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.

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.

Ryan Bennett, Managing Director of Solus, and James Hughes, Founding Director of Fabric Design & Build, join the Building Brum podcast to discuss their grand designs and the evolving market trends shaping the region. They delve into the rise of luxury, high-end residential projects across the Midlands, exploring the factors driving this growth. The conversation also highlights how Birmingham and the wider West Midlands are capitalising on opportunities created by London's land values.

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, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, EH Smith brick and façade specialists, and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment Sunbelt Rentals are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Ryan Bennett Managing Director Solus 

Ryan is the Managing Director of Solus Ceramics, the UK’s largest privately owned distributor of sustainable porcelain, ceramic and terrazzo floor and wall tiles.  Solus Ceramics has been supplying a carefully curated range of products to the commercial construction sector for 30 years from their head office in Birmingham.  Solus has recently stepped into the prime residential market, offering their internationally sourced products to the builders, designers and owners of luxury property and landscapes across the UK.

Prior to joining Solus Ceramics, Ryan was part of the senior management team at Equip – the owners of the Rab and Lowe Alpine brands.  An accountant by trade, Ryan enjoyed a long career in professional services working at both KPMG and BDO where he focused on corporate finance transactions.

 James Hughes Founding Director Fabric

James is the founding Director at Fabric Design Group and is passionate and committed to delivering high-end Architecture.

James first started out in life as a carpenter before studying architecture at Birmingham City University and furthering his studies with an Msc in Construction Project Management from the University of Birmingham, and a Pg Dip and MA in Urban Design from Oxford Brookes.

James possess a unique set of skills and experience making him equally comfortable in construction, as he is design. This depth of industry understanding gave James the ability to challenge convention and create Fabrics holistic design and build service in 2017.

James has an unwavering commitment to his profession, and is driven by creating meaningful, lasting architectural legacy alongside delivering a positive customer experience to all of his clients.

Mike Lally, Project Manager, Founding Director, and Entrepreneur, joins the Building Brum podcast to discuss what it’s like running a business in Birmingham. Mike and his team at Cadence are pivotal to some of the city’s most ambitious projects, including Digbeth’s latest regeneration led by Steven Knight and Stanhope, featuring a new film studio and the iconic MasterChef set.

As the founder of Cadence—a true Birmingham startup success story—Mike shares insights on launching a business, securing projects, and building a team in the UK's first city Birmingham.

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, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, EH Smith brick and façade specialists, and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment Sunbelt Rentals are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

About Cadence and Mike Lally:

Cadence Projects are experts in Project Management, Programme Management and Contract Administration. Founded by Mike Lally, a construction professional with an in depth understanding of the construction industry, Cadence work with clients who want a delivery partner who understands how to protect their interests, who gets what they do, and takes ownership for a project’s outcome.

Today’s podcast revisits our Placemaking Through Regeneration event recently held in partnership with the CIOB.  Hosted by Howells in the heart of Digbeth our sold-out event featured some of some of the city’s leading business leaders, visionaries and construction and development champions who are helping to shape the city’s skyline. 

As the city and regions grow, so must the communities within them. On today's podcast we explore the importance of regeneration from Great Charles Street to One Centenary Way. The session will focus on what needs to happen within the built environment sector to enhance and create communities through major regeneration projects across the region.  

Event Chair: Sandi Rhys Jones OBE – Immediate Past President of The Chartered Institute of Building 

Panellists: 

Dav Bansal - Partner - Howells 

Alison Kilby – Associate Director and Midlands Workplace Advisory Lead at Arup. 

Selina Mason - Director of Masterplanning & Strategic Design - Lendlease 

Tom Wraight MCIOB - Regional Director – Careys 

All our guests today play a key role in placemaking across the city, and we will hear from Dav, Selina, Tom and Alison about the importance of placemaking in master planning and regeneration, from Smithfield to Paradise Birmingham and what needs to happen within the 

Building Brum events are made possible thanks to all of the support from the Building Brum partners: 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 Architectural Solutions - Brick and Facade specialists and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK, Communications and PR Specialists Cavendish, Civil engineering and construction contractor Careys and Arup a global collective of designers, engineers and technical experts

Executive Director of SuperTech West Midlands  Hilary Smyth-Allen recently joined us on the Building Brum podcast to talk about all things technology, growth and collaboration. Supported by key organisations across the Midlands including Bruntwood SciTech, CBRE and West Midlands Growth Company. Hilary shared her insights into how SuperTech WM is fostering collaboration and innovation within the professional services tech cluster in the West Midlands, with a focus on building a vibrant ecosystem of ambitious companies. 

We explore the origins of SuperTech West Midlands, How the organization supports Birmingham and the broader Midlands region what's next for the SuperTech team.

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, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, EH Smith brick and façade specialists, and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment Sunbelt Rentals are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Hilary Smyth-Allen Executive Director of SuperTech West Midlands

Hillary Smyth-Allen is the Executive Lead at SuperTech, whose purpose is to spotlight the strength of the West Midlands Tech Sector. With a focus on FinTech, their purpose is to promote professionals and companies in this space to ensure the UK remains a strong player in global fintech.

As a Judge Hillary brings experience as a former Director of AECOM as well as having held influential positions at GBSLEP and WMCA Skills Commission.

Seddon Director of Operations Andrea Wilson joined us on the Building Brum this summer to discuss all things preconstruction through to delivery. As Director of Operations for Seddon’s Property Services, Andrea leads the Midlands division delivering a wide range of schemes across several frameworks. We explore the importance of strong relationships within the industry and how this leads to successful projects through timely delivery by trusting your partners and mitigating delays and risks.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored 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 façade specialists, and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Andrea Wilson Operations Director Midlands
Andrea Wilson is the Operations Director for Seddon Construction’s Property Services division, heading up the Midlands region. With 35 years of experience in the construction and engineering industry, she oversees construction and property service projects across various sectors, managing operations from planning to completion.

Following the success of the inaugural Birmingham Housing Week launched earlier this year we caught up two of the key stakeholders behind the initiative, Simon Wingate, Lovell regional partnerships director, and Cabinet member for housing and homelessness at Birmingham City Council, Councillor Jayne Francis. Birmingham City Council and Lovell have come together to champion embracing inclusive growth, with Birmingham Housing Week designed to inform, inspire and involve young people and communities to get involved in all aspects of housing.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored 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 and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.


Simon Wingate Lovell Partnerships Director Midlands

Simon’s primary responsibility is to develop and nurture strategic relationships with key clients including Local Authorities, Housing Associations, Land Agents and consultants to unlock new multi-tenure housing developments.

Simon has extensive experience in acquisition of land for a variety of housing tenures including Affordable, Open Market, Build to Rent and Care. He has been extensively involved in forming partnerships to unlock stalled brownfield sites for multi-tenure housing across the Midlands regions.

Councillor Jayne Francis Harborne (Labour) Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness

Jayne Francis was first elected as a Councillor in 2016. Since 2018 she has been part of Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet – initially with a portfolio encompassing education and skills. In 2020 she became Cabinet Member for digital, culture, heritage & tourism. More recently, Jayne has been appointed Cabinet Member for housing and homelessness. This brief includes political accountability and oversight for housing management, capital investment, housing strategy and partnerships and major regeneration programmes.

Jayne’s academic background is in the area of social policy. She has a Master’s in Public Services (Birmingham) and a post-graduate qualification in research methods.

Prior to becoming Cabinet Member, Jayne spent over 20 years working in research and evaluation, largely in Birmingham. Her areas of research (qualitative & quantitative) and evaluation expertise were in housing and regeneration, health inequalities and education. Clients included local authorities, regeneration partnerships and Sure Start where she was a consultant with the DfE.

Jayne is a Director with Harborne BID and holds directorships with the Ikon Gallery and Birmingham Rep. She is also a Trustee with West Midlands Arts and is a Regional representative on the Arts Council (Midlands). Outside of work her passion is food (cooking and eating) and Jayne enjoys travel (public transport as she doesn’t drive). Jayne has one daughter and one grandchild.

This April, on the Building Brum podcast, we caught up with the organisers of the British Council for Offices (BCO) 2024 Annual conference taking place next month in Birmingham. It has been 10 years since the conference was last held in the UK’s second city and over the past decade, our city, famously known as the ‘workshop of the world’ has lived up to its name, quietly delivering a number of sizeable new developments, including 103 Colmore Row, Enterprise Wharf and Paradise Birmingham.   

We caught up with Peter Crowther – Senior Vice President of the BCO, James Hall – Director at Associated Architects and Member of the BCO Midlands Chapter Committee and Rosie Cotterill – Director at Turley and Chair of BCO Midlands NextGen Committee to discuss what makes Birmingham a strategic place for the conference to be held and how ongoing investment and development has transformed the city.  

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored 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 and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. 

This spring on the Building Brum podcast we discuss housing across the UK in 2024 . Following on from the March Spring Budget and ahead of the local elections, mayoral elections and the general election, we caught up with Chartered Town Planner Daniel Wilson who specialises in delivering sustainable developments that transform places and leave a positive, lasting impact on local communities through holistic, inclusive growth. 

Joining Dan from our sponsors Cavendish is Tristan Chatfield who served as a councillor at Birmingham City Council and is now Associate Director at Cavendish specialising in Planning Communications and Public Affairs. Together they examine the 2024 spring budget and look ahead at the future of the housing sector.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored 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 and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Daniel Wilson:
Dan is a Chartered Town Planner who specialises in delivering sustainable developments that transform places and leave a positive, lasting impact on local communities through holistic, inclusive growth. Dan is experienced in delivering strategic urban extensions, a brand-new garden village, urban regeneration schemes, student accommodation, hotels, and more. Since graduating from Cardiff University (MSc in International Planning and Development), Dan has gained over 10 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. 

Dan previously sat on both the RTPI West Midlands Regional Activities Committee and the RTPI West Midlands Ball Committee. He also served as Junior Vice-Chair  and Vice-Chair and, in 2020, was Chair of the RTPI West Midlands Young Planners Committee. That same year, Dan won the RTPI West Midlands Young Planner of the year award and, in 2021, was highly commended by the judges in the national Young Planner of the year awards. In a previous life, Dan was President of a Students’ Union and Regional Chairman of the Commonwealth Student Association (Caribbean Chapter).

Tristan Chatfield:

Tristan is a passionate advocate for sustainable economic development in Birmingham and the West Midlands. As a former cabinet member at Birmingham City Council and MPs constituency assistant Tristan enjoys unparalleled local connections. He can offer insight into both the politics of the region and its varied communities.

His current portfolio of projects includes regeneration schemes, aviation, infrastructure, retail and residential. Tristan leads our work in the West Midlands, based out of our Birmingham office.

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. We have three guests joining us this March on the Building Brum podcast including two of Birmingham's leading women in architecture with glowing careers. Alex Slatter Associate as Associated Architects and Shauna Bradley Partner at Howells, alongside long-time building Brum collaborator and supporter Lee Simmonds of Solus. All three of our guests are parents, both Alex and Shauna are both mothers of one and Lee is a father of three.

On today's episode, we are going to be talking about the challenges of planning for, having and raising a family whilst furthering your career and growing within your place of work.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored 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 and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. 

This February on the Building Brum podcast we are joined by some of the stakeholders behind the Skills Hub initiative taking place at the latest MODA development coming out of the ground on Great Charles Street. We are speaking with Matthew Hood of Sunbelt Rentals, Shaun Hall from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Karl Johnson Social Value and Stakeholder manager at John Sisk. The Skills Hub offers local people free construction training and a guaranteed job interview at the end of the 20-day course and follows on from the earlier success of another project by MODA “The Mercian” which created 140 new job opportunities.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored 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 and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Matthew Hood, Major Projects Sunbelt Rentals – Midlands

Recently celebrated 14 years at Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland.  His focus is on major projects in the midlands, and he works with management & main contractors, subcontractors, local authorities, and other project partners.  He offers project solutions and ESG across all services at Sunbelt.

Shaun Hall - West Midlands Combined Authority

Shaun is the Lead for Adult Retraining for the West Midlands Combined Authority, with extensive experience of connecting local communities to jobs. Shaun has specialist knowledge of working with the construction sector, including pioneering work with HS2 and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, helping to reskill local unemployed people so they can access new employment opportunities. He has a long career working in employability, including close partnerships with JCP, colleges and training providers.

Karl Johnson - Social Value and Stakeholder Manager - John Sisk.

I have many years of experience working within social value, providing opportunities for roles primarily within construction for individuals who may never have considered a career within the sector. 

A passion for working with communities, schools, colleges and local businesses, as well as being a STEM ambassador and being on the Employment Advisory Board for HMMPS, I fundamentally believe in access to employment for all irrespective of background. 

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.

We are excited to be joined by two of Arup’s Birmingham-based thought leaders Alison Kilby and James Watts, at their brand-new office at One Centenary Way, in Birmingham City Centre. In this episode we discuss all things Paradise Birmingham and the part both played in delivering one of the city's most ambitious office developments for MEPC and in turn, becoming its largest occupier. In the five years since the award-winning architects Howells made plans public for One Centenary Way, the project has taken centre stage with its strategic placement linking Centenary Square to the High Street. 

We discuss Arup’s role in this journey, including how they supported the redefining of the building as the first intelligent building in Paradise, and how that enabled them to design an office in partnership with HOK Architects and Overbury shaped by Arup’s values of sustainable and inclusive design.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored 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 and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

James Watts
James is the regeneration lead for Arup’s Midlands property team. He’s worked on a wide variety of projects across a number of different sectors from concept through to completion both in the UK and overseas. He has delivered cost effective solutions through quality design throughout the region and further afield, including across Arup’s new workspace at One Centenary Way and further visioning for Paradise and the city centre.

Alison Kilby
Alison is an associate director at Arup. Having started in the industry 14 years ago and, following a period working in Business Development, she returned as a Mechanical Engineer in 2014, and now works on a range of multi-disciplinary building designs, including collaborating with the University of Warwick and University of Birmingham on campus development, as well as with PwC on a range of exciting projects.

This December we discuss all things Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Solihull with Maggie Grogan, Managing Director - Midlands for Muse. Exploring the expansion behind national placemaker Muse into the Midlands and their vision set out to transform key areas across the West Midlands. We look at the partnerships in place that drive the development team from Muse forward, from Homes England to Legal and General, Maggie and her team have their sights set on creating a lasting legacy across Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Solihull and beyond.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored 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 and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

This month on the Building Brum Podcast we are joined by Gensler Birmingham’s Design Director, Philip Twiss. From Associated Architects to MAKE and now Gensler, Philip has helped to design and deliver some of Birmingham’s most iconic buildings from The Cube to the Mailbox, to the next chapter of Hammerson’s Bullring landmark. We look at why Gensler decided to move to Birmingham 10 years ago and what it means to combine global and local with projects being delivered by the Team in Birmingham spanning across the city and into Europe.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored 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 and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

HUB Residential Managing Director Damien Sharkey and Development Manager Isabel Scruby join Building Brum’s Conor Nolan alongside Cavendish Associate Director and ex-Birmingham City Council Cabinet Member Tristan Chatfield to talk about their upcoming development: 2 Snow Hill Plaza. We will discuss why Birmingham is a key destination for investors as 2 Snow Hill Plaza marks HUB's second project in Birmingham alongside the Digbeth Coach Station. We explore why Damien and the team at HUB have chosen to invest in the Build to Rent market in Colmore Row and discuss the ongoing demand for development sites across Birmingham.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored 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 and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Damien Sharkey is HUB’s Managing Director. Damien is keenly involved in all aspects of the HUB business, leading the development process of its current £2bn pipeline from acquisition and funding through design, consultation, planning, procurement, and delivery to completion. An architect by background, Damien completed his post-graduate diploma in architecture at the University of Westminster before beginning his career at Robin Partington Architects, now known as Apt. Having moved into development, Damien remains passionate about design and ensures maximum value through thoughtful design, technical accuracy, and efficient delivery for all of HUB’s portfolio. His agile thinking and proclivity for problem solving allow him to develop the HUB direction, structure deals and lead a fantastic team.

Isabel is a Development Manager at HUB as well as a chartered town planner with a range of experience in residential and commercial projects across the UK. Isabel is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and continually enhances her knowledge of key legislation and policy. Prior to joining HUB, Isabel was a Senior Planning Consultant at JLL. She has previously spoken at events including the Cities Alive Conference in New York, where she explored the history of Green Roof policies and their evolution as they spread worldwide.

Tristan is a passionate advocate for sustainable economic development in Birmingham and the West Midlands. As a former cabinet member at Birmingham City Council and MPs constituency assistant Tristan enjoys unparalleled local connections. He can offer insight into both the politics of the region and its varied communities.

His current portfolio of projects includes regeneration schemes, aviation, infrastructure, retail and residential. Tristan leads our work in the West Midlands, based out of our Birmingham office.

On the podcast this month we are joined by the Head of Digital Project Delivery Joshua Hanson and Liam Clarke Regional Head of 4D Planning at John Sisk & Son. We caught up with Liam and Joshua to look at the projects they have both completed and are currently delivering across Birmingham including The Merican, Great Charles Street and Birmingham Health and Innovation Campus. These schemes when combined add up to three-quarters of a billion pounds worth of development across build-to-rent and life science sectors in the city.

We also explore how the standardisation of digital project delivery across regions has enhanced programme efficiency across the organisation and changed the way John Sisk approaches developments as a company.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored 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 and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

We caught up with IM Properties Group Sustainability Director Andrew Swain. Andy is a chartered environmentalist with over 20 years of experience and joined IM Properties in 2022 to drive the implementation and delivery of the businesses  ‘Sustainable Futures’ strategy focused around its three pillars of People, Planet and Place. In addition to delivering sustainable futures, he works closely with delivery partners to ensure that the principles of sustainable development and net zero construction are delivered across IM Properties property portfolio, industrial and logistics developments and residential projects. We discuss the ambition that is required to deliver developments that are fit for the future.

The Building Brum podcast is kindly 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 and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

We are onsite at the Peddimore Birmingham development with Winvic Construction and Sunbelt Rentals. IM Properties are Birmingham City Councils development partner for Peddimore.On our latest episode we caught up with key members of the project team to talk about the role, impact and importance of social value within the construction industry. Focusing on how social value is there to support, grow and create positive change within communities. All three guests on our latest episode play a key role in the Peddimore project Rokneddin Shariat Policy and Governance Manager Birmingham City Council, Emma Rhymes Social Value Manager Winvic Construction and Jackie Cuthbert Social Impact Director Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland.

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.

Jackie Cuthbert, Social Impact Director, Sunbelt Rentals

Jackie and her team work closely with design teams and contractors to create, deliver and report on social value in local communities for customers and ultimate clients. With 25 years experience gained across multiple sectors, Jackie is passionate about transforming lives for local people, one job at a time. Sunbelt Rentals is committed to leading with ESG and its ‘Our Planet’ programme is dedicated to supporting local residents, businesses and VCSEs in achieving their ambitions. This is achieved through innovative collaborations with customers, suppliers and VCSE partners with  environmental; skills, education and employment and social equality expertise. 

Rokneddin Shariat Policy and Governance Manager Birmingham City Council

Shariat is the Policy and Governance manager at Birmingham City Council’s procurement service.  He has been leading the social value development at the Council since 2012 with a 3 year gap as an independent consultant.  Birmingham is one of the early adopters of Social Value considering the City’s challenges around deprivation and the opportunities offered by the Commonwealth Games and HS2.  He has first hand experience of all 3 sectors, Private, Public and Third sector.  Previously, Shariat managed the publicly funded business support programmes at the Chamber of Commerce in Birmingham for 10 years. 

Emma Rhymes is Social Value Manager for Winvic Construction Ltd

 Over the last two years, Emma has been working alongside the Peddimore Project Team and is responsible for supporting and implementing social value during the construction stage of the project. Emma uses her past experience of community engagement and CSR working for both construction sub-contractors and the charity sector to drive the social value agenda to leave a positive legacy in the local community. Emma is inspired daily by the positive stories she hears about the opportunities and impact being created through the project which include some of the innovative initiatives she has helped to create.

We catch up with Ash Wilson, Creative Director and Founder of Sculpt - an architectural interior design practice based in Digbeth. Exploring the journey of a design practice start-up we look at what it means to be an entrepreneur within the design world in the Midlands. We discuss the highs and lows of starting up a design business and amazing projects like The Roundhouse with the National Trust that help to define the practice, as well as repeat clients such as Digbeth Dining Club that are won through hard work and determination. 

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.

All three of our special guests were recently nominated for the British Council for Offices (BCO) NextGen Rising Star Midlands Award. We are joined by Rosie Cotterill incoming Chair of the BCO NextGen Midlands Committee who plays an instrumental role in the planning and delivery of Birmingham’s award-winning Paradise Development as a Director at Turley 

Alex Slatter BCO award winner is both the Chair of the British Council for Offices Next Gen Midlands and an associate at Associated Architects delivering both commercial and education projects, with considerable experience in the refurbishment and conversion of commercial buildings. 

Francesca Ghavami one of Glenn Howells Architects senior interior designers working on a macro master planning scale right down to the micro interior details on a selection of high-profile projects, including the RIBA-award-winning Moss House for University College Birmingham, Two Chamberlain Square and One Centenary Way at Paradise Birmingham. 

 All three guests share the same vision for building a better Birmingham and are working towards that goal, taking huge strides each year in making this vision a reality. 

The Building Brum podcast is 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 and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Alex joined Associated Architects in July 2017 as a Part II Graduate and qualified as an Architect in 2020. She was promoted to Associate in 2021.

She undertook her architectural training at the University of Kent, the University of Liverpool, and Birmingham City University.

Alex has worked across multiple sectors, predominantly on commercial and education projects. She has considerable experience in the refurbishment and conversion of commercial buildings, with extensive involvement in mixed-use commercial, residential and luxury residential developments.

The current Chair of the British Council for Offices (BCO) NextGen Committee for Midlands and East Anglia; Alex has led BCO tours of numerous projects. She acts on behalf of Associated Architects on the RIBA Future Architects Mentoring Scheme and sits on the practice’s CSR committee.

Francesca is interested how spaces can affect how people behave and interact with each other and how good quality design can transform this experience.

At Glenn Howells Architects, Francesca works on a macro master planning scale right down to the micro interior details on a selection of high-profile projects, including the RIBA-award-winning Moss House for University College Birmingham, Two Chamberlain Square and One Centenary Way at Paradise Birmingham, Port Loop and Kidbrooke, London.

Francesca is committed to mentoring and sharing knowledge with the younger generation. She is a key member of our annual Summer School design review panel and leads interior design workshops to provide encouragement, advice and inspiration to the young participants. She hosts a work experience placement with Birmingham City University second-year students and has worked with the “I Can Be” charity to offer a career insight to girls at primary school.

Before joining us, Francesca studied architecture at Oxford Brookes University and worked for a specialist workplace interior design practice.

We caught up with Matt Warren, Head of Digital Engineering and Integrated Solutions at Lendlease Europe to discuss the delivery of city centre regeneration projects and how advancements in technology are changing the ways in which teams collaborate and work together to drive positive change and regeneration.  We look back at work by Lendlease in Elephant and Castle, London and ahead to the upcoming Birmingham Smithfield redevelopment. 

With the advancements in technology being embraced and implemented across the construction sector in recent years,  we look at how this digital transformation seen within the construction industry has changed the way colleagues, project partners and clients deliver projects and collaborate together.

The Building Brum podcast is 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 and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Matt Warren Head of Digital Engineering and Integrated Solutions Lendlease Europe: Having worked within architectural practice since 2002 and with a BA(hons) & MA in Architecture complete, Matt decided to change direction to join one of the world’s leading developers and contractors, focussing on delivering their integrated projects from inception through to completion. From the 2012 London Olympics, eco home firsts in zone 1 London, to major urban regeneration schemes throughout the UK, Matt has led design and digitisation innovations always with a focus on improving process and products.

As Head of Digital Engineering for Lendlease’s Integrated Solutions team in Europe, he and his team are focussed on supporting and leading Lendlease’s digital transformations and innovations in design, development and delivery.

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.

On our latest Building Brum podcast we have been joined by Simon Delahunty-Forrest Assistant Director of development planning and development at Birmingham City Council and Verity Barr Director at Cavendish Advocacy, part of the BECG. We caught up with Verity and Simon to discuss the future of Birmingham and what the Future City Plan means for the City and look at what it also means to developers and investors who are looking to relocate and establish themselves in the UK’s second city following its recent global success at hosting the Commonwealth Games.

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.

About Simon Delahunty-Forrest Assistant Director of Development Planning and Development at Birmingham City Council:
A 21st Century Public Servant, and Architect possessing strong, robust, professional and senior managerial leadership experience, delivering high quality outcomes for the citizens of Birmingham.

Currently Acting Assistant Director for Development with responsibility for Planning Management, Enforcement, Planning Development, Development Policy, Enterprise Zone and City Design.

Simon's substantive role as the Head of City Centre and Design within the Planning and Development service area for Birmingham City Council is strategic in promoting and delivering development that will help make Birmingham a place where people increasingly want to live, work, visit and invest contributing significantly to economic prosperity, job creation and to better quality of life, including improved social cohesion, equality and health.

About Verity Barr Director Cavendish Advocacy:
Verity is a director at Cavendish Advocacy, part of the BECG Group and leads the PR team.  She has 20 years’ experience developing and delivering integrated strategic and creative communications campaigns that directly meet business objectives and deliver measurable results. 

A built environment specialist, she has worked across both the private and public sectors with organisations in the property, energy, infrastructure and construction industries, providing strategic counsel as well as devising and managing the delivery of creative marcomms and media-based campaigns.

In our latest episode, we are joined by our Building Brum partners and sponsors Solus. We caught up with Sustainability Manager Ken Graham and Area Sales Manager Lee Simmonds to look at the sustainability journey Solus are making as a UK tiling market leader and the wider journey being made by the tiling industry globally.

 We look at how the role of a product supplier has changed in years gone by and developed into a much more collaborative role working alongside contractors, architects, interior designers and developers to provide the best and most sustainable solution to a new or existing development.

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.

About Solus Sustainability Manager Kenneth Graham:

Ken qualified as an Energy Consultant in the UK in 1986. In 1991, he emigrated to New Zealand and was recruited by the NZ Government to promote energy efficiency and conservation for homeowners and businesses throughout the country.  Ken travelled the world representing NZ at international conferences, gaining a broad understanding of the different approaches to efficient practice in many countries. Working in several other sectors including rubber tyre, plastics, cardboard, glass recycling; food waste management, and water management before gaining higher level sustainability management qualifications. These gave Ken the knowledge to bring all my experiences together; and how to create Sustainability Management Plans and Supplier Assessments.

As time ticks away to BCC’s Net Zero by 2030 target we caught up with Rob Nield - leader of the Webb Yates Engineers Midlands office and chartered structural engineer – to talk about his approach to lowering embodied (or upfront) carbon which can be responsible for a significant portion of a building’s carbon life cycle.

We talked about their current portfolio and plans in the region, their approach to design and sustainability and how they are using innovative material systems coupled with extensive research and development to challenge the status quo in contemporary building design.

 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 1,000,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Rob Nield, Associate Director - MEng (Hons) CEng MIStructE

 Rob is a Chartered Structural Engineer with over 17 years of experience on a wide range of projects, both in the UK and internationally. During this time, he has successfully led a number of multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative and sustainable project solutions. His design experience covers structural steelwork, reinforced concrete, timber, masonry, glass, and post-tensioned stone.

Starting his career at Arup in 2005 Rob joined Webb Yates Engineers’ London office in 2012 delivering projects including Barrett’s Grove – a Stirling Prize shortlisted residential development in Stoke Newington with a cross laminated timber structure; and Wimbledon College of Art – one of the first Timber Concrete Composite structures in the UK and winner of numerous sustainability awards.

Relocating to the Midlands in 2015 he returned to Arup to deliver regionally significant projects including the design of HS2 Interchange Station in Solihull with it’s organic timber roof, and One Centenary Way an innovative 16 storey exoskeleton building suspended over the Queensway tunnel.

Rob rejoined Webb Yates Engineers in 2020 to lead the Midlands office and currently manages a varied portfolio of exciting projects across the UK and abroad.

Having worked with numerous leading architects his expertise lies in the production of efficient, elegant and low carbon structural solutions as part of an overall holistic design. An in-depth understanding of the design process, ability to visually communicate high level ideas and fine attention to detail during the construction stage has led to Rob’s track record in successfully delivering high quality and award winning projects.

We are joined by the team behind Creative Retail: Matt Pegg and Ed Purcell. Both are experts in commercial real estate across Birmingham and the UK. We will be looking at how the high street has changed over the past ten years and what needs to happen to boost, develop and take it forward in the decades in the come.

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 1,000,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Matt Pegg Investment Director

Matt has worked in Commercial Real Estate for 15 years in both consultancy and client-side positions. Having acted for regional and national retailers in an agency capacity and as retail asset manager of LCP’s £100m Provincial Portfolio, he is highly adept at identifying and implementing investment strategies across the full commercial property life cycle.

Matt now advises private, regional and national clients such as Queensway Group, Midcounties Cooperative, Evolve Estates, Watkin Jones, Home Bargains, Lidl UK and WM Morrisons PLC.

Ed Purcell Director

 Ed has been involved with the retail and leisure industry for over 13 years. He started his career at King Sturge before joining Cushman & Wakefield in 2011 as a member of the Midlands Retail Agency Team.

Ed currently advises pension fund Landlords on Shopping Centre and High Street disposals, national retailers on the acquisition and disposal of shops, developers on Out of Town Warehousing schemes, and also independent landlords and retailers.

This summer the British Council for Offices NextGen Midlands and Building Brum collaborated to present a special event, looking at the careers of industry and business leaders in Birmingham who are forging and shaping the UK’s second City. 

Building Brum Programme Director Conor Nolan was  joined by Calthorpe Estates Masterplanning and Development Director Ralph Minott, Turley Senior Director and Head of Planning Midlands Angela Reeve and Associated Architects Director Stephen Townsend.  

The evening looked at the paths that these three inspirational leaders have followed, how they have created a balance between work and life and if where they are today has followed the trajectory they set out at the start of the careers.

This event was kindly sponsored by Solus Ceramics, Dline and The Senator Group.

Following on from our recent Building Brum roundtable event held with Careys and hosted by Cundall, we caught up with Careys Regional Director for the Midlands, Tom Wraight, to talk about what is being done in Birmingham to help tackle unemployment within the City.

We find out more in today’s podcast about the opportunities that our sector offers for those who are unemployed or looking for a career change and also, how the sector as a whole can support local communities, plus develop skills across the region by creating employment opportunities within developments across Birmingham and the Midlands.

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 2,000,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

This May we are joined by Francesca Wilkinson, Sustainability and Environmental Manager at Willmott Dixon. Francesca provides us with a unique insight into how the fuel crisis we are facing in society today is impacting the Net Zero agenda. We also look at how net-zero technology is being successfully implemented on projects across the country and the approach from the private sector in net zero and net zero ready buildings.

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 200,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

After graduating with an MSc in Environmental Management, Francesca joined Willmott Dixon in 2017 as a Sustainability intern. Completing the Management Trainee scheme, before being promoted to Assistant Environmental Manger and earlier this year to Environmental & Sustainability Manger.  She was drawn to the challenges of the construction industry- being one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, resource depletion and pollution- due to the real opportunities to make a substantial difference. Her experience is wide ranging and has included a number of award-winning projects as well as being honoured with the G4C Future Leader 2020 Construction Excellence Award.  Particular expertise includes energy efficiency, carbon reduction and reducing the energy gap performance, helping Willmott Dixon create Brilliant Buildings and deliver on their ambition for all new buildings to achieve net zero operation carbon by 2030, and net zero embodied carbon by 2040. Francesca is a Practitioner Member of IEMA with Registered Environmental Practitioner most recently helping to development an Extended Resource Ownership Model for Circular Economy in the construction sector.

This April we are joined by Geoff Fawkes from Sunbelt Rentals, who are a key strategic partner and supporter of the Building Brum series. As the largest providers of equipment hire across the UK, Sunbelt Rentals are in the unique position of supplying and supporting a huge range of infrastructure projects both large and small across the country, helping to regenerate and transform cities nationwide. We are going to be taking a look at the steps being taken across these building sites to make the construction sector more sustainable.

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 200,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Digbeth has been on a journey of regeneration and transformation since Oval Real Estate acquired the Custard Factory, Fazely studios and numerous other sites back in 2017. In this month’s Building Brum podcast we caught up with Oval's Head of Estates Jo Salmon who has been at the heart of the regeneration of Digbeth.

Oval Real Estate is at forefront of the regeneration of Digbeth and redeveloping 42 acres of land between the HS2 Curzon Street station and High Street Deritend. We look at how the area has developed and grown over the past five years, reflecting on the journey taken by Oval and what needs to happen next in Digbeth to further its ongoing regeneration.

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 200,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Jo Salmon— Head of Estates – Oval Real Estate

Jo combines her 20 years of extensive commercial real estate experience with her can do personal approach to help reinvigorate and reactivate the Digbeth estate. Having worked at Richard Ellis, and London & Cambridge Properties, Jo now runs the Oval office in Birmingham bringing energy to the property, marketing and events team ensuring it remains the beating heart of the creative quarter of the city.

We caught up with Broadway Malyan’s Director of Urbanism Danny Crump to find out more about one of Birmingham's most ambitious masterplans, the public realm transformation of Snow Hill. Danny has been at the heart of this project since its inception back in 2015 and has been instrumental in enhancing this district. We look at how the area has transformed over the past seven years since the project begin and what it means to enhance a public realm in the heart of a major city.   

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 200,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.
 

Danny is a Chartered Landscape Architect with over 20 years of professional experience. He joined Broadway Malyan in 2011 and leads the Manchester Studio and UK Landscape Architecture team. He is a passionate placemaker establishing and leading Broadway Malyan’s ’Place Team’ providing value driven advocacy within the built environment for multi-sectoral clients.

His experience is wide ranging and has included a number of award winning projects. Particular expertise includes city core regeneration and urban realm masterplanning, city street and space design and public squares and parks. He has also led and delivered a number of projects at university campuses across the UK.

Danny’s experience of working in urban centres was recognised recently with his appointed to MHCLG’s HighStreet Task Force Expert/Mentor and Facilitator Panel.Most often working in a multidisciplinary environment,Danny has delivered a number of significant major projects.He is experienced in lead designer and consultant roleundertaking this position on the majority of commissions. He is experienced in site diagnosis techniques with a focus on urban data analytics, using this skill to inform the design process.

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.

In today's episode, we are joined by Rupert Mayo who founded Knight R&D in 2016 following almost 10 years of consulting with KPMG in R&D tax relief and we de-mystify what exactly is R&D tax credits for companies big and small within the construction industry.

Rupert Mayo founded Knight R&D Ltd (Knight) in 2016 following almost 10 years of consulting from KPMG in R&D tax relief. In 2021 Knight became part of K3 Capital Group PLC, a group of complementary professional services firms. A large proportion of the client base at Knight is in the construction industry, with companies ranging across all areas and fields of construction and including start-ups, more established small and medium-sized firms, all the way up to large listed construction, services and property groups.  

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 200,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Wolverhampton is undergoing huge transformation and regeneration with record levels of confidence in new projects. One such project, landmark office building i9 Wolverhampton is testament to this. Brought forward by ION Developments and the City Council, and designed by Glenn Howells Architects, we find out more about this brand-new destination for local, regional, and national organisations.

We will be talking with the team behind this major development from Glenn Howells Architects: Partner Dav Bansal, Associate Fraser Godfrey and Senior Interior Designer Charlotte Gallen, which was won through a national design competition, forms an integral part of the wider Interchange redevelopment as well as thoughts on the future of office work and indeed the ambitions of the city of Wolverhampton.

 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 200,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

In our final podcast of 2021 we go back to where it all started and sit down with Danny Parmer, British Council for Offices Chair of the Midlands and East Anglia and Overbury Business Development Manager. We discuss Overbury’s recent work on the fit-out of the Midlands BT Hub in the heart of Birmingham and look at continued demand for office space within the city center.  

Danny also tells me more about the world-class British Council for Offices mentoring programme in the Midlands, the focus by the BCO  committee on Net Zero Carbon and the unique opportunities we have next year to showcase Birmingham during the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

 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 200,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Akerlof Partners Jamie Hillier and Ellie Jenkins join us on the Building Brum podcast to discuss their work around Value-based decision making and modern methods of construction. 

We take a look at the construction industry and examine how we can increase economic growth, productivity whilst achieving better outcomes within the construction sector by increasing the implementation of modern methods of construction.

We will also find out more about value-based decision-making from Ellie Jenkins; Industry lead for the Construction Innovation Hub Value Tool kit. The Tool kit is designed to drive better social, environmental and economic outcomes through value-based decision-making.

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 200,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Jamie Hillier

As a Partner at Akerlof, Jamie has supported many private sector multinationals and public sector organisations, including central government departments and trusts, in developing Modern Methods of Construction strategies. Formerly a Director for the UK’s largest regional contractor, he wrote the “Choice Factory”, advocating the application of behavioural science to ensure the development of new technologies are integrated with an understanding of people and their behaviours. Jamie has worked closely with the Construction Innovation Hub’s Platform and Value Toolkit projects to drive sector transformation. Jamie is a member of the Construction Playbook MMC Group and the Construction Leadership Council’s Manufacturing Group. Most recently, Jamie contributed to the development of the Transforming Infrastructure Performance: Roadmap to 2030.

Ellie Jenkins

Ellie Jenkins is a Partner at Akerlof, a market-leading consultancy that specialises in integrating Modern Methods of Construction to realise better social, environmental, and economic outcomes. With over 10 years of experience in social impact, community engagement and stakeholder management, Ellie has substantial experience of working with private and public sector clients to optimise outcomes. Experienced in balancing long-term strategic priorities with pragmatic solutions to maximise, measure and evaluate social value in the built environment; Ellie previously led the social impact and community team for a Tier 1 contractor. As the Industry Project Lead for the Value Toolkit, Ellie is responsible for guiding the project through its extensive industry pilot phase.

This November we see the launch of the COP26 summit bringing parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Alongside this, Building Brum, with Willmott Dixon, are hosting a panel debate featuring Birmingham City Council, Cundall, SCAPE and Collida in front of some 300 delegates from across the built environment to ask the Net Zero Carbon question: “What’s Stopping Us?”.  

Ahead of these landmark events, we caught up with Willmott Dixon’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Julia Barrett, to discuss Willmott Dixon’s Now or Never 2030 Sustainability Strategy. The contractor’s ambitious net zero plans aim to see all of their new buildings and major refurb projects achieve net-zero operational carbon by 2030, and by 2040 be delivered with net-zero embodied carbon.

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 200,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

More about Julia Barrett Chief Sustainability Officer, Group Sustainability Willmott Dixon

As the Chief Sustainability Officer, Julia leads on realising Willmott Dixon’s 'purpose beyond profit' through the Group’s sustainability strategy, Now or Never.

Willmott Dixon has been net zero in its own operations since 2012 and great sustainability performance has saved the company millions of pounds in that time. As well as challenging the business to become zero-carbon without offsetting by 2030, Julia is passionate about creating added value for customers by delivering brilliant buildings that are net zero by design, future-climate ready and optimise user health and wellbeing. She encourages the opportunities for learning with and from supply chain partners as the business aims to deliver projects with net zero embodied carbon by 2040. Through its Building Lives ambitions and the Willmott Dixon Foundation, the company delivers high-impact social value that meets the needs of local communities and supports people facing barriers to work into good careers.

Daniel G Wilson, Development Manager at the award-winning House Builder Hill Group joins us on our Building Brum podcast. As a Development Manager working in the Eastern Residential team at Hill,  Daniel specialises in securing consent for sustainable developments that leave a positive lasting impact on communities.

We will be finding out more from Daniel about the Hill Groups' approach to sustainable house building and learning why their work on the Agar Gove in London is being praised by the Mayor's office. With over 19,200 homes delivered to date,  we take a look at what it means to the Hill Group when comes to successfully building homes and creating communities. 

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 200,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

About Daniel G Wilson 

Daniel G Wilson is a Development Manager working in the Eastern Residential team at Hill, where he specialises in securing consent for sustainable developments that leave a positive lasting impact on communities.

Between 2016 and 2020 Dan served on the RTPI West Midlands Young Planner s Committee and was Chair in 2020. He was a Planning Aid England Volunteer, member of the RTPI West Midlands Regional Activities Committee and won the prestigious RTPI West Midlands Young Planner of the Year award in 2020. In 2021 Dan was highly commended in the National RTPI Young Planner of the Year Award.

After completing a MSc at Cardiff University in 2013, Dan started his career as a Planning Officer in Local Government. He then moved to the private sector and worked as Planning Consultant for several years before being poached client side, where he was a Planning Manager at McCarthy and Stone. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Dan relocated to London to be closer to family and joined Hill. Dan is thrilled to be part of team Hill and is convinced that Hill’s values and ethos align with his career ambitions and objectives.

Social Value Champions and Building Brum Construction Partners Careys join us on the Building Brum podcast to discuss their work across Birmingham and the Midlands.

We explore the ongoing regeneration happening across the region from Perry Barr to Paradise Birmingham with Midlands Regional Director Tom Wraight. Tom introduces us to the vision set out by Careys "to be the most trusted and socially responsible construction company, that people are proud to work with" and how this will be achieved through the social value they bring to schemes across the country. We find out the social value impact Careys have already had within the region with the Birmingham teams already improving employability of young people, supporting the local supply chain and creating healthier communities.

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 200,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. 

In our latest podcast we caught up with ICE West Midlands Regional Chair and WSP Associate Gbenga Oludotun to explore the opportunity Net Zero has to redefine infrastructure. Gbenga is a Chartered Civil Engineer and began his career in Birmingham, working on several assessment and design of highway structure schemes for Highways England and Birmingham City Council.  

Currently an Associate with the Birmingham Bridges team at global consultants WSP, Gbenga has been responsible for the structures design delivery on the HS2 Phase 1 Enabling Works North contract and a project manager on the Highways England SPaTS framework. 

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 200,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. 

Capital & Centric Co-Founder Tim Heatley and the Leader for Stoke City Council Abi Brown caught up with  Building Brum’s Conor Nolan to explore the regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent and one of its most exciting projects: The Goods Yard. We look at the vision for Stoke-on-Trent and how Stoke City Council is going to achieve this by working with award-winning developers like  Capital and Centric. 

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 200,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. 

About Tim Heatly: 

Tim trained as a lawyer and left law behind to found social impact developer Capital&Centric, he started out renovating a derelict house in his home town of Salford and he now invests over £2m a week on regeneration projects with a positive social impact. Tim is founder of Regeneration Brainery, an academy aimed at broadening diversity and inclusivity in property, each year it mentors over 100 young adults throughout the UK. He is the Chair and a founding trustee of the Greater Manchester Mayors Charity which has raised £3m in the past two years alone. Last year he featured on BBC2’s ‘Manctopia’ documentary about the property boom and his work on homelessness.

Capital & Centric currently has five projects under construction in Manchester creating over 2000 homes from a £35m jenga inspired 275 bedroom hotel in Piccadilly East to Kampus, a £250m 550 home mixed use project. Recently Capital&Centric completed the Ducie St Warehouse to create a £80m apart hotel and co working space next to Piccadilly train station.  The total development pipeline in Greater Manchester alone is c£750m across 11 projects. Other projects outside Manchester include the the £55m Littlewoods Film Studios in Liverpool, the mixed use 300 home Eyewitness Works in Sheffield and the 200 home mixed use Goods Yard in Stoke on Trent among others.  

About Abi Brown:  

Abi Brown was first elected to Stoke-on-Trent City Council in 2010 and has been Leader of the Council since May 2019, holding the Corporate Resources, Strategy & Partnerships portfolio. Prior to 2019 she was Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Partnerships from May 2015. Abi enjoys leading big projects, and alongside her current role, leads and chairs on a wide variety of strategic programmes. She is Chairman of the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone Project Board, one of the most successful EZs in the country, and a project she has led since inception. Abi led Stoke-on-Trent’s shortlisted bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021, as well as bringing the Poppies: Weeping Window to the city in 2018. 

Across the series we have heard from developers, architects and planners. In today's episode we are talking with our series supporter Solus and exploring their role as a supplier within the construction industry.  From the initial designs right through to the construction stage, supply is key to all stages of development. 

Download the latest #BuildingBrum episode with series partners Solus. We are joined by Lee Simmonds to take a look at what is happening across the city, with confidence in Birmingham booming and a domino effect of developments now taking place right across the region.

Building Brum podcasts are kindly sponsored by ScanTech Digital, Solus and Sunbelt Rentals.

For more information visit: https://www.buildingbrum.co.uk/partners

In this special International Women’s Day episode of Building Brum, we sit down with the team at MUSE Midlands to discuss the progress, challenges, and future of gender inclusivity in the built environment.

Joining us on the podcast are Lisa Turley, Jonathan Ashcroft, Elliot Sellars, Cate Howe, Marcus Harrington, Laura Lucock and Sara Luhar. Together, we explore what an inclusive workplace looks like, the impact of having a female Managing Director at the helm, and whether the industry is doing enough to support women.

We also dive into personal experiences of challenging gender stereotypes, the figures who inspire our guests, and the barriers that still need breaking down. What advice do they have for the next generation of women entering property and construction? And what challenges lie ahead for the industry as it continues to evolve?

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.

In the latest Building Brum episode we where joined by HS2 Lead Architect Hala Lloyd. Hala’s an expert leading multi-disciplinary teams working on major ,complex transportation infrastructure projects such as the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street Station , Grand Central and Crossrail Farringdon Station. She took on her current role, in June 2017, as Lead Architect ( and HS2 Design Vision guardian) for the HS2 Phase 1 Midlands Stations at Curzon and Interchange . She is also one of the first cohort of HS2 Design Champions who graduated in Sept 2019 from this HS2 pilot initiative.

We explore the key themes underpinning the much of the vision and legacy of HS2, from Sustainability and the aim for net zero. Discussing the comparison between the 2010 Gateway Project at New Street Station and the redevelopment of Curzon Street Station. Looking at how the role of the public influences the designs and legacy for these major and mega projects.

Building Brum Podcasts are kindly sponsored by ScanTech Digital, Solus and Sunbelt Rentals.

Nick Gibb, Deputy Managing Director of Willmott Dixon in the Midlands spoke with us about their successes over the past decade and how it has led to business growth in the region and a reported annual turnover of over £200 million.

We also take a look at the ambitious targets the contractor has set out in their recently launched “Now or Never” sustainability strategy. Focusing on the net zero milestones they have set out for 2030-2040 and discussing how they can be achieved with the digital advances taking place across the business and the recent launch of their integrated built environment platform – Collida.

Find out more about Building Brum Construction Partners Willmott Dixon: 

Building Brum podcasts are sponsored and supported by ScanTech Digital & Solus 

Glenn Howells Architects Director Shauna Bradley discusses Port Loop and how offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction have influenced and shaped the design and delivery of this project. 

We take a step back and examine the  Port Loop journey that started almost 10 years ago and consider how the impact this scheme has had on the construction and housing industry and how it has changed the sector's relationship with offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction.

Simon Delahunty-Forrest, Acting Assistant Director of Planning and Development for Birmingham City Council discussed the vision for Birmingham for the next 20 years. 

We look back at the Big City Plan, explore the changes and differences in direction between the 2010 Masterplan and 2021 Future City Plan. We also explore what the Future City Plan means for the region and its residents with the shift in gear signaling to the world that Birmingham is on the front foot with its plans for growth, regeneration and net-zero. The city is undergoing huge changes with the rise of tall buildings, HS2 and the Commonwealth Games. Let’s take a look behind the Future City Plan and find out more from one of the key architects behind it.