In this special episode of Construction Talk, we share an important update with our listeners.

After an incredible journey exploring the world of construction, the podcast is coming to an end. But while this will be our final episode of Construction Talk, it's not goodbye – it's the start of something even bigger.

Amelia Fletcher-Blackburn, Client Enterprise Delivery Partner at Causeway, shares the exciting news: Construction Talk is evolving into Deconstructing Digital – a brand-new podcast exploring how technology is reshaping the built environment and construction industries.

Join Amelia and an exciting lineup of expert guests as they dive into the latest innovations, digital trends, and game-changing insights that are shaping our future.

Tune in to Deconstructing Digital today to hear what’s next and how you can continue the conversation in this exciting new chapter!

Throughout the episode, it becomes evident that Reference Point has made a significant impact, with 3.5 million people utilising their solutions. The episode also underscores their noteworthy collaborations with industry giants like Network Rail, National Highways, and Kier.

Moreover, Reference Point's systems facilitate targeted communication within the supply chain and incorporate virtual smart cards for immediate updates and sustainability. Tanya provides valuable insights into how these innovations are reshaping the construction sector in this episode.

Paul's journey takes a remarkable twist as he shares how he departed from the construction industry three decades ago, after working as a plumber and heat engineer, to embrace the world of software. This unique perspective fuels his passion for blending these worlds and driving Causeway towards a tech-infused future. As the interview unfolds, Paul unveils the challenges of digitisation in a field where each construction site is uniquely complex. He delves into the pivotal role of collaboration and the unexpected catalyst of COVID-19 in driving technology adoption.

Paul's breakdown of digital transformation levels, from redefining business models to on-site tech integration, paints a vivid picture of the sector's future. Witness Paul's vision for a data-driven construction landscape, where actionable insights pave the way for success. With a call to adopt a software mindset, he envisions a future where data, processes, and decisions intersect to shape industry leaders. Tune in to gain exclusive insights into Causeway's transformative journey under Paul Devlin's expert guidance and explore how the marriage of construction and technology is shaping a new era.

In Episode 19 of Construction Talk Peter sits down with Kirsty Connell-Skinner, Sustainable Construction Partnership Manager at Edinburgh Napier University and Project Manager for the Housing Construction Infrastructure Skills Gateway (HCI).

Kirsty shares her journey from politics to her current role, where she found her passion for sustainable construction. They discuss HCI, a £6 million program aiming to develop a skilled workforce for the construction industry, with a focus on sustainable practices using timber.

The conversation centres on HCI's efforts to promote inclusivity and early skills development to inspire young learners about construction as a creative career path. 

Kirsty emphasises the importance of upskilling in the industry to adapt to sustainability and discusses the challenges faced by experienced workers without necessary accreditations. They also touch on advancing diversity and inclusion through support initiatives.

The episode concludes with a discussion on making the construction industry more attractive to talent by embracing digital construction and automation while addressing challenges faced by small businesses.

In episode #18 of Construction Talk, Peter interviews Barry Trebes, the director of Trebes Consultancy Limited. Barry and Peter delve into the world of NEC contracts.

Barry, who began his career as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor in 1983, shares his valuable insights on how NEC contracts contribute to improved project delivery.

During the interview, Peter and Barry also discuss the prevalent challenges in the construction industry, including the shortage of skilled workers and the necessity of embracing technology.

In Episode 16, our host Peter Haddock is joined by a special guest, Jo McCallum, who is the Strategic Director & Chief Experience Officer at iDisrupt Digital.

Peter and Jo discuss the importance of data-driven approaches and the challenges of getting the construction sector to embrace new technologies and ways of working.

Jo also talks about how the use of technology in the construction industry can lead to better collaboration, faster decision-making, and increased profitability, as she stresses the need for better training and support to facilitate this transformation within the sector.

Lastly, Peter and Jo touch on the popular topic of artificial intelligence (AI), by discussing its ethical implications and its impact on society.

Lila also explains how the organisation utilises technology to gain a deeper understanding of its assets, making it a trailblazer in this area. Tune in to episode #16 of Construction Talk to learn more from Lila's wealth of knowledge in the field.

In Episode #14 of Construction Talk, we are celebrating International Woman’s Day 2023! This year's theme, #EmbraceEquity, highlights the difference between equity and equality. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, equity is the means to achieve equality, which is the end goal.

For this very special podcast, we are joined by Claire Hendrick and Katy Robinson, who are both accomplished professionals, dedicated to promoting equality and diversity in their workplaces.

Claire, an IT Project Manager at SISK Group, and is responsible for delivering projects across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. She has a successful track record in her field and is passionate about promoting careers in technology to young women.

Katy, Regional Co-Chair at the National Association of Women in Construction, is a multiple award-winning Project Manager from East Yorkshire with experience in Quantity Surveying and Construction Project Management.

Both are excellent role models for women in the construction industry and we are delighted to have them on this episode.

In Episode #14 of Construction Talk, Marcus Bennett, who is the Head of Analysis & Forecasting (Future Skills) at the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), chats to us about the recently released Construction Skills Network (CSN) report – which provides valuable insights into the UK construction economy and its future labour requirements.

Marcus and Peter explore the construction industry's prospects for the next five years, including the challenges it faces in terms of skills and employment, as well as the Apprenticeship Task Force, digitalisation, and diversity!

In honour of this year’s theme ‘Skills for Life,’ Construction Talk host Peter Haddock chats to Second-year apprentice joiner, Chloe Bidwell, and Antonia Morgan, who has recently traded her career in nursing for an apprenticeship in carpentry!