Following the success of our first Trust Talks event in Manchester in February 2026, we are excited to be preparing for our next events in Birmingham on Wednesday 15th April and in London on Thursday 11th June.

The sessions will delve into innovative ideas around modern methods of construction and how you can transform your education estate. Attendees will be provided with expert advice from keynote speaker Jo Marchant MBE, bestselling author and education estates expert. You can expect to take away practical insights and strategic guidance to help shape robust estates plans for 2026/27 and beyond, ensuring investment delivers lasting value for both learners and institutions.

The Trust Talks event in Manchester brought together estates and Trust professionals for a day of valuable learning, idea‑sharing, and meaningful networking. With insightful discussions, an inspiring keynote from Jo Marchant, and the chance to explore practical approaches to planning and resilience, attendees left with fresh perspectives and new connections. The event created a collaborative space where people with shared challenges could exchange experiences, spark ideas for upcoming projects, and strengthen their confidence in shaping future estates strategies. The event also showcased how Portakabin can be a long‑term partner - not just a short‑term fix - for high‑quality, adaptable estate solutions.

It was a real pleasure to discuss topics of estates strategy and business continuity plans at the Trust Talks event. It was beneficial to listen to the stories of a panel of people who have 'been there, done that'. When it comes to estate strategy it can be hard to relate to other people, it can feel quite lonely – so being around other people who can say 'that’s happened to me' was very valuable.

Jack Ryan, Regional Facilities Manager at Co-Op Academies

Event Information

The sessions will be held from 9:30am – 1:00pm scheduled for the following dates and locations: 

  • Wednesday 15th April 2026 - Potterton Way, Smethwick, Birmingham B66 1AT. 
  • Thursday 11th June 2026 – Global Academy, Record Walk, Hayes, London UB3 1DH.


Please note that spaces are limited for the sessions, so early booking is encouraged. 

  1. Keynote Speech: Critical incident awareness planning and business continuity 


    When a roof of a 2 storey 10 classroom school suddenly collapses, what is the estates team to do? This keynote will explore a real life situation where a school’s daily operation was completely upended due to an accident, it will explore the impact it had on students’ education and how a school can better prepare for various critical incidents.

    We will discuss planning and preparedness, walk through a tragic but also inspiring story of Kensington Aldridge Academy and find out how business continuity plans do work in practice, not just on paper.

  2. Keynote Speaker: Jo Marchant MBE

    Bestselling author and education estates expert 

     

    The events will be headlined by a keynote speech from Jo Marchant MBE, bestselling author and expert in school business leadership and estate management.  

    With two best-selling books, The School Premises Handbook and Managing School Business Operations, and fifteen years of experience across local authority-maintained schools, SEND schools and a Multi-Academy Trust, Jo brings a wealth of experience and insight into creating sustainable, efficient learning environments. She was even awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List in June 2024, for her dedicated services to education. 

    Jo will be sharing her expertise in strategic leadership, estates, health and safety, finance, HR, IT, sustainability, procurement, business continuity plans, and risk management. As well as her practical strategies for managing diverse education estates and navigating the complex challenges of growth, refurbishment and SEND provision.  

     

  3. What to expect on the day?  

     

    9.30am: Arrival and welcome with hot drinks and pastries 

    10:00am - 11:00am: Introduction, keynote speech delivered by Jo Marchant MBE and Q&A 

    11:00am - 11.30am: Interactive activity  

    11.30am - 12:10pm: Panel discussion 

    12:10pm - 1:00pm: Portakabin modular classroom facility tour and networking lunch 

    1:30pm: End of session 

    Following Jo’s speech, there will be a panel discussion exploring how modular construction is reshaping the education sector. In collaboration with representatives from trusts and industry specialists, we will share real world examples of transforming spaces to better support students with both their academic progress and personal growth. 

    The sessions will then conclude with a Q&A, as well as an opportunity to connect over lunch alongside a guided tour of a modular classroom. 

  4. Why Portakabin? 

     

    For decades, Portakabin has been at the forefront of delivering innovative and purpose-built solutions for the education sector. From modular classrooms and lecture theatres, to changing rooms, nurseries and sports halls, we have always supported schools and Multi-Academy Trusts across the UK in creating inspiring and adaptable learning environments.  

    Our modular classrooms and facilities have provided rapid responses to growing pupil numbers, temporary spaces during refurbishments or expansion and supported specialist SEND provisions. 

    At Portakabin, we understand that managing an evolving and diverse estate entails challenges, such as fluctuating capacity, site constraints and the need for flexible facilities.  

    Through close collaboration with schools and trusts, we have navigated these complex challenges by developing tailored, cost-effective solutions to meet their needs and long-term goals. Find out more about our education projects here.