The Building Podcast with Mark Wakeford

One solution to the skills crisis - Tackle it early in schools with real construction examples

Send a Text - Feedback Welcome [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394957/fan_mail/new] The UK construction market needs an additional 50,000 people to join the sector every year till 2030 if it is to provide the services to which it is contracted or will be contracted.  Many of these people will be expected to join from school, colleges and universities, yet the industry has a communication problem and is competing with other, better equipped and better marketed sectors.  Unless we can encourage the right new recruits into our sector then we will fail our customers and fail to benefit fully from the opportunities in front of us. Kathryn Lennon-Johnson trained as a behavioural psychologist and set up Built Environment Skills in Schools ten years ago to support the transition of students into the construction sector.  She has been working with schools, colleges, businesses and government authorities to enhance the experience of students in construction with the purpose of empowering the next generation of stewards of our built environment.  This is a hugely important role as our sector is often mis-represented and poorly understood.  When coupled with the fragmentation of the industry with companies operating in silos, enthusing and informing the next generation can be a real challenge. Listen to this podcast to hear how the void between education and employment can be crossed.  Hear how even small employers can make an awesome difference to student outcomes and how this can be used to inform their reputation and their procurement within the sector.  Listen how to ensure that the work that you do carry out is not lost and can have a lasting impact.  Kathryn brings here experience of working with over 4,000 schools to demonstrate that our marketing skills can inform our approach and that, like our customers, a transaction approach does not help deliver long term change. Kathryn Lennon-Johnson | LinkedIn [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fkathrynlennonjohnson%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdinah.downes%40evoenergy.co.uk%7Cfb0dcb7d1fa4452634c508deab9423df%7C12a84287d6ce4381a843cd0fdc9bbb1f%7C0%7C0%7C639136849901576809%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2By7PAwdKeQ6HSWETVRrUAVBJaKRAEdM2Pbthqkk%2FDeI%3D&reserved=0] Built Environment Skills in Schools + BUILD Marketing: Overview | LinkedIn [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fbess-built-environment-skills-in-schools%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdinah.downes%40evoenergy.co.uk%7Cfb0dcb7d1fa4452634c508deab9423df%7C12a84287d6ce4381a843cd0fdc9bbb1f%7C0%7C0%7C639136849901618872%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Xs6tToT9wFUHcqBJ4EuSSHegt23gusXl3GPfVexGjh4%3D&reserved=0] SEED Schools Engagement and Early Discovery: Overview | LinkedIn [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fseed-schools-engagement-and-early-discovery%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdinah.downes%40evoenergy.co.uk%7Cfb0dcb7d1fa4452634c508deab9423df%7C12a84287d6ce4381a843cd0fdc9bbb1f%7C0%7C0%7C639136849901658260%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HJJWEFfnLM8Fevd4hDH4DHzoXk1PzQiDfIW8u%2BwKJAg%3D&reserved=0] Design Engineer Construct (DEC) [https://designengineerconstruct.com/dec-ambassadors/] Slenky [https://business.slenky.com/] Careers & Enterprise Company [https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/employers/engage-with-education]

Mark talks to Dean Hill - The Big Solar Co-op Ltd

Send a Text - Feedback Welcome [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394957/fan_mail/new] The solar sector has to deliver competent solar arrays as scale and at pace if it is to achieve the goal of 55GW by 2030 and support the worldwide target of 8TW of generating capacity.  In the UK, Government has stated that it wants everyone to have access to a community energy scheme by 2030, which is a huge target that would support the de-carbonisation of the grid and the democratisation of energy supply.  Community energy schemes are therefore likely to be a major contributor to the overall targets. Dean Hill is the National Client Lead for The Big Solar Coop, a cooperative developer of solar that delivers community solar schemes nationally.   Big Solar’s community is their investors who are keen to provide solar in a professional and competent manner, to businesses who are looking for external funding.  Dean talks through these schemes and also the more challenging smaller schemes that may be assembled by local communities. Listen to this podcast to understand how a community scheme is assembled and how it can generate trust within a community that may know very little about the technical aspects of solar.  Listen to hear how the process works and how to get involved in your own community solar project.  Listen to hear Dean talk about how the West Midlands Solar Taskforce can support those with an interest in solar, through the broad community of energy professionals that exist up and down the country and who are keen to see renewable energy generation. Dean G. Hill | LinkedIn [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fdean-g-hill%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdinah.downes%40evoenergy.co.uk%7C3022a9bb8f964085b82408deb4f1ae9f%7C12a84287d6ce4381a843cd0fdc9bbb1f%7C0%7C0%7C639147147266588160%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Gqa%2FjuKGuO2aEAJ4vq1YFIR3B1xzp7rA44BGoP81DA4%3D&reserved=0] Big Solar Co-op - community solar [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbigsolar.coop%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdinah.downes%40evoenergy.co.uk%7C3022a9bb8f964085b82408deb4f1ae9f%7C12a84287d6ce4381a843cd0fdc9bbb1f%7C0%7C0%7C639147147266629001%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FSoLMkg2XnnhA%2B7gFVIj8%2FDjYtOCIyo%2BmRuw7EX6Yjo%3D&reserved=0]

Employee Health - A crucial element for any successful business

Send a Text - Feedback Welcome [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394957/fan_mail/new] Tabassum Hussain talks about the corporate mantra that our employees are our biggest asset is often said, but it is unclear how far companies ought to go to protect these assets.  If a company is to get the best from its staff then they need to be competent and motivated to do their job over a long period.  To achieve this, companies are increasingly supporting the health of their staff, providing health insurance, mental health first aiders and other group support to ensure that their greatest asset can perform. This is a worldwide challenge and is particularly prevalent where competent staff are in high demand and healthcare is used as a bonus to demonstrate the lengths that an employer may go to, to support their employee.  The Building Podcast has gone to Bengaluru in India to hear how one company is providing this health support to both corporates and individuals.  In a country where there is some national health provision it is fascinating to hear how a successful company provides proactive healthcare to prevent staff from becoming ill in the first place and how this care includes mental health and dermatology. Tabassum Hussain is a qualified nutritionist and the Business Development Manager for Stepcare Pvt.    Stepcare is a health company that provides primary healthcare and diagnostic services within Whitefield, a sub-region of Bengaluru in India.  She speaks to employers on a regular basis to understand their needs and to demonstrate the value of investing in their employees’ health and wellbeing. Listen to this podcast if you want to hear of the benefits of proactive healthcare  and the value this investment can bring in terms of reduced days off ill and an improvement in well-being that this security can provide.  Listen to hear the sorts of services that are available to keep Indian businesses working and the reasons why this is so important. Stepcare: Preventive Health Care Services in Whitefield Bangalore [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstepcare.co.in%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdinah.downes%40evoenergy.co.uk%7C038822f2d27243fa6fbf08deb2d9b834%7C12a84287d6ce4381a843cd0fdc9bbb1f%7C0%7C0%7C639144845331179333%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dg6UwHdnuKmq%2FLg%2B444S%2Fb2hOL63Zh0brn9BxW7Ynd4%3D&reserved=0]

Mark talks to Dr Olga Kozlova - Oxford University

Send a Text - Feedback Welcome [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394957/fan_mail/new] The rate of change that businesses face continues to increase.  Whether this is due to technology from iphone to AI, Covid-19 and the rise of the mental health challenge, wars in Europe and the Middle East, or climate change.  Each issue demanding an intelligent and definitive action from corporate and industry leaders.  One essential solution is innovation, innovation in products and services and innovation in process and culture in how we run our businesses. Dr. Olga Kozlova is the Director for Innovation and Engagement at Oxford University.  She works on the interface between Government, Industry and Academia and is one of the leading lights on how to generate and then benefit from new ideas.  She is also responsible for promoting the ideas that Oxford University and other universities in the Arc between Oxford and Cambridge and making them commercially viable. Listen to this podcast to hear the importance of leadership and collaborative management styles to enable a culture of risk-taking that fosters innovation.  Dr. Kozlova talks about the need for entrepreneurs within a business, coining the term intrapreneurs for those who will improve businesses from within.  Once the culture is right some of the best ideas will come from staff trying to make their processes work effectively.  Dr. Kozlova encourages networking to better understand the wider context in which your business operates and the ability to join dots that such exposure can generate.   She also explores the fundamental importance of listening to you customers.  They are the ones that pay the bills and who you need to be able to support to make them more efficient and effective. The podcast finishes on the importance of education and training communication and risk taking within our schools.  Dr. Kozlova believes that businesses need to take control of these interactions, with support from Government. Dr Olga Kozlova | LinkedIn [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Folgakozlova1%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdinah.downes%40evoenergy.co.uk%7C96fdfde3c1b243abc94708de97a58cb1%7C12a84287d6ce4381a843cd0fdc9bbb1f%7C0%7C0%7C639114934441620751%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zVblMFPm%2FUhDt%2FeZWx%2BHzjilFG3e2yd6wLLYRzVslFM%3D&reserved=0] Oxford University Innovation [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Finnovation.ox.ac.uk%2Fabout%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdinah.downes%40evoenergy.co.uk%7C96fdfde3c1b243abc94708de97a58cb1%7C12a84287d6ce4381a843cd0fdc9bbb1f%7C0%7C0%7C639114934441646062%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9q4h8nfHcEEW8VOJHmWjyUtQ5kMD71l1VssSEUBJ7pY%3D&reserved=0] arcuniversities.co.uk [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Farcuniversities.co.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdinah.downes%40evoenergy.co.uk%7C96fdfde3c1b243abc94708de97a58cb1%7C12a84287d6ce4381a843cd0fdc9bbb1f%7C0%7C0%7C639114934441663789%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bCImItpogpak4Uu96DifcAm%2FLkhiJuskU34gO9FAAow%3D&reserved=0]

Mark talks to Kamil Kluza - Climate X

Send a Text - Feedback Welcome [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394957/fan_mail/new] Climate change is creating risks for construction clients around the world.  What do we build?  How do we make it resilient?  Where do we build and what are the long-term risks from climate change that I need to take into account?  The same challenges face the banks when they look to see what is fundable and what is not?  Construction companies, dealing with projects rather than operations that are rooted in one location are also not immune to climate change.  Construction and energy companies need to assess their serves and their supply chains against climate risk to ensure their long-term viability. Kamil Kluza is the Chief Operating Officer and founder of Climate X – A platform that can provide a strategic risk rating for a company’s exposure to climate change over a period of time.  The platform assesses discrete locations against climate change effects, such as flood and storm, together with an assessment of supply chain risk.  These risks are quantified in terms of potential costs against the cost of measures to mitigate any risks.  This allows the company to then make high level decisions on what is worth an investment and what to manage, or divest from, if the costs outweigh the value.  The tool is also used by banks to assess the risk of a company defaulting investment or debt repayments as a result of climate change. This is a powerful tool, that can inform customers of risks and mitigating resilience measures that can then be delivered by their construction partners.  Listen to Kamil if yo would like to understand how financial risks are managed by banks, how climate change risk and opportunity can be managed strategically by companies and the ease of which these tools can now be deployed. Climate Physical Risk & Resilience Solution | Climate X [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flanding.climate-x.com%2Foverview%3Futm_source%3Dbing%26utm_medium%3Dpaidsearch%26utm_campaign%3Dbrand%26utm_term%3Dclimate%2520x%26utm_campaign%3D%26utm_source%3Dbing%26utm_medium%3Dppc%26hsa_acc%3D9950716929%26hsa_cam%3D570589461%26hsa_grp%3D1267738584674743%26hsa_ad%3D%26hsa_src%3Do%26hsa_tgt%3Dkwd-79234176114408%3Aloc-188%26hsa_kw%3Dclimate%2520x%26hsa_mt%3De%26hsa_net%3Dadwords%26hsa_ver%3D3%26msclkid%3D7040687c8e7c122ddd8801883feb426a&data=05%7C02%7Cdinah.downes%40evoenergy.co.uk%7Ce627b1c39f644289119d08dea78a202b%7C12a84287d6ce4381a843cd0fdc9bbb1f%7C0%7C0%7C639132408858265792%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=TH8ZrXL%2BIcAf7PassunaeshCKzkGzVqSL%2FjStkyJi1M%3D&reserved=0] 🚀 Kamil Kluza | LinkedIn [https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fkamilkluza%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cdinah.downes%40evoenergy.co.uk%7Ce627b1c39f644289119d08dea78a202b%7C12a84287d6ce4381a843cd0fdc9bbb1f%7C0%7C0%7C639132408858307595%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rRKzIsHvUG8MLvDa7vUngDvCZI5O%2F3xKEW77e9eVcUw%3D&reserved=0]