Ground Control’s Branching Out Podcast

Hosted by Ground Control

Business Science

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

These are the stories of people who work for and with the amazing Ground Control.

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46 recent

May 27, 2026Episode 4520 min

EP45: Chris Hinchcliffe - HSQE Director

In this episode, Chris, our HSQE Director, shares how Ground Control’s HSQE approach helps keep people safe, meet client and legal standards, and build a stronger everyday safety culture across the business. Chris highlights practical takeaways on planning well, speaking up, simplifying processes, and taking ownership of quality, safety, and development in your role. Whether you work in operations, leadership, or support, this conversation shows how the right behaviours and culture make a real difference to people, performance, and client trust.

April 23, 2026Episode 4427 min

EP44: Sophie Sturgeon - Landscape Architect & 2026 RHS Young Designer

In this episode of the Branching Out Podcast, we speak with Sophie Sturgeon, one of our Landscape Architects, also a Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30 2025 winner and RHS Young Designer 2026! Sophie shares what goes on behind the scenes in the Design Team – from concept design and collaboration to creating outdoor spaces that genuinely benefit people and nature. She talks openly about confidence, learning by doing, and putting yourself forward, as well as her journey to national recognition and a preview of her RHS garden “A Space for Her”, which will be built and showcased at the Badminton Estate this summer. Learn more about here: https://www.ground-control.co.uk/insights/news/ground-control-designer-to-showcase-at-the-rhs-badminton-flower-show/ An inspiring listen for anyone interested in design, development, wellbeing and career growth!

March 27, 2026Episode 4316 min

EP43: Nicki Banyard - Business Support Manager

This episode features Nicki Banyard, Business Support Manager for Rail, Utilities & Infrastructure at Ground Control, sharing her career journey from temp to team leader. We discuss what her role involves, address myths about “back office” teams, and show how great internal service drives successful projects. Nicki talks about the value of mentoring, the GC Academy, and the importance of people development, ending with key lessons learned about supporting each other and making a positive impact.

February 26, 2026Episode 4218 min

EP42: Charlotte Cantwell - Senior Project Coordinator

In this episode, we catch up with Charlotte Cantwell to hear more about how she works with the landscape construction team to deliver projects across the UK. We discuss the importance of being open to learning new things and to always stay curious, never shying away from asking questions. We also hear about her experience in GC Grow and pick and mix GC Manage courses, which are a part of our GC Academy.

January 15, 2026Episode 4125 min

EP41: Patrick Croskerry & Alex Clark - Grounds Maintenance Operations

Ground Control’s teams are using technology to modernise grounds maintenance. In this episode, Patrick Croskerry and Alex Clark discuss moving from manual processes to data-driven decision making, boosting service delivery nationwide. They discuss how we are using Hubscape, to improve scheduling, capacity management, and client transparency with teams. They highlight how accurate reporting enhances safety and compliance while supporting teams. They share some great practical advice for career growth and learning in the industry.

December 4, 2025Episode 4027 min

EP40: Help for Heroes - Ground Control Charity of the Year

In this special episode of the Branching Out Podcast, we sit down with Kate Smith of Ground Control and Joy Petley of Help for Heroes to spotlight our new Charity of the Year partnership. Discover how the EverCare programme is driving Ground Control’s social and environmental impact across our business, and hear inspiring stories about Help for Heroes’ mission to support UK veterans and their families. Learn about our ambitious fundraising goals, upcoming volunteering opportunities, and how everyone can get involved! Tune in to be inspired by Help for Heroes’ story and find out how you can help make a difference.

November 14, 2025Episode 3927 min

EP39: Ground Control & University of Essex AI Optimisation Project

On this special Branching Out Podcast episode, we catch up with Kate Smith from Ground Control and Daniel Hewlett and Shubham Karde from the University of Essex. We discuss how Ground Control has joined forces with the University for an AI optimisation audit, aimed at transforming contract management in our GM team. The project has helped GM spot ways to make work smoother, get the most out of our data, and has kicked off plans for clever AI solutions. Plus, we chat about how working together and teaming up across different divisions made it all possible. #WeWinAsATeam

October 10, 2025Episode 3819 min

EP38: Killian Sweeney - HSQE Manager Ireland

In this episode, we catch up with Killian Sweeney our HSQE manager in Ireland. We discuss the continued growth in Ireland, the importance of safe behaviours, and building relationships. A great listen to hear about the progress we are making in growing GC Ireland.

September 11, 2025Episode 3719 min

EP37: Robyn Coyne - Environmental and Sustainability Manager

In this episode, we chat with Robyn Coyne, our Environmental and Sustainability Manager, about what her role really means to the business and the work she has been doing since joining earlier this year. A great listen if you want to learn more about what Ground Control is doing to achieve our sustainability goals.

August 14, 2025Episode 3618 min

EP36: Issie Reed - Project Coordinator

This week, we catch up with Issie Reed, a Project Coordinator in our Highways and Geotechnical division. We discuss her journey from Apprentice to Project Coordinator, getting to know the Geotechnical business, and their trial of the Hubscape system.