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In 2022, we joined forces with our long-standing clients, Lynas Engineers, to help bring to life a new kind of industry event, focused on sparking collaboration, strengthening regional supply chains, and connecting businesses across the Built Environment. That shared vision became Constructing Links, a conference that brings people together to inspire ideas, build relationships, and champion the power of working locally.<\/p>\n
In June, we were proud to co-host the third edition of Constructing Links with Lynas Engineers, an impactful event designed to inspire future talent and promote meaningful collaboration across the construction and infrastructure sectors. Held at Middlesbrough Football Club, the day was split into two parts: an interactive, STEM-focused morning session with children from local schools, supported by the MFC Foundation, and an immersive exhibition event and thought-provoking panel discussion with industry leaders.<\/p>\n
Morning: Inspiring Young Minds<\/strong><\/p>\n The day began with an energetic and interactive morning session designed to engage local primary school children with the world of Engineering and the Built Environment. We welcomed two groups of primary school children and encouraged them to discover real-world Engineering concepts, in a fun, memorable way. Through hands on STEM challenges, from spaghetti and marshmallow structures to fizzy pop bottle rockets and drone demonstrations, students explored creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.<\/p>\n It was amazing to see their curiosity in full swing. They learned through play, asked thoughtful questions, and witnessed first-hand the excitement of Engineering. Their experience was supported by local businesses, including ourselves, Tri-Tech, Lynas Engineers, Walker Morris, as well as Tees Valley Combined Authority and the MFC Foundation, helping deliver a morning full of energy, curiosity, and inspiration.<\/p>\n Afternoon: Collaboration in the Construction Industry <\/strong><\/p>\n In the afternoon, we welcomed a panel of experienced professionals to explore the theme of collaboration across the sector. Speakers included Rob Lynas (Lynas Engineers), Joanne O\u2019Brien (Tees Valley Combined Authority), Michael Dixon (Wolviston Group), Kirstie Rumis (NEPO), and Daniel Wade (Wade Construction Management Consultants).<\/p>\n The conversation touched on a range of timely issues. Rob Lynas discussed the benefits of the Preferred Partners initiative in fostering sector-wide collaboration, while Joanne O\u2019Brien highlighted how local authorities are influencing national policy in this space. Michael Dixon reflected on the evolution of the sector and how businesses are adapting to new challenges.<\/p>\n Kirstie Rumis focused on Social Value in procurement, advocating for simpler assessment models and meaningful accountability. She also outlined NEPO\u2019s future approach to creating more inclusive opportunities for businesses of all sizes. Daniel Wade brought a broader perspective, sharing common barriers to growth and collaboration and calling for changes to reduce project overruns and inefficiencies.<\/p>\n The panel wrapped up with a collective discussion on the strengths of the North East as a collaborative business environment, and how networks like this can support continued progress.<\/p>\n Preferred Partners: A Catalyst for Growth<\/strong><\/p>\n Constructing Links once again showed the power of bringing together education, business, and public sector voices. The morning’s energy from the students set a positive tone, while the afternoon\u2019s honest, solutions-focused panel gave real insight into the future of the sector. We\u2019re proud to support the Preferred Partners network, which continues to create tangible value for the region. So far, over \u00a335 million worth of work has been channelled through local businesses in the network, fostering innovation, knowledge transfer, and inclusive supply chain access.<\/p>\n As we reflect on another successful edition of Constructing Links, we\u2019re already looking forward to what\u2019s next. Plans are underway for future Preferred Partners events that continue to connect, inform, and inspire our network. \u00a0A big thank you to our panellists, exhibitors, and participating schools. We look forward to building on the conversations and connections sparked at the event and continuing to strengthen the links between our industries, communities, and future workforce.<\/p>\n \u201cThese events have been excellent for knowledge sharing, with a number of the key themes being shared across the organisations, this has allowed for engaging and informative discussions.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n David Warwick, TGA Consulting Engineers<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re thrilled with the outstanding support from Lynas and the Preferred Partners this year. Collaborating with such a dedicated group has made a real difference at the grassroots level, highlighting the spirit of Teessiders coming together to create positive change.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Paul Shepherd, MFC Foundation\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In 2022, we joined forces with our long-standing clients, Lynas Engineers, to help bring to life a new kind of industry event, focused on sparking collaboration, strengthening regional supply chains, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":9312,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_cbd_carousel_blocks":"[]","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9311","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-member-news"],"yoast_head":"\n