Beyond Brunel - from the South West Infrastructure Partnership (SWIP)

Hosted by Beyond Brunel - from the South West Infrastructure Partnership (SWIP)

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Beyond Brunel returns for Series 4 with new co-presenters, Claire Gibson and Katy Toms. From the South West Infrastructure Partnership, supported by ICE South West. Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast production facilities for Devon and the South West

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21 recent

October 7, 2026Episode 433 min

S4 Ep4: Nature Based Solutions

Extreme weather is putting the South West’s transport and energy networks under growing strain. In this episode of Beyond Brunel, Claire Gibson and Katy Toms explore how nature-based solutions can strengthen resilience while improving landscapes and biodiversity. They’re joined by Dave Slater, South West Regional Director at Natural England, and Tim Youngs, Project Director for Connecting the Culm and Manager of the Blackdown Hills National Landscape Partnership, who offer a practical view of how working with natural processes can protect communities, assets and ecosystems across the South West. The conversation covers funding challenges, farmer engagement, planning barriers, and why nature-first approaches need to become mainstream in infrastructure planning. From the South West Infrastructure Partnership, supported by ICE South West. Produced by Fresh Air Studios , Plymouth

September 7, 2026Episode 327 min

S4 Ep3: New Towns

In this episode of Beyond Brunel, we delve into the resurgence of New Towns in the South West and their potential to address the region's housing needs. Joined by Stuart Wingfield, City Centre Programme Director at Plymouth City Council, and Andy Wood, Director of Place at East Devon District Council, we explore the concept of New Towns and how they differ from traditional housing developments. The podcast highlights the lessons learned from existing New Towns in the region, and touches on the importance of integrating nature and biodiversity into these developments to enhance residents' well-being. There are insights into the opportunities that New Towns present for the South West as well as the challenges. From the South West Infrastructure Partnership , supported by ICE South West . Produced by Fresh Air Studios , Podcast Services in the South West .

July 28, 2026Episode 229 min

S4 Ep2: Defence

In this episode of Beyond Brunel, Claire Gibson and Katy Toms explore the evolving landscape of defence infrastructure in the South West with Natalie Parnell from Babcock International Group and Alexis Field from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, particularly in light of modern security needs and technological advancements. Key topics include the importance of adapting our defence estates to ensure readiness and resilience in a rapidly changing world, the challenges of modernising aging infrastructure while maintaining operational capabilities, and the need for integrated planning and innovative construction methods. From the South West Infrastructure Partnership , supported by ICE South West . Produced by Fresh Air Studios , Podcast Services in the South West .

June 23, 2026Episode 124 min

S4 Ep1: Public Attitudes

Beyond Brunel returns for Series 4 with new co-presenters, Claire Gibson and Katy Toms. In Episode 1, they welcome Pippa Gibbs Joubert, Associate Director at Copper Consultancy, to share her insights on the crucial role of public attitudes in shaping regional infrastructure, particularly in the context of the South West. This podcast explores the importance of public consensus in infrastructure projects, especially during challenging times such as the cost of living crisis, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Pippa highlights generational differences in engagement and why this requires a shift in how we communicate and engage with the public. From the South West Infrastructure Partnership , supported by ICE South West . Produced by Fresh Air Studios , Podcast Services in the South West .

April 15, 2025Episode 629 min

S3 Ep6: Inclusive Design

In this episode of Beyond Brunel, presenter Christopher Ackland is joined by Steve Maslin, Associate, Technical Authority for Inclusive Design, AtkinsRéalis, and Pam Turton, Head of Transport Strategy, Sustainable Communities, Bath & North East Somerset Council, to gain a better understanding of inclusive design and why it should be a fundamental necessity in infrastructure planning. Topics discussed include the difference between inclusivity and accessibility, the importance of co-design through community engagement, and the need to integrate systems to create an holistic approach to infrastructure development. From the South West Infrastructure Partnership , supported by ICE South West . Produced by Fresh Air Studios , South West Podcast Studios in Plymouth.

March 11, 2025Episode 532 min

S3 Ep5: Hydrogen

According to the World Economic Forum, “Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant element in the universe… And, if generated using renewables, it can be a clean alternative to burning fossil fuels”, so why have we been reluctant to develop and use it as a sustainable energy alternative? In this episode of Beyond Brunel, presenter Christopher Ackland is joined by David Eccles, Director of Hydrogen South West, and Steph Jary, Deputy Director of Western Gateway, to discuss whether hydrogen has the potential to be a key player in the future of infrastructure development in the South West. Together, they explore the potential of hydrogen technology, its challenges, and the opportunities it presents for our region. From the South West Infrastructure Partnership , supported by ICE South West . Produced by Fresh Air Studios , Podcast Studios in Devon .

February 11, 2025Episode 435 min

S3 Ep4: Circular Economy

What is the circular economy and how is the South West approaching circularity in order to make strides towards sustainability? In this episode of Beyond Brunel, Christopher Ackland is joined by Hannah Lawrie, Global Practice Director at Ricardo, and Tim Danson, Director of Sustainability and Energy at Pick Everard, to explore the concept of circularity and what it will take to transition from a linear economy to a more regenerative model. Together they discuss what a closed-loop system looks like, innovative business models, the importance of collaboration, the role of data, and inspiring case studies from the South West, including Filton Airfield and Arc Marine. From the South West Infrastructure Partnership , supported by ICE South West . Produced by Fresh Air Studios , Plymouth - One of the largest podcast facilities in the South West .

January 13, 2025Episode 333 min

S3 Ep3: Landscapes and Green Infrastructure

The South West is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a UNESCO Geopark, and the first National Marine Park, among many other natural assets, but how do we recognise these assets as critical infrastructure that support the economy, public health, and climate resilience? In this episode of Beyond Brunel, Chris Ackland is joined by Julian Gray, Director of the South West Coast Path Association, and Dr. Catherine Broomfield, Vice Chair of the Trustees at the Campaign for National Parks. They explore the vital intersection of tourism, landscape, and infrastructure and how we can protect our green infrastructure for future generations. From the South West Infrastructure Partnership , supported by ICE South West . Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Plymouth - Podcast Studios in Devon serving the South West.

December 11, 2024Episode 231 min

S3 Ep2: Electricity Connectivity & Capacity

Electricity demand could quadruple by 2050 to support decarbonization and the South West faces significant challenges – and opportunities - in readying its electricity network for the future. In this episode of Beyond Brunel, host Christopher Ackland, coastal engineer at Moffatt & Nichol and senior vice chair of ICE South West, is joined by Emily Taylor, Strategic Engagement Officer at National Grid, and Mark Holmes, Head of Environmental Partnerships and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, to gain some valuable insights into the evolving electricity network in the region and the collaborative efforts needed to ensure it meets future demands. From the South West Infrastructure Partnership , supported by ICE South West . Produced by Fresh Air Studios , Plymouth: Podcast Studios in Devon

November 11, 2024Episode 130 min

S3 Ep1: Infrastructure for Growth

The Beyond Brunel podcast is back for its third season, and in Episode 1 we ask how does infrastructure directly impact economic growth, particularly in a region like the South West? Civil Engineer & Senior Vice Chair of ICE South West, Christopher Ackland, returns as podcast host and is joined by Jan Ward, Chair of Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, and Dan Pritchard, Founder of Tech South West. They discuss the significant capabilities in the region and share some infrastructure success stories, highlighting emerging opportunities especially in the green-blue space. They also focus on the challenge of attracting venture capital investment and creating "investor ready" companies. From the South West Infrastructure Partnership , supported by ICE South West . Produced by Fresh Air Studios , Podcast Studios in the South West .

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