01 September 2015

Costain’s Tim Embley, who is responsible for research, innovation and emerging technology, is normally a mild-mannered chap. On 1 October, however, he becomes a dragon for the day, as part of a major conference looking at the role of technology in the engineering and construction sector.
The Future Technology Forum, to be held at The Crystal building in east London, will look at all aspects of technology and is being staged by EMAP, publishers of New Civil Engineer (NCE) magazine.

“The target audience is quite broad,” said Anna Govett, Senior Content Manager at EMAP and director for the event. “It was initially targeted at our readership at NCE – anyone from director level, contractors, engineering and innovation managers. The businesses that have registered are the ones that are leading the industry, making the day a great networking opportunity for innovation leaders at all levels.”

The event will be conference-led, with an exhibition of around a dozen stands in the foyer. And part of the day’s proceedings will be given over to a Dragon’s Den-type event, at which judges including Tim will pick the best of four ideas put to them by hopeful innovators.

The four projects being put to the dragons will already have been whittled down from a much larger group of ideas put forward by their backers; pre-selection will take place in early September.

Alongside Tim, the four other ‘Dragons’ are: Tim Broyd, Chair of Built Environment Foresight, University College London; Mark Enzer, Group Practice Manager for Water, Mott MacDonald; Mark Wray, Lead Technologist, Low Impact Building Innovation Platform, Innovate UK; and Paul Zanelli, Chief Technical Officer, Transport Systems Catapult.

“NCE has identified technology as an area of importance to enable innovation in the industry,” said Tim. “Over the last six to eight months they’ve had a steering group in place for the conference, where industry-leading figures have been presenting on technology and advances in the industry.

“Costain has been heavily involved in presenting material for this landmark event. The day will offer a fantastic opportunity to learn more about new technology, discuss how industrialisation is improving business performance and, importantly, showcase your innovation. Our industry is at the forefront of the advance of innovation and this conference will showcase how we are Engineering Tomorrow today alongside our partners such as Crossrail and Laing O’Rourke.

“Those who are a part of the conference are those who recognise we are a high-value industry focused on improving productivity.”

 

Ends 

Media Enquiries
Costain Communications Department
01628 842585
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• Costain is supporting NCE’s Future Technology Forum, which takes place at The Crystal on 1 October. This is the first event to bring together clients, engineers, contractors and suppliers from across the infrastructure and structures communities to explore the exciting new technologies that will shape the future of the industry. Find out more about the event here or download the event brochure here.

Visit the Dragons Den webpage for more information about the competition.
If you have an innovation you want to share with Costain, please register on the Costain Innovation Portal. Click here to register and get started