Record numbers as construction collaborates to promote skills

Foundations Live 2025 attracted more than 70 exhibitors from across the construction supply chain as well as hundreds of industry professionals, apprentices, students and jobseekers. 

Delegates included representatives of the HEY LSIP board and many supporters of the LSIP’s programme of forums and workshops.

Phil Ascough, Chair of HEY LSIP, said: 

“I couldn’t have been more impressed with Foundations Live. It was a remarkable event and an excellent showcase of the variety of careers available in construction and the enthusiasm of potential recruits.

“There was a real buzz of excitement and innovation from the live equipment demonstrations and interactive displays, all backed up by expert advice on apprenticeships and training. The organisers deserve the utmost credit for pulling everything together.”

Foundations Live is the result of the collaborative and ongoing working relationship between Hobson & Porter, MKM Building Supplies and the College. Another key partner is the CITB, which provides information about grants and fundraising to support the industry in developing the workforce – including apprenticeships.

Dave Blades, SHEQ Director at, Hobson & Porter, said: 

“Every year this event grows in scale and impact, and 2025 has been a record year. We are proud to provide a platform where businesses can showcase innovation, make valuable connections and highlight the incredible career opportunities available in construction to hundreds of young learners.

“Foundations Live is about more than networking; it is about inspiring the next generation, supporting skills development, and strengthening the industry as a whole.”

Joe Booth, Business Development Director at Hobson & Porter, added: 

“The fundamental driver of the event is to raise awareness, generate interest and promote the breadth and depth of the industry.

“Most importantly it’s a free event which is there to create direct links between the SME supply chain, training providers and the future talent pool –  breaking down those resource barriers for the good of the industry as a whole.

“It came about because as a business we feel the skills shortage first hand. Far too many good local subcontractor companies have ceased to exist over the years not because they have financially failed, but because the owner has retired, there has been no succession plan and valuable skills are lost.

“We saw a worrying two-fold trend. The companies most in need of skills and training – local SMEs and micro SMEs – are in the worst position to do anything about it, with a lack of resources to proactively attend careers events and train staff. Also the problem is far bigger than one organisation or government body can solve on their own.”