multi skill training hubs designed to support practical skills development and regional workforce needs. Live skills demonstrations and CPD workshops also proved incredibly popular throughout the day, offering hands-on experience and opportunities to connect with training providers, employers and peers.

Customer Expectations and Care

Sessions exploring customer satisfaction, claims trends, and best practices in warranty and insurance communications were equally well attended.

Attendees heard from the NHBC team and sector leaders about:

  • mystery shopping research results, revealing key areas for improvement in customer journeys
  • common claims issues and benchmarks from across the industry
  • and how to strengthen customer care processes from handover to aftercare.

In an industry where reputation is everything, these insights gave attendees the tools to improve experience, build trust, and raise standards.

Building for a Greener Future

With climate change continuing to reshape policy, practice and priorities, sustainability was another major theme throughout the event.

Sessions focused on:

  • net-zero targets and how the industry can practically work towards them
  • the role of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and off-site innovation in reducing environmental impact

and the latest developments in housing regeneration, energy efficiency, and low-carbon homes.

Speakers from Future Homes Hub, Octopus Energy and HBF led the discussions, sharing data, case studies and strategic insights into how the sector can continue to innovate while staying commercially viable.

More Than Just a Conference

Beyond the stage, the show floor buzzed with 32 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge products, technology, and services across construction, training, compliance, sustainability, and customer service. The atmosphere was collaborative and forward-looking, the kind of space where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and progress happens.

Many attendees described BEYOND '25 LIVE as the most valuable industry event they’ve attended in years. Whether it was reconnecting with peers, learning from thought leaders, or exploring solutions to today’s challenges, there was something for everyone involved in the construction of new homes.

“An excellent event bringing together a range of knowledgeable presenters to help industry better manage future changes in construction methodologies and regulations,” said one builder in attendance at the event.

Looking Ahead: BEYOND ’26 LIVE

As the event closed, it was clear that BEYOND '25 LIVE had delivered on its promise, helping professionals navigate change, upskill teams, connect with peers, and commit to building better homes for future generations.

If you missed this year’s event, don’t worry; plans are already underway for next year.

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