UK Construction Podcast

How to Start a Career as a Crane Operator in the UK with Tim Milligan

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0100

The crane industry can offer exceptional earning potential, yet many people don't realise the opportunities it presents—or how to break into the profession.

Tim Milligan, founder of Lift Tec Academy, shares how a chance move from labouring into lifting operations transformed his career, eventually leading him to build a training academy dedicated to helping others follow the same path.

Speaking with Jimmy Webb, Tim discusses why crane operations remain one of construction's most rewarding career routes, what separates great operators from average ones, and why attitude often matters more than experience when employers are hiring. He also offers practical advice for anyone looking to secure their first role in the industry, explains the differences between crane training in the UK and the US, and reflects on the challenges of building a business from the ground up.

Whether you're considering a career in lifting operations, looking to upskill, or simply interested in the people behind the industry's success stories, this episode of the UK Construction Podcast offers valuable insight into a career that many overlook.

Topics covered:

Why crane operations can be such a rewarding career
Tim's journey from labourer to Lift Tec Academy founder
How to get started as a crane operator
The mindset employers look for
Crane training in the UK vs the US
Building a successful training business
Supporting students beyond qualification

🌐 Connect with Tim Milligan:
https://www.instagram.com/thecranemanuk https://www.tiktok.com/@thecranemanuk

🌐 Lift Tec Academy website:
https://www.lifttecacademy.co.uk/

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https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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Blanket Bans, IR35 & Hiring Contractors: What Construction Businesses Need to Know

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:00:00 +0100

Most discussions around IR35 focus on tax. But the real impact is being felt in the way construction businesses hire, retain and work with contractors.

Matt Williams from Clear North joins us on the UK Construction Podcast to unpack why so many firms are still getting IR35 wrong, how recent changes have shifted the conversation again, and why blanket bans may no longer be the safest option they once seemed.

Along the way, they discuss the ongoing shortage of quantity surveyors, why some sectors are thriving while others continue to wait on planning approvals, and how businesses can build more resilient commercial teams without limiting their hiring options.

Whether you're responsible for recruitment, commercial management or you're working as a contractor yourself, this conversation offers a practical look at what the latest changes could mean for you.

Topics covered:

Why IR35 is still widely misunderstood
The latest changes affecting contractors and employers
Why blanket bans became common—and whether they still make sense
The growing demand for quantity surveyors
How infrastructure, utilities and data centres are shaping the market
Practical advice for businesses engaging freelance professionals

🌐 Learn more about Clear North: https://www.clearnorth.co.uk/

British Construction Expertise Is In Demand Across The Middle East | Marcus Siddons

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0100

The Middle East has become one of the world's most ambitious construction markets, attracting global contractors, consultants, and investors with its mega projects, rapid growth, and long-term infrastructure plans. But behind the headlines is a market where success depends on far more than simply winning work.

Marcus Siddons, Group Director at Baker Wilkins & Smith, joins Jimmy Webb to discuss the realities of delivering projects across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC. Drawing on nearly 60 years of the company's experience in the region, Marcus explains why British construction professionals continue to be highly regarded, how long-term relationships shape opportunities, and why patience, trust, and disciplined risk management matter just as much as technical expertise.

The conversation explores Saudi Arabia's giga projects, construction across the GCC, cost and risk management, procurement, cash flow, material price volatility, and the impact of regional conflict on project delivery. Marcus also shares what the UK construction industry can learn from the speed, ambition, and scale of development across the Middle East, while highlighting the challenges that often go unnoticed.

Whether you're planning to expand into Saudi Arabia, already working in the GCC, or simply interested in the future of global construction, this episode of the UK Construction Podcast offers practical insights into one of the industry's most active and influential regions.

How Drones And AI Are Mapping Heat Loss Across Neighbourhoods in the UK

Fri, 29 May 2026 16:00:00 +0100

1.8 homes per minute.

That's how many homes need retrofitting between now and 2050 if the UK is going to meet its energy efficiency goals.

The challenge isn't just carrying out the work. It's knowing where to start, which homes need attention first, and whether retrofit projects are actually delivering the results they're supposed to.

Lucy Lyons, Co-Founder and CEO of Kestrix and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree in 2024, joins us on the UK Construction Podcast to explain how her company is using drones, thermal imaging, and AI to create what she describes as the "Google Maps of heat loss". By turning aerial data into detailed 3D models, the platform helps housing providers identify heat loss, prioritise investment, assess retrofit opportunities, and measure outcomes across thousands of properties.

The conversation explores social housing, EPC assessments, retrofit funding, AI in construction, energy efficiency, and the role technology could play in helping the UK tackle one of its biggest infrastructure challenges.

Connect with Lucy Lyons:
Kestrix Website: https://www.kestrix.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-lyons/

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Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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Inclusive Personal Protective Equipment Is Changing Construction

Sat, 16 May 2026 06:00:00 +0100

Jane Middleton and Charity Rose join the UK Construction Podcast to discuss the realities of inclusive PPE in construction, from oversized clothing and unsuitable footwear to pregnancy PPE, menopause, neurodiversity, and the wider issue of “standard” PPE not fitting the workforce it’s designed to protect.

Recommended Inclusive PPE Products & Resources:

Inclusive Hard Hats (smaller head sizes & braided hair compatibility)
MSA Safety V-Gard range
Women’s Safety Boots
Amblers Safety Women’s Footwear Collection
Women’s Safety Wellington Boots
Muck Boot Company – Women’s Muck Grit S5 Tall Boots
Safety Footwear for Challenging Site Conditions
Rock Fall – Hurricane Safety Boots
Smaller Gloves & Safety Glasses
uvex Women’s PPE Range
Hijab-Compatible & Maternity PPE Accessories
Leo Workwear Accessories & Jacket Expanders
Women’s Stretch Cargo Trousers
Leo EcoViz Stretch Cargo Trousers
Stretch Jogger-Style PPE Trousers
Hawkridge Class 1 EcoViz Jog Trousers
Women’s Waterproof Hi-Vis Coat
Leo Rosemoor Women’s Orange Waterproof Hi-Vis Coat
Inclusive PPE Supplier Directory
PPE That Fits – Supplier Directory
Further Reading / Industry Initiative
AtkinsRéalis Inclusive PPE Release

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https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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Why So Many Men In Construction Suffer In Silence

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Mental health on-site is often acknowledged, but rarely understood in practice.

This episode looks beyond policies to explore what is actually happening across construction sites, and why many of the warning signs go unnoticed. From long hours and pressure to conversations that rarely go beyond football, work, or a quick “you alright, mate?”, the discussion examines how many men in construction avoid speaking openly about what they’re really struggling with. It highlights how humour, banter, and carrying on as normal can often mask deeper issues, allowing addiction and mental health struggles to develop unnoticed over time.

Craig Paton, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Director, MHFA specialist, and founder of Paton Safety Solutions Ltd, brings over 20 years of experience in construction. Having started as a labourer and later moving into health and safety following a fatal accident involving a close friend, Craig also speaks openly about his own experiences with addiction, recovery, and mental health. His perspective comes from both years spent in the industry and lived experience outside of it.

Our conversation explores why many individuals struggle to speak up, how issues can develop unnoticed on site, and the role leadership plays in creating safer, more supportive environments.

Craig also shares insight from his work delivering mental health training and keynote talks across the UK and Europe, highlighting practical ways to improve communication, recognise early signs, and better support people across all levels of the workforce.

This episode of the UK Construction Podcast is a relevant watch for anyone working in construction, particularly those responsible for teams, safety, and site culture.

Connect with Craig Paton:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpaton1982/
Podcast: https://youtube.com/@constructivecomedypresents?si=IDNtscDd_CZoxVg9

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Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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"People First” Leadership Is Missing in Construction And It’s Costing You

Fri, 01 May 2026 10:00:00 +0100

Construction doesn’t fail because of process alone — it fails when the people behind it are overlooked. This episode looks at how a People First approach to leadership is reshaping the way projects are delivered and teams are managed on site.

Jonathan Cinelli brings decades of experience from within the construction industry, having worked as an electrician, led teams, and managed large-scale electrical projects. That experience now informs his approach to People First Leadership, a system built specifically for construction environments where performance, safety, and culture are closely linked.

His discussion with host Jimmy Webb explores how leadership decisions on site influence trust, communication, and team dynamics, and why many of the challenges seen across projects can be traced back to how people are managed. It also looks at the impact of generational differences, the pressures placed on site leaders, and the role leadership plays in addressing mental health and retention across the workforce.

Rather than relying on theory, the ideas shared are grounded in real site experience, with a focus on practical changes that can be applied across different levels of responsibility, from foremen and supervisors through to senior leadership.

This episode of the UK Construction Podcast also touches on how structured support, coaching, and leadership development can help create more resilient teams, reduce unnecessary friction, and improve overall project outcomes without adding complexity to already demanding roles.

Connect with Jonathan Cinelli:
People First Leadership website: https://www.peoplefirstleadership.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cinelli-pmp-acc-103b841ba/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanacinelli/

Can AI Replace A Lift Plan?

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0100

Most people on-site won't read a lift plan. Gheorghe Busuioc built an AI to fix that.

In this episode of the UK Construction Podcast, Jimmy Webb sits down with Gheorghe Busuioc, founder of Construct Tech, to explore how technology is transforming lifting operations in the UK construction industry.

Gheorghe shares his journey from gate man and slinger signaller to building one of the most innovative lifting solutions in the UK — combining AI-generated lift plans, 3D visuals, training videos, QR codes, and a digital daily checks app into one powerful system.

They dive into why traditional lift plans are often ignored on site, how Construct Tech is working directly with manufacturers to revolutionise access to lifting equipment, and what the future looks like for lifting operations — including VR safety training and 4D building simulations.

Whether you're an AP, site manager, crane operator or just curious about where construction tech is heading — this one is not to be missed.

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https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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How To Build A Home That Uses 80% Less Energy | PassivHaus UK Explained

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

What Is PassivHaus and why aren't we building every home this way?

Jimmy Webb sat down with Liam Schofield of LGS Airtightness for the latest episode of the UK Construction Podcast. This is an honest conversation about the state of British construction and why PassivHaus needs to become the standard.

Here's what they cover:

What PassivHaus is and how it works in practice
Why UK housing stock is the oldest and draughtiest in Europe
How volume builder lobbying is slowing down energy standards
The airtightness mistakes that get hidden before final inspection
What the UK can learn from Ireland's approach
The future of prefab construction
How to get into high-performance building as a tradesperson

Years of experience, no filter, and a lot that the industry needs to hear.
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https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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UK Construction Skills Shortage 2026: Inside the Labour Crisis & Recruitment Frontline

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the UK Construction Podcast.

The UK construction industry continues to face mounting pressure from labour shortages, skills gaps and ongoing market uncertainty. While headlines focus on project delays and rising costs, the real story often sits on the ground, with contractors struggling to secure reliable, qualified workers.

Jimmy Webb is joined by Riley Pond, Contracts Manager at The Labour Desk, to discuss why construction is struggling to find workers, and what recruiters are doing about it.

We cover:

• The ongoing labour shortages
• Why asbestos operatives are so hard to find
• The temp vs perm debate
• Market uncertainty and signs of recovery
• Investing in training to fix the skills gap
• Supporting ex-offenders into construction

A standout moment in this episode of UK Construction Podcast highlights Riley’s visit to a prison to promote careers in construction and the powerful follow-up when one of the inmates later secured employment on site.

Construction has its challenges right now. But it also has real opportunity.

If you’re in construction, recruitment, or trying to understand where the labour market is heading, this one’s worth a watch.

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https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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CITB Funding Changes: The Questions the Industry Is Asking

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the UK Construction Podcast, from the UK Construction Blog.

Recent changes to CITB funding have prompted a lot of discussion across the construction industry. For many employers and training providers, those changes raise practical questions about how training is funded, supported, and delivered.

Jimmy Webb speaks with Deb Madden, Executive Director of Engagement and Operations at CITB, to explain the context behind those decisions and how the levy and grant system functions in practice.

Topics discussed include:

How levy funding is structured and allocated
Why engagement with CITB has increased and what that has created
The challenges around skills shortages, new entrants, and FE pathways
What the funding changes may mean for employers and training providers

This episode of the UK Construction Blog Podcast has been aimed to add clarity and context to a complex issue, supporting a more informed and constructive conversation across the industry.

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https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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The Gap Between Health and Safety Policy and Practice 📋➡️🏗️

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the UK Construction Podcast, from the UK Construction Blog.

Health and safety policies are often well-written. But what happens when they meet the reality of a live construction site?

Jimmy Webb speaks with Beth Slade, Founder of Beth Slade Safety Ltd, about the gap between health and safety policy and everyday practice across construction.

The conversation covers:

Where paperwork and compliance fall short on-site
Why culture, behaviour, and communication matter
The risks that accreditations and tick-box systems can miss
How health and safety is experienced day to day in construction

This episode of the UK Construction Podcast, produced by UK Construction Blog, offers practical insight for anyone responsible for safety, people, or site operations.

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https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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What 30 Years in Plumbing Reveals About Gas Safety

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Plumber of the Year 2022, Jimmy Hendry, joins the UK Construction Blog Podcast for a candid conversation on the realities of gas safety in the UK. Hosted by Jimmy Webb, the episode draws on over 30 years of hands-on experience in plumbing and gas engineering to explore why serious safety risks continue to exist despite strict regulations.

This episode looks at how gas safety is applied in the real world, not just on paper.

In this episode, we cover:

Why gas safety laws and enforcement are failing homeowners and tenants
How unqualified gas work continues despite the Gas Safe Register
The dangers of cheap boiler servicing and what a proper service involves
Why boilers can still be bought and installed without proper checks
The gap between gas safety regulations and everyday practice
What happens when plumbers challenge safety failures publicly

Gas safety is not just a compliance issue. It is a public safety issue.

This conversation is essential viewing for plumbers, gas engineers, landlords, construction professionals, and homeowners who want to understand the real risks behind boiler installations and servicing in the UK.

https://www.ciphe.org.uk/

https://plumberscompany.org.uk/

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https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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Do Zero-Tolerance Drug Policies Really Work in Construction? 🏗️🔍

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the UK Construction Podcast, from the UK Construction Blog.

Drugs and alcohol policies are meant to keep construction sites safe. But what happens when those policies don’t match real-life behaviour on site?

In this episode, Jimmy from UK Construction Blog speaks with Nick McMurray from Positive Matters, a company working with construction businesses to rethink how they approach drugs, alcohol, testing and support. Instead of relying on old “zero tolerance” rules that are often ignored in practice, Positive Matters helps companies build policies that actually work.

Nick explains why most drug and alcohol policies fail, how inconsistent testing leads to risk, and why proper education and operating procedures matter just as much as the tests themselves. He also breaks down how support programmes, second-chance pathways and clear accountability can help employers protect their people without compromising safety.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

✔️ Why most zero-tolerance policies fall apart on real construction sites

✔️ The four pillars of an effective drug and alcohol strategy

✔️ The business risks of inconsistent testing

✔️ How support programmes reduce reoffending and improve retention

✔️ The reality of substance use across all levels of the industry

✔️ Common myths about "detoxing", flushing out substances and passive smoking

✔️ Why ketamine, CBD oils and new synthetic opioids are becoming bigger issues on site

If you manage teams, handle safety, or work in construction leadership, this episode offers clear insight into the behavioural pressures driving substance use and what employers can realistically do to protect both people and projects.

https://positivematters.co.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-mcmurray-06b14628

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https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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💡🚧 The Construction Industry Needs to Move Beyond Tick-Box Training

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the UK Construction Podcast, from the UK Construction Blog.

Kevin Bennison, the founder of InspHigher and a respected voice in the lifting industry joins us to talk about what’s gone wrong with construction training and how to fix it.

As he draws on his experience from the military to the crane cab, Kevin shares with our host Jimmy Webb from UK Construction Blog on how competence, repetition, and leadership can transform the industry from a “tick-box” culture into one built on real skill and accountability.

🔹 Why current training standards fall short
🔹 The difference between qualification and competence
🔹 How to lead yourself and others in lifting operations
🔹 Practical advice for companies and professionals looking to raise standards

It’s a candid look at how the industry can do better, and what it takes to get there. Follow Kevin’s journey and the work of InspHigher through the links below:
https://www.insphigher.co.uk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbennison
https://www.youtube.com/@InspHigher
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https://web-motion.co.uk

Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com
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Restore Trust’s Mission to Remove Employment Barriers in the UK Through Construction 🏗️🚀🔑

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0100

Jimmy Webb from the UK Construction Blog sits down with Chris Scriven, Director of Education at The Restore Trust, to explore how construction is helping people with complex backgrounds — including those with criminal records — find purpose and meaningful work.

From prison education programmes to hands-on training and mental health support, The Restore Trust is opening doors for people to rebuild their lives while helping the construction industry tackle its growing skills gap.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:
✔️ How ex-offenders and at-risk individuals are starting rewarding careers in construction
✔️ Why breaking the cycle of reoffending saves the economy millions every year
✔️ The real impact of mental health training in the construction sector
✔️ How forward-thinking employers are giving people second chances
✔️ Why understanding addiction and wellbeing is key to a safer, stronger workforce

If you care about second chances, mental health awareness, or seeing construction transform lives, this episode is a must-watch.

Learn more about the mission here: https://therestoretrust.org

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Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

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Retentions Are Costing the UK Construction Industry Up to 💰 £5 Billion a Year!!

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the UK Construction Podcast, from the UK Construction Blog.

Retentions have been used in UK construction since the 1840s. Yet today, many in the industry are questioning whether they still offer the security they once promised.

Originally introduced during the railway boom, retentions were meant to protect projects. Today, they’re locking up billions in unpaid funds and pushing contractors closer to insolvency. In fact, it’s estimated that £3 to £5 billion is held in retentions across the UK construction sector each year, with much of it never recovered.

In this episode, we sit down with Gary Ashton, Partner at Hawkswell Kilvington Solicitors which is one of the UK's few law firms focused solely on construction and engineering. Gary explains how retentions work, why they often go unrecovered, and what legal tools contractors have at their disposal.

We talk about:
✔️ How retention works in the UK and why it's so widely used
✔️ The legal and financial risks retentions create during insolvency
✔️ Why better contracts and clear payment terms matter
✔️ Alternatives like escrow accounts, project bank accounts and retention bonds

If you have ever lost money on a project or struggled to recover withheld payments, this episode offers practical insight and expert advice from someone who sees the impact every day.

Learn more about HK Legal here: https://hklegal.co.uk

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⚠️ 60% of Site Injuries Happen in the First 6 Months – Fix It With Video Training!

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0100

How do you keep construction sites safer, smarter, and more efficient using video?

In this episode of the UK Construction Podcast, we’re excited to introduce our new host, Jimmy Webb. Having years of experience as a construction industry expert and as the voice behind The Construction Cogs Podcast, Jimmy brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to the show.

Jimmy sits down with Paul “Indy” Newman, UK founder of Luma1, to explore how interactive video technology is changing the way the construction industry approaches safety, inductions, and training.

From saving companies hundreds of thousands of pounds a year to helping workers understand critical site information in their own language, Luma1 is continually proving that video isn’t just a tool—it’s a game-changer.

🔑 What you’ll hear in this episode:

✔️ Why traditional site inductions fail and how interactive video solves the problem
✔️ How multilingual video training keeps workers safer on site
✔️ Real-world examples of companies saving time and money with digital inductions
✔️ The surprising stat: why workers are most at risk of injury in their first 6 months
✔️ The role of AI and mobile tech in reshaping construction training

Learn more about LumaOne here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-indi-newman/
https://www.luma1.com/
https://indi.luma.one/live/

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https://web-motion.co.uk/

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The Digital Transformation 🖥️ Construction Didn’t Ask For, But Needed 🔧🚀

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the UK Construction Podcast, from the UK Construction Blog.

How did Manchester go from a struggling industrial city filled with abandoned mills and a thriving rave scene to a forward-thinking hub for business, technology, and innovation?

For PushON, a leading digital agency based in Manchester’s Ancoats, this transformation isn’t just a story from the sidelines. It’s something they’re a part of every day.

In this episode, we sit down with PushON’s Strategist and Managing Director, Simon Wharton, to explore a range of topics — from Manchester’s remarkable transformation and choosing the right digital platforms, to harnessing SEO and AI as powerful tools for growth. With two decades of experience in this rapidly evolving space, Simon has witnessed firsthand the growth and constant need for innovation, both in the digital world and within the construction industry itself.

We get into:

✔️ The role digital marketing, SEO, and a strong online presence plays in helping construction companies grow — whether you’re a small corner shop or a large enterprise.

✔️ Why choosing the right platforms and tools is key to staying competitive in a changing market.

✔️ AI as a capability extender, not a threat, allowing companies to do more with less and respond faster to opportunities.

✔️ Predictions for the future of the industry, from smarter processes to a more connected, data-rich ecosystem.

Learn more about PushOn here: https://www.pushon.co.uk/

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😲 You Won't Believe What This Dad Did With Over 862 MILLION Plastic Straws 🥤

Thu, 08 May 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the UK Construction Podcast, from the UK Construction Blog.

What do 862 million plastic straws have to do with driveways?

When Johnny Pearce saw plastic waste building up along the beaches near his home, he couldn’t shake the feeling—especially as a dad—of wanting to set a better example.

He already had a successful business. But what if that business could be part of the solution? In this episode, we talk to Johnny, co-founder of Oltco, the company behind Recycle Bound—the world’s first driveway solution made using recycled plastic waste.

What started as a personal mission to become a better role model became a ground-breaking innovation in sustainable construction. Just one standard driveway using Recycle Bound repurposes the equivalent of 150,000 plastic straws.

That’s over 50 years’ worth of plastic bottle recycling from a single household!

Here’s what you’ll hear:

✔️How multiple tests and persistence finally paved the way for Recycle Bound – Oltco’s most durable system ever

✔️How Oltco is dealing with ocean waste head-on

✔️Why more businesses are going green—and what that means for the future If you care about eco-friendly construction, smart business moves, and real-world innovation, don’t miss this conversation.

🏗️ Teaching Construction in Further Education 🧑‍🎓

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the UK Construction Podcast hosted by the team from the UK Construction Blog!

Ever wondered where your construction skills could take you beyond the job site?

In this episode, we talk to John Ryan, a skilled bricklayer who took his on-site experience to the classroom as a trainer in Further Education.

He shares his inspiring journey, challenges faced and why he believes it’s important to train the next wave of tradespeople, now more than ever.

If you’ve spent years working on-site and are wondering what opportunities lie beyond, Ryan’s journey might just inspire your next move.

Topics covered:

✔️ The path from bricklaying to teaching
✔️ Skills every aspiring bricklayer needs
✔️ Common misconceptions about working in construction
✔️ The future of trades and why they matter
✔️ Advice for anyone considering a career in construction

For further information check out: https://www.teachinfurthereducation.education.gov.uk/

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Sustainability in Construction 👷 Turning Quarries into Forests

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the very first episode of UK Construction Podcast hosted by the team from the UK Construction Blog!

In this episode we talk with Tom Redfern, Senior Sustainability Manager at Aggregate Industries, to uncover the ground-breaking ways the construction industry is going green.

From turning quarries into forests to recycling asphalt infinitely, Tom breaks down how sustainability is changing the game in construction and how Aggregate Industries is contributing to this mission.

We also dive into carbon capture in concrete, the push for green hydrogen in asphalt production, and what it takes to manage sustainability across 200+ sites.

Topics Covered:
✔️ How asphalt and concrete can be infinitely recycled
✔️ The surprising impact of carbon capture in construction
✔️ How a quarry was turned into a 64-hectare forest
✔️ The future of green energy in asphalt production
✔️ Why sustainability is becoming a major business advantage

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Follow Tom Redfern on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/t-redfern/

The Friends of Paxton Pits: https://paxton-pits.org.uk/about-paxton-pits/the-friends-of-paxton-pits/
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UK Construction Podcast

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000

The UK Construction Podcast: Your weekly insight into British construction innovation. Join industry leaders, architects, and engineers as they share expert knowledge on projects, trends, and emerging technologies.

Featuring:

Expert interviews
Market analysis
Project insights
Professional guidance

Subscribe now to stay informed on Britain's evolving construction landscape.

Hosted by The UK Construction Blog.