Innovation Deciphered Invennt

Welcome to Innovation Deciphered, where we delve into the cutting-edge world of innovation shaping our future. In this episode, our host Brendan Morahan is joined by Alistair Law, the CEO and founder of Vertical Meadow, a pioneering organisation revolutionising the engineering sector to address biodiversity needs. Alistair's journey from a Paris balcony to a nominee for the Earthshot Prize 2024 is inspiring.
 
Join us as we explore how Alistair's background in engineering led him to envision a future where construction not only sustains but also enhances biodiversity. In conversation with our host, Alistair shares his transition from structural engineering to focusing on the holistic purpose of buildings. He recounts the pivotal moment when he realised the potential of incorporating greenery into urban landscapes, sparking the inception of Vertical Meadow. Alistair integrates biodiversity solutions seamlessly into the built environment through his innovative approach.
 
Vertical Meadow offers scalable solutions that blend seamlessly with existing construction practices, from transforming simple scaffolding wraps to multifunctional rain screen systems. But it's not just about the technology; Alistair emphasises the importance of education and collaboration. Teaming up with organizations like the Wildlife Trust and Bug Life, Vertical Meadows ensures its solutions are tailored to local environments and contribute to broader ecological networks.
 
Moreover, Alistair addresses the economic viability of biodiversity in construction. He discusses the necessity of aligning innovation with market demand and regulatory requirements, emphasising the role of timing and funding in driving change. Throughout the conversation, Alistair's passion for biodiversity and sustainable urban development shines through. From challenging perceptions of "weeds" to redefining the role of green spaces in cities, Alistair's vision offers a glimpse into a greener, more resilient future.
 
Join us as we unravel the complexities of innovation and biodiversity with Alistair Law on this episode of Innovation Deciphered.
 
#Sustainability #UrbanDevelopment #Innovation

Welcome to Innovation Deciphered! In this captivating episode, host Tim engages in a riveting conversation with esteemed guest, Hedley Smyth, Emeritus Professor at UCL's Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction. With a career spanning academia and industry, Hedley brings unparalleled expertise, offering invaluable insights into project-oriented firms.
 
Delving deep into the realm of mindfulness and well-being in project-based industries, Hedley explores the profound implications for organisational dynamics and employee performance. Their collaborative journey, which began years ago at UCL, has led to a focus on mindfulness as a key factor in enhancing efficiency within these sectors.
 
Drawing from extensive research and interviews, Hedley shares compelling perspectives on the impact of mindfulness on stress mitigation and productivity. From early warning signs to proactive interventions, they highlight the imperative for firms to adopt a holistic approach to employee well-being.
 
Join us as we uncover the transformative potential of integrating well-being into organisational strategy, reshaping the human resource management paradigm in project-oriented industries. Tune in to Innovation Deciphered for an enlightening dialogue that promises to reshape your understanding of innovation, well-being, and tomorrow's business landscape.
 
#InnovationDeciphered #MindfulInnovation #ProjectSuccess
 

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Innovation Deciphered," where your host, Brendan Morahan, Director at Invvent, engages in an intriguing conversation with a distinguished guest, Marc Stchedroff.
Marc serves as the CEO at Trade Angel Supplies Ltd and holds the position of Managing Director at The Oxford & London Building Co Ltd (OLBC), focusing on heritage buildings and consultancy within the heritage sector. In this episode, Brendan delves into Marc's remarkable journey, from a physics degree to revolutionising the delivery of Trade & DIY materials.
Marc sheds light on the challenges faced in the construction industry, emphasizing the gaps in technology adoption and communication between construction sites and merchants. The conversation unfolds, revealing Marc's frustration with existing systems and his determination to bridge the innovation gap.
They explore Marc's innovative platform developed in 2012, designed to revolutionise task-oriented management within construction. Marc underlines the importance of integrating technology, behavioural change, and precise stock control to enhance efficiency. As the episode progresses,
Marc introduces his latest venture, a pioneering solution for delivering construction materials within 90 minutes. The focus is on the speed and accuracy of deliveries, addressing the challenges faced by tradesmen in a congested and evolving urban environment.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into the intersection of technology, construction, and business transformation, as Marc Stchedroff shares his extraordinary journey on this episode of "Innovation Deciphered."
#InnovationDeciphered #BuildingInnovation
 

Welcome to an engaging episode of Innovation Deciphered, led by your host, Director of Invennt, Tim Fitch. Joining him is Drew Ritchie, a distinguished figure and the Founder and Former CEO of UPP broadband. Prepare to embark on a journey through the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship and visionary leadership.
 
In this enlightening discussion, Tim and Drew delve into the depths of Drew's illustrious career spanning over three decades. From his early days as a civil engineer to his evolution into a strategic leader, Drew's insights illuminate the path to success, culminating in the acquisition of UPP by Virgin Media for a remarkable 9-figure sum in September 2023.
 
Discover how Drew secured substantial private equity investment, guiding the company through its inception to a stage of significant growth, overseeing a team of over 185 employees and achieving exceptional metrics in infrastructure, customer satisfaction, and employee contentment.
 
Join us as Drew unveils the keys to navigating complex regulatory environments and driving innovation in regulated industries. As a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Chartered Engineer, Drew's contributions extend far beyond his professional roles, shaping the industry's future through his leadership and vision.
 
Explore the nuances of entrepreneurship as Drew recounts his journey from corporate life to founding and scaling up his ventures. Gain insights from his experiences in crafting compelling business plans, raising capital, and navigating the unpredictable terrain of start-up ecosystems.
 
Above all, discover the transformative power of collaboration, a cornerstone of Drew's journey. Tim and Drew delve into the importance of diverse perspectives, expertise, and ideas in shaping groundbreaking solutions and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
 

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Innovation Deciphered" with your host, Tim Fitch, Director at Invvent.
On this episode Tim has a captivating conversation with distinguished guest, James Garner, the Global Head of Data and Insights & Analytics at GLEEDS, a Senior Director based in the London Office. James is a distinguished Fellow of the RICS, serving as the Chairman for the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence - contributing as the technical author for RICS, focusing on crucial guidance for cashflow forecasting in the construction industry.
In this episode, they dive into the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and its adoption in the construction industry. James shares insights into the barriers and cultural challenges surrounding AI adoption, drawing parallels with the music industry. They explore the evolving landscape of technology, from ChatGPT to Power BI, and how these tools transform workflows in the construction sector.
The conversation delves into the critical topic of data sharing within the construction industry. They discuss the importance of breaking down cultural barriers and highlight initiatives like the Construction Data Trust and benchmarking services by the Infrastructure Projects Authority.
Switching gears, they explore the realm of predictive analytics and its application in construction, particularly in cash flow forecasting. James sheds light on the historical shortcomings in utilising project data effectively and emphasises the need for a shift toward predictive analytics. The conversation reflects on the tools available, such as Power BI, and the transformative impact they can have on project progress meetings.
As they navigate the intricacies of technology adoption, data sharing, and predictive analytics, James Garner provides valuable insights and encourages industry professionals to embrace these innovations for positive change.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of technology in the construction industry on this episode of "Innovation Deciphered."
#InnovationDeciphered #BuildingTheFuture #BuildingTheFuture

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Innovation Deciphered." Join your host, Tim Fitch, Director at Invennt, in a captivating conversation with our distinguished guest, Antoine Vernet, Associate Professor in the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction and Director of the MSc Strategic Management of Projects.
 
Antoine Vernet, a seasoned researcher in Organisational Design and Social Networks, brings a wealth of expertise to the discussion. His projects delve into the impact of social networks on workplace inequality, dynamics of collaboration in hybrid work environments, and organizational responses to AI.
 
With a background in construction management and significant contributions to projects with Crossrail and Citi, Antoine extends his influence through a dedicated YouTube channel, emphasizing the vital significance of data literacy.
 
In this episode, Tim and Antoine embark on an exploration of the profound impact of AI on both everyday life and academia. The conversation delves into the significance of data literacy in understanding our world, unravelling the role of AI in shaping interactions and work environments. The importance of critical thinking is highlighted, emphasising potential pitfalls if we solely rely on AI.
 
Discover the intricate nuances of generative AI and the ever-changing nature of these models. Explore the ongoing debate: Are structural changes or increased scale the key to unlocking the next level of AI capabilities?
 
As part of the broader discussion, the podcast navigates the realm of organizational design and social networks. Explore the intersection of formal structures and informal relationships within organisations. This episode also addresses the lasting impact of our working environment due to COVID, thoroughly examining the pros and cons of hybrid working, and offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of work.
 
#InnovationDeciphered #CollaborativeCulture #EmpowerInnovation