Organisers of last week's Kent Construction Expo event say its success underlines the necessity to blend online meetings with face-to-face networking.

Held for the first time in over two years, as a result of restrictions brought about by the pandemic, the event at the Kent Event Centre in Detling was attended by more than 2,000 people.

The figures were on par with its last outing in 2019.

Explains Jo James, of organisers the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce: "The construction sector has been impacted by many factors including labour, skills and material shortages, price increases, new immigration rules and the pandemic recovery but despite this there was an air positivity at the expo and definitely looking towards the future.

“This was the first large event to be held in the county since the pandemic and businesses certainly made the most of it. We had a great line up of speakers to sharing insight into the future trends and opportunities.

"What was really clear is that while there is space for online meetings, nothing beats face-to-face. That's where you can build real relationships and I think everyone was delighted to be able to do so again."

Those attending were able to wear green or red lanyards. Red meant they did not want to shake hands amid on-going anxieties over the Covid pandemic.

"The system worked really well," added Jo James. "Many people - for a number of reasons - are either anxious for themselves or those they care for, so it meant everyone could feel comfortable."

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