21st Century Construction

Hosted by The Chartered Institute of Building

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May 2026

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The home of great construction stories. We go behind the headlines to meet the people who envision, create and manage the built world. Brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Building.

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34 recent

May 20, 202620 min

Humanoid construction robots: the key to onsite productivity?

The end of April saw two major announcements regarding humanoid robots, a technology the construction sector hopes can work with the human workforce to improve productivity. Firstly, Tilbury Douglas announced onsite trials of its own humanoid robot, Douglas, a walking (not yet talking) robot that aims to spot defects and safety issues alongside site managers. Here, in the latest episode of the 21cc podcast, we speak to Mark Buckle, TD’s technical director, who tells us about the challenges he faced bringing Douglas to a potentially cynical workforce. In the same week TD announced its site trials, CM attended the launch of 'Leo', a humanoid construction robot designed to carry out various site tasks that will be mass-produced as a service from 2030. Leo is the vision of IBE Humanoids Founder Vassos Chrysostomou, who we also hear from in the podcast, where he tells the gathered audience that the robot "will augment, rather than replace human judgement, skill and responsibility." Listen now to see if construction is on the cusp of solving its productivity dilemma.

March 31, 202635 min

Warm Homes Plan: can housing retrofit meet future demands?

The government’s £15bn Warm Homes Plan, launched in January, is aimed at upgrading the nation’s homes and cutting energy bills. By 2030, it is expected to upgrade five million homes as part of a comprehensive retrofit programme, focusing on targeted interventions through insulation, solar panels and heat pumps. For contractors and housing providers, the scale of the challenge ahead should not be underestimated. Delivering homes that are fit for the future will require more joined-up thinking across funding models, tenant engagement and supply chain management. In this episode of the 21CC podcast, we hear from Thomas Fountain, director of asset knowledge and insight at Places for People, and Dan Germann, managing director at Durkan Regen. They discuss what lies ahead and reveal the key ingredients for successful partnerships between contractors and housing providers. They also outline what successful delivery of the Warm Homes Plan could look like in five years’ time. Listen now to hear what it will take to turn retrofit ambition into action across the housing sector.

March 2, 202622 min

Prostate cancer in construction: do you know the risks?

To mark Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the latest episode of the 21CC podcast sets out why men across the industry must prioritise their health. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK – a disease that touches thousands of families every year. Sadly, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. This risk increases with age, and it is particularly high among black men, where the figure rises to one in four. For many, there are no early symptoms, which is why awareness and understanding the risks is so important. In this episode, we hear from Nick Molyneux, an MEP manager at Mace, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer aged 51. Due to being diagnosed early, he remains on active surveillance, which involves routine blood tests and MRIs. Molyneux is now a passionate volunteer for Prostate Cancer UK and regularly visits construction sites to raise awareness and ensure men understand their risks. Also joining the podcast is Meg Burgess, a specialist nurse at Prostate Cancer UK with more than 35 years of nursing experience. During the discussion, she highlights the importance of not waiting for potential symptoms of the disease. “If you’re waiting for symptoms of prostate cancer, you risk cancer developing,” Burgess says. “Finding prostate cancer early means that it’s much easier to treat or to monitor.” Listen now for honest insights and vital information that could help save lives across the construction industry. Prostate Cancer UK has created a free and confidential online risk checker that asks a small number of straightforward questions and provides clear guidance on what to do next. While the risk checker does not provide a diagnosis, it is a useful starting point.

February 4, 202627 min

Construction clients: what do they want from the supply chain?

Every construction client brings a different set of priorities to a project, but all share the same goal: getting the best value from their supply chain.In this episode, we hear from the people commissioning construction projects to uncover how stronger supply chain collaboration can deliver better outcomes.From the key benchmarks that matter most and how performance is measured, to the innovations clients are looking for around sustainability, digital tools, and safer ways of working, this discussion explores the approaches that are making a real difference.We also dive into common frustrations and showcase best practice examples of what’s working.The discussion, captured at a panel debate organised by the Chartered Institute of Building and the Institute of Asset Management, features insights from:Dan Hollas, director of building safety, Clarion Housing GroupJason Glasson, head of asset management development, National HighwaysJulie Blight, property and contracts manager, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustListen now for honest insights and practical lessons on how stronger partnerships between clients and the supply chain can unlock better project delivery.

December 19, 202522 min

Charting the path to 2026: what construction needs to know

In our final episode of the year, we take stock of the biggest issues that are defining construction and look ahead to what will be on the industry’s agenda in 2026. From reforms of the skills system and strengthened safety oversight, to the government’s response to its late payments consultation, we unpack the developments that matter most to professionals across construction. Technology is another major focus for this discussion as we explore the rise of artificial intelligence in design, planning and site operations. The episode also examines the role of modern methods of construction and why questions remain over whether 2026 will be a turning point for wider adoption of repeatable designs. We also hear from Pete McKinley, commercial director for Seddon Property Services, and Ryan O’Loughlin, regional director at Henry Boot Construction, about the opportunities and trends construction teams should be preparing for in the New Year. Whether you are looking back at the challenges and shifts of the past 12 months or planning for the year ahead, this episode brings together the insights that will shape construction’s journey into 2026.

November 21, 202531 min

Cutting costly mistakes: how to tackle avoidable error in construction

This episode dives into one of construction’s biggest and most stubborn challenges: avoidable error. Ten years on from its launch, the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) has made real strides in raising awareness across the industry of the £21 billion lost to error every year. Executive director Cliff Smith joins us to discuss what’s changed and what still needs to happen to reduce error and improve productivity in construction. While the industry has made progress, significant challenges remain. A relentless focus on lowest-cost procurement and inconsistent competence standards continue to undermine quality and compliance across projects of all sizes. These issues are particularly acute when viewed through the lens of a recent National Audit Office report, which criticised major energy-efficiency retrofit schemes for poor quality installations, weak government oversight, and an under-skilled workforce. Smith believes that regulatory reforms such as the Building Safety Act can drive improvement, but only if leaders create environments where people feel confident to “push pause to avoid error” and call issues out early. His message for the next decade is clear: rebuilding respect, pride and fairness across the industry is essential to ensure construction professionals have the motivation – and the support – to get it right first time.

October 10, 202532 min

Mental health maze: can construction break the stigma?

Construction is facing a mental health emergency, with alarming suicide rates reflecting the persistent stigma that prevents many people from speaking out. The conversation around mental health has undoubtedly improved in recent years, but with male suicide rates in construction among the highest of any UK sector, there is still more work to be done. To mark World Mental Health Day, our guests – Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders, and Dorian Bowen, co-founder of design and build studio Project One – share personal accounts and practical strategies that can help the industry foster a culture of openness. We also explore what meaningful change looks like. From senior managers to apprentices, mental health needs to be a conversation everyone is part of. Mental health support and advice for CIOB members, past members and related family is available through CIOB Assist. CIOB, in partnership with Anxiety UK, also provides wellbeing support. The Lighthouse Charity offers 24/7 free and confidential support on all aspects of emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing. 24/7 helplines: 0345 605 1956 (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI) Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI) Live chat and more information: www.lighthousecharity.org Mentalhealth.org.uk also has some useful advice for managing your news consumption and the impact of doomscrolling.

August 4, 202524 min

New immigration rules: what construction employers need to know

Recent changes to the UK immigration system are likely to have a major impact on the construction industry, which relies on overseas workers. But with construction employers already facing a chronic skills shortage, will the changes help or hinder the development of the workforce? UK immigration solicitor Kirsty Moore, from global law firm Fragomen, joins the latest episode of the 21CC podcast to discuss the new compliance obligations and legal risks for construction employers. The discussion also explores the steps businesses can take in the short and long term to ensure they do not fall foul of the new rules. If you would like a transcript of the episode, please email Nadine.Buddoo@atompublishing.co.uk.

July 3, 202531 min

Sizewell C: are we ready for a nuclear renaissance?

The UK government recently committed to a £14.2bn investment to build the Sizewell C nuclear power station, ending years of delay and uncertainty over the project. Now the project has been given the green light, how should the construction industry prepare for Sizewell C and a potential pipeline of future nuclear builds? Nuclear expert Michael Fitzpatrick, who is a professor at Coventry University, joins the latest episode of the 21CC podcast to discuss the highs and lows of nuclear infrastructure development, as well as the critical lessons learned from the ongoing Hinkley Point C project. The discussion also addresses: ·What role will Sizewell C play in the UK’s future energy mix?Is enough being done to improve efficiency, safety, and environmental stewardship across the project?Does the construction industry have the skills for a nuclear renaissance?What emerging technologies in the nuclear sector should construction professionals be aware of? If you would like a transcript of the episode, please email Nadine.Buddoo@atompublishing.co.uk

June 13, 202527 min

What does the fit-out sector look like after ISG’s demise?

Morris & Spottiswood boss Jon Dunwell joins the 21CC podcast to discuss the workforce issues impacting the contractor and the wider fit-out sector in the aftermath of ISG’s collapse.While many firms in the supply chain were left reeling after ISG went into administration last September, Morris & Spottiswood saw an opportunity to offer a lifeline to the people and projects operating in its remit.Within a matter of months, the company had saved more than 100 jobs by absorbing ISG’s retail team.The latest episode of the 21CC podcast explores the fallout from the collapse and delves into the challenges and opportunities facing Morris & Spottiswood during a period of ambitious expansion.The discussion also addresses:The big skills challenges across the fit-out and M&E marketHow contractors can survive – and even thrive – despite significant industry uncertaintyIf you would like a transcript of the episode, please email Nadine.Buddoo@atompublishing.co.uk