Behind the Built Environment

BESA Chief Executive David Frise speaks with Charles Begley, Chief Executive of the London Property Alliance, about the future of London’s built environment. They discuss economic growth, sustainability, and the need for public-private partnerships. Charles highlights how flexible planning policies could generate £100 billion in additional GVA by 2045. The conversation explores skills shortages, t...

In this episode of  Behind the Built Environment , BESA Chief Executive David Frise talks with Steven Boyd, a property and infrastructure expert with over 30 years’ experience, including leading roles with the Government Property Agency and the British Army. They explore key challenges facing the built environment, from the implementation of the Building Safety Act to tackling fragmented data mana...

Fiona Cousins, CIBSE president and Arup leader, discusses her engineering journey, emphasising the need for broader problem definitions in building services, beyond cost and efficiency, to include carbon reduction, biodiversity, and social value.  She highlights how evolving client demands for decarbonisation and carbon neutrality shape the industry. She stresses integrating safety, climate change...

In this episode of "Behind the Built Environment," David Frise interviews Dr. Jo Jolly, Director of Environment and Innovation at Ofwat. Jo discusses her journey from geophysics and hydrogeology to her current role, emphasizing her commitment to achieving the best outcomes for the environment and society. She highlights the urgent need to transform infrastructure performance using data analytics a...

In this episode we are joined by Nick Mead, Technical Director at Laing O'Rourke and Chair of the BESA Building Safety Act Advisory Group. He discusses the transformative impact of the Building Safety Act on the construction industry, emphasising the importance of compliance, collaboration and cultural change. Nick shares insights on navigating new regulations and the industry's future. The episod...

Join us as we discuss the critical issue of indoor air quality (IAQ) and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) with Dr. Phil Webb, Chief Executive of Health & Wellbeing 360 and a seasoned healthcare professional and industry representative for the Promoting Awareness of Air Pollution Delivery Group for the Welsh Government. Discover why indoor air quality is a major health concern, surpassing eve...

In this episode, the spotlight is on Remi Suzan, the newly appointed Managing Director of Gratte Brothers Limited, a family-owned UK building services company that has flourished since its founding in 1946. With a turnover of over £250 million, Gratte Brothers thrives on repeat business and a commitment to innovation. Remi emphasises the significance of offsite construction in boosting efficiency...

In this episode, David Frise, Chief Executive for BESA, chats with Lorna Stimpson, Chief Executive at LABC, about the Building Safety Act and its impact on the construction industry. Lorna discusses her background in building control and emphasises the importance of cultural change, competence, and putting safety first. They explore the significance of the Building Safety Act, the need for behavio...