Ground Control’s Branching Out Podcast

Hosted by Ground Control

Business Science

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Latest episode

Sep 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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49 recent

September 30, 2026Episode 4829 min

EP48: David Rees-Jones - Commercial Director, Maintenance

In this episode, David Rees-Jones, Commercial Director in maintenance, reflects on how a two-person team grew into a broad function supporting estimating, mobilisation, recruitment, compliance and professional services. He explains how commercial thinking, operational expertise, data and AI are shaping smarter decisions. We also take a look at industry challenges, from rising customer expectations to market pressures, and why adaptability matters for long-term success. A useful listen if you’re interested in how innovation and collaboration are helping shape the future of the business.

August 17, 2026Episode 4723 min

EP47: Rob Miller - Contract Manager, Energy Division

This episode features Rob Miller from the Energy Division, sharing his journey through nearly nine years at Ground Control and how a growing interest in sustainable solutions led him from grounds maintenance into the world of EV charging, solar, and emerging energy projects. Rob talks about how the Energy Division has evolved, the opportunities created by the transition to cleaner energy, and why sustainable infrastructure is becoming increasingly important for clients and communities alike. If you’re curious about sustainable energy, career growth, or what progression can look like at Ground Control, this episode is worth a listen. Rob shares honest reflections and practical advice for anyone looking to grow their career or find their next challenge.

July 29, 2026Episode 4621 min

EP46: Nathan Cleaver - Rail Site Manager

In this episode of Branching Out Podcast Recording , we chat with Nathan Cleaver, a Rail Site Manager in our Infrastructure division, about what life is really like in rail vegetation management. Nathan gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, teamwork and problem-solving that go into keeping railway work safe and running smoothly, from preparing work packs to adapting when weather or site conditions change. He shares his career journey, the relationships he has built with teams and clients, and how learning through the GC Academy and recent IOSH Managing Safely qualification has helped him grow in his role. It is a positive, practical conversation full of useful insight, including Nathan’s advice on learning from others and why taking a moment to “Take 5” can make a real difference, both at work and beyond.

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