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Painters Hall, London
Thursday 17 September 2026
Join us at Painters’ Hall for the 2026 Heritage and Traditional Build Conference, the National Federation of Builders’ premier annual event celebrating the skills, techniques and innovation driving the future of the UK’s historic built environment.
This year’s conference brings together master craftspeople, contractors, architects, conservation specialists, sector leaders and local authorities for a full day of sharp analysis, practical insight and expert discussion.
Delegates are also invited to join us for a drinks reception and networking following the conference.
View our 2025 conference gallery here.
Who Should Attend:
- Heritage contractors and subcontractors
- Conservation specialists
- Traditional builders, craftspeople and architects
- Surveyors and heritage professionals
- Local authorities, planners and conservation officers
- Estate managers and heritage trusts
- Material suppliers and specialists
- Anyone committed to preserving the UK’s built heritage
Provisional Programme.
Further speakers will be confirmed and added as arrangements are finalised
- 09.45 – 10.15 Arrival and coffee
- 10.15 – 10.25 Welcome & Chair’s Address – Sean Houlston, Associate Director of Membership, NFB & Clare Watson, Heritage Chair, NFB & Director of Bernard Watson Decorators
- Salford Cathedral – Restoration through collaboration: traditional crafts with modern delivery – The restoration of Salford Cathedral brought together conservation specialists, skilled craftspeople and project leaders, each playing a vital role in preserving its heritage and securing its future. Each of these speakers represents a key aspect of the restoration.
- 10.25 – 10.40 – Salford Cathedral project overview from the main contractor– Mark Cregan, Construction Director, Simpson
- 10.40 – 11.10 – The restoration of Salford Cathedral’s stained glass – Keith Barley, Director, Barley Studios
- 11.10 – 11.40 – The role of traditional joinery in heritage restoration – Roger Silk, Managing Director, Houghtons of York
- 11.40 – 12.00 Coffee Break
- 12.00 – 12.20 Q & A with the Salford team
- 12.20 – 12.40 Heritage is the future again – Claire Wallbridge, Director of Heritage Skills, NFB National Training Forum
- 12.40 – 13.00 A history of the Painters Hall – Alice Pearson – Clerk (CEO) of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers
- 13.00 – 13.45 Lunch Break
- 13.45 – 14.15 Restoring railway heritage – INVVU has extensive experience working across the rail sector, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the heritage and historic significance of Britain’s railway infrastructure – Phil Johnson, Managing Director, INVVU and Kevin Hogwood, Director, INVVU
- 14.15 – 14.45 CITB sector skills plan for heritage – James Butcher, Chair of the CITB Sector Skills Committee & Deputy Chief Executive, NFB
- 14.45 -15.05 Coffee Break
- 15.05 – 15.35 Securing heritage funding: What makes a successful application– Paul Bristow, Director, National Lottery Heritage Fund
- 15.35 – 15.55 Keynote address, Gwyn Richards, Planing and Development Director , City of London Corporation
- 15.55-16.00 Thanks and close, Richard Beresford, Chief Executive, NFB
- 16.00 – 17.00 Drinks reception – We encourage delegates to take advantage of this networking opportunity before having a safe journey home.
Why This Conference Matters
The heritage sector faces significant opportunities and pressures: a rising demand for traditional craft skills, a widening skills gap, evolving regulation, and accelerating interest in sustainable, low-carbon restoration methods. At the same time, the economic contribution of heritage continues to grow, driving tourism, regeneration and local identity.
The NFB is leading sector efforts to support contractors, strengthen skills and champion the preservation of historic buildings. This conference sets the agenda for 2026 and beyond, bringing together the people who shape the sector’s future.
What You Will Gain:
- Insight into the latest conservation challenges and solutions
- Practical learning from real-world restoration case studies
- Access to heritage experts, policy specialists, material suppliers and craftspeople
- Understanding of traditional materials and techniques in a modern regulatory landscape
- Connections across the heritage, planning, craft and construction communities
About the Venue
Painters’ Hall is home to the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers. A Company whose origins can be traced back to the thirteenth century and who are ranked 28th in the seniority of the City Livery Companies. The first hall was donated by Alderman Sir John Browne, Sergeant-Painter to Henry VIII in 1532, but was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666. It was subsequently re-built but was destroyed by enemy action in 1941. The present Hall, which is on a slightly larger site, re-opened in 1961, combines the traditional elegance of a City Livery Hall with the facilities expected of a modern building.
Practical Information
Catering: Lunch and refreshments are included throughout the day. Please note any dietary requirements when registering.
Dress Code: Business or smart-casual attire.
CPD: Delegates will receive a CPD attendance certificate after the event.
Accessibility: Painters’ Hall is accessible. If you have specific access needs, contact us in advance so we can assist.
Travel: Nearest stations are Mansion House, Cannon Street and St Paul’s. No parking is available on site.
Photography: Photography and filming may take place for NFB marketing. If you prefer not to be included, speak to a member of staff on arrival.
