Construction Disrupted

Andy Steele initially served as a mentor to the founders of Buildots before transitioning to the role of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). With a career spanning nearly four decades, Andy brings an extensive blend of expertise from both the construction and legal sectors. Prior to joining Buildots, he held the position of Group CEO for a top 40 UK-based construction group involved in various segments such as development, construction, off-site manufacturing and infrastructure.

Andy is also the Chairman of the UK’s largest construction trade federation, focusing on industry-wide improvements and has more recently been involved in integrating construction technology to further advance the sector.

In this episode, we take a look at onsite digital advancements and the impact correctly monitoring projects can have on the build, an organisation AND the industry itself.

This episode was recorded live at Digital Construction Week, ExCeL, London (https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/) where I interviewed some of the best and brightest in the built environment, for a revealing look at innovation and technology.

Topics Covered

- Company and Specialism: Buildots' Digital Onsite Advancements

- The Importance of Data and Technology For On-Time Project Delivery

- Examples of Work: Buildots' Impact on Large-Scale Projects

- The People, the Data, and Collaboration: What Should We Be Monitoring

- The Challenge of Utilising Big Data

- Navigating the Future of Project Management and Realtime Data

- Finally, we’re here at Digital Construction Week - Give us your thoughts

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 

Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/

Further Links

https://buildots.com/blog/moneyball-performance-driven-construction/ 

https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/big-data-in-construction#infographic

https://www.forconstructionpros.com/business/press-release/21031884/fmi-corp-study-95-of-all-data-captured-goes-unused-in-the-ec-industry

Mentioned in this episode:

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With over 25 years of experience in the Construction Industry, Roger Bradbury has gone from tea boy to Managing Director of a £30 million construction company. Like most construction businesses, Wren was run with spreadsheets, pen and paper. Not only was record-keeping (timesheets, H&S compliance, etc) a huge burden, but this meant that the whole company had only a backward view of costs and resources. As you can imagine, as Wren was growing; so were Roger’s frustrations.

He realised that the construction industry was flying blind – and decided to fix it and so in 2016, Roger founded Chime Software to solve the daily headaches he was facing at Wren. Over the past 8 years, with huge amounts of hard work, testing, building and more testing, Chime has evolved to be a key Construction software used by tens of thousands of operatives each day and saving construction businesses thousands in hours and budget.

As Roger can happily chat about how Chime has revolutionised Wren Construction (and hundreds of other companies too) for hours - or so we’ve been told. Let’s condense these ‘hours’ into a neat podcast showcasing the transformation that Roger has brought to the industry through site management technology.

This episode was recorded live at Digital Construction Week, ExCeL, London (https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/) where I interviewed some of the best and brightest in the built environment, for a revealing look at innovation and technology.

Topics Covered

- Company and Specialism: Chime's Journey in Transforming Construction Site Management

- Reducing Delays Through Good Site Management

- Examples of Work: Chime's Successful Impact on Site Efficiency

- Convincing the Trade and Less Tech-Savvy

- Legacy Site Management Software Challenges

- What the Future Holds within this Sector/Tech

- Finally, we’re here at Digital Construction Week - Give us your thoughts

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 

Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/

Further Links

https://www.cornerstoneprojects.co.uk/blog/delays-in-the-construction-industry-our-2022-survey-results-and-how-they-compare-to-2016/

Mentioned in this episode:

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Kris Lengiesa is the Global Technology Evangelist at Procore Technologies, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the intersection of construction and technology and playing a pivotal role in Procore’s product strategy. Previously serving as the VP of Global Partnerships & Alliances, Kris oversaw a diverse ecosystem spanning channel, ISV, public, and association partnerships.

His journey began with 15 years in construction, where he embraced technology as an early adopter and now collaborates extensively with industry innovators, tech organisations, and construction companies exploring transformative technologies that promise to revolutionise working processes.

In the ever-evolving landscape of construction technology, Kris stands at the forefront, bridging the gap between innovation and practical implementation. His vision? To empower the industry, one groundbreaking solution at a time.

With all of Kris's knowledge, in this episode, we uncover what it takes to create true digital transformations.

This episode was recorded live at Digital Construction Week, ExCeL, London (https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/) where I interviewed some of the best and brightest in the built environment, for a revealing look at innovation and technology.

Topics Covered

- Company and Specialism: Procore's Meteoric Rise

- Implementing Technology within Smaller Organisations

- Examples of Work: Procore's Positive Impact on Projects

- Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Collaboration and Decision Making

- Best Practice in Planning for Digital Transformation

- What the Future Holds within this Sector/Tech

- Finally, we’re here at Digital Construction Week - Give us your thoughts

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 

Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/

Further Links

https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/pcor/revenue/ 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertdefrancesco/2023/08/29/procore-powers-ahead-in-digitizing-the-construction-industry/?sh=2cfa4fc43cef

Mentioned in this episode:

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With 21 years of construction experience in numerous countries including U.A.E, U.K, Australia, India, Sri Lanka and Maldives, Ben Huskisson is a member of the RICS and holds a Bachelor of Science. Currently the Managing Director of Gleeds India since 2010, successfully expanded from 1 office in Bangalore with 20 people to 6 offices across India and with over 300 people today.

Today we’re taking a deep dive into data that elevates performance, productivity and profitability.

This episode was recorded live at Digital Construction Week, ExCeL, London (https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/) where I interviewed some of the best and brightest in the built environment, for a revealing look at innovation and technology.

Topics Covered

- Company and Specialism: Gleeds' Digital Transformation Journey

- Why it’s Important for Construction: Unlocking the Power of Digitalisation

- Examples of Work: Digital Solutions That Drive Project Success

- Building the Right Culture Internally

- The Biggest Challenge Currently Facing: Overcoming Barriers to Digital Adoption

- Navigating the Future of Construction Technology

- Finally, we’re here at Digital Construction Week - Give us your thoughts

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 

Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/

Further Links

https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/decoding-digital-transformation-in-construction 

https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/ca/Documents/audit/ca-audit-abm-scotia-high-impact-leadership.pdf 

https://assets.ey.com/content/dam/ey-sites/ey-com/en_us/topics/real-estate-hospitality-and-construction/ey-technological-advancements-disrupting-the-global-construction-industry.pdf?download

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In the ever-evolving landscape of construction technology, one innovation stands out as a game-changer: Artificial Intelligence, or AI. Now I could go into the specifics of what is classed as AI, what most class as AI and what platforms are just LLMs (Large Language Models), but I won’t, as the simplification of classing the newest technology that seems to work magic and product something from nothing as Artificial Intelligence works well here in terms of categorisation and a singular point of focus. So let’s not split too many hairs about it here!

For all its promise of reshaping how we design, build, and manage construction projects, the majority of us will not have used it beyond creating minimal, basic content or images that don’t quite cut it, yet. Let’s dive into the episode and explore AI’s transformative potential, challenges, and real-world applications.

Our expert to guide us through this episode is Andrew Knight, Global Leader and Tech Lead at RICS, where he’s been camped out for the past 13 years and prior to his role in leading the AI, data and tech thought leadership and analytics, Andrew managed RICS’ relationship with the finance and investment community working with debt and equity participants, their advisors in law and accountancy, and regulators. 

Andrew has also enjoyed a long career in IT starting out by running programs on mainframes using punched cards, and then working through the eras of mini-computers, personal computers, and the internet - and now the world of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain.

In his current role, Andrew is responsible for AI, data, and tech thought leadership and content development, and the adoption of the RICS Data Standard (RDS) that supports valuation, property measurement, life-cycle costing, building performance, brokerage, and due diligence.

Topics Covered

- Integration of AI into Construction Processes

- Challenges/Risks of Implementing AI

- Building Design Innovations

- Predictive Maintenance and Asset Management

- Ethical and Regulatory Considerations

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 

Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/

Further Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewknight3/

https://www.rics.org/news-insights/wbef/to-ai-or-not-to-ai-five-trends-in-the-adoption-of-ai-in-construction

https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/business/software/uk-artificial-intelligence-ai-statistics-2023/ 

https://www.maintenanceandengineering.com/2022/04/21/smart-energy-saving-with-artificial-intelligence-ai-the-building-system-management-solution/ 

https://damassets.autodesk.net/content/dam/autodesk/www/pdfs/ai-infographic-pdf.pdf

Mentioned in this episode:

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What's better than an event focussing on the built environment?

OK, there may be quite a few things but I’m thinking of an event that focuses on the built environment AND new technology!

Yes, I am of course talking about DCW (Digital Construction Week). 

As we are only a few days away from DCW, I’m delighted to get Ollie Hughes back on the podcast. Ollie featured in Episode 15 when discussing tech adoption within the construction industry and now he’s back on to tell us a little bit more about the event he co-founded and grew into one of the leading events for professionals within construction and technology.

Topics Covered

- Where are you up to with 1 week to go until DCW?

- What’s changed from last year?

- What are you looking forward to?

- The best way for people to get involved? (what to do when visiting)

- 2 weeks from now, what will good look like to you?

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 

Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/

Further Links

https://www.digitalconstructionweek.com/

https://www.builddifferent.marketing/podcast/episode/1f3f78b0/tech-adoption-connecting-the-digital-dots-episode-15-or-ollie-hughes

The Grenfell Tower fire changed everything, but it was a tragedy that not only shouldn’t have occurred but was completely avoidable. In an industry where tight margins and the utilisation of cheaper alternative products to remain competitive can take president, we look forward to today, tomorrow and thereafter to ensure that the safety and integrity of high-rise residential buildings is the non-negotiable, constant and unwavering focus. Enter the Building Safety Act of 2022 — a comprehensive legislative framework designed to overhaul building safety regulations and accountability measures, although we’ve all heard of it, do we really know what it is, what it means and how it will impact the industry?

From understanding the Act's core principles to navigating implementation hurdles, it’s an important topic that will affect us all, whether you're a building owner, a construction industry professional, or a resident. I must admit, I don’t know it as well as I should, so we need to chat with someone to help us unpack the complexities, opportunities, and challenges of this landmark legislation.

With an ethos and positive approach to collaborative working Lorna Hagan founded ConstructTuition in 2021, providing practical skills training and advice on Quality in the Construction Industry. 

Lorna’s background in Civil Engineering brings with it 18 years of experience in site engineering and quality management systems, being a certified ISO9001 Lead auditor, and with previous work as Head of Quality, Lorna has managed an annual turnover portfolio of Civil Engineering Projects worth over £200 million.

Systematic, practical and logical in her approach, Lorna is primed to give us the lowdown on the Building Safety Act.

Topics Covered

- Overview of the Building Safety Act

- Key Provisions and Responsibilities

- Implications for Construction Industry Professionals

- Challenges and Implementation Hurdles

- Role of Technology in Building Safety Compliance

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 

Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/

Further Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hagan-cqp-7457483a/

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/30/contents/enacted

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62f3c722e90e076cfa481c31/Building_Safety_Data_Release_July_2022.pdf 

https://www.thefpa.co.uk/news/hse-high-rise-residents-research-shows-fire-safety-knowledge-gaps 

https://www.thenbs.com/about-nbs/press-releases/nearly-half-of-construction-professionals-%E2%80%98unsure-of-building-safety-laws

Mentioned in this episode:

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial

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There is always a healthy debate around events and exhibitions in terms of cost vs return, especially within construction where one order can make an event lucrative, but on the flipside, a poor exhibition can leave a large dent the marketing budget and a sour taste in the CFOs mouth.

Done right, exhibitions can serve as powerful platforms for networking, brand exposure, and knowledge sharing. These opportunities not only facilitate connections with industry peers and potential clients but also offer a stage to showcase innovative solutions and stay abreast of emerging trends.

However, harnessing the full potential of these events requires more than just showing up—it demands strategic planning, thoughtful budget allocation, and meticulous execution. No wonder navigating the intricacies of event management and budgeting can be daunting.

As we’ve mentioned, the financial investment associated with these events alone necessitates a keen focus on maximising impact while minimising the additional costs that can soon make an estimated budget look like pocket change compared to the overall cost.

Additional elements such as marketing materials, travel expenses, and staff resources as well as exhibition space and stand design and builds need to translate into tangible returns, whether in the form of leads generated, partnerships, or brand recognition (side note - make sure you quantify what a good return looks like before investing a penny as it doesn’t always mean leads)!

The challenge of optimising event budgets and quantifying their impact is one that resonates with most who have been put in charge of project managing the whole thing. It's a tricky conundrum that requires careful consideration of various factors, from selecting the right events to attend to crafting compelling messaging and experiences that resonate with your target audience.

So, how can we ensure that we're making the most of our event budgets? How can we stand out in a crowded marketplace and leave a lasting impression, reach our goals and exceed all expectations?

These are the questions we'll explore in today's episode where we'll delve into four actionable tactics designed to help you maximise your budget and amplify your impact at events.

Let's dive in and uncover the secrets to unlocking the full potential of your event budget.

Topics Covered 

- Map out your calendar of construction industry events

- Elevating your expertise 

- Planning for deeper engagement 

- Extending your reach 

- Strength in numbers 

- The end of the event ISN’T the end of the event

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 

Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/

Further Links

https://www.builddifferent.marketing/post/4-ways-to-maximise-your-budget-and-impact-at-construction-events

https://www.builddifferent.marketing/post/2-wenty-ways-to-collaborate-that-benefit-you-and-the-rest-of-the-construction-industry

https://www.builddifferent.marketing/podcast/episode/1fabcb3b/collaborative-working-in-construction-episode-28-or-peter-sumpton

Mentioned in this episode:

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial

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I spent last year covering some of the best (and not so best) events and exhibitions within the UK Construction space - You can find my reviews on my YouTube channel (link in the show notes as ever). So this year, instead of creating the reviews, I thought I’d try my hand at previewing - First up, UK Construction Week.

For anyone who doesn't know what UKCW is all about, it’s the biggest exhibition within the UK construction space in the UK -  a hub of innovation, collaboration, and industry insights as well as event sponsors and paying exhibitors gaining great exposure from being part of it. With thousands of exhibitors, seminars, and networking opportunities, it's a great platform for staying ahead of the curve in our ever-evolving field.

So, why are we dedicating an entire episode to previewing UKCW 2024? Well, there's a lot to cover. From the latest technologies shaping the future of construction to initiatives and legislations driving change within the industry. Need to knows, must knows, who knows!

Well hopefully we all do after this episode.

From the seminars not to be missed to exhibitors that are worth a visit, I’ll be giving you an unbiased run-through of UK Construction Week 2024… That’s enough introing, time to get stuck into the details.

Topics Covered 

-  What's new for UKCW 24

- Exhibitors not to be missed

- Seminar and talks selection

- Who’s worth listening to?

- Product demos

- A few unknowns to think about

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 

Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/

Further Links

https://www.ukconstructionweek.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0WMMtVLdtX4sZ4Eu6vaQw

Mentioned in this episode:

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial

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In 1991 Terminator 2: Judgment day was released, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the first film. On its release, we were all treated to the latest in CGI technology, cyborgs and other robots n’shit. Over 30 years later, we still hear murmurings that the robots are going to kill us all and that one day AI will become smarter than us and destroy the modern world. 

And that’s where we’ll pause these yet-to-be-realised predictions and focus on the now and possibly the most advanced piece of kit we’ve ever featured on Construction Disrupted – Exoskeleton technology and while innovations like this may not be picking up any Academy Awards real soon, they are helping to transform the way we work and what is and might be possible in the future.

But I’m not here to tell these tales, we need an expert in this field who can write the script and deliver a best seller.

Meghan Kennelly, the Head of Global Marketing at German Bionic, a European robotics company, is a B2B Marketing expert with an innate passion for cutting-edge technology. 

Meghan’s visionary leadership has led to German Bionic gaining international recognition and numerous awards for its portfolio of smart power suits and wearable technologies which includes connected exoskeletons driven by self-learning and artificial intelligence.

Topics Covered 

- The specifics behind exoskeleton technology

- Is this a skills shortage saviour?

- How exoskeletons can help reduce injuries in the workplace

- Ergonomic data reshaping workplace safety

- Is there an ROI for everyone?

- AI tech and how this impacts future markets 

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial: https://prf.hn/l/ZYdd028 

Website: https://www.builddifferent.marketing/

Further Links

https://empathyfirm.com/Meghan-Kennelly/ 

https://www.firstmats.co.uk/blogs/facts-and-statistics/construction-industry-safety-statistics-executive-summary#:~:text=10.-,Around%202.6%20Million%20Working%20Days%20Lost%20Annually,%2Drelated%20illness%20(80%25).

https://www.nesfircroft.com/resources/blog/how-can-we-solve-the-construction-industry-skills-shortage-in-the-uk-/#:~:text=The%20recession%20expected%20in%202023,output%20in%202023%20and%20beyond.

https://amtrustfinancial.com/blog/loss-control/exoskeleton-and-exosuits-in-the-workplace

https://costcharts.com/exoskeleton/

Mentioned in this episode:

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial

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