As the UK sets out to deliver 1.5 million homes over the current parliament, the North of England is emerging as a critical region in meeting this national ambition.

With major housebuilding targets shifting towards northern regions, the construction industry is turning its focus to the opportunities and challenges ahead.

These themes will take centre stage at Build North Expo  at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, on the 16th June 2026- where professionals from across the built environment will gather to collaborate on delivery solutions.

Rising Housing Targets in the North

Recent assessments of demand and regional growth have placed increased emphasis on the North’s capacity to accelerate housing delivery. Many local authorities across the North are now expected to deliver substantially more homes each year than in previous decades.

Combined, this uplift could account for a significant proportion of the UK’s 1.5 million homes target.

This shift recognises the North’s strategic role in creating balanced national growth.

Unlocking this potential will depend on planning performance, supply chain capability, and investment in skills to support sustained delivery over the coming years.

Planning Delays and Delivery Challenges

Despite strong regional ambition, developers across the North continue to face delays caused by slow planning processes, cost pressures and labour shortages.

While policy changes are beginning to address these issues, uncertainty around regulations and timelines continues to impact project start dates and viability.

For the North to meet the increased expectations placed upon it, practical solutions and cross-industry collaboration will be essential.

This includes accelerating planning reforms, improving material availability, expanding local training pipelines, and fostering closer cooperation between developers, councils and government bodies.

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Build North Expo: A Catalyst for Collaboration

Build North Expo will act as a major platform for the industry to tackle these challenges collectively. Bringing together contractors, housebuilders, manufacturers, consultants and public sector leaders, the expo will showcase new ideas, best practice and technologies designed to support faster, more efficient housing delivery across the North.

Attendees will be able to:

  • Connect with industry leaders and regional decision makers

  • Explore the latest innovations in construction and digital delivery

  • Gain insights into planning reform and regulatory changes

  • Strengthen partnerships across the supply chain

For organisations looking to play an active role in shaping the future of housing delivery, Build North Expo provides a timely opportunity to align efforts ahead of the next phase of national policy and investment.

The North’s Pivotal Role in National Housing Delivery

Reaching the UK’s target of 1.5 million homes depends on strong regional contributions, and the North is positioned to be one of the largest drivers of new supply. With ambitious local authority plans, major regeneration programmes and significant land availability, the region is well placed to lead the next wave of housebuilding.

But delivery at this scale requires clarity, collaboration and consistency.

Industry events like Build North Expo help accelerate progress by bringing together the people and organisations capable of overcoming the barriers that slow development.

Register now to be part of the conversation shaping the future of housing and construction in the North.