Driving delivery sits at the heart of BE-ST Fest 2026, and in the South of Scotland, the spotlight is on skills as a critical enabler of change.
The South of Scotland faces a significant skills challenge shaped by its rural geography and ageing population. Persistent barriers, including limited access to affordable housing, poor transport connectivity, and underinvestment in training, continue to constrain progress.
This summit will bring together academia, industry, and policymakers around a shared goal: to move from identifying gaps to delivering solutions. By strengthening collaboration, unlocking investment, and aligning education with industry needs, the focus is on building a resilient, future-ready workforce that can drive economic growth and support Scotland’s transition to net zero.
Speakers and agenda coming soon.
Date: 23rd September 2026
Location: The Crichton Trust, Dumfries
Exhibitors
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Iso Chemie GmbH
Iso Chemie GmbH have been a manufacturer of energy-efficient and sustainable sealing solutions and technical foams for almost five decades. Their products can be used in energy-efficient construction, both in new buildings and in the energy-efficient refurbishment of old buildings.
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Kensa
The UK’s heating system is stuck in the past, costing people and the planet too much. At Kensa, we believe it’s time for an upgrade. Since 1999, we’ve been manufacturing ground source heat pumps in Cornwall and installing them all over the country, transforming how people heat and cool their homes and businesses. Our pioneering networked heat pump solutions deliver the cheapest, cleanest way to heat millions of homes and businesses, and even whole towns, all while minimising the impact on the electricity grid. That’s why Kensa is now responsible for half the ground source installations every year.
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NorDan
NorDan is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of high-performance timber and aluminium-clad windows, doors and smart accessories. Founded in Norway almost 100 years ago, we are a family-owned business operating across Europe, with sustainability and innovative thinking at our core.
We showcase our cutting-edge solutions designed for modern architecture, sustainability, and longevity. With a strong focus on quality, aesthetics and performance, NorDan products are trusted by architects, developers, and homeowners across the UK.
Visit us to explore how our windows and doors can enhance your next project with superior design, security, and environmental benefits.
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Esteem Training
Esteem was established in 1986 by Trudy MacKenzie, who now acts as Chair of our Employee Ownership Trust Board.
Since 2008 we have specialised in delivering leadership, management, and business improvement to the Construction industry and in 2017 we started delivering Construction Modern Apprenticeships.
We want our employees to feel valued, and as a result have operated a 4 day working week since 2020. Furthermore our move to Employee Ownership in 2022 demonstrates our commitment to our team and building a business that we can all be proud of.
If you would like to discuss BE-ST Fest Sponsorship packages, please get in touch with Hannah Lloyd - hlloyd@be-st.build
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