First Site by Construction News Construction News

AI is set to revolutionise the way businesses operate across every global sector - and construction is no exception.But how should the construction sector harness AI? What are the best use cases? To explore these and other aspects of the topic, CN deputy editor Ben Vogel sat down with Lee Daggatt, group IT director Speedy Hire and Richard Potter, chief executive of Peak AI, at the Speedy Expo 2024 in Liverpool.

Has MIPIM shed its testosterone-fuelled image to become more welcoming to women? And has the long-running built environment jamboree successfully recovered after Covid? Venturing to Cannes, First Site discusses these issues with Rachel Bell, director of Women in Property and gets to know Caroline Compton-James, the recently-appointed deputy chief executive of framework provider SCAPE.

In recent years, two-stage tenders have become an increasingly popular choice for contractors and clients in the construction sector. But what are the pros and cons of two-stage tendering, and will it remain popular in the current market environment? CN deputy editor Ben Vogel explores these and other questions with Rob Bradley, a consultant and ex-CEO of Bouygues UK, and Edd Burton, head of advisory services – infrastructure at Aecom

Construction News editor Colin Marrs delves into the skills challenge posed by the decarbonisation agenda with Derek Horrocks, chair of the National Home Decarbonisation Group, Keith Bottomley, chair of London’s Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce and Speedy Hire’s ESG director Amelia Woodley.

In a special end-of-year episode of First Site, deputy editor Ben Vogel is joined by CN news editor Will Ing and reporter Charlotte Banks to look back at the big topics of 2023. Kelly Boorman, national head of construction at RSM UK, then shares her thoughts on the year ahead. 

Deputy editor Ben Vogel is joined by Rob Driscoll, director of legal and business at the Electrical Contractors' Association, Iain McIlwee, chief executive of Finishes & Interiors Sector and Roni Savage, managing director at Jomas Associates.