The Preferred Partners Network came together once again for our 19th roundtable, bringing a fantastic mix of local and regional businesses into the room to connect, share knowledge, and explore opportunities for collaboration. For those new to the network, Preferred Partners exists to facilitate partnerships, create connections, and build collaboration, giving businesses space to share experiences, discuss challenges, and unlock potential through meaningful engagement.
This session welcomed representatives from boehm lynas, Covol Engineering, DTA Group, ELG Planning, The Evolve Network Group, Francis Bradshaw Consulting, FW Capital, Just Williams, MFC Foundation, MGL Group, Nicander, Sweco, Tees Valley Combined Authority, TGA, Walker Morris, and Wolviston Group. After Partner introductions, we launched the 2026 edition of the Preferred Partners brochure. Following the success of the 2025 edition, this latest publication shines a spotlight on every member, offering a hub of company profiles, key dates, case studies, and more. Members can request physical copies or use the digital version to connect with other partners, educate their teams, and showcase the diverse supply chain available across the network.
Celebrating the MFC Foundation
In 2026, the MFC Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary, coinciding with Middlesbrough Football Club’s 150th year. Paul Shepherd and Paul Murphy shared plans for the year ahead, including Roary’s Big Week in March and the now-sold-out Annual Awards Dinner. They spotlighted ways Partners could get involved during Roary’s Big Week, from skydiving and running one-mile legs of the 30-mile charity run, to any creative ‘30’ themed challenge. While the Foundation Dinner is already sold out, partners can still secure a place at one of our tables by contacting preferred.partners@lynasengineers.com
AI: Strategy Before Technology
As part of the session, we were delighted to welcome Joanna Wake, AI strategist and skills specialist, who shared insight into the accelerating role of AI across industries, with particular relevance for construction and the built environment. Joanna explored the current reality of AI adoption, emphasising why companies need strategy first and technology second. With 75% of UK construction firms now using AI and adoption having increased fivefold in just two years, the opportunities for productivity gains, estimated at £12 billion for the UK sector, are significant. Yet the risks of poor implementation are real: 87% of AI projects never make it to production, and £8.2 billion is lost annually due to failed AI initiatives.
Joanna highlighted the widening skills gap, with 68–72% of firms reporting AI skills shortages. Early adopters who approach AI in a structured, business-led way are already gaining significant competitive advantages in efficiency, innovation, and cost management. The session demystified key AI terminology and showcased practical applications across project planning, design, safety, cost management, and administration, sparking thoughtful discussion about responsible adoption.
Open Discussion and Real-World Challenges
Partners then shared their experiences and concerns, including GDPR and cybersecurity risks when using third-party AI tools, and the environmental impact of regular token use. The conversation underscored the importance of developing clear objectives, governance frameworks, and skills development plans, ensuring AI supports long-term business performance rather than being driven by hype.
Looking Ahead
Our next Preferred Partners roundtable will be held at Middlesbrough Golf Club on Wednesday 11th March, 2pm – 4pm, focusing on tackling the skills gap through CPD, a challenge that continues to affect the sector. Beyond this, the network will reconvene in May, leading up to the annual Constructing Links Conference in June, where all paid Preferred Partners can exhibit at no extra cost. These events promise more opportunities for partnership, connection, and collaboration, reinforcing the purpose of the Preferred Partners network, enabling businesses to work together, share knowledge, and drive meaningful impact across the Tees Valley and beyond.
