The UK infrastructure sector is at a defining moment, shaped by a strong pipeline of major programmes and an increasing focus on delivering projects more efficiently, collaboratively and sustainably. Spanish construction companies continue to play a significant role in this landscape, contributing to the delivery of some of the UK’s most complex infrastructure projects and bringing extensive international expertise to major national programmes.
On Thursday 17th September, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK, in partnership with Member Systech, invites you to an exclusive industry discussion exploring the role of Spanish contractors in the UK infrastructure market and the future direction of the sector.
This session will bring together senior leaders from Dragados, Acciona, Ferrovial and FCC Construcción to share their experience delivering major UK infrastructure schemes and to reflect on the approaches that are driving success at scale.
The discussion will focus on commercial strategy, risk management and collaborative delivery models, alongside key lessons from landmark programmes and what they indicate about the future of infrastructure delivery in the UK.Moderated by Max Woodward-Smith, Associate Director at Systech, the session will conclude with a live Q&A, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders and gain valuable, practical insight from those at the forefront of the sector.
Designed for professionals across infrastructure, construction and policy, this event offers a unique opportunity to gain cross-market perspectives and connect with senior peers across the industry.
Date & time: Thursday 17th September, 8:00 (for a 8:30 start) – 10:00
Location: The Royal Automobile Club | 89 Pall Mall | London SW1Y 5HS
This session is open to both Members and non-Members and is free of charge for Members of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK.
About the Speakers
Max Woodward- Smith, Associate Director, Systech
Max Woodward-Smith is an Associate Director at Systech International, operating as part of the UK and Europe Senior Management Team. He has oversight over a number of commissions across the infrastructure, energy and data centre space in the UK for Systech, having worked with Systech across the UK, Europe and Africa, supporting a range of international contractors.
Previously, Mr.Woodward-Smith spent 5 years working within strategy consulting, advising companies operating in the infrastructure and construction sector on a wide array of commercial strategy topics. He leads Systech’s relationship with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK.
Rafael Foulquié Echevarría – UK/I Commercial & Bidding Director, Ferrovial
Rafael Foulquié Echevarría is currently UK & Ireland Commercial and Bidding Director at Ferrovial Construction, where he plays a central role in shaping the commercial strategy of the business and sits on the boards of several of the country’s most significant infrastructure programmes, including Crossrail, Thames Tideway Tunnel, Silvertown Tunnel, the Northern Line Extension, Heathrow H7, and HS2.
He is a Fellow of both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and a Chartered Civil Engineer with over 20 years of experience delivering major infrastructure projects. He has led multidisciplinary teams on some of the most complex and high-profile schemes in the UK, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, integration, and building high-performing, inclusive teams.
Carlos Arilla de Juana – COO, Infrastructure, Acciona
Carlos Arilla de Juana is a senior finance and infrastructure executive with extensive experience driving strategic and financial performance in complex organisations. He serves as Chief Operating Officer at Corporación Acciona Infraestructuras SL, overseeing operations, governance and long‑term growth within a global leader in sustainable infrastructure, having previously served as CFO of this division of Acciona.
He also held senior roles at Acciona as Director General of the Economic‑Financial Area and Director General of Management Control, shaping financial strategy and strengthening controls in dynamic markets. Previously, he was Financial Director at Acciona Agua, Trizecahn Spain and Spanish subsidiaries of GEA Group.
Alcibiades Ceron Lopez – Business Development Director, Europe, FCC
Alcibíades López Cerón is Director of Business Development for Europe at FCC Construcción. He has over 30 years’ experience in business development at major corporations such as Cobra and FCC.
He has been a member of the company’s senior management team for many years, leading the construction firm’s expansion into strategic markets outside Spain. He has played an active role in consolidating business operations in countries such as Norway, the United Kingdom, Romania and other European markets, where FCC has competed for highly complex contracts for tunnels, bridges and rail networks.
Steve Holmes, UK/I Managing Director, Dragados
Steve Holmes highly experienced construction industry leader, qualified as both a Civil Engineer and Chartered Builder, with over 35 years of experience delivering complex rail, highways and aviation infrastructure programmes valued between £5 million and £2.5 billion.
Having commenced his career as a Setting Out Engineer, he advanced through a traditional contracting career path to hold senior leadership positions including Operations Director at GleesonMCL and Morgan Est, followed by Managing Director of Morgan Sindall’s Airports Business. Since joining Dragados in 2014, he has led the organisation’s UK and Ireland operations as Managing Director, overseeing business performance, strategic development and the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects across the region.
About SYSTECH
Systech is a market leading multi-disciplinary practice supporting the delivery of complex and challenging project globally. They are the leading global provider of commercial management, contract administration, planning and scheduling, claims, expert witness, dispute resolution and legal services on construction, infrastructure and energy projects. Their team of professionals provides services over the full lifespan of projects – from bid to handover – across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas.
Important Notice:
We work with a photo and video team at our events, and we may publish their work on our website, social media accounts, and other communication channels. By registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to this.