5 years at the helm of marketing and communications for the leading voice in built environment market intelligence. I drive impactful marketing strategies that not only elevate the brand but also actively contribute to positive evolution within the construction industry. I’m a firm believer in marketing’s power to shape a smarter, more sustainable future for the built environment. Internally, I champion clear and dynamic communication as the bedrock of a forward-thinking organisation. Cultivating a culture of open dialogue and shared understanding is paramount to ensuring we’re truly equipped to anticipate and meet the needs of a changing industry. My global experience across 15 years lies in delivering high-performing marketing and fostering internal alignment that fuels tangible progress.  

From brand repositioning and member-led or client growth to marketing automation and technology enablement, I align strategy and execution around what truly drives impact: growth and retention. I currently work flexibly—as a part-time, interim, project-based, or outsourced partner—to design and deliver scalable marketing strategies that meet your goals. Whether you need a full transformation or targeted support, I bring clarity, momentum, and results. With experience across PLCs, private, P/E-backed, and start-up businesses, I combine strategic leadership with hands-on delivery—building future-ready marketing functions and commercial alignment that unlocks performance.

Debansu Das is a highly experienced marketing leader with over 20 years of expertise in the UK housing sector, specialising in sustainability, offsite construction, and social impact. As Sales & Marketing Director at Zed Pods, he has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth - from £1 million to £15 million in four years, while transforming it from a little-known SME into a respected, award-winning brand. Under his leadership, Zed Pods has won 11 trade awards annually for the past three years and secured high-profile partnerships across the public sector. Debansu leads on business development, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement, delivering innovative modular housing projects that address climate and housing crisis. Recognised as a thought leader in the housing sector, he is known for shaping strategic partnerships and delivering forward-thinking solutions that turn complex challenges into scalable, community-focused innovations. He earned accolades such as ‘Marketer of the Year’ and the European Marketing Excellence Award in 2012. Previously, Debansu held senior international marketing roles at Philips and ICI Dulux, where he served as a Product Manager, launching innovative products.  As Chairman of the Housing Diversity Network (HDN), Debansu champions equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across the housing and construction sectors. He is committed to developing the next generation of leaders through mentoring and leadership programmes. He brings a unique blend of marketing & commercial insights, purpose-driven leadership, and cross-sector experience to everything he does.

I'm a senior marketing professional with over 17 years experience in the construction industry, having worked for SME, PLC and private organisations. I bring a wealth of experience of leading successful, complex marketing, communications and change programmes in the built environment sector. As Global Director of Marketing and Communications at construction consultancy Gleeds, with nearly 3000 employees and turnover of £290m, I lead on strategy, brand and leadership communications, as well as leading a central team supported by a Global network of marketing and communications professionals. In my previous role I led complex organisational change and marketing operations at Mace, a £2bn turnover construction firm. My work at Kier, supporting areas of the business in their strategy and planning and managing Group wide change projects, was recognised with the CMA’s best contractor marketing campaign for their Shaping Your World campaign in 2017, encouraging young people to consider a career in the construction industry. In 2022, my leadership of Mace’s purpose and priorities business change programme was recognised with the CMA’s best professional services marketing campaign, and highly commended in best stakeholder / internal communications campaign. I also led on a culture change programme, embedding an employee value proposition as well as values and behaviours across the 7500 strong firm. I can demonstrate my experience in my leadership of volunteers as Chair of CIMCIG and in maintaining the highest standards of inclusive, professional etiquette and performance. I also co-led on the Mace marketing and communications emerging talent portfolio, mentoring and developing graduates and apprentices across the functions. As a Chartered Marketeer and a professional member of CIM, my skills lie in leadership, strategy, consultancy, project and change management and I thrive on helping others to grow their career in the industry.

I am a Director at Built Environment and Architecture Media Ltd (BEAM), which includes the operational responsibility for the Construction and Built Environment Marketing Network and the CMAs. I have held senior publishing and journalistic roles at many leading business-to-business publications and have wide experience of managing publishing and editorial teams in many markets, including civil engineering, manufacturing, telecoms, business travel, health and logistics My track record ranges widely outside core magazine publishing to encompass the launch and development of conferences, exhibitions, on-line offerings and awards as well as book publishing, training programmes and bespoke “networking” events for specific markets. Following a number of years on the Board at Emap Construct, the publishing group that included AJ, Construction News and NCE, I led the launch of Emap Communications’ first global summits – World Retail Congress and World Architecture Festival. I then worked as a consultant for many companies, including two years as the Independent Chair of RIBA Journal’s Editorial Panel As Editor of Local Government Chronicle in the 1990s I spent a year in South Africa launching a weekly national news magazine for senior local government officials at the invitation of the ANC as part of the post-Apartheid reconciliation process.

Experienced Marketing Coordinator with a demonstrated history of working in the building materials industry. Skilled in Advertising, Communication, Adobe Indesign CC, Marketing Event Planning, and Business Development. Strong marketing professional with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) focused in Business/Commerce, General from Edinburgh Napier University.

Throughout her 18-year career, Sarah has consistently excelled as a Senior Administrator and Business Coordinator. Her journey began in the construction industry at Aspire Defence Capital Works, where she supported a team of 150 and excelled in various administrative and procurement tasks. Later, at Actica Consulting Ltd, she specialised in consultancy support and demonstrated her ability to foster strong client relationships. However, it is at Competitive Advantage/Misca Advisors since 2017 that Sarah’s contributions truly shine. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring the consultancy’s seamless operation, serving as a customer liaison, managing training courses, and actively contributing to industry event planning. Sarah’s multifaceted role includes account management, event coordination, and visual material preparation, directly impacting the consultancy’s success and competitive advantage. Her meticulous organisational skills and commitment to operational efficiency make her an indispensable asset to the consultancy. Since 2017, Sarah has been a crucial member of the team, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the consultancy’s smooth operation. Her responsibilities include serving as a customer liaison for consultancy and research projects, managing training courses, and organising industry events. Sarah’s diverse roles encompass account management, event coordination, visual material preparation, and team support. She efficiently manages the CRM system, compiles client proposals and reports, engages with opportunities, and advocates for customers. Her contributions to visual material preparation, collaboration with team members to meet deadlines, website maintenance, and schedule management for the Managing Director are also noteworthy. Overall, Sarah’s efforts significantly impact the organisation’s success, contributing to sales achievements and enhancing team productivity. In addition to her core responsibilities at Competitive Advantage/Misca Advisors, Sarah has played an instrumental role in the organisation of the CMA Awards, hosted annually. Since 2017, she has supported the planning and delivery of this respected industry event, which recognises marketing excellence within the construction sector. Her contributions include managing award entries, coordinating with judges and entrants, and assisting with the logistics of the awards ceremony. Sarah’s strong organisational skills and attention to detail have been key to the continued success and growth of the CMA Awards over the past eight years.