The Sheffield Sessions

In this episode, host Christie Smith, Commercial Property Solicitor at Wake Smith Solicitors, is joined by Graham Bailey, Director of Four Tree Design, Jonathan Hind, Founding Director of South Yorkshire EcoFit and Lizzie Stygall, Project Developer at South Yorkshire EcoFit, to explore sustainability in the built environment and what a greener future could look like for Sheffield. 

Together they explore the roles of retrofit, community energy and sustainable materials, alongside the opportunities to create local jobs, develop green skills and keep investment within the region.

The panel also discusses how businesses, communities and the wider industry can work together to drive meaningful change and make sustainability more accessible.

With Sheffield’s post-industrial landscape and existing network of community organisations providing a backdrop, the discussion looks beyond simply reducing carbon to consider the wider social and economic benefits of the green transition - and why there is plenty to be optimistic about.

In this episode, host Jack Kidder, Responsible Business Manager at Henry Boot, is joined by Karen Mosley, Social Impact & Inclusion Director at HLM Architects, and Kate Hill, Commercial Director at Simoda, to explore what social value really means and why it is becoming an increasingly important part of how businesses operate.

The conversation looks at how businesses can move beyond simply measuring social value, exploring the importance of meaningful impact, collaboration and understanding the needs of local communities.

The panel also discusses how social value can be embedded into projects from the outset, from the design of buildings and spaces to creating more inclusive opportunities.

With Sheffield as a backdrop, the discussion highlights the role businesses of all sizes can play in creating positive change, and why getting started doesn't have to mean having a big strategy - sometimes, one small action can make a difference.

In this episode, host Allie Dransfield, Head of Agency at Chapter II, is joined by an esteemed set of guests - James O'Hara, Dominic Madden and Tim Bottrill - as they explore Sheffield's growing reputation as one of the UK's most exciting events destinations. 

Together, they discuss what makes the city attractive to investors, event organisers and businesses, reflecting on Sheffield's biggest event success stories, their impact on the local economy and communities, and how they help shape the city's national and international reputation.

The conversation also takes an honest look at the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. From venue infrastructure and investment to collaboration, regeneration and city branding, the panel share their views on what Sheffield does well, where it can improve and what needs to happen if the city is to compete with the UK's leading events destinations. 

Hosted by Louisa Harrison-Walker, Chief Executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, we take an inside look at the recent South Yorkshire trade mission to China and explore what it means for the region's future on the global stage. 

Guests include mission delegates Tom Wolfenden, Kate Hill and Tim Bottrill, and they reflect on the lessons learned, the cultural experiences that shaped the journey, and the tangible opportunities that could benefit businesses, communities and future generations across South Yorkshire.

This is a conversation about ambition, connectivity and South Yorkshire's place in an increasingly interconnected world. 

In this episode of ‘The Sheffield Sessions’, host Barnaby Miles, Architect & Design Tutor from Race Cottam Architects, is joined by Jack Kidder, Responsible Business Manager at Henry Boot, and Colin Monroe, Co- Founder of Wrapt Homes, to discuss one of the most pressing topics in the built environment on retrofit.

The panel explores why retrofit needs to move beyond architecture and become a whole-industry conversation, touching on its links to social value, wellbeing and the wider climate challenge.

* Recorded at Leeds Dock at UKREiiF 2026 *

In episode 12, host Richard Whiteley, Partner at Taylor Emmet, is joined by Emma Liversidge, Land & New Homes Manager at Redbrik, David Cross, CEO of Sky House, and Hannah Limming, Head of Brand at Citu, to discuss Sheffield’s changing socio-economic landscape and what’s driving the city forward.

From reputation and perception to investment, ambition and innovation, the conversation explores how Sheffield is evolving and why there is growing confidence in its future.

* Recorded at Leeds Dock at UKREiiF 2026 *

In this directors' episode of The Sheffield Sessions, host Allie, head of agency at Chapter II, is joined by S-PA directors Tim, Rob and Rebecca to discuss why the Sheffield Property Association was created, what it exists to do, and the role it plays in shaping Sheffield’s future.

From the organisation’s focus on ‘People, Place and Policy’ to the benefits of membership and the work of its priority groups, the conversation offers an insight into how the S-PA supports collaboration across the city’s built environment.

The episode also explores Sheffield’s opportunities and challenges, how the city is evolving, and why now is such an exciting time for its future.

* Recorded at Leeds Dock at UKREiiF 2026 *

In this episode, Stella Heeley, leader of the S-PA’s Aspire early careers network, and Lee Jordan, who is also part of the leadership team for the Aspire network, discuss why early careers networking in the built environment sector matters and what the S-PA is doing about it.

Stella and Lee explore how daunting networking felt at the start of their careers, what S-PA’s Aspire group is, why it was created, and why the connections built now will shape how Sheffield's property sector operates for decades to come.

In this episode of The Sheffield Sessions, host and S-PA EDI priority group lead, Rebecca Roffe, is joined by Pat Coupar (Kada Research) and Tegan Johnson (Charles Russell Speechlys) to explore the role of equality, diversity and inclusion across Sheffield’s built environment sector.

The discussion delves into the work of the S-PA’s EDI priority group and shares key insights from a new EDI report, commissioned by Kada Research in partnership with the S-PA.

The episode highlights current challenges, best practices, and the practical steps organisations can take to build a more inclusive and representative industry.

In Episode 8 of The Sheffield Sessions, hosts Helen Johnson (CMS) and Ryan Fish (Whittam Cox) are joined by Clare Plant (nineteen47), Amy Cooke (Sheffield City Council) and Patrick Coupar (Kada Research) to explore how Sheffield is opening up new pathways into the built environment.

The conversation looks at the work of the S-PA’s Inspiring the Future priority group, the impact of initiatives like See It Be It, and how events such as FORM are helping young people better understand the opportunities available across the sector.

Together, the panel discuss the importance of visibility, diversity and collaboration in shaping the next generation of talent.