Construction Leaders' Summit 2024

Paul Morrell OBE, Former Chief Construction Adviser to UK Government, CIOB Client Champion

Paul has an impressive career to date, which includes serving as the UK Government's Chief Construction Advisor from 2009 to 2012, a crucial period following the 2008 financial crisis. During his tenure, his strategic advice to ministers across two governments during this transformative time led to significant advancements in the industry. 

His notable achievements include the Low Carbon Construction Report, the Government Construction Strategy, and advocating for enhanced collaboration and the use of information technology, culminating in the UK Government's BIM mandate. In 2023, Paul, alongside Anneliese Day KC, spearheaded the Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime, in respone to Dame Judith Hackitt's report following the Grenfell Tower Disaster.

Paul's profound expertise in sustainability, digital transformation, and the regulation of manufactured products positions him as a leading authority in the field. His insights and experiences promise to deliver invaluable perspectives to our attendees.

Chris Hines MBE

Chris has over 30 years of experience in environmental advocacy and has inspired positive change throughout his career. He co-founded and served as Director of Surfers Against Sewage (1990-2000), praised as one of the UK’s most effective environmental groups. He was also Sustainability Director at the Eden Project, where he developed the “Waste Neutral” initiative and promoted sustainable business practices.

Chris has provided expert testimony to the UK Parliament, European Commission, and other significant bodies, and has been a special advisor to the UK Environment Minister. His media appearances include BBC World Service, Panorama, and CNN. In 2008, he was awarded an MBE for services to the environment and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Plymouth.

He has presented to various organisations, including Accenture, BMW, and the National Grid, and currently serves on the BBC’s Sustainability Advisory Group. Chris focuses on strategic planning, communications, leadership, and integrating sustainability into profitable business practices, believing in the positive impact of business on the environment. He remains an avid surfer.

Karen Burns, Co-Founder and CEO of Fyma

Fyma is an AI and computer vision company dedicated to building better places through data. It partners with commercial real estate developers and asset managers to provide critical insights into built spaces, including footfall, transport, accessibility, and dwell time analytics. The platform is GDPR-compliant, easy to set up, and compatible with any camera worldwide.

With over 19 years of experience in ICT and Business Development, Karen has held key roles in both private and public sectors in the UK, Baltics and the Middle East. As Business Development Director at CGI Estonia, she spearheaded innovation and product development initiatives. At Mooncascade, the Baltics' fastest-growing software development house, she tripled their annual revenue in two years as Head of Business Development.

A passionate advocate for women in STEM, Karen is a sought-after speaker on AI, strategy, and business development at international conferences.

Stay Tuned for More Exciting Speaker Announcements!

We are thrilled to have Paul Morrell, OBE as our keynote speaker for the NBS Construction Leaders Summit 2024. But that's not all—we have more incredible speakers to be revealed soon!

Visit our website and socials regularly for updates and to discover who else will be joining us to share their insights and expertise. Don't miss out on the chance to hear from the leading voices in the construction industry.

Stay tuned and check back often for the latest announcements!