Constructive Voices

Henry Mc Donald interviews Charlie Winton, founder of OK+ Positive, to discuss the silent challenge that is alarmingly prominent throughout the Construction Industry – Mental Health.

With the industry facing challenges like skilled labour shortages and rising material costs, mental health is often overlooked in construction. Henry and Charlie explore the stigma around mental health within the industry, the lack of support available for those suffering, and how your organisation can help your team.

About Charlie Winton and the OK+ Positive App
Charlie’s career began with hands-on experience in the construction industry working in scaffolding, before moving into recruitment and financial technology. Now he is the founder of OK+ Positive.

The OK Positive app is a B2B mental health application, which utilises machine learning and AI to preempt mental health triggers enabling an earlier stage of intervention. As an employee, you get a wide range of mental health services, tailored to you as an individual, with complete anonymity. As a business, you can see the overall aggregated mood trends of your business, and where the issues are.

There are three forms of mental health support in the world: preventative, proactive, and reactive. 90% of the solutions in the world focus on being proactive or reactive to a problem, without focusing on preventative. Ok+ positive want to be able to prevent these issues before they become too serious.

Constructive Voices: Inspiring change within the construction industry and related sectors

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Henry McDonald interviews Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the FMB, to explore the future of Retrofitting UK homes.

Retrofitting your home involves taking energy upgrade measures to improve the energy efficiency of the building, reducing both to your energy bills and your carbon emissions. Henry discusses what we can do to make our homes greener – from LED lightbulbs to heat pumps, and the range of challenges facing the retrofitting industry – including lack of government incentives and skilled labour shortages.

About Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the FMB 

Brian Berry is the Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders. He is also a member of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and Chair of the CLC Domestic Repair Maintenance & Improvement Working Group. Prior to his current position Brian was Director of External Affairs at the FMB with responsibility for UK and EU policy, public affairs and media relations. Before the FMB, he worked at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), where he was Head of UK Public Policy. Brian regularly provides commentary on construction issues for television, national and trade press.

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Henry McDonald interviews Gilbert Lennox-King, a co-founder of Construction Carbon to investigate how you can measure and offset embodied carbon. 

Construction Carbon offers a simple way to assess, reduce & offset embodied carbon. Gilbert will get down to the basics by explaining exactly what is embodied carbon.

About Gilbert Lennnox-King, Co-Founder of Construction Carbon 

Gilbert grew up in New Zealand and has spent most of his career delivering ongoing energy management programmes and solutions across Asia, Europe, and the UK.

More recently Gilbert has been heading up business development for sustainability focused property technology companies. He was involved with over 4 million sq metres of energy reduction programmes for multinational clients including JP Morgan, HSBC and Intercontinental with his previous company, Energenz. He co-founded Energenz in 2010, growing it to become one of Asia’s leading energy efficiency consultancies before it was acquired by NV5 Global in 2017.

Gilbert completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland and a postgraduate certificate in Applied Finance from the Securities Institute of Australia.

Gilbert currently works for a leading commercial property developer, HB Reavis.

Gilbert was also one of our group of experts in Episode 21: New Year Special: What Top Experts Predict In 2022

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Welcome to the Constructive Voices New Year Special 2022. Episode 21 – Release Date: 11th January 2022

Listen to a global panel of top experts as they reveal their industry predictions for the coming year. 

From Emma Link of the Construction Industry Training Board in the United Kingdom, to Amie Shuttleworth in Hong Kong and Phil Carpenter of Alice Technologies in California. Our guests have some very interesting predictions for you.

“I think design teams are going to start proposing Net Zero designs that are also future- proofed for a changing climate.” Amy Shuttleworth

Meet some of our guests:

Emma Link is an Industry Analyst at CITB. 

Emma has worked at CITB for 17 years in a variety of roles and has been in the research team for 12 years.

During this time as well as managing numerous projects examining construction skills and employment needs Emma completed both a post graduate diploma in business management and the Market Research Societies Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research.

Emma has been leading on CITB’s recently published Building Skills for Net-Zero research and subsequent Net Zero and Construction Perspectives and Pathways.

Marc Mesa Capodicasa, CEO of Eco Soil Group

Eco-Soil Group is a Global Innovative Engineering Technology Company that seeks to break paradigms in the dust and erosion control, soil stabilization and roads construction industries, offering the most efficient, cost-effective and ecological products on the market.

At our core, we have the experience, drive; know-how and a group of exceptional professionals which allows us to offer you a world-class quality service in record time.

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Episode 20 is absolutely jam-packed with highlights from all of our 2021 episodes. Whether you are a regular listener or curious to check out the podcast, this episode is a great choice for you.

Great Guests & Topics

We look back at the great guests and topics since launching in April 2021. Listen in to get a fascinating taste of the breadth of subjects that the Constructive Voices podcast features.

The team are very grateful to the excellent guests that took the time to be part of our vision in its first nine months.

Professor Michael Parkinson about the proposed Everton football stadium

Talking to top journalist and presenter, Henry McDonald. Prof. Michael Parkinson delivers a superb interview that investigates the proposed Everton stadium project as well as delving into Liverpool’s regeneration. 

Go To Episode Five

Women & Sustainability in Construction

Listen to some insightful excerpts from Emma Nicholson and Sumele Aruofor taken from another superb interview with Henry McDonald.

Go To Episode Thirteen

Next we look back at Episode 12.

Henry McDonald talks to Kevin McLoughlin MBE about how we can attract workers into the industry.

Kevin owns K&M McLoughlin Decorating, which has a turnover of £6m+ and a company that heavily invests in the apprenticeship scheme. In 2010 he created K&M Painting & Decorating College as his business needs were not being met by the local colleges.

And the episode features many more highlights!

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Henry McDonald originally wrote about Changing Streams for The Guardian Newspaper in 2020 in a feature entitled, “Builder aims to help UK construction industry kick its plastic habit.” He also introduced Changing Streams to our audience in the second episode of the Constructive Voices’ podcast in April 2021.

So in this episode, we are delighted to welcome the founder of Changing Streams, Neal Maxwell and the Science Engagement Lead, Wendy Jones, in a fascinating interview with Henry McDonald. We catch up on some fascinating facts and this admirable organisation’s progress.

Whether the topic of plastic in the construction industry is close to your heart or not, be sure not to miss this episode. Why? It might be affecting your health or the health of a loved one or colleague. In fact, a quote below from scientist Wendy Jones should resonate with a number of you.

Another newspaper feature was published on 9th December 2021, announcing that, Liverpool housebuilder Hassett Homes is joining forces with an environmental not-for-profit organisation in a drive to eliminate plastic from its operations.

About Changing Streams

Changing Streams Membership Program

Changing Streams is looking to engage with forward-thinking companies and individuals to make a collective approach and to take major steps towards the removal of plastics from our business practices.

Why Become a member of Changing Streams

Because, like us, you are aware of the damage plastic is doing to the planet and its wildlife and you want to play your part in reducing this damage. Because after packaging, the construction industry is the biggest culprit.

Because the Green Agenda is gathering momentum and governing bodies worldwide are now alive to the problem, so you will be at a disadvantage commercially unless you adopt and promote a sustainability programme within your organisation.

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PLEASE NOTE: You should listen to Episode 17 before Episode 18 as they are two parts of the same event.

The Post Cop26 Roadmap For The Built Environment Sectors will be opened by Neal Maxwell who has made the transition that many of us need to! Then we will have the main interview with our featured guest, Victoria Kate Burrows, who is the Director of Advancing Net Zero, at the World Green Building Council. Victoria’s interview aims to inform you of what the potential roadmap for the built environment sectors looks like post COP26. 

Next, we will open up to questions from the panel. Each panellist will ask Victoria a question that relates to the overall topic but reflects their own specific niche.

Joined By A Panel Of Industry Thought Leaders

Claire Wansbury, Award-Winning Ecologist & Associate Director at Atkins

Focus: Biodiversity

Dr Darshil Shah – Lecturer at the University of Cambridge

Focus: Biomaterials

Dr Wendy Jones – Science Engagement Lead at Changing Streams CIC

Focus: Plastic in Construction

Vicente Guallart – Global Award-Winning Architect

Focus – Ecological Cities

Sumele Aruofor – Senior Strategic Marketing Manager for SketchUp at Trimble

Focus: How the AEC industry can create sustainable change through design and inclusivity

Sangeeta Waldron – Author and Award-Winning PR Consultant

Focus: Why Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is Vital for all Types of Businesses

If you haven't listened to the first part please go to Episode 17.

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The Post Cop26 Roadmap For The Built Environment Sectors will be opened by Neal Maxwell who has made the transition that many of us need to! Then we will have the main interview with our featured guest, Victoria Kate Burrows, who is the Director of Advancing Net Zero, at the World Green Building Council. Victoria’s interview aims to inform you of what the potential roadmap for the built environment sectors looks like post COP26.

Victoria is interviewed by Henry McDonald (Sunday Times freelancer, ex-Guardian/Observer) to get her perspective on what the post COP26 Roadmap needs to be for the built environment sectors. This interview will be packed full of valuable information and insights.

About Victoria Kate Burrows

Victoria is Director of Advancing Net Zero, the pioneering WorldGBC global project to ensure that all buildings are “net zero” carbon by 2050. In this role, Victoria oversees and supports Green Building Councils participating in the project, as well as a number of other partnerships which provide funding and support, marketing and communications, and the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.

With a strong background in the sustainable development industry, ranging from client-side advisory services, green building rating tool consultancy, and an on-site Head of Sustainability for a major international contractor, Victoria brings a unique perspective to the Advancing Net Zero project.

Victoria has a degree in Architecture and Environmental Design from the University of Nottingham, and co-authored the book:

A Whole System Approach to High-Performance Green Buildings

Victoria is based between London, UK and France.

The event will be opened by Neal Maxwell who has transitioned from being a very successful construction company Managing Director to becoming the founder of Changing Streams. Featured in The Guardian and on the ITV News, Changing Streams CIC has been created as a not-for-profit organisation with the sole intention of significantly reducing the use and reliance of plastic in the construction industry.

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These words are certainly not music to many peoples' ears but they are integral to any construction business operating successfully and avoiding huge legal battles and the scary costs associated with them.

This episode is well-timed in November 2021, as the industry sees challenge after challenge of rising material costs, along with shortages in both materials and labour.

"Avoiding ambiguity is key to avoiding disputes. One of the biggest problems faced is changes that are verbally instructed on site. Getting those matters agreed in writing can sometimes be problematic." Simon Dunkling of Arbicon.

"When you enter into a contract the sums are phenomenally high, and sometimes the penalties can be quite arduous as well." says our builder by day and TV builder by night, Peter Finn.

About Simon Dunkling

Simon is a professional Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Construction Claims Consultant with over 10 years of experience. Simon is an expert in the management, measurement and valuation of all aspects of construction works with particular expertise in windows, doors, curtain walling contracts, groundworks and specialist roofing. Simon advises and works with Employers, Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers, Contractors, Subcontractors, Solicitors and Barristers; familiar with all aspects of ADR and the Technology & Construction Court.  

Simon started his career as a contractor's QS, then developed his career joining Arbicon to work as a project QS, forensic QS and claims consultant obtaining a Masters degree in Construction Law and Practice and achieving Chartered Surveyor status. Simon has acted as Contract Administrator for Clients and managed numerous construction projects for contractors. In addition to the delivery of major construction projects, Simon has also prosecuted and defended many claims by negotiation, adjudication and dispute resolution.

Simon adds a further dimension to the Arbicon team in respect of the evaluation of legal construction problems and is very knowledgeable and experienced in the application of adjudication including the "Construction Acts", namely the Housing, Grants, Construction & Regeneration Act 1998 and the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 and the associated Schemes for Construction Contracts that go with those Statutes. Simon has expert knowledge on adjudication enforcement case law and has witnessed important cases heard in the TCC. Simon has acted for and against some of the biggest construction firms in the UK including Main Contractors, Subcontractors and Employer.

Simon is an expert on construction contracts and construction contract law, advising on JCT and NEC contract forms. Simon is an authority on the interpretation of contracts including the understanding and application of Construction Statutes; Simon is also an advisor, negotiator and an expert on contract procurement including writing contract amendments, Employers Requirements and Contractors Proposals.

Simon is a specialist in all aspects of Construction Contract ADR. Simon is available to be appointed as an Expert Witness assisting the parties or the Court/Tribunal in getting to a resolution in disputes. 

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Henry McDonald interviews Cambridge lecturer, Darshil Shah, about biomaterials in the built environment sectors.

Welcome to Constructive Voices published in the week leading up to a major event for the future of the planet. The United Nations cop 26 climate change conference will bring together world leaders with the recent IPCC report fresh in their minds. The report warned that urgent action is required to avoid the worst impacts of rising global temperatures. And with the construction industry playing such an important role in reducing carbon emissions and driving sustainability, we’re joined by Darshil Shah, a specialist in natural materials, who says change is essential.

Who is Dr Darshil Shah

Darshil Shah is a material scientist and lecturer in materials at the Department for Architecture at the University of Cambridge. He also works in the Centre for Natural Material Innovation, where the team looks at a range of different natural materials, particularly timber, bamboo and their engineered composites as well as linen, hemp and their engineered composites as alternatives to materials like concrete, steel, glass and carbon fibre composites for the built environment sector, but also a range of other application sectors.

"So nature has always been a source of grandeur and inspiration for me. And after graduating as an engineer, I had the opportunity to undertake PhD research on sustainable materials and manufacturing methods for the wind energy sector. And that was the first time when, as an engineer, I was challenged to foresee problems of material sustainability in a sector that was already green, because we always associate with wind turbines with sustainable energy production methods. And that made me understand think of and design solutions that could actually make it greener. And to do that I had to look at plants for solutions…"

Pete Ireland’s Favourite TV Builder discusses the same topic in his own unique way

Don’t miss our man-on-the-ground’s take on this subject. He makes a really accessible comparison that you will enjoy, we hope!

But most importantly, Pete has to deal with these changes just like many of our listeners. As always, he is honest and down to earth about this! 

Constructive Voices: Inspiring change within the construction industry and related sectors

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