The Building Podcast

Mark Wakeford
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Mark Wakeford is Chairman of the National Federation of Builders, vice-chair at Constructing Excellence Midlands and a Governor at Construction College, Moulton College.  He has run a large regional building contractor and now chairs Evoenergy, one of the UK's foremost renewable companies, bringing low carbon solutions to corporate Britain. Mark talks to leading experts from across the construction sector to discuss issues facing the built environment.  He explores various challenges with his guests, who offer solutions, information and ideas that listeners can apply to their own situations, be it in a company, on a project or studying at college. The Building Podcast aims to provide CPD on the go.  Supporting the sector with easily digestible ideas to support a rapidly changing industry!

  1. Mark talks to Tracey Elliott

    1D AGO

    Mark talks to Tracey Elliott

    Send a Text - Feedback Welcome The solar sector is a relatively new sector that is still creating the infrastructure to ensure the competence of its staff.  Tracey Elliott, a Director of Eden Sustainable Power, chairs the Skills Group of the industry trade body Solar Energy UK and is passionate about the provision of skills and diversity within the sector to ensure the best possible outcome for its ultimate customers.  Tracey talks about the opportunities within the sector and the huge growth worldwide that will mean that the sector can offer long, well paid careers to those who want to be on the right side of history, delivering a renewable infrastructure. The podcast explores the need for electricians within the wider construction industry and their role within the renewable sector and specifically solar.  Tracey talks about her research, initially in Devon, on the reasons behind the poor conversion of students to electricians.  She also defines green jobs as anyone who is working within the green economy, including the accountants, marketers, lawyers and receptionists, meaning that there is a huge range of potential for anyone who wants to work in the green economy. Listen to hear the focus on skills and routes to competence.  Listen to hear the opportunities and how you can get engaged to support new entrants at any level to join this exciting sector. Tracey Elliott | LinkedIn Eden Sustainable | Commercial and industrial solar panel rooftop expert in the UK Empowering the UK solar transformation • Solar Energy UK

    57 min
  2. Mark talks to Jackie Copley

    2D AGO

    Mark talks to Jackie Copley

    Send a Text - Feedback Welcome Solar has some big installation targets to achieve over the coming years.  In a country that has limited space (land) and a growing population with many competing ideas on what this limited space should allow, solar farms were always going to be contentious.  All solar farms have to pass through a planning process, whether this is the Local Planning Authority or the Nationally significant infrastructure process.  Both processes are designed to give all stakeholders, including local residents a say in the outcome of the application, which should be in line with due process, defined by national and local guidelines. Jackie Copley is the Campaigns Lead for the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), and she is a chartered town and country planner of more than 30 years.  She talks candidly about the challenges of supporting both an increase in renewables and long term protection of our rural landscape.  She explains that CPRE is in favour of renewables, recognising that a reduction of carbon-based energy is beneficial to all, both in the short and long terms.  Listen to better understand the value of the planning processes that projects must pass through and the concern that she has for the mega-projects dotted around the country, many of which are built on productive farmland.   Listen to understand the structure of the CPRE and their stance on renewable projects.  Hear about their advice notes to stakeholders on acceptable planning proposals and value of “good” solar projects, done well, with local communities. Jackie Copley MRTPI | LinkedIn Home - CPRE

    49 min

  3. 6D AGO

    Mark talks to James Garner

    Send a Text - Feedback Welcome The fourth industrial revolution is in full swing as the Age of Intelligence affects our lives in so many ways.  The construction industry is working hard to come to terms with the forecast changes and the uncertainty that swirls around the technology, its potential, its risks and the value that it can bring.  James Garner is the Head of AI and Data for Gleeds, the international property and construction consultancy.  His role brings him into contact with solutions around the world, both in large and small companies, and he sees the potential and the changes that are likely within our sector. James is optimistic that Artificial Intelligence will bring about a step change in the productivity of construction, and that whilst the technology will arrive very quickly, people will have longer to adapt to see where and how they can add value.  James believes that one of the benefits will be significantly less screen time, which is a modern invention, and one that we humans are not well equipped for.  Less screen time will allow us to do what we do best, communicating with other humans and adding value to projects in more traditional ways. Listen to this podcast to find out how to stay ahead of the fourth industrial revolution and how to become a future proofed employee.  Hear why small companies, well led with vision are the future of our industry and why companies in all sectors should not be spending ludicrous amounts of money on AI projects without understanding why and the purpose.  All companies can start effectively with a paid for AI facility that will keep confidential information confidential and not break the bank. James Garner | LinkedIn Gleeds is a global property and construction consultancy Home | Project Flux https://open.spotify.com/show/2VRZ5sKniKpIfmlHPbwiGz?si=4e627b3d3f414762

    47 min

  4. MAR 4

    Mark talks to Renée Preston

    Send a Text - Feedback Welcome Construction sites and those who work in the sector have both changed a great deal over the last thirty years, but the industry still struggles to attract women to fill the much-needed roles, both on site and in the office.  The industry fails to attract the skills it needs and the diversity of thought and approach that will support the changes that every business faces.  Renée Preston is the Chief Executive Officer of Gallaway Construction, based in Manchester and is passionate about bringing in new talent to the sector.  She does not just talk about the need, but gets on and does something about the challenges.  To this end Renée has launched the National Site Standard for Women, which sets a minimum benchmark for sites up and down the country to follow, that will support women on these sites.  It seeks to change the culture within the industry, bringing more women to the sector and ensuring that they have every reason to stay in the sector. Listen to this podcast to learn about the National site Standard for Women and its role in changing industry culture, its impact on ESG and the benefits to those who sign up to abide by the guidelines and be audited. Renee Preston | LinkedIn Gallaway Construction - Building For Better Home | Construction For Women

    48 min

  5. MAR 3

    Mark talks to Richard Brannigan and Robin Smith

    Send a Text - Feedback Welcome Insurance is one of those ubiquitous items that every organisation in the construction industry has and which every client is ultimately funding.  There are only two mandatory covers that are required by law.  The first is employee cover, to ensure that members of staff are insured should they have an accident or fall ill as a result of their work and vehicle insurance, in case vehicles driven by employees have an accident.  All other insurances are either driven by contract, or are deemed as an appropriate way to manage commercial risks. Richard Brannigan and Robin Smith, Managing Director and Account Director respectively, of The Bletchley Group talk about how construction insurances work and why they play such an important role within our industry.  The Bletchley Group, an insurance broker, advise members of the National Federation of Builders on construction insurances, acting for many in procuring their cover from year to year.  They talk about the cover available and the need for professional advice in procuring adequate and effective cover. Listen to this podcast to learn how to procure a broker and how to use insurance to effectively manage corporate risk.  Disasters will always happen and when they do, it is important to have the right cover that will respond to your claim. Insurance Broker - The Bletchley Group | Fully Independent Insurance Brokers Richard Brannigan | LinkedIn Robin Smith | LinkedIn

    1h 3m

  6. FEB 26

    Mark talks to Dr Victoria Hills

    Send a Text - Feedback Welcome Dr. Victoria Hills has held high profile roles in a wide variety of differing sectors and organisations.  She left being the CEO at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) at the end of last year to take up the top job as CEO of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) at the beginning of 2026.  Catch up with her views as she reflects on eight years supporting planning in the UK, the improvements that she oversaw and the future of planning for both applicants and governments, and her plans at the CIOB. Victoria talks about the investment that Government has made to the Gateways for High Risk Buildings (HRBs) within the Building Safety Act and the benefits of devolution within the changes being considered to planning at the moment.  She then broadens this out with a bid for people and businesses to be as professional as possible, with competence running through the organisation from the Board Room to the sharp ends on site.  She concludes with a staunch defence of membership bodies like the CIOB, talking about their value and their ownership by their members. Listen to learn about the direction that the industry is taking and why professionalism is fundamental to your future success. Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI FICE FRSA MCMI | LinkedIn CIOB Home Page | CIOB RTPI | Championing the power of planning

    52 min

  7. FEB 20

    Mark talks to James Fellowes & Chance Bleu-Montgomery

    Send a Text - Feedback Welcome Construction is a people business and it is people who build for people.  The industry needs around 250,000 new recruits by 2030 just to stand still and before any of the large programmes that politicians would love to implement.  Businesses throughout the supply chain state that they are struggling to recruit enough people with the right skills and these skills are increasingly described as life skills, rather than the specific trade or profession skills. One challenge that construction faces is that it seeks these people in the same places as other business sectors.  This means that we either have to work harder to attract these people, we have to look elsewhere or we have to do without.  The Bridge of Hope is a Social Enterprise Company that seeks to connect people who have been disadvantaged in some way and who may not be reachable through the usual recruitment channels.  These people, many of whom have overcome significant personal hurdles, bring something that traditional recruits cannot.  They bring a degree of grit and the ability to work to overcome obstacles, learnt through their own life experiences. Chance Bleu-Montgomery and James Fellowes, who come from opposite ends of the social divide, come together to talk through the opportunities that The Bridge of Hope can provide to both employers seeking to recruit and disadvantaged people throughout communities.  Listen to hear the benefits of recruiting from this pool, of the value of diversity within a team, the higher retention rates and the super powers that are increasingly needed in the modern world. Listen to find out about the support available to employers and the ease of engagement to find the right fit for your company. Home - Bridge of Hope - Bridge of Hope Chance Bleu-Montgomery | LinkedIn James Fellowes | LinkedIn

    56 min

  8. FEB 16

    Mark talks to Chris Denyer

    Send a Text - Feedback Welcome Procurement is a common theme running through all companies involved in the construction sector.  Everyone has to win work one way or the other and whilst the procurement process will vary from client to client, the objectives are broadly similar; to find the right organisation to provide the best quality and the best price.  Done well, a procurement exercise will add value to the project, through risk reduction and introducing certainty.  Done badly, and procurement can saddle a project with the wrong team members appointed on the wrong priorities. Chris Denyer of Aspire Bidding has advised construction companies for many years on the hows and whys of construction procurement.  He talks to Mark about the trends in procurement and the tricks to ensure that your bid stands out from your competitors through a range of relationships, tools and knowledge. Listen to this podcast if you would like to understand about construction procurement through pre-qualification questionnaires or bid documents.  Learn that the David against Goliath competitions can be fair, provided that both big and small companies recognise their super-powers and use them effectively. Chris Denyer | LinkedIn Aspire Bidding: Overview | LinkedIn

    42 min
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About

Mark Wakeford is Chairman of the National Federation of Builders, vice-chair at Constructing Excellence Midlands and a Governor at Construction College, Moulton College.  He has run a large regional building contractor and now chairs Evoenergy, one of the UK's foremost renewable companies, bringing low carbon solutions to corporate Britain. Mark talks to leading experts from across the construction sector to discuss issues facing the built environment.  He explores various challenges with his guests, who offer solutions, information and ideas that listeners can apply to their own situations, be it in a company, on a project or studying at college. The Building Podcast aims to provide CPD on the go.  Supporting the sector with easily digestible ideas to support a rapidly changing industry!

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Wakeford
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    110
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Building Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Building Podcast