Stephen Hughes BEng CEng MICE - Head of Standards and Carbon Management for the Transport and Roads Asset Management function at the Department of Infrastructure

Stephen has been with the Department for 35 years having joined in 1990 following two years working in the private sector. He has a varied career in roads engineering, ranging from the design and construction roads and bridges to their maintenance.  More latterly he has been responsible for engineering policy and standards.  He led and co-ordinated Northern Ireland’s input the recent rewrites of both DMRB and MCHW and recently, while maintaining the Head of Standards function, has been tasked with developing DfI’s approach to carbon management.  He is currently drafting an Infrastructure Sectoral Plan for NI while also having a carbon management system for infrastructure developed that will ultimately be adopted across all the Departments in the Northern Ireland Civil Service that provide infrastructure. Stephen will be speaking on "The Journey to Net Zero - a DfI Roads View."

Gordon Best FCMI - Regional Director at MPANI

Gordon Best is Regional Director of the Mineral Products Association NI (MPANI) and has been in this position for almost 25years. Gordon has extensive experience across the mineral products, quarrying and construction sectors in Northern Ireland. He is widely recognised for his strategic insight into infrastructure delivery, planning policy, decarbonisation and the critical role of indigenous mineral supply chains in supporting economic growth.

Gordon is a long standing member and former Chairman of the Northern Ireland Construction Group (NICG) and works closely with industry leaders, government departments, regulators and elected representatives to highlight the importance of sustainable mineral supply, long-term infrastructure investment and high standards of health, safety and quality across the construction materials sector. He has been a consistent and authoritative voice on issues such as road maintenance underfunding, skills shortages, energy costs, planning reform and the transition to net zero.

With a strong understanding of both operational realities and public policy, Gordon champions evidence-based decision-making and practical solutions that support business competitiveness while delivering environmental and social outcomes. He has a particular interest in decarbonisation pathways for heavy industry, the circular economy, and the role of digitalisation and innovation in modern quarrying and materials production. Gordon regularly contributes to consultations, stakeholder forums and media commentary, and is known for his clear, measured and credible advocacy on behalf of the sector.