CIHT Chief Executive Sue Percy CBE has been up and down the UK, contributing to conversations on the future of transport, skills, investment and inclusion across the UK.

Interchange

The week began at Interchange 2026 (3^rd – 4^th March), the major transport infrastructure conference hosted in Manchester, where Sue contributed to a series of panel discussions exploring the evolving challenges facing the sector.

One of the key themes of Sue’s participation was skills for the future, widely recognised as one of the most important challenges facing the transport and infrastructure sector.

Sue participated on a keynote panel on skills, featuring:

·         Bobbie Perks CMgr MCMI – Kier

·         Donna Howard CMgr MCMI – Kier

·         Andrew Stephenson – National Highways

·         Sophie Radford – Zero Gravity

·         Steph Tickle – LTSB

The discussion highlighted the need to create a compelling and differentiated narrative that attracts young people. Sue also explored how the industry can build a stronger, more inclusive and future-ready workforce.

Panelists also stressed the importance of showcasing the diversity and breadth of opportunities available across the sector, while ensuring there are clear and exciting career progression pathways for those entering the profession.

The conversation also addressed the need for honesty and reflection within the industry, recognising that there are still areas where workplace culture must improve so that everyone feels welcome, safe and able to thrive.

Across the two-day conference, Sue also contributed to panel discussions examining how a systems-thinking approach to transport can support great places for people and drive economic growth, and how the industry can make better decisions and deliver greater value from transport investments.

CIHT Northern Ireland Gala Dinner and Awards

Following Interchange, Sue travelled to Belfast to attend the CIHT Northern Ireland Gala Dinner and Awards (5^th March), one of the region’s key industry events. The evening celebrated the achievements of professionals and organisations across Northern Ireland who are delivering innovative transport and infrastructure projects and supporting the next generation of talent within the profession.

Sue congratulated the award winners and reflected on the strength of the CIHT community across the region, noting the critical role collaboration plays in advancing safe, sustainable and efficient transport networks.

B.E. Inclusive event - International Women’s Day.

The week concluded back in London (6^th March), where Sue attended the B.E. Inclusive event marking International Women’s Day.

The event brought together leading voices from across the built environment sector to discuss inclusive design, policymaking and leadership, and to explore how the industry can move beyond conversation to deliver measurable change.

The built environment shapes how people live, work and move through the world. Yet the voices leading and designing these spaces have not always reflected the diversity of the communities they serve.

The B.E. Inclusive event created space for open discussion, shared learning and meaningful action to address this challenge and support a more representative profession.

Sue Percy CBE FCIHT, Chief Executive of CIHT, said:

“Creating an inclusive built environment starts with ensuring that the profession itself reflects the diversity of the people and communities it serves. International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity to challenge ourselves, share experience and commit to practical action that drives lasting change across our sector.”

From national conversations on transport strategy to celebrating professional excellence and championing greater inclusion, the week highlighted the breadth of leadership, collaboration and shared purpose shaping the future of the transport and built environment sectors.

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CIHT looks forward to following up with stakeholders, members, and partnership organisations engaged with over the past week.  

Keynote panel on skills - Interchange 2026