Building Better Together: Insights from Amos Simbo OBE on Professionalisation in Construction

In a lively virtual meetup hosted by the APM Built Environment Interest Network on Tuesday 13 May, attendees were treated to an engaging conversation with Amos Simbo OBE, founder of BPIC Network (Built Environment Inclusion) and Winway Group. The session was chaired by Dave Corbin, the APM Built Environment Network Lead, and co-hosted by Frances Palmer, the Network’s Diversity & Inclusion Focus Stream Lead.  The discussion delved into the professionalisation challenges facing construction projects and how project managers can drive positive change in the industry.

From Engineering to Industry Champion
Amos's journey into construction began almost by chance. With a mechanical engineering degree from Loughborough University, he started his career during the London 2012 Olympics. What kept him in the industry? The dynamic nature of construction sites and the variety of interactions.

"I wasn't really someone that would enjoy doing all of the technical stuff every single time on computers," Amos explained. "I wanted to interact with people on sites, seeing different types of people on sites... it could be a project manager, next time it could be a plumber. It was very dynamic, and I found that enjoyable."

This appreciation for the human side of construction eventually led him to establish BPIC Network in 2019, which has since grown to over 6,000 members and 45 industry partners. His contributions to construction and diversity were recognised with an OBE earlier this year.

Project Managers: The Standard-Bearers
One of the most compelling points Amos made was about the strategic position project managers hold in the construction ecosystem. Sitting between clients and builders, they have unique leverage to influence standards throughout the supply chain.

"Project managers sit in the middle of the ultimate client and the builders," Amos noted. "There's got to be a standard as well for the clients themselves, the end users."

He highlighted a troubling pattern where the industry often reacts to problems rather than proactively setting standards:

"Our industry is constantly being embarrassed into taking action. Companies shouldn't be feeling like it's something that you need to see the stats coming out. And then you say, 'oh yeah, we're going to do something about it.' We need to be much more proactive."

The Basics Before the Buzzwords
While the construction industry grapples with cutting-edge concepts like Net Zero, Amos pointed out that many basic standards still need to be addressed. From inadequate site facilities to fair payment practices – these fundamentals affect the industry's image and the wellbeing of its workforce.

"You might not find a toilet, you might find one, you might not find a female toilet," he remarked about site conditions. "Why is there not a zero tolerance approach to things like that? It makes a mockery of the industry when we talk about Net Zero, and we can't even solve the basics."

This disconnect between lofty goals and grounded realities contributes to the industry's struggle to attract new talent. Despite numerous school outreach programs, construction continues to be perceived as a last-resort career option.

Mental Health: Addressing Causes, Not Just Symptoms
Perhaps the most sobering part of the discussion centred on mental health in construction. Amos didn't mince words when highlighting the industry's troubling statistics:

"We don't get paid on time and I don't know why. We have three times the highest rates of suicide in the industry. I believe project managers have got a lot of answers to that, and that can really help in solving some of these issues."

He emphasised that while mental health awareness has improved, the industry focuses too much on dealing with symptoms rather than addressing root causes like late payments and job insecurity. The practice of telling workers not to return the next day without proper notice was cited as particularly harmful.

The Surprising Power of Role Models
Despite initially being sceptical about the importance of representation, Amos shared how seeing others like himself succeed had an unexpected impact:

"I personally never used to believe that I needed to see someone like myself to succeed because I thought I was self-driven. But when I did, it actually took me by surprise to actually say, yeah, that's an achievement."

This realisation informed Amos’s approach with the BPIC Network, which aims to increase visibility of diverse professionals in construction. When asked about being a role model himself, Amos modestly admitted it wasn't something he actively sought but acknowledged its importance for others.

Building a Better Future
The session concluded with a call for celebrating all contributors to the built environment, especially trades people who do the physical work on site. Amos advocated for investing in people skills and communication as essential tools for industry improvement.

"I would love to see a campaign to better support the actual people that do the work," he suggested. "I'd like to see this campaign celebrate the trades people because it's a powerful industry that is happening all around us."

As the virtual meetup wrapped up, attendees were left with a clearer understanding of how professionalisation challenges in construction connect to broader issues of inclusion, mental health, and industry perception. The message was clear: project managers have both the responsibility and opportunity to raise standards and shape a more positive future for the built environment.

With his blend of practical experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to inclusion, Amos Simbo OBE provided valuable insights that resonated with professionals across the sector. The challenge now lies in turning these conversations into actions that elevate the construction industry to where it deserves to be – recognised as a dynamic, inclusive, and rewarding career choice for people from all backgrounds.

This event summary was produced by Gleeds Digital, with thanks from the APM Built Environment Interest Network.