Delivering major infrastructure across the North of England increasingly depends on how projects are funded, structured and de-risked. As local authorities, developers and contractors work to bring forward transport, housing, utilities and regeneration schemes, funding models are playing a decisive role in whether projects progress beyond planning and into construction.
Build North Expo Liverpool, set to be held on the 16th June 2026, provides a forum to examine how infrastructure across the region is being financed, the challenges faced by public sector bodies, and the opportunities for the construction supply chain to engage earlier in the delivery process.
The role of funding in infrastructure delivery
Northern infrastructure programmes are shaped by constrained public budgets, rising construction costs and the need to demonstrate long-term value.
While central government funding remains important, many projects now rely on blended approaches that combine public funding with private investment and alternative financing mechanisms.
Understanding how schemes are funded is critical for contractors, consultants and suppliers, as funding structures influence procurement routes, risk allocation, programme certainty and payment profiles.
Key funding models shaping delivery
Public sector capital and grant funding
Local authorities and combined authorities continue to rely on capital allocations and grants to deliver highways, transport, housing and public estate projects.
However, limited funding windows and competitive bidding processes mean that schemes must be well developed and deliverable to secure support.
Exploring funding at Build North Expo Liverpool
Build North Expo Liverpool brings together stakeholders from across the built environment, including public sector clients, developers, consultants and contractors.
Discussions around funding and delivery models help attendees understand how projects are being structured and what this means for construction delivery on the ground.
The event offers opportunities to:
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Engage with public sector bodies responsible for infrastructure delivery
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Learn from real-world project experiences
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Understand how funding constraints influence procurement and design decisions
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Build relationships across the infrastructure supply chain
Supporting delivery across the North
As infrastructure remains central to economic growth, housing delivery and net zero ambitions, the way projects are funded will continue to shape what can be built, when and how.
Build North Expo Liverpool provides space for open discussion on these challenges, helping the industry better align funding, policy and construction delivery.
Register your interest in attending or exhibiting here: Attend Liverpool – Build North Expo
