From fundraising lunches and technical visits to training courses and golf days, The Concrete Society’s regional network has enjoyed a busy and successful spring and early summer. Between April and July 2026, members across the UK came together to share knowledge, strengthen professional connections, support charitable causes and celebrate industry achievements. Here’s a look back at some of the events …
Yorkshire Spring Lunch
The inaugural Yorkshire Spring Lunch was held in Leeds and proved to be a resounding success, with attendance more than doubling compared to the previous year. The occasion brought together professionals from across the industry for an afternoon of networking, entertainment, and fundraising. The event raised a significant amount for the Yorkshire Brain Tumour Charity.
Entertainment throughout the afternoon included a sports memorabilia auction, alongside special guest appearances from former international footballers Ian Harte and Dominic Matteo, sharing stories and insights from their distinguished careers in the game.
Midlands Back to Basics and Golf Day
May was a busy and successful month in the Midlands, with the region hosting two fantastic events.
The first was the inaugural Back to Basics course at Holcim Bardon Hill, attended by 15 participants. The session provided a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of the industry, covering key topics including aggregates, cement, and admixtures, and was a great opportunity for attendees to build their knowledge and understanding.
Later in the month, the region held its first-ever Golf Day at Aston Wood Golf Club. The event brought together an impressive 14 teams, who competed for both individual and team prizes. With a fantastic turnout, the day provided an excellent mix of friendly competition, networking, and camaraderie, making it a memorable occasion for everyone involved.
Devon and Cornwall – Poster Competition
The winner of the Concrete Society Devon & Cornwall Poster Competition, held at Plymouth University, was Min Paing.
Min’s research explored the influence of graphene oxide on the microstructure and chemical behaviour of cementitious materials, with a particular focus on improving the durability of concrete. His poster provided a clear and insightful overview of a highly technical subject, demonstrating both the significance of the research and its potential practical applications.
Combined with a confident presentation and excellent communication skills, Min was able to explain this complex area of study in a way that was engaging and accessible to the audience, making him a deserving winner of the competition.
London & South East Spring Lunch
The Oval Cricket Ground welcomed more than 250 industry professionals for a fantastic day of networking and collaboration. Blessed with sunshine, the event began on the stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the iconic pitch before guests moved to the England Suite for the main proceedings.
This year’s event proudly supported the Roy Castle Lung Foundation, raising an impressive £3,435 for the charity.
A highlight of the day was an inspiring and entertaining talk from Perry McCarthy, best known as “The Original Stig” from the BBC hit series Top Gear. Perry captivated the audience with stories from his remarkable journey in motorsport, sharing insights into the challenges, triumphs, and determination that shaped his career as a professional racing driver.
North West Technical Visit & Golf Day
The North West region hosted an exclusive technical visit to the Ribblesdale Cement Works on 28 April, providing attendees with a fascinating insight into the operations of one of Heidelberg Materials’ flagship cement plants. The tour offered a behind-the-scenes look at the cement manufacturing process, with participants gaining valuable knowledge of the site’s operations.
The region’s annual Golf Day, held at Houghwood Golf Club, brought together eight teams for a day of friendly competition and networking. With teams battling it out for top honours, the event was enjoyed by all and once again proved to be a great opportunity for members to connect in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Northern Ireland YMC Technical Visit
The Concrete Society Northern Ireland Region Young Members Committee (YMC) enjoyed an excellent technical visit to Creagh Concrete in Toome, gaining a valuable insight into the company’s operations and manufacturing processes.
Attendees were given a comprehensive tour of the facilities, showcasing the scale of the business, its innovative projects, and the high standards of quality and efficiency that underpin its work. The visit provided a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the challenges and opportunities within the precast concrete sector.
Scotland Back to Basics
The Scotland Back to Basics course provided an excellent introduction to concrete technology for those new to the industry, as well as a valuable refresher for anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of concrete materials.
The programme covered the fundamental components of concrete, including aggregates, cement, admixtures and fibres, giving attendees a solid grounding in the key materials and their role in concrete performance. With more than 20 delegates in attendance, the course was a great success, offering an engaging and informative day of learning, discussion and knowledge sharing.
Wales Back to Basics and Technical Event
The Wales region held their annual Training Day at Beton Bauen facilities that provided an introduction to the concrete supply process from basic materials to site practice.
The day was an excellent, practical opportunity to understand key element of the industry including binders, aggregates, batching & mixing, and fresh and hardened concrete testing. The 26 in attendance had a great day of learning and knowledge sharing.
The region also held a very popular technical briefing session that provided a practical overview of the significant new building safety regulations coming into force in Wales from 1st July 2026.
South West Back to Basics & Golf Day
The South West region hosted a successful Back to Basics training day, providing a practical introduction to concrete technology for those involved in the specification, production, construction, testing, and day-to-day supervision of concrete.
The course covered the fundamental components of concrete, relevant standards and specifications, and the processes involved in its production, delivery, and placement. Attendees also gained valuable insights into finishing techniques and best practice on site. The interactive and hands-on nature of the day ensured that everyone left with a stronger understanding of concrete and its practical application.
The South West Golf Day took place in April at The Kendleshire, bringing together nine teams for a day of friendly competition and networking on a beautiful course.
Thank you to our dedicated regional volunteers who continue to provide amazing social and technical events for the industry.
