21st Century Construction

The Chartered Institute of Building
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The home of great construction stories. We go behind the headlines to meet the people who envision, create and manage the built world. Brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Building.

  1. Charting the path to 2026: what construction needs to know

    19/12/2025

    Charting the path to 2026: what construction needs to know

    In our final episode of the year, we take stock of the biggest issues that are defining construction and look ahead to what will be on the industry’s agenda in 2026. From reforms of the skills system and strengthened safety oversight, to the government’s response to its late payments consultation, we unpack the developments that matter most to professionals across construction. Technology is another major focus for this discussion as we explore the rise of artificial intelligence in design, planning and site operations. The episode also examines the role of modern methods of construction and why questions remain over whether 2026 will be a turning point for wider adoption of repeatable designs. We also hear from Pete McKinley, commercial director for Seddon Property Services, and Ryan O’Loughlin, regional director at Henry Boot Construction, about the opportunities and trends construction teams should be preparing for in the New Year. Whether you are looking back at the challenges and shifts of the past 12 months or planning for the year ahead, this episode brings together the insights that will shape construction’s journey into 2026.

    23 min
  2. Cutting costly mistakes: how to tackle avoidable error in construction

    21/11/2025

    Cutting costly mistakes: how to tackle avoidable error in construction

    This episode dives into one of construction’s biggest and most stubborn challenges: avoidable error. Ten years on from its launch, the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) has made real strides in raising awareness across the industry of the £21 billion lost to error every year. Executive director Cliff Smith joins us to discuss what’s changed and what still needs to happen to reduce error and improve productivity in construction. While the industry has made progress, significant challenges remain. A relentless focus on lowest-cost procurement and inconsistent competence standards continue to undermine quality and compliance across projects of all sizes. These issues are particularly acute when viewed through the lens of a recent National Audit Office report, which criticised major energy-efficiency retrofit schemes for poor quality installations, weak government oversight, and an under-skilled workforce. Smith believes that regulatory reforms such as the Building Safety Act can drive improvement, but only if leaders create environments where people feel confident to “push pause to avoid error” and call issues out early. His message for the next decade is clear: rebuilding respect, pride and fairness across the industry is essential to ensure construction professionals have the motivation – and the support – to get it right first time.

    32 min
  3. Mental health maze: can construction break the stigma?

    10/10/2025

    Mental health maze: can construction break the stigma?

    Construction is facing a mental health emergency, with alarming suicide rates reflecting the persistent stigma that prevents many people from speaking out. The conversation around mental health has undoubtedly improved in recent years, but with male suicide rates in construction among the highest of any UK sector, there is still more work to be done. To mark World Mental Health Day, our guests – Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders, and Dorian Bowen, co-founder of design and build studio Project One – share personal accounts and practical strategies that can help the industry foster a culture of openness. We also explore what meaningful change looks like. From senior managers to apprentices, mental health needs to be a conversation everyone is part of. Mental health support and advice for CIOB members, past members and related family is available through CIOB Assist. CIOB, in partnership with Anxiety UK, also provides wellbeing support. The Lighthouse Charity offers 24/7 free and confidential support on all aspects of emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing. 24/7 helplines: 0345 605 1956 (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI) Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI) Live chat and more information: www.lighthousecharity.org Mentalhealth.org.uk also has some useful advice for managing your news consumption and the impact of doomscrolling.

    32 min
  4. New immigration rules: what construction employers need to know

    04/08/2025

    New immigration rules: what construction employers need to know

    Recent changes to the UK immigration system are likely to have a major impact on the construction industry, which relies on overseas workers. But with construction employers already facing a chronic skills shortage, will the changes help or hinder the development of the workforce? UK immigration solicitor Kirsty Moore, from global law firm Fragomen, joins the latest episode of the 21CC podcast to discuss the new compliance obligations and legal risks for construction employers. The discussion also explores the steps businesses can take in the short and long term to ensure they do not fall foul of the new rules. If you would like a transcript of the episode, please email Nadine.Buddoo@atompublishing.co.uk.

    24 min
  5. Sizewell C: are we ready for a nuclear renaissance?

    03/07/2025

    Sizewell C: are we ready for a nuclear renaissance?

    The UK government recently committed to a £14.2bn investment to build the Sizewell C nuclear power station, ending years of delay and uncertainty over the project. Now the project has been given the green light, how should the construction industry prepare for Sizewell C and a potential pipeline of future nuclear builds? Nuclear expert Michael Fitzpatrick, who is a professor at Coventry University, joins the latest episode of the 21CC podcast to discuss the highs and lows of nuclear infrastructure development, as well as the critical lessons learned from the ongoing Hinkley Point C project. The discussion also addresses: ·What role will Sizewell C play in the UK’s future energy mix?Is enough being done to improve efficiency, safety, and environmental stewardship across the project?Does the construction industry have the skills for a nuclear renaissance?What emerging technologies in the nuclear sector should construction professionals be aware of? If you would like a transcript of the episode, please email Nadine.Buddoo@atompublishing.co.uk

    31 min
  6. What does the fit-out sector look like after ISG’s demise?

    13/06/2025

    What does the fit-out sector look like after ISG’s demise?

    Morris & Spottiswood boss Jon Dunwell joins the 21CC podcast to discuss the workforce issues impacting the contractor and the wider fit-out sector in the aftermath of ISG’s collapse. While many firms in the supply chain were left reeling after ISG went into administration last September, Morris & Spottiswood saw an opportunity to offer a lifeline to the people and projects operating in its remit. Within a matter of months, the company had saved more than 100 jobs by absorbing ISG’s retail team. The latest episode of the 21CC podcast explores the fallout from the collapse and delves into the challenges and opportunities facing Morris & Spottiswood during a period of ambitious expansion. The discussion also addresses: The big skills challenges across the fit-out and M&E marketHow contractors can survive – and even thrive – despite significant industry uncertainty If you would like a transcript of the episode, please email Nadine.Buddoo@atompublishing.co.uk

    28 min
  7. Do we have the skills for a retrofit revolution?

    30/04/2025

    Do we have the skills for a retrofit revolution?

    The UK’s ambitious target to reach net zero by 2050 requires significant change across the construction industry. The retrofit of historic building stock will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon. But against the backdrop of a growing skills shortage, will challenges across the construction workforce hinder the much-needed retrofit revolution? In the latest episode of the 21CC podcast, two CITB experts convene to answer this question and explore the skills-related challenges and opportunities that will shape the retrofit sector. The speakers are: Wendy Osborn, head of strategic operations at CITB Kevin McLoughlin FCIOB, managing director of McLoughlin Group Holdings and member of the CITB board The discussion also addresses: Are apprenticeship pathways into retrofit-related careers working? How is the perception of retrofit skills and competence evolving, particularly in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry? How is CITB working with employers to support the recruitment of new talent and upskill the existing workforce? If you would like a transcript of the episode, please email Nadine.Buddoo@atompublishing.co.uk

    35 min
  8. Can we create buildings with positive psychological effects?

    31/03/2025

    Can we create buildings with positive psychological effects?

    The built environment can have a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing, for better or worse. Factors such as quality of housing and infrastructure, as well as access to green spaces and design choices, can influence both physical and psychological health. So, how can construction professionals create buildings with positive psychological effects that help people live happier and healthier lives? In March’s episode of the 21CC podcast, three experts from engineering consultancy Buro Happold convene to answer this question and explore the existing guidelines and standards that support the design and construction of ‘healthy’ buildings.   The speakers are: Ben Channon, head of inclusive environments, who is an author, speaker and mental wellbeing advocate, as well as the co-founder of the Architects’ Mental Wellbeing Forum;Jean Hewitt, inclusive environments technical lead, who is a member of the BSI Committee for ‘Design of an Accessible and Inclusive Environment’, and the technical author of PAS 6463, which is the first building design standard produced by a national standards body that addresses neurodiversity needs;Madeleine Granland, inclusive design consultant, who specialises in neurodiversity design. This engaging discussion highlights the value of thoughtful design and construction, and includes two case study examples of inclusive design in action.  If you would like a transcript of this episode, please email cristina.lago@atompubishing.co.uk

    25 min
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About

The home of great construction stories. We go behind the headlines to meet the people who envision, create and manage the built world. Brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Building.

Information

  • Creator
    The Chartered Institute of Building
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © CIOB
  • Show Website
    21st Century Construction

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