Building Brum

Conor Nolan
  • 4.9 (11)
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • EVERY TWO MONTHS

Tune into the  Building Brum podcast and hear from Programme Director Conor Nolan as he talks with developers, contractors, architects and planners about developments across the region and the changing trends within the industry. The Building Brum podcast is sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modeling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK., Solus 

  1. From Masterplan to Delivery: The Reality Check with Arup

    1 DAY AGO

    From Masterplan to Delivery: The Reality Check with Arup

    The past year has tested the construction and property industry like few others in recent memory. Rising costs, political uncertainty, cautious investment and sweeping regulatory change have all combined to create one of the most challenging operating environments in decades.  We sit down with James Watts and Alison Kilby of Arup to take an honest look at what 2025 and the past 12 months really felt like on the ground. Drawing on their experience advising major developers, public sector bodies and infrastructure clients, they share insight into how global economic pressures are shaping local decision-making.  We explore the growing tension between ambitious sustainability targets and project viability, and discuss how developers and local authorities are trying to balance long-term goals with short-term financial realities. We explore into the practical impact of the Building Safety Act – where it has driven genuine improvements, and where it has added complexity and delay. With institutional funding becoming more risk-averse, James and Alison reflect on how this shift is affecting major regeneration schemes and masterplans, and whether some projects are still being under-costed or over-promised. They explain what “proper costing” really means today in an era of inflation, regulation and programme risk. Today’s episode was kindly hosted by Northspring at the podcast studio in Birmingham. A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, EH Smith Architectural Solutions - Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

    52 min
  2. Disrupting the Midlands Market: Nick Gibb - BSN Group

    29 JAN

    Disrupting the Midlands Market: Nick Gibb - BSN Group

    We are joined by Nick Gibb Joint Managing Director of BSN Group. Nick took on this new role after spending 30 years at Willmott Dixon, where Nick helped to build one of the region’s most successful Tier One contractors. Nick's now stepped into an owner-led, entrepreneurial role, leading BSN Group's ambitious growth strategy. In this episode, we’ll be talking about what that transition has been like, how BSN operates in a market where project viability is increasingly challenging, and why the business continues to grow across sectors like healthcare, residential and commercial. We’ll also explore procurement, from frameworks and direct awards to single and two stage tenders, how BSN decides which opportunities to pursue, and how the business is maintaining its agile and entrepreneurial culture as it scales. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, EH Smith Architectural Solutions Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

    33 min
  3. Public Meets Private: The Warwickshire Growth Model

    27/11/2025

    Public Meets Private: The Warwickshire Growth Model

    Today on the Building Brum Podcast, we’re exploring development more regionally: how the public and private sectors can work together to deliver places, unlock land, and drive long-term economic value. At the centre of this conversation is the Warwickshire Property & Development Group — a unique local-authority-owned company operating commercially to generate income that supports frontline services, while also shaping the future of the county’s built environment. It’s a delicate balance between accountability and entrepreneurialism, public purpose and commercial reality. We’re joined by Stuart Buckley, Managing Director of Warwickshire Property & Development Group, to dive into how this model actually works on the ground. From joint ventures that bring complex sites forward, to innovative approaches that support SMEs, Stuart shares how partnering with the private sector is helping Warwickshire unlock opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. Whether you’re a developer, a planner, or simply curious about how local authorities are rethinking growth, this episode offers a look behind-the-scenes look at a public–private approach that’s shaping Warwickshire. A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, EH Smith Architectural Solutions Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

    40 min
  4. From Houses to Communities: Delivering Affordable Homes in Birmingham

    25/11/2025

    From Houses to Communities: Delivering Affordable Homes in Birmingham

    Building Brum host Conor Nolan sits down with Joanna Lee-Mills, Partner at Ward Hadaway, examining one of Birmingham’s most urgent challenges: affordable and social housing.  Joanna brings nearly 25 years of experience in housing, planning, and development to help unpack what “affordable housing” really means for families across the city, how Section 106 agreements shape delivery on the ground, and why—despite major funding announcements—social housing supply still lags behind demand. We examine Birmingham’s wider growth story against the backdrop of rising costs and council pressures, examining where viability, planning delays, and policy gaps hold projects back. Examining big questions around access to home ownership, the future of shared ownership, and what meaningful reform could look like.  A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, EH Smith Architectural Solutions Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

    39 min
  5. Steering Birmingham’s Next Chapter – Planning, Policy, and Regeneration

    03/11/2025

    Steering Birmingham’s Next Chapter – Planning, Policy, and Regeneration

    In this episode of the Building Brum Podcast, we’re joined by Simon Delahunty-Forrest, Birmingham City Council’s newly appointed Director of Planning and Development, to discuss his vision for the city’s future. Having played a key role in shaping Birmingham’s planning and regeneration story over the past 35 years, Simon reflects on how the city has evolved through the Big City Plan and Our Future City Plan 2045. Looking ahead, we explore the next wave of regeneration — from Smithfield and Ladywood to Druids Heath — Simon shares how the Council aims to strengthen public-private partnerships and drive investment. Now, in his new role as Director of Planning and Development at the largest local authority in the UK, Simon is in the position to turn that vision into reality and help deliver Birmingham’s next chapter of growth. A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles , EH Smith Architectural solutions Brick and façade specalisats and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

    42 min
  6. The Royal Quarter - Bringing Wolverhampton’s Historic Hospital Back to Life

    22/10/2025

    The Royal Quarter - Bringing Wolverhampton’s Historic Hospital Back to Life

    In this episode of Building Brum, we explore one of Wolverhampton’s most remarkable regeneration stories, the transformation of the long-vacant Royal Hospital site into becoming the heart of a thriving new neighbourhood, the Royal Quarter. Once closed in 1997 and left derelict for nearly two decades, the former hospital and its surrounding land, along with adjacent sites  (former bus depot and SJ Dixon and Son decorating shop)  have been reborn through an almost decade-long partnership between Homes England, whg, YMCA Black Country, Morro and the West Midlands Combined Authority. Conor is joined by representatives from each organisation to unpack how this complex, heritage-led regeneration came together — from the early land assembly and brownfield remediation, to delivering 450 mixed-tenure all affordable homes including supported accommodation, and community facilities. Special guests: Rebecca Bennett Casserly - Corporate Director of Development - WHG Rob Lamond - Head of Strategy & Analysis - WMCA Deborah Casey - Head of Growth - Midlands Homes England Matthew Moore - CEO - Morro Partnerships Sally Cowan - Chief Officer Places - YMCA, Black Country Together, they discuss the challenges of aligning diverse goals across multiple phases, the importance of design and heritage in placemaking, and how social value and sustainability have been embedded at every stage. Tune in to discover how collaboration, creativity, and long-term vision turned a local landmark and its surroundings into a living community — and what lessons it offers for future regeneration across the region. Thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited, West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, Eh Smith Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

    49 min
  7. Regenerating Birmingham with Cordia UK CEO András Kárpáti

    10/07/2025

    Regenerating Birmingham with Cordia UK CEO András Kárpáti

    In today’s episode, we sit down with András Kárpáti, CEO of Cordia UK, to explore the company’s journey from its roots as BlackSwan Property to becoming a key player in Birmingham’s regeneration story. András shares how both he and Cordia — as part of the internationally renowned Futureal Group — chose Birmingham out of all of the other cities in Europe and came to invest in the UK, and why Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter became the focal point for transformative development. We unpack the strategic vision behind Cordia’s move into the UK market, the city’s unique appeal on a global stage, and how András’ first impressions of Birmingham helped shape the company's long-term ambitions. We also dive into Cordia UK's flagship developments, Lamp Works and Bradford Works, two landmark projects currently under construction in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. András talks through the design and planning process, the balance between heritage and innovation, and some of the surprises encountered along the way. He shares insights into Cordia’s sustainability commitments, the company’s growing pipeline, and what excites him most about the future of Birmingham’s built environment. Whether you're an investor, a designer, or just passionate about the city's ongoing transformation, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into one of Birmingham’s most forward-thinking development stories. Thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited, West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, Eh Smith Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

    36 min
  8. Building Brum: The Team Behind Three Chamberlain Square

    19/06/2025

    Building Brum: The Team Behind Three Chamberlain Square

    In this episode of the Building Brum Podcast, we’re joined by key members of the team behind Three Chamberlain Square — Alex Housden from MEPC, Owen Doherty from Weedon Architects, Michael Gosling from Cundall, Chris Hucknall from Sir Robert McAlpine, and Laurence Vickers from AtkinsRéalis. Together, they reflect on the collaborative journey that brought this landmark commercial development to life. From navigating logistical challenges and maintaining momentum during critical stages of construction, to celebrating key milestones such as topping out, the discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at the delivery of a major city centre scheme. The episode also explores the importance of coordination across disciplines, the lessons learned during the build, and the legacy this project leaves for Birmingham. It’s a thoughtful insight into the complexities, achievements, and teamwork that define large-scale development in the built environment. The Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited, West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, Eh Smith Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

    51 min
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4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Tune into the  Building Brum podcast and hear from Programme Director Conor Nolan as he talks with developers, contractors, architects and planners about developments across the region and the changing trends within the industry. The Building Brum podcast is sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modeling specialists ScanTech Digital,  Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK., Solus 

Information

  • Creator
    Conor Nolan
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Building Brum
  • Show Website
    Building Brum