Choosing the Right Construction PR Agency for 2026 | Unhooked

As award-winning construction PR agency with deep experience in the built environment, we’ve seen first-hand how the right communications strategy can win tenders, develop new partnerships, strengthen reputation, and support long-term growth.

Our team of construction PR specialists has delivered campaigns for leading names in the sector. Recent highlights include the Jewson Making Better Homes Awards, City Plumbing at the Installer Show, and Marshalls’ Creating Safer Spaces campaign. We also drive hard-hitting news coverage, develop insightful thought leadership, produce SEO-optimised content, and provide robust PR evaluation to prove measurable results.

If you are considering appointing a new construction PR agency for 2026, here is what to look for – and the trends we believe will dominate the year ahead.

Choosing the best construction PR agency partner in 2026

1. Integrated campaigns will set you apart

Press releases alone are no longer enough. The most successful brands will run integrated campaigns, blending earned media, owned content, paid campaigns, digital optimisation, and face-to-face engagement.

The right construction PR agency will be able to:

• Deliver trade and national media coverage that reaches decision-makers
• Produce search-optimised content to attract inbound leads
• Create multi-channel campaigns that work across web, social, email and more
• Report on impact with clear metrics that link PR activity to commercial outcomes

This is exactly what we do for clients – aligning PR with business objectives, whether that is driving event attendance, generating sales leads, or boosting brand awareness.

2. Generative engine optimisation and owned content will drive leads

Search is changing fast. With AI-powered search engines and people heading to AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to support them with research, brands need to adapt their PR and content strategies. The best construction PR agencies will help you:

• Optimise your content for generative search, ensuring your business appears in AI-powered summaries and answer boxes
• Produce authoritative owned content – case studies, blogs, research reports – that search engines trust and reference
• Build a strong digital footprint across reputable third-party sources and platforms that regularly get cited in AI-powered search that supports discoverability, credibility, and lead generation

This is not just about traditional SEO. Generative engine optimisation (GEO) means creating high-quality, credible, and well-structured content that AI tools will surface and recommend when decision-makers are looking for solutions.

3. Sustainability and ESG will dominate the headlines

With net zero targets and ESG reporting requirements accelerating, businesses will need to communicate their progress with transparency. The right PR agency for construction companies will help you tell this story authentically and avoid greenwashing by:

• Showcasing credible case studies and data
• Positioning your technical experts as thought leaders on sustainable construction
• Shaping narratives around topics that will define the sector in 2026 – such as modular building, circular economy solutions, and energy efficiency

4. Employer branding will be business-critical

The construction skills shortage will continue to challenge the sector. In 2026, talent attraction will be a major driver for PR campaigns. Look for a construction PR agency that can:

• Create content that celebrates your workplace culture
• Use social media, video, and events to engage potential recruits
• Amplify your diversity and inclusion initiatives

Check out our recent HR Unhooked report to find out more about how the right PR strategy can help build a strong employer brand.

5. Data-driven PR and evaluation will be the norm

Clients want clear, measurable returns from their PR spend. We’ve recently secured competitive funding to build our own PR evaluation platform – one that goes further than tracking media coverage and shows the real impact of PR. These insights help shape smarter campaigns and make it easier to demonstrate value at board level.

6. Crisis readiness will be essential

From supply chain problems to project delays or health and safety incidents, 2026 will demand fast, confident responses. Make sure your construction PR agency knows how to handle issues and safeguard reputations when it matters most.

Choosing the right construction PR agency

When reviewing potential partners, focus on:

• Sector expertise:Proven results across residential, commercial, infrastructure, and supply chain projects
• Content and SEO capability:Ability to produce search-optimised content and campaigns
• Integrated campaigns:PR, content marketing, social media, and paid media working together
• Measurement and reporting:Campaign dashboards that demonstrate ROI
• Strategic insight:Foresight on the topics, policies, and events that will shape next year’s news agenda

Why Unhooked Communications is a leading construction PR agency

At Unhooked Communications, we’re proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s leading construction PR agencies. Here is why clients trust us:

• Award-winning expertise:PR Agency of the Year at the Construction Marketing Awards, Best B2B Campaign for the Jewson Making Better Homes Awards, and multiple finalist and shortlisted campaigns across the industry
• Strong client portfolio:Jewson, City Plumbing, City of London, 3M, Marshalls, Flooring Superstore, Polyflor, Anwyl Homes, Häfele UK, JP Maguire Developments and more
• Full service offering:PR strategy, thought leadership, data-driven campaigns, creative PR campaigns, awards, events PR, crisis communications, product launches, content marketing, and influencer marketing
• Original research:Our own Homes Unhooked and HR Unhooked reports track consumer trends and industry challenges, fuelling campaigns and media coverage
• Community commitment:We run training and workshops for universities and professional organisations to support skills development across the sector
• Innovation and measurement:We are investing in digital tools and taking part in accelerator programmes, including Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester and Innovate UK

Start planning your construction PR for 2026 today

2026 will be the year construction PR becomes more integrated, data-led, and strategically aligned with business growth. The right construction PR agency will help you win new projects, attract the best people, and build a future-proof reputation.

If you are looking for a construction PR agency with experience across events, awards, thought leadership, and measurable results, get in touch – we would love to talk.