Construction Disrupted

Today’s episode is slightly different from our usual format, we’re bringing you a special recording of a webinar I hosted with Causeway Technology, featuring Philip King - more on Philip later.

In this session, we dive into the Fair Payment Code, a crucial topic for the construction industry.

Late payments have long been a challenge in the sector, and ensuring fair, transparent, and timely payments is more important than ever. But here’s the thing, compliance with the code isn’t just about policy and best practice. Technology plays a huge role in making fair payment a reality, streamlining processes, and ensuring businesses get paid on time.

Let’s get into it!

Late payments have been a persistent issue in the UK construction industry, creating cash flow problems, delaying projects, and putting undue pressure on suppliers. With increasing scrutiny on payment practices, the introduction of the Fair Payment Code (FPC) is designed to drive positive change, promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency across supply chains.

But what does the Fair Payment Code mean in practice? How can construction firms ensure compliance, and what are the benefits of achieving a Fair Payment Code Award?

We’re joined by Philip King, former CEO of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management and Causeway Cashflow Consultant, to explore the ins and outs of the Fair Payment Code. We’ll break down how the framework works, what businesses need to do to meet the criteria, and the competitive advantages that come with compliance.

Here's what you need to know and will find out in this episode:

- From Prompt Payment to Fair Payment – How does the FPC differ, and why was it introduced?

- The Awarding Levels Explained – What do Bronze, Silver, and Gold accreditation mean for your business?

- The Road to Compliance – What documentation and processes are required to apply?

- Clear, Fair & Collaborative – The three core principles and how they are measured.

- Overcoming Barriers – Common challenges in achieving FPC status and how to tackle them.

Links

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

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/builddifferent

Further Links

https://www.smallbusinesscommissioner.gov.uk/fpc/

Webinar Video: https://campaign.causeway.com/ondemand/fair-payment-code-fpc

Highway infrastructure plays a crucial role in modern transport networks, but it also presents significant environmental challenges. Surface water management is a key concern, with increasing urbanisation and a growing population driving the need for more effective systems to collect, store, treat, and release water safely.

Poorly managed surface water can lead to flooding, pollution, and long-term infrastructure damage, with around 38% of all roads in areas at risk from flooding - which essentially means more roadworks, more traffic light systems and subsequently a lower tolerance for other road users… just me? Anyway, this makes it essential to integrate sustainable drainage solutions that balance performance, resilience, and environmental impact.

At the same time, roads and highways can act as barriers to wildlife movement, disrupting habitats and leading to significant biodiversity loss – Imagine if someone decided to drive the M6 right through your living room, nightmare, the toll alone would be ridiculous.

Innovative solutions, such as wildlife tunnels, amphibian-friendly kerbs, and guidance systems, are helping to create safer passageways for animals while reducing roadkill (which accounts for nearly a third of most deaths a 2023 study reported) and habitat fragmentation. 

As awareness of these issues grows, there is a pressing need to ensure that infrastructure projects incorporate both advanced surface water management techniques and effective wildlife connectivity measures.

With evolving regulations, new technologies, and a greater emphasis on sustainability, the challenge now is to drive the widespread adoption of these solutions, ensuring they become an integral part of highway design, construction, and maintenance. And who better to talk to about this than someone that lives and breathes it!

 As a Specialist Design & Application Engineer for ACO, Terry Wilkinson has focused his career on the highways industry, both in his 11 years at ACO and prior to this working as a client, consultant and contractor for Local Authority highways. He is a member of the CIHT and ICE and is working towards his chartered engineer status with CPD at the heart of this journey. His professional interests are focused on wildlife mitigation solutions and highway drainage in particular making him the perfect chap to chat to about SuDs, wildlife mitigation and keeping both humans and animals safe.

Water and Wildlife Topics

- (SuDS) in Highways: Challenges and Innovations

- Wildlife Mitigation in Infrastructure: Balancing Development with Ecology

- Integrating Surface Water Management with Wildlife Protection

- Climate Resilience in Surface Water Management: Preparing for Extreme Weather

- The Future of Highway Drainage: Smart Technologies and Digital Innovation

Links

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

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/builddifferent

Further Links

https://www.aco.co.uk/sustainable-drainage-systems-(suds)

https://www.aco.co.uk/wildlife

https://reachandrescue.com/flood-statistics/#:~:text=Around%205%20million%20people%20live,%C2%A31.1%20billion%20across%20England. 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-assessment-of-flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-in-england-2024/national-assessment-of-flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-in-england-2024 

https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/flooding-and-drainage-related-defects-to-uks-road-network-see-36-rise-07-02-2024/ 

https://www.aco.co.uk/news/article/Managing-biodiversity

Today we’re tackling a topic that I feel is long overdue – the low bar of marketing within the construction industry. Why is the standard so poor? Why do so many marketing teams feel stuck, following outdated or ineffective strategies? And more importantly, what can we do to change it?

In this episode, we’re going to explore why marketing in construction often feels like it’s stuck in the past, discuss the key excuses businesses use to justify underperformance, and most importantly, outline the four foundational marketing principles that can elevate any organisation.

This is a topic I feel strongly about, and I hope that by the end of this episode, you’ll not only have a fresh perspective on marketing but also some practical takeaways to improve your strategy—whether you’re part of a small team, a one-person department, or leading a full-scale marketing operation.

So, let’s get into it.

The Marketing Challenge in Construction

Around this time last year, I was fortunate enough to be invited to present at the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) Marketing Forum at JCB HQ in Uttoxeter. The BMF has been on an impressive journey over the past decade, completely transforming its approach and positioning itself as a modern, forward-thinking organisation.

Their move from an old, expensive building in London to sleek, modern offices in the Midlands is symbolic of their wider transformation—one focused on market orientation, putting the merchant first, and driving the industry forward. They understand that when one part of the industry improves, everyone benefits. A rising tide lifts all boats, as the saying goes.

From a marketing perspective, this is one of the few real success stories in the construction sector. And that’s precisely the issue—why are there so few? Why is the standard of marketing in construction so low?

Too often, companies seem to engage in marketing not because they genuinely believe it will drive business success, but simply because "everyone else is doing it." But if everyone else is doing the bare minimum, and we follow suit, we’re just reinforcing the same low standard across the industry. This creates an opportunity—a huge one—for marketers who are willing to think differently, take marketing seriously, and truly elevate their game.

Which brings me back to my presentation at the BMF Forum. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share some of the key insights from that talk because, a year later, the conversation is still just as relevant—if not more so.

I hope this episode gives you value, makes you question some of your current marketing practices, and ultimately encourages you to think differently about how getting your marketing right can lead to real business growth—whether that means increased enquiries, greater brand awareness, higher market share, stronger sales, or ultimately, better profitability.

But here’s the odd thing: while I’m advocating for change, the fundamentals of marketing haven’t actually changed at all. The core principles remain the same.

Sure, media channels have evolved. Consumer habits have shifted. But the way we build the foundations of a marketing strategy has not. That’s what we’ll break down today—how everything has changed, and yet nothing has changed at all.

Topics you’ll hear covered in this episode:

- The Reality Check: The Data Doesn’t Lie

- The Four Foundations of Strong Marketing:

1. Understanding the Market and Basic Market Orientation

2. Strategic Intent – The Car Journey Analogy

3. Tactical Execution – The 4Ps of Marketing

4. Number Crunching – Looking Beyond the Surface Data

- Where are we now and what do we need to do to heighten this bar or mediocre marketing?

Links

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

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/builddifferent

In today’s construction industry, the safety and well-being of workers are paramount. As the sector evolves with new technologies, materials, and methods, so too must the solutions that protect the workforce. Take safety footwear, something we all probably take for granted. An essential line of defense, keeping our little piggies protected. But did you know that innovative developments is not only being used on screens but in our footwear - combining tech, compliance, and sustainability to meet the demands of modern job sites.

From addressing enhanced safety standards to integrating sustainable manufacturing practices, the journey of innovating protective gear is a testament to how the industry values its people. It’s not just about functionality anymore; comfort, design, and ethical production are shaping the future of how we safeguard those on the ground.

Let’s delve into the ever-evolving landscape of workforce protection and explore the advancements redefining safety footwear for the construction industry with our guest.

Rhys Elavia is the UK Sales Manager for the iconic brand, Totectors. As a third-generation member of the Totectors family, Rhys brings a deeply personal connection to the brand’s history, having witnessed its evolution and resurgence firsthand.

From its emergence during World War II, Totectors emergence depended on a 48 hour poker game where founder Bill Benton wagered everything on securing the rights to steel toe cap technology from inventor Arthur Williams, and in doing so transformed the UK safety footwear industry forever.

Today, Totectors continues its legacy as part of International Brands Group, remaining at the forefront of design and innovation.

Protecting Your Workforce Topics

- The Legacy of Totectors: Balancing Heritage and Modernity

- Innovations in Safety Footwear for the Modern Workforce

- The Role of Sales in Building a Brand

- Sustainability and Ethical Manufacturing in Safety Footwear

Links

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

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/builddifferent

Further Links

https://totectors.co.uk/pages/history 

https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/sections/news/23apr92-uk-horror-toll-of-construction-foot-injuries-23-04-1992/

https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/knowledge/safety-standards/safety-footwear/#:~:text=The%20standard%20EN%20ISO%2020345,or%20cold%2C%20and%20hot%20substances

Mentioned in this episode:

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial

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

In the construction industry, the pre-construction phase is critical in setting the stage for successful project outcomes. It involves thorough planning, coordination, and analysis to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

Central to these efforts is the effective use of data and digital tools, which are transforming traditional approaches with more efficient, precise, and collaborative processes. By leveraging advanced technologies such as BIM and integrating data management strategies, the construction industry can enhance decision-making, optimise resource use, and reduce risks. Simple, right? On paper, yes, but when implementing new processes there is always a risk. The risk that not everyone is on the same page, the risk that technology fails, the risk of legacy systems, incorrect data and the lack of enough knowledge within the industry to truly make these things stick! Think we better meet today's guest who should help to settle our nerves on this one.

Anita Soni is a digital transformation leader in the construction industry, utilising data and information management tools & processes to enhance design and construction productivity through BIM, Engineering Survey & Geospatial solutions. 

Anita has a proven track record of leading and delivering BIM processes on multi-sector mega & large infrastructure projects with extensive and successful experience in preconstruction, delivering digital and innovation strategies as well as pre-contract documentation for tenders.

With an Engineering Doctorate from UCL in Geomatic Engineering, Anita is a Chartered Surveyor of RICS and the founder of DataStruct as well as consulting for Third Digital who specialise in CDE configuration and BIM/CAD management services.

PreConstruction and Data Topics

- The Role of BIM in Enhancing Pre-Construction Processes

- Leveraging Data for Better Decision-Making in Construction

- GeoBIM: Integrating Geospatial Data with BIM for Enhanced Project Insights

- The Importance of Information Management in Construction Projects

- Digital Transformation - Can we have too much data?

Links

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

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/builddifferent

Further Links

https://www.thenbs.com/about-nbs/press-releases/a-digital-evolution-majority-using-bim

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14498596.2019.1627253#d1e626 

https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/new-report-shows-uk-construction-leads-on-data-but-gaps-remain-01-05-2024/

In the construction industry, creativity is often seen as an auxiliary skill, in fact, marketing in general can be very much overshadowed generally and more specifically within boardrooms, usually overshadowed by technical prowess, manual labour and project management capabilities. 

However, as the industry evolves in more ways than one, creative execution is becoming a critical component in driving engagement, enhancing brand recognition, and establishing market differentiation. From crafting compelling content and leveraging social media to developing unique brand identities and measuring campaign success, creative strategies are transforming how construction companies communicate and connect with their audiences. 

As a generalist marketer creating a podcast episode devoted purely to the creative comes with a whole bunch of caveats, many of which I’ve spoken about before. You can’t get to the creative, it shouldn't be touched until the hard work or research, market orientation, strategic intent and tactical development have been worked on, and even then, it should not just be a “we just need an advert/logo/brand”. The creative process is far too technical and important not to pay full attention to it. With that said, within construction, it’s easy to find the haters of the discipline, even though these haters (everyone for that matter) are influenced by creative executions every single day, which means we need to chat with someone who knows their pantones from their framerates.

Dan Moore is a creative entrepreneur and co-founder of dissident creative agency. With a background in photography, Dan’s career in the creative industry began unexpectedly when he pivoted from pursuing plumbing to a passion for visual storytelling. In 2012, he launched his own photography studio, which has since grown into a creative agency that works with both local businesses and international brands on photography, videography, social media and podcast production. Dan brings a problem-solving approach to creativity, focusing on delivering solutions tailored to the construction industry and beyond.

The Topics We Chat Through

- The Role of Creativity in the Construction Industry

- Crafting Engaging Content that Resonates

- The Impact of Social Media

- Creative Consistency

- Visual Storytelling

Links

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

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/builddifferent

Further Links

www.dissidentagency.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dissident-creative-agency

https://www.instagram.com/dissidentagency

Ecological consultancy plays a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future within the construction industry. As environmental regulations tighten and the importance of biodiversity becomes more widely recognised, the expertise of ecological consultants is increasingly in demand. These professionals are essential in guiding projects towards compliance with ecological standards, ensuring that development is balanced with the preservation of natural habitats. By integrating ecological considerations into every phase of construction, from planning to execution, we can mitigate environmental impacts and contribute to a more sustainable built environment. 

This all sounds so easy and I feel most of the time it can be summaries by simply not being a dickhead about things and simply doing the right thing. To put this into some context we need to chat to someone who understands the whole ecological environment from within the construction industry.

Sarah Stone has over 17 years of experience in ecological consultancy. During this time she has been involved in all aspects of ecological surveys, reporting and assessment, for a variety of clients. Her current role sees her leading the technical aspects of the ecology team at BWB Consulting. As well as delivering the full suite of habitat and protected species surveys and reports, the team has an increasing focus on providing commercial advice in relation to a project’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements.

Sarah has been delivering and overseeing BNG assessments for a number of years and is proficient in the use of Statutory Metrics for calculating both the baseline and post-development units and advising clients on the best ways to minimise their costs.

List of Topics

- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in UK Construction

- The Role of Ecological Surveys in Construction Planning

- Advancements in Habitat and Species Conservation

- Strategies for Biodiversity Compliance

- The Future of Ecological Consultancy in Construction

Links

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

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/builddifferent

Further Links

https://www.knightfrank.com/research/article/2023-06-29-biodiversity-net-gain-guide

https://woodhartgroup.co.uk/news/how-construction-affects-the-environment/#:~:text=Research%20conducted%20by%20Bimhow%20shows,big%20contributors%20to%20climate%20change.

https://citychangers.org/construction-facts-and-figures/

We have a tendency to only focus on the technological advancements we make and create and not what made it in the first place, a human. The true potential of these advancements is realised when we place people at the centre of any innovative solution. After all, if it doesn’t benefit someone in some way, what's the point?

It’s about time we had an episode that explores this topic - how the integration of cutting-edge tools like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and immersive tech can transform not just the way we work, but how we develop and empower the people within our industry and in doing so benefit the industry itself. It’s a never-ending cycle of positivity, or at least it is if we can master it. So let’s chat with someone who is currently mastering this, shall we?

Rob Claridge is Laing O’Rourke’s European Learning Solutions Owner, overseeing the transformation of its learning and development strategy. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and his passion for solving problems by combining the new and the old, his time in the financial sector was marked with several awards, including the 20th Banking Technology Awards’ Rising Tech Star.

Back to the present day Rob now oversees the L&D of several new innovative products and projects including immersive learning and augmented and virtual reality. His work to date on the reimagining of the “Working at Heights” course saw the project honoured at the Building Construction Awards in late 2022 in the field of Virtual Reality. Since then Rob has held talks on The Metaverse, VR and AI – to showcase the innovations that Laing O’Rourke is working with right now.

Discussion Topics

- The Role of Technology in Transforming Learning and Development in Construction

- Bridging the Gap Between Traditional and Modern Construction Techniques

- Exploring the Metaverse, VR, and AI in Construction

- The Impact of Immersive Learning

- Entrepreneurial Spirit v Large Organisations and Innovation

Links

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

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/builddifferent

Further Links

https://www.oxfordcollege.ac/news/skills-gap-statistics-uk/ 

https://www.ukconstructionmedia.co.uk/features/revolutionising-construction-safety-the-impact-of-technology/

Mentioned in this episode:

Adobe Express 30-day Free Trial

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

Automation is revolutionising the construction industry right before our eyes, in plain sight, but we don’t generally notice it, and thats the point. Good automation, not only offers new opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality but should go about its business unheard and undetected. 

As the demand for sustainable and high-quality infrastructure grows, construction firms are increasingly turning to automated solutions to meet these challenges head-on and with this are transforming every stage of the construction process.

The integration of automation in construction is not about replacing manual labour with machines and stealing jobs to assist the bottom line; it is about redefining how projects are planned, managed, and executed. As construction firms embrace these advancements, innovation and technology lead the way to more sustainable, efficient, and successful projects. But how do we know what will be successful, it’s not as easy as just a click of a mouse or a tap of a button. We need to chat with someone who knows a thing or two about automation and the simplification of processes.

Allister Lewis, the founder of Automated Data Driven Design (ADDD) is a specialist in Construction Technology software for the AEC industry. With a passion for the use of digital tools, Allister full understands the scale and scope these tools bring and the opportunity that to build a better, faster, and more profitable industry.  Supporting AEC companies by performing digital consultancy services such as searching, reviewing, reporting and implementation,  Allister is currently working on the ADDD Marketplace which will be the central resource for AEC ConTech software in the future. The vision for this is to provide seamless access to all ConTech software through a digital marketplace.

List of Topics

- Automated Data Driven Design (ADDD) - What is it and what is its importance?

- Automating repetitive tasks - how and when?

- Using data to make informed decisions

- Software that will blow you away

- Continuous learning (check out Allisters' top tips on where to gain knowledge)!

Links

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

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/builddifferent

Further Links

www.addd.io

https://www.msuite.com/bad-construction-data-costs-industry-1-8-trillion-worldwide/

https://www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/software/productivity-software/construction-and-design-software/united-kingdom#:~:text=Revenue%20in%20the%20Construction%20and,US%240.64bn%20by%202029.

As urban environments continue to evolve, the integration of technology into our cities and buildings is changing the way we experience and interact with our surroundings. Smart cities and smart buildings represent the next frontier in creating spaces that are more responsive to the needs of their inhabitants. These advancements promise to enhance the quality of life by optimising energy use, improving connectivity, and fostering more resilience and adaptability.

However, the path towards realising the full potential of smart cities and buildings is complex, involving a delicate balance between innovation and practicality. Critical issues that are shaping this transformation, from the challenges of interoperability and data management to the overarching vision of what the future holds for our increasingly connected world are present before, during and after the implementation of any technology that is to integrate seamlessly with our surroundings. 

So we need to chat with someone who can iron out some of these issues and help us create a cohesive urban environment.

Georgios Grigoriou is a Principal Consultant in Building System Integration and Digital Twin Graph technologies, specialising in strategy, design, delivery and intelligence of energy efficiency and smart buildings. 

Georgios is leading and coordinating the digital readiness, data acquisition and analytics activities, driving innovative, data-driven solutions for sustainable and holistically efficient environments at Arcadis.

Committed to sustainability and better quality of life, Georgios strives to positively impact people, places, and the planet. He’s also been shortlisted for the Best Digital Engineer Award in 2022 and 2023 and is a Committee Member (Digital Media Manager) of the CIBSE Intelligent Buildings Group, where he leads initiatives related to Ontologies.

What we cover in this episode

- Cohesive urban environment (smart cities and smart building integration)

- Data privacy and security in a smart world

- Challenges and opportunities in achieving interoperability

- Data overload? Speed of info knowledge within the industry

- Are the possibilities endless? Is there an end result?

Links

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

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

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/builddifferent

Further Links

Verdantix highlights Arcadis leadership and innovation in Environmental Services and Building Decarbonization Consulting: https://www.arcadis.com/en-gb/news/global/2024/8/verdantix-highlights-arcadis-in-green-quadrant-reports

Ontologies presentation Dec 23: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHrJiJHMZ0k

Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index 2024: https://www.arcadis.com/en-gb/news/global/2024/6/cities-have-just-2000-days-left-to-achieve-critical-sustainability-goals#:~:text=The%20Arcadis%20Sustainable%20Cities%20Index,evolving%20understanding%20of%20urban%20sustainability.

Arcadis ranked among the top architecture firms in the world, debuting on World Architecture 100 list at number two https://www.arcadis.com/en-gb/news/global/2024/1/arcadis-makes-debut-on-world-architecture-100-list

https://smartertechnologies.com/blog/the-role-of-smart-buildings-in-building-future-cities/

https://harksys.com/blog/smart-building-stats-why-building-owners-and-operators-should-care-about-their-energy-usage-and-iot/ 

https://www.precedenceresearch.com/smart-building-market#:~:text=Table%20of%20Content-,Smart%20Building%20Market%20Size%20and%20Companies,USD%2031.75%20billion%20in%202023.