Only Connect Business Networking Podcast

Recording of Urbano Network speaker networking event with Will Hurst, Managing Editor of the Architects' Journal to discuss its Retrofirst campaign.  Following Will's presentation, various attendees - mostly professionals from across the built environment sectors - offered their own perspective and experiences on the challenges faced in prioritising retrofit over client's narrow, profit-first demands.

Chaired and facilitated by Mark Herring, Urbano's Connector-In-Chief.

Hosted by Trowers & Hamlins.  Urbano Network, The Sustainable Business Network,  is supported by Stewart Title, Rift R&D, & Talent Lab Ltd

The Procurement Bill currently progressing through Parliament sets out to reform public sector purchasing regulations post Brexit. We gathered an illustrious panel to discuss what the changes will mean for SMEs looking to win work through bidding and those bodies which have to publish contracts through public tenders.

This online webinar from Urbano Network features  Rebecca Rees, Partner and Head of Public Procurement at Trowers & Hamlins,  Alan Heron, Director of Procurement at Places for People, Sarah Collins, Technical MD at RIFT R&D (on claiming back tendering costs  using R&D tax credits) and Caroline Brock, Co-Director of Urbano & Talent Lab where she is lead on tenders.

The event is introduced and facilitated by Mark Herring, Co-Director of Talent Lab & Connector-In-Chief of Urbano.

Urbano is grateful for the support of EQ Investors, Rift R&D & Stewart Title.

Join Mark and assorted Urbano Members as they discuss how they use LinkedIn as a networking and business engagement tool.

Since Urbano began in 2011, we have had a proud track record of championing opportunities for women, and our UWACTE (Urbano Women In Architecture, Construction, Technology & Engineering*) community helps women in Urbano member firms to develop and enhance their connections across our network

Joining Mark Herring, our Connector-In-Chief at Urbano is our guest speaker - Nicola Gillen - EMEA Lead, Total Workplace at Cushman & Wakefield.

GUEST SPEAKER & PRESENTATION

Nicola Gillen - EMEA Lead, Total Workplace at Cushman & Wakefield 

Nicola specialises in the relationship between design, people, behaviour and the built environment and is widely recognised within the industry as a leading authority on workplace strategy, design and behaviour change management.

Nicola has 25 years’ experience delivering workplace strategy and innovation internationally. An architect and author, she is lead author of RIBA's guide ‘Future Office’.

Nicola’s presentation will be drawn on the ‘Future Office’ and her work as co-author of another RIBA publication ‘ReThink Design Guide for a Post Pandemic world’ (published in January 2021), an innovative design guide with expert guidance on designing in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic.

Nicola will also share insights into how employees are coping right now through Cushman & Wakefield’s unrivaled bespoke Experience per Square Foot™ a data-driven initiative that captures information from thousands of respondents in over 100 countries designed to measure what matters most to employees. @CushWakeUK

This episode features a recording* of Sophie Kennedy, Joint CEO of EQ Investors, one of Urbano's most loyal members and supporters.  EQ Investors are an award-winning discretionary fund manager, focused on sustainable and impact investing, based in the City Of London.

In this episode takes an in-depth and personal look at the challenges facing those in investment and finance to  deliver sustainable, wealth creation. During the course of her discussion with Mark Herring, she looks how those City are changing , what options there are for those individuals who want to look after their families for the longer term.

Included in the discussion are issues around labels like ESG.

Sophie also gives feedback on COP26 and how they worked with other B Corps to push for changes to company's Articles of Association as an important step to delivering measurable corporate benchmarks built around sustainability.

For more information on EQ Investors, click here: EQ Investors

For more information about Mark, Talent Lab & Urbano Network - and to leave feedback - click here:  https://www.talentlab.co.uk/networking/

* The sound quality of this episode was affected by a very loud air conditioning unit which we couldn't turn off.  The important messages are still audible though with an industrial background.

This Urbano Network webinar, featuring guest presenter Debra Spurway, Director at HR and employment law specialists, HR Dept, offers timely, practical advice on what employers can do to support employees in the workplace and provide insight to those who would not likely suffer from such symptoms.

Facilitated by Urbano's co-Director, Caroline Brock , who introduces questions from the audience, this webinar is essential listening for employers who want to address the issues around menopause and create inclusive workspaces and retain experienced talent.

Please leave feedback for Caroline and Debra through the Urbano website.

One of Urbano's longest standing and most loyal members, Mark recorded a podcast with Leo Bones of EQ Investors. EQ Investors are an award-winning discretionary fund manager, focused on sustainable and impact investing, based in the City Of London.

Leo is part of the business development team at EQ and has over 30 years experience within the financial services sector.

Mark and Leo take a meandering trip back through their networking history which started back in Shoreditch in the mid 2000s. Along the way, Leo shares with us his approach to networking, how he connects with people and the changing landscape around finance, investment, ESG and sustainability.

He also shares his views on what makes a good networking event and network - and what doesn't!

For more information on EQ Investors, click here: EQ Investors

For more information about Mark, Talent Lab & Urbano Network - and to leave feedback - click here:  https://www.talentlab.co.uk/networking/

During an online Urbano Members Networking Round Table, in addition to the usual 'who you are/where you are/what you do and who for'  introductions, I asked each participant to share with us their most valuable connections made through networking.

The explained where they met them the benefits they have brought you. You'll hopefully hear how these critical connections have developed  valuable relationships and brought  with them tangible (ie business) and intangible (personal, such as friend or now partner) value.

Remember, when networking, you don't know when you first meet a person what they will add to your life. I think the  examples discussed demonstrate that.

Mark
(www.urbanonetwork.co.uk / www.talentlab.co.uk)