London Build Expo 2025: CMS Desk Event Highlights
On 19–20 November, CMS Desk joined thousands of construction professionals at London Build Expo 2025 at Olympia London, the UK’s largest construction event of the year.
Across two busy days, our team at Stand T12 met contractors, developers, project managers and specialists from across the industry, all looking for smarter, more connected ways to run their projects. For us, it was a chance to move beyond slides and brochures and show, live on screen, how CMS Desk supports real construction challenges, from procurement and on-site tracking to batch invoicing, cost control and the complete project dashboard that brings everything together in one place.
London Build once again brought together tens of thousands of attendees, hundreds of expert speakers and a packed exhibition floor full of innovative solutions. We were proud to be part of that conversation.
Continuing Our Journey at London Build EXPO 2025
This year’s expo marked a continuation of our presence at London Build. After a successful showcase in 2024, returning in 2025 allowed us to reconnect with familiar faces and meet many new ones.
If you’d like to see how our London Build story started, you can also read our London Build Expo 2024 recap, where we reflected on our first year exhibiting and the momentum it helped create.
What Happened at the CMS Desk Stand
Throughout both days, our stand was focused on one simple idea: how to remove friction from everyday construction workflows.
Visitors joined us for live demos, one-to-one conversations and walkthroughs of real scenarios such as:
- raising and approving purchase requests through a streamlined digital workflow
- tracking who is on site and for how long, with real-time accuracy
- managing subcontractor payments using verified work data rather than manual entries
- turning inspections and snags into clear, shareable reports in seconds
- centralising procurement from order creation to invoice checks using AI-powered automation
Many of the professionals we spoke with described similar pain points: disconnected systems, manual processes, data mistakes and limited visibility across their projects. We demonstrated how CMS Desk brings all these workflows into one connected, cloud-based platform, enhanced with AI-driven checks and intelligent automation that speed up tasks, reduce risk and support better decision-making.
CMS Desk in Focus: Key Solutions We Showcased
CMS Desk tackles everyday project challenges, from fast approvals to live cost control, using automation and modern digital tools. At London Build Expo 2025, we highlighted how each module fits into a joined-up construction management ecosystem.
Procure: Centralises purchase requests, approvals and supplier management to reduce delays and errors.
TraQA: Delivers fast inspections, photo evidence and automated reports for quality and compliance.
OnSite: Tracks workforce attendance and labour hours in real time with secure mobile check-ins.
Base: Stores employee data, certifications and training records in one organised, secure space.
Costing: Provides live budget tracking and forecasting for full commercial visibility.
SubPay: Automates subcontractor and day-rate payments using verified work data.
StockIt: Controls materials and deliveries with automated inventory updates and live tracking.
Fleet: Oversees vehicles, routes and maintenance to enhance safety and reduce running costs.
SnagIT: Captures and resolves snags quickly with photos, comments and live progress updates.
Toolbox: Provides short, multilingual safety briefings with built-in tracking.
Skedge: Simplifies planning with real-time scheduling of teams, shifts and equipment.
Target: Tracks performance and KPIs across projects to support data-led decisions.
Our all-in-one approach is designed to save time and reduce risk while helping projects stay on programme and on budget – whether you are a small contractor or a large construction enterprise.
Track Progress, Improve Efficiency, Stay in control
Paying Contractors Made Simple, No Paperwork, No Delays
Faster Procurement, Smarter Decisions, AI-Powered Efficiency
Real-Time Workforce Management, No Overpay, No Surprises
Optimise Budgeing, Control Costs, Maximise Profitability
Simplify Scheduling, Streamline Workforce, Maximise Productivity
The Ultimate HR Solution for Construction
Themes and Conversations from the London Build Expo 2025
Across the two days, some consistent themes emerged in our conversations:
- A desire to move away from spreadsheets and paper: Many visitors told us they still rely heavily on manual processes. They were looking for a way to digitise without losing control.
- Growing focus on live visibility: Project leaders want to know, in real time, where money, people and materials are, and how that compares to the plan.
- Pressure to do more with leaner teams: Automation, especially in approvals, reporting and payment workflows, was a key interest area for teams who are stretched but still expected to deliver more.
- Compliance and safety as non-negotiables: From training records to inspections and toolbox talks, the ability to prove what has been done, and when, is increasingly important.
These conversations will help shape how we continue to develop CMS Desk in the months ahead.
Why London Build Expo Continues to Matter
London Build Expo 2025 once again proved why it is one of the most important dates in the UK construction calendar. With multiple CPD-accredited stages, a strong focus on innovation and a wide range of exhibitors, it offered something for every role, from site management and commercial teams to directors and digital transformation leads.
For CMS Desk, it was not just about showcasing software. It was about listening closely to the realities of life on site and in the office, and making sure our platform continues to reflect those realities.
Thank You to Everyone Who Visited Us at Stand T12
To everyone who stopped by Stand T12, joined a demo, asked a difficult question or shared a challenge; thank you. Your feedback and curiosity are exactly what help us refine and improve CMS Desk.
If we did not get a chance to speak in depth at the expo, or if you have since thought of questions you did not ask on the day, we would be happy to continue the conversation.
Missed Us at London Build Expo 2025?
If you were not able to attend, you can still:
- Book a personalised online demo to see the modules most relevant to your role.
- Talk to our team about a specific workflow you want to improve, such as procurement, time tracking or subcontractor payments.
- Explore how CMS Desk can support your projects across procurement, site management, costing, quality and more.
Together, we can help your teams work smarter, reduce risk and deliver projects with greater confidence and control, long after the exhibition doors have closed.