First Site by Construction News

Introducing First Site, the 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.

Episodes

May 22, 2025

44 min

Construction News editor Colin Marrs is joined by Faye Allen, director at J.S. Held, to talk about her new book exploring how improving the situation of women in the industry can also help men.

May 22, 2025

44 min

Apr 23, 2025

45 min

Mark Fenton, carbon lead at Sizewell C and Matt Pygott, head of net zero at Speedy, join CN deputy editor Ben Vogel to discuss the PAS 2080 standard for carbon management. Why does it matter, and how can contractors and the supply chain practically align with it?  
 

Apr 23, 2025

45 min

Mar 19, 2025

52 min

In this episode of First Site, we delve into the government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry’s final report – and its implications for contractors and the broader construction sector.
CN deputy editor Ben Vogel is joined by Michael O’Connor, partner at law firm Charles Russell Speechlys; Amanda Long, chief executive of the Code for Construction Product Information;  and Professor Stuart Green of the University of Reading’s School of Construction Management and Engineering.

Mar 19, 2025

52 min

Feb 19, 2025

44 min

What kind of pipelines can contractors expect from a new generation of New Towns? CN features editor Charlotte Banks speaks to Hugh Ellis, policy director at the Town and Country Planning Association, and Rico Wojtulewicz, head of policy and market insight at the National Federation of Builders
 

Feb 19, 2025

44 min

Jan 22, 2025

52 min

CN deputy editor Ben Vogel speaks to industry insiders at Speedy Hire’s Live Sustainability about what’s fuelling the race to net zero on construction sites, and what’s on the horizon. He also sits down with an expert panel to discuss what contractors should do to crack down on modern slavery. 

Jan 22, 2025

52 min

Dec 18, 2024

42 min

In a special end-of-year episode of First Site, the CN editorial team looks back at the most significant stories that made the headlines in 2024, and takes a look ahead to 2025. CN deputy editor Ben Vogel is joined by editor Colin Marrs, news editor Chris Smith and senior reporter Josh Stein.

Dec 18, 2024

42 min

Nov 20, 2024

49 min

Are rules requiring contractors to quantify their carbon footprints fit for purpose? CN deputy editor Ben Vogel is joined by Geraint Rowland, group environmental director, Costain and James Low, group sustainability director, Mace.

Nov 20, 2024

49 min

Oct 23, 2024

48 min

Is the construction industry doing enough to attract, retain and progress women? CN editor Colin Marrs is joined by with Clare Francis, head of recruitment at Willmott Dixon, Angela Hughes, ESG manager at Speedy and Jennifer McNab, people Transformation Business Partner at Speedy Services.

Oct 23, 2024

48 min

Sep 18, 2024

48 min

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry delivered its final report in early September. Construction News editor Colin Marrs discusses the findings and the potential impact of the inquiry's recommendations on the construction sector with Tom Thurlow, partner at law firm Weightmans and Gill Hancock, head of technical content at the Association for Project Management.
 

Sep 18, 2024

48 min

Aug 21, 2024

42 min

What can contractors glean about their future pipelines after the Labour government’s first month in power? CN editor Colin Marrs is joined by former-Mace-executive-turned-MP Mike Reader MP and Viral Desai, planning, environmental consenting and communities practice director at consultant AtkinsRéalis.

Aug 21, 2024

42 min

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