Ground Control’s Branching Out Podcast

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...

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, learnin...

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 peopl...

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 Ac...

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 enhance...

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 fami...

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...

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.

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. 

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. 

In this special episode, we learn more about the GC Grow program by chatting with Tyra Harris and Grady Edgington. Tyra provides a detailed insight into the program, addressing common questions, while Grady discusses his experience pursuing a Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture while working as part of GC Grow. For individuals interested in advancing their careers and obtaining a fully funded qualifi...

In this episode, we catch up with Liam Boden, a Rail Site Manager working in our infrastructure division. Don't let the job title fool you, as Liam and his team work on special projects beyond just Rail. We also discuss the development he has done to become a manager and what his goals are for the next 5 years. Listen now to learn more! 

In this episode, we speak with Patryk Zietarski, a Senior Project Manager in Utility Arb. We hear about an interesting project to prevent the further spread of the Great Spruce Bark Beetle and discuss his journey from private sector tree work to working in utilities. It's an interesting listen for those looking to develop in the arboriculture industry.

In this episode, we catch up with Lee Garner, Principal Arb Consultant in our LDE division. We learn about all the services his team provide. We chat about how his team uses their expertise and experience to work with clients and local councils on complex projects. You will never guess what sites he finds the most interesting... listen to find out!

In this episode, we meet with Joe Sauvage, who works in our Utility Arb division, ensuring quality and compliance. We chat about some exciting projects his teams have been working on and how adaptability is key to their success. 

In this episode of the podcast, we talk with Daniel Grix, our Director of Landscape, Design, and Energy, about how the division has gone through change over the last few years, building a foundation for success in the future. What does that future hold? Well, you will have to listen to find out!

In this episode, we catch up with Daisy Staff on her graduate program with Ground Control. We hear about her experiences working in the different divisions so far and what she has learned along the way. 

In a week when we celebrate International Women’s Day, we chat with Emma Hopes HSQE Manager working with LDE. Where we discuss behavioural safety, what’s upcoming in Health and Safety, and psychological safety. We learn there is more to HSQE than clipboards and PPE.  

In this episode we chat with Samantha Downing People advisor at Ground Control. We talk all things People from the support the team can provide, to great resources for those who want to learn more about employment law, and that they are more than just the “fun police”. She also provides some great insight to her experience on the GC Academy.

In this episode of the Branching Out Podcast, we chat with Grant Morden, one of our Heads of Finance at Ground Control. We discuss the importance of working across teams, building relationships, and the role of effective communication. We also hear about his experience at the GC Academy and Eating that Frog....just have to listen to find out more. 

We end the year on a high with our very own Oliver Russell, L&D Business Partner. We discuss growth mindset, psychological safety, and more! This is a great listen as a reminder or an introduction to some of the concepts you learn when attending a training session at Ground Control!

In this episode, we catch up with Liz Benson, who has grown the mobilisation team in Ground Control from an idea on paper to a fully fledged team that is crucial to the Grounds Maintenance division's success in rolling out new contracts and providing quality customer service to our clients from the start. 

Tis the season to talk winter. In this episode, we catch up with Peter Brown, Winter Commercial Operations Manager, a.k.a. our very own Meteorologist. Peter talks us through how he analyses weather, financials, client retention, and field team management to help make the winter season run smoothly.

In this episode, we have a chat with Richard Hudson on all things Commercial Rail. We discuss how the team has grown and developed over his tenure to adapt to new technologies. One key to his success has been the importance of developing and maintaining relationships across the sector. 

In this episode, we converse with Liam Walsh Assistant Construction Manager. Earlier this year he was balancing two very different projects and chats with us on how he did it with a little patience and integrity.