First Site by Construction News

Two-stage contracting with Rob Bradley and Edd Burton

In recent years, two-stage tenders have become an increasingly popular choice for contractors and clients in the construction sector. But what are the pros and cons of two-stage tendering, and will it remain popular in the current market environment? CN deputy editor Ben Vogel explores these and other questions with Rob Bradley, a consultant and ex-CEO of Bouygues UK, and Edd Burton, head of advisory services – infrastructure at Aecom

Meeting the green skills challenge in construction, with Derek Horrocks, Keith Bottomley and Amelia Woodley.

Construction News editor Colin Marrs delves into the skills challenge posed by the decarbonisation agenda with Derek Horrocks, chair of the National Home Decarbonisation Group, Keith Bottomley, chair of London’s Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce and Speedy Hire’s ESG director Amelia Woodley.

Review of 2023 and looking ahead to 2024, with the CN team and Kelly Boorman

In a special end-of-year episode of First Site, deputy editor Ben Vogel is joined by CN news editor Will Ing and reporter Charlotte Banks to look back at the big topics of 2023. Kelly Boorman, national head of construction at RSM UK, then shares her thoughts on the year ahead. 

The financial state of the specialist sector, with Iain McIlwee, Roni Savage and Rob Driscoll

Deputy editor Ben Vogel is joined by Rob Driscoll, director of legal and business at the Electrical Contractors' Association, Iain McIlwee, chief executive of Finishes & Interiors Sector and Roni Savage, managing director at Jomas Associates.

Decarbonisation of plant, with Amelia Woodley and Matt Seaman

his episode of First Site explores how the plant hire sector is helping the construction industry adapt to the decarbonisation and net zero agenda. Joining CN deputy editor Ben Vogel are Speedy Hire’s ESG director Amelia Woodley and the firm’s business development director for HS2, Matt Seaman.

Construction’s financial climate, with Max Jones and Leighton More

Coinciding with our latest annual CN100 index of top-performing UK contractors, the latest episode of First Site focuses on financial and economic issues facing small, medium and large firms. Construction News deputy editor Ben Vogel is joined by Max Jones, a director in Lloyds Bank’s infrastructure and construction team, and Leighton More, chief financial officer at Sir Robert McAlpine.

Decarbonising steel and concrete materials, with Ian Riley and Michael Sansom

On the first episode of the brand new First Site podcast by Construction News, we dive into one of the biggest challenges facing the sector – decarbonising steel and concrete. Together, these materials account for 14% of global carbon emissions, a huge contributor to such a huge challenge for the construction industry.
Joining editor of Construction News Colin Marrs for this inaugural episode are Ian Riley, chief executive of the World Cement Association, and Dr. Michael Sansom, sustainability manager at the British Constructional Steel Work Association.
First Site is a new podcast by Construction News, in partnership with Speedy Hire. Each month we talk to industry experts about the hot topics in construction. Find out more at constructionnews.co.uk/podcast.
Construction News is the leading provider of UK construction industry news, opinion, analysis and events. We bring contractors, suppliers and clients together to share knowledge, best practice and other industry insight. We honour excellence in the industry through our awards events, which are judged by independent panels. Visit constructionnews.co.uk for more.

Trailer - First Site Podcast by Construction News

Introducing the brand new podcast, by Construction News, in Partnership with Speedy Hire.
Each month on First Site we’ll bring you in-depth discussions with industry experts on the hot topics in construction
Join editor of Construction News, Colin Marrs, and his editorial team as they explore the challenges, opportunities, and very best in case studies, standard setting, and innovation.
Subscribe now to have each episode delivered straight to your device every month.
Find out more at constructionnews.co.uk/podcast.