In this episode of Beyond Brunel, Claire Gibson and Katy Toms explore the evolving landscape of defence infrastructure in the South West with Natalie Parnell from Babcock International Group and Alexis Field from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, particularly in light of modern security needs and technological advancements.

Key topics include the importance of adapting our defence estates to ensure readiness and resilience in a rapidly changing world, the challenges of modernising aging infrastructure while maintaining operational capabilities, and the need for integrated planning and innovative construction methods.

From the South West Infrastructure Partnership, supported by ICE South West.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Services in the South West.

Beyond Brunel returns for Series 4 with new co-presenters, Claire Gibson and Katy Toms. In Episode 1, they welcome Pippa Gibbs Joubert, Associate Director at Copper Consultancy, to share her insights on the crucial role of public attitudes in shaping regional infrastructure, particularly in the context of the South West.

This podcast explores the importance of public consensus in infrastructure projects, especially during challenging times such as the cost of living crisis, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Pippa highlights generational differences in engagement and why this requires a shift in how we communicate and engage with the public.

From the South West Infrastructure Partnership, supported by ICE South West.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Services in the South West.

In S2 Episode 6 of the Beyond Brunel podcast, presenter Chris Ackland poses this challenging question to Peter Radford, Associate Director at Turner & Townsend Infrastructure, and Alicia de Haldevang, Sustainability and Inequalities Consultant at Stantec. 

Topics they discuss include the role of infrastructure in addressing inequalities, how to measure the impact of infrastructure on areas such as poverty, and whether it’s possible to deliver infrastructure that is both sustainable and equitable. 

From the South West Infrastructure Partnership, supported by ICE South West.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios Studios, Plymouth.

The South West has 620 miles of motorway and strategic A-roads as well as one of the largest networks in the UK of local roads, many of which are vital to small, rural communities. In this podcast, Christopher Ackland is joined by Richard Stevens, Managing Director, Plymouth CityBus (Go South West), and Jason Humm, Director of Transport and Highways, Gloucestershire County Council, to discuss the challenges of highway maintenance, improving resilience of the roads in the face of more extreme weather events and equipping the network for a more sustainable future.   

From the South West Infrastructure Partnership, supported by ICE South West.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, the Podcast Production Company. www.freshairstudios.co.uk