The UK Government’s 'New Towns Strategy' sets out the boldest housing ambition in a generation - but can we really build at scale and create great places to live?

In this episode of Around the Table, host Helen Tinlin from Building Relations is joined by:
• Paul Silver, CEO, Dorchester Living(developers behind Heyford Park, recently announced as one of the Government’s new towns)
• Andrew Matthews, Co-founder, Proctor & Matthews Architects
• Melanie Leech, Chief Executive, British Property Federation

Together they explore what it really takes to plan and deliver modern new towns - from design, placemaking and sustainability to funding, political commitment and community trust. Drawing on lessons from Heyford Park and decades of planning history, our guests ask whether new towns can become the generational legacy Britain needs.

Music credit: Uppbeat
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

With more architects involved in designing new homes, the results can be better for everyone - from developers to communities. Host Natalie Daniels is joined by Keith Bradley (Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios) and Simon Vernon-Harcourt (City & Country) to explore how design can shape thriving neighbourhoods, balance local character with innovation, and meet modern expectations around sustainability, wellbeing, and accessibility. 

Music credit: Uppbeat
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Passivhaus is often called the gold standard for low-energy homes - but why has it been slow to take off in London? Host Kathryn Reucroft is joined by Attzaz Rashid (Barratt London), Dr Joel Callow (Beyond Carbon), and Sarah Lewis (UK Passivhaus Trust) to explore the challenges, misconceptions, and opportunities of scaling Passivhaus in the capital, and what Barratt’s landmark rollout could mean for the future of sustainable housing. 

Music credit: Uppbeat
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

 Is downsizing the key to solving the UK’s housing crisis? With £2.9 trillion of property wealth tied up in under-occupied homes, host Laura Hellon-Hughes talks to Lucian Cook (Savills) and Steve Bangs (Pegasus Homes) about breaking barriers, reshaping perceptions, and why “rightsizing” could unlock homes and transform later living. 

Music credit: Uppbeat
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

 In this powerful and timely episode of Around the Table, we ask not just how many homes the UK should build – but how we build, and how we want to live.

As the government announces a landmark £39bn housing boost, our panel explores the bold ideas behind Human Nature’s new “How Shall We Live” report – a radical yet practical vision to tackle climate breakdown, housing unaffordability, social isolation, and economic fragility, all through how and where we build.

Host Rachel Colgan, Founding Director of Building Relations PR, is joined by:

• Joanna Yarrow - Chief Impact Officer, Human Nature
• Brogan MacDonald - Head of Sustainability, Ramboll UK (Buildings)
• Jon DiStefano - CEO, Greencore Homes

Together, they explore:

• Why we need to move from building units to building communities
• How nature-based materials can remove carbon at scale
• What radical affordability really means – beyond house prices
• The role of place in supporting health, connection, and belonging
• Real delivery models proving that better is not only possible – it’s already happening

Music credit: Uppbeat
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

In this insightful episode, we explore the dramatic rise of Single Family Housing (SFH) as one of the UK’s fastest-growing residential sectors – and ask what it means for renters, investors, housebuilders, and communities.

Host Rachel Colgan from Building Relations PR is joined by:

• Piers de Winton (Savills) – lead author of the latest SFH report and a key voice on UK residential investment strategy
• Lottie Outen (Kennedy Wilson) – sharing a global investor’s perspective on the scale, ESG demands, and opportunity ahead
• Simon Pendlebury (Dandara) – offering boots-on-the-ground insight into delivering 200+ purpose-built homes at Linmere

Together, they unpack the trends reshaping the Build-to-Rent landscape and why institutional investors are betting big on houses, not just apartments.

Topics include:

• Why SFH now makes up over 50% of Build-to-Rent investment
• What renters really want – and how housebuilders are adapting
• How institutional capital is driving better ESG standards
• The future of design, delivery, and operational models
• Practical lessons from delivering sustainable homes at scale

A must-listen for developers, investors, planners, or anyone curious about how SFH is redefining suburban renting – and the long-term shape of the UK housing market.

Music credit: Uppbeat 
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Music credit: Uppbeat
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

In this thought-provoking episode, we ask whether sustainable housing really needs to come with a higher price tag. 

Host Charlotte Radcliffe from Building Relations PR is joined by Michael Pratt (Invertay Homes & Timber Engineering UK), Professor Robert Hairstans (Edinburgh Napier University and NMITE), and Sue Riddlestone OBE (Bioregional) to explore how to build greener, more affordable homes without compromising on quality or ambition.

Topics include:

• The cost myths around sustainable homes
• Benefits of fabric-first design and modern methods of construction (MMC)
• Circular economy principles and material reuse
• Policy, finance, and skills gaps impacting delivery
• Real-world insights from sustainable housing pioneers

A must-listen for anyone working in housing, development, construction, or policy who wants to scale sustainability without scaling cost.

Music credit: Uppbeat 
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Music credit: Uppbeat
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

In this episode of Around the Table, we hear the inspirational journey of Zaiba Qureshi, CEO of Housing for Women, as she shares her leadership story and their mission to provide safe, affordable housing for vulnerable women.

Hosted by: Natalie Daniels, Sustainability PR Director, Building Relations PR

Our guest:
🔹 Zaiba Qureshi, CEO of Housing for Women

We discuss:
✅ Zaiba’s personal journey, the barriers she has overcome, and what drives her
✅ The critical housing challenges women face in London
✅ Innovative solutions for social housing and gender equality
✅ The power of leadership, partnerships, and advocacy in making lasting change

Tune in for an empowering conversation ahead of International Women’s Day!

Music credit: Uppbeat 
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Music credit: Uppbeat
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

In this episode of Around the Table, we explore the transformative role of neuro-architecture, a design approach that prioritises inclusivity, sensory well-being, and accessibility for all.

Hosted by: Rachel Colgan, Founding Director of Building Relations PR

Our guests include:
🔹 Jean Hewitt, Inclusive Environments Technical Lead at Buro Happold and Technical Author of PAS 6463 (Design for the Mind – Neurodiversity and the Built Environment)
🔹 Magdalena Arent, Building Performance Consultant at Holmes Miller Architects and a Neurodiversity Champion
🔹 Velimira Drummer, Associate Director & Senior Architect at Stantec, specialising in interior design for workplaces, healthcare, and education 

We discuss:

• The fundamentals of neurodivergence and why it matters in design
• How lighting, acoustics, biophilic design, and sensory zoning impact well-being
• The challenges and misconceptions in designing neurodivergent-friendly spaces
• How businesses, housebuilders, and architects can integrate these principles into their projects

Music credit: Uppbeat 
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Music credit: Uppbeat
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

In this episode of Around the Table, we explore the Future Homes Standard, a transformative regulation set to launch in 2025, and its implications for the housing sector. 

Hosted by Charlotte Radcliffe, Senior Account Manager with Building Relations PR,  the discussion features insights from three industry experts: 

• Lynne Sullivan OBE, Architect, LSA Studio, RIBA & Chair of Good Homes Alliance
• James Snelgar, Technical Director, Dandara Southern
• Alex Jahanshahi-Edlin, Associate Director, McBains

Some key topics discussed:

• The goals and challenges of the Future Homes Standard and its expected impact on industry practices.
• Lessons learned from implementing Part L of the building regulations as a precursor to the Future Homes Standard.
• Innovations like modern methods of construction (MMC) and the role of renewable energy in creating sustainable housing.

Music credit: Uppbeat 
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Music credit: Uppbeat
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW