Around the Table: A podcast by Building Relations

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

In this episode of Around the Table, we dive into the Autumn Budget announcement and its significant impact on the UK housing industry. 

Hosted by Ramsay Jones CBE, Public Affairs Consultant with Building Relations PR, the discussion features insights from three industry leaders: 

• Tim Collins, Group Corporate Affairs Director at Barratt Redrow
• Melanie Leech CBE, Chief Executive of the British Property Federation
• Sean Ellis, Managing Director of Fernham Homes. 

Together, they analyse key budget measures, including affordable housing funding, social housing rent caps, and support for small and medium-sized developers, providing valuable perspectives on what these changes mean for the sector’s future. 

Music credit: Uppbeat 
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Music credit: Uppbeat
 OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

In this episode of Around the Table, hosted by Rachel Colgan, Managing Director at Building Relations PR, we explore the critical issue of how the housing sector can navigate the declining demand for Section 106 homes. As housing associations in many parts of the UK are stepping back from bidding on these homes, the resulting decrease in affordable housing has led to delays in broader housing delivery.

Our expert panel—Maggie Rafalowicz, Director at housing consultancy Campbell Tickell, and Kush Rawal, Director at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing—discuss the wider implications of this collapse, including its impact on the government’s housing goals. They also share insights into the challenges and potential strategies to overcome this crisis, offering listeners a comprehensive view of what the future holds for affordable housing in the UK.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the housing sector’s most pressing issues and possible solutions.

Music credit: Uppbeat 
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Music credit: Uppbeat
 OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

 In this episode of Around the Table, hosted by Natalie Daniels, Sustainability PR Director from Building Relations PR, we delve into the concept of creating social value through the built environment. Our expert panel—Nathan Spencer, Managing Director at UKREiiF; Joanna Dahlgren, Head of Social Value & SROI at London Borough of Waltham Forest; and Danielle Buckley, Regional Social Value Manager at Wates Group—discuss how developers, planners, and policymakers are embedding social value into their projects. The conversation focuses on the tangible impact of these initiatives beyond just numbers, emphasising long-term legacy, community collaboration, and the role of local expertise. The panel also highlights the challenges and opportunities of creating social value, such as the need for standardisation, better collaboration, and removing barriers like postcode restrictions that limit impactful partnerships. 

Music credit: Uppbeat 
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Music credit: Uppbeat
 OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Following recent negative press coverage about shared ownership, we bring the experts together to tell us the truth about shared ownership. This episode will explore the role shared ownership can play in solving the UK’s housing crisis.

Hosted by:

• Laura Hellon-Hughes, Senior Account Manager, Building Relations PR

With panellists:

• Esaiyas Mollallegn, Head of Marketing at Metropolitan Thames Valley
• Stuart Hensby, Director of Sales & Marketing, Abri Group

Music credit: Uppbeat 
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Music credit: Uppbeat
 OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

In this episode we discuss the upcoming election with two leading property experts to understand their views on the housing-related aspects of the major political party manifestos. We reflect on which party might be best for the housing sector, their current plans, and what they should prioritise for this sector in crisis.

Hosted by:

• Ramsay Jones, Public Affairs Consultant with Building Relations

With panellists:

• Tim Sargeant, Owner of City & Country 
• Kate Faulkner OBE, Property Expert

Music credit: Uppbeat 
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Music credit: Uppbeat
 OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Welcome to a special episode of the 'Around the Table' podcast, marking World Environment Day on June 5th. In this episode, we explore how architects and interior designers can create sustainable homes, both inside and out, to drive a greener tomorrow for our sector.

Participants:

- Gareth Price: Architect and Founder of Counterbalance XYZ

- Alicia Storie: Eco-conscious Interior Designer and Founder of ADesignStorie

Music credit: Uppbeat 
OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW

Music credit: Uppbeat
 OAKTY4TYK7ENPSSW