Driving delivery sits at the heart of BE-ST Fest, 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.
Date: 17th March 2027
Location: The Crichton Trust, Dumfries
Skills & workforce
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Skills & workforce 〰️
Our speakers
Douglas Dickson
Principal and CEO of Dumfries and Galloway College
Keynote
Douglas Dickson, Principal and CEO of Dumfries and Galloway College, is a college sector leading advocate for quality enhancement and high impact educational performance in rural regions. His career is defined by a commitment to widening access, strengthening evidence-based improvement, and championing innovation that supports both learners and local industry. Leading one of Scotland’s most geographically dispersed college communities, Douglas has advanced initiatives that enhance digital inclusion, elevate teaching practice, and drive equitable attainment. In the South of Scotland, he has championed regional collaboration, strengthened employer partnerships, and expanded access to skills and learning. His work focuses on aligning education with economic need, supporting inclusive growth, and delivering sustainable impact for learners, communities, and industry.
Dr Izzy Williams
Associate Learning and Development Lead, Ryder Architecture
Panellist
As associate learning and development lead at Ryder Architecture, Izzy oversees recruitment and onboarding, training procurement and delivery, EDI action plan, degree apprenticeships and the delivery of the award winning PlanBEE apprenticeship programme across London, Newcastle and Manchester. She works closely with Gateshead College and other key supporters on the programme delivery as sponsor representative. Building on the success of the PlanBEE programme, Ryder holds the role of chair of the Trailblazer group for the Level 4 Construction, Design and Built Technician and the Level 6 Design, Construction and Management apprenticeship standards, leading the development of qualifications that support the next generation of talent.
Julia Muir Watt
Chief Executive, The Whithorn Trust
Panellist
Julia Muir Watt is the founder and CEO of Building Futures Galloway, a youth employability charity created in 2022, focussed on traditional building skills. In addition, she has over ten years' experience as the major fundraiser for the charity's partner, the Whithorn Trust, which safeguards, researches and interprets the archaeological collection from Whithorn's excavation.
Exhibitors
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Built Environment - Smarter Transformation
We work with organisations across the built environment sector, including industry at all levels, universities and colleges, and the public and third sector, to come up with new ways to transform the built environment to become stronger, more sustainable, and smarter.
We provide the tools to inspire a strong, sustainable, and smarter built environment through innovation, skills, and collaboration.
By tapping into the expertise of universities, colleges, research, and other built environment experts, BE-ST provides the connections and culture to make big ideas, that generate growth and benefit businesses, education, research and communities a reality.
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Esteem Training
Established in 1986, Esteem Training are proud to be Scotland’s No.1 training provider of Construction Modern Apprenticeships. We deliver funded SVQ programmes for construction supervisors, managers and leaders supporting them throughout their career development. Visit our stand to discuss your current training requirements and find out how Esteem Training can help you build a confident and competent workforce.
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indiNature
IndiNature is a Scotland-based manufacturer of high-performance, carbon-negative insulation made from UK-grown industrial hemp. Combining excellent thermal and acoustic performance with healthy, breathable, moisture-regulating properties, IndiNature's insulation products are easy to install and suitable for both new-build and retrofit projects. They help create energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings while supporting better indoor air quality.
By transforming a renewable UK crop into sustainable building materials, IndiNature supports decarbonisation, creates new markets for UK-grown hemp, and contributes to more resilient local supply chains for the construction industry.
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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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SP Energy Networks
SP Energy Networks operates the electricity transmission and distribution networks that power over 6 million homes and businesses across Scotland, England and Wales. We own, operate and maintain the network of overhead lines, underground cables and substations that keep electricity flowing to millions of homes and businesses. We are investing in the networks needed to support the UK's transition to a cleaner, greener energy future while delivering a safe, reliable and resilient electricity supply for the communities we serve
Part of that growth is reinvesting back into our communities. The Community Benefits team works with local community groups, schools and charities to ensure our investment in the network helps create positive and lasting benefits for the people and places we serve. Through education, skills, employability and community initiatives, we are helping build a more sustainable and inclusive future.
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VASO
VASO designs, develops and manufactures structural composite panels from recycled glass. An industrialised construction company based in Dumfries, VASO creates build systems that deliver great opportunities.
Our structural composite panels made from recycled glass helps the built environment deliver structures rapidly, responsibly, and sustainably by precision manufacturing and innovative technology, unlike anything else.
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Zero Waste Scotland
Zero Waste Scotland is Scotland’s circular economy public body, working with government, business, and communities to rewire the economy from our current “take, make, waste” model to one where we make the most of materials. A zero waste, circular economy is the right choice - for people, planet and prosperity. In June 2026, our Built Environment Roadmap to Circularity was published, setting out a long-term vision for a highly efficient sector addressing carbon emissions, improving material reuse, and reducing waste and environmental impacts, while maintaining its role as a significant employer and contributor to the Scottish economy.
If you would like to discuss BE-ST Fest Sponsorship packages, please get in touch with Ketty Lawrence - klawrence@be-st.build
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