The Infrastructure Podcast

This podcast discusses the power of public infrastructure - examining how investment in new and renewed assets can radically change lives and create huge additional social value to improve communities. The phrase levelling up has become something of a catch-all when it comes to UK public infrastructure investment – a way to spread the nation’s wealth beyond London and the South East; a way to redi...

This podcast focuses on the importance of understanding risk as a vital step towards being able to effectively manage projects while also protecting your business and its reputation.  Anyone working in infrastructure is familiar with the need to identify, quantify and manage risk, be that around performance, safety, programme or perhaps budget. And they will be wel aware that good risk management...

This podcast focuses on the challenge of building, maintaining and upgrading the UK’s vital mobile telecommunications network.  It is a bizarre reality that we are now used to having highspeed internet connectivity beaming into our devices at all times. To the extent that any loss of connectivity ranges from being hugely annoying to business critical. The good news is that, having identified the n...

This podcast sets out to bust the myths and expose the realities around our hydrogen future –  explaining how this fuel can really fit in the UK’s net zero carbon energy future and understanding the infrastructure challenges of making the ambition a reality.  There is no dispute that when it comes to energy sources, hydrogen is one of the cleanest around. No carbon emissions are released when it’s...

This podcast focuses on what can be done to help major infrastructure project teams actually deliver the outcomes that are promised – and specifically whether engaging minds early will drive project success . As any casual observer of infrastructure will be aware, the track record of major project delivery is not good. In fact a new book by Oxford University professor Bent Flyvbjerg highlights tha...

In this latest podcast we talk about the challenge of building and training the skilled workforce fit for a modern railway . In the five years to March 2024, some £50.6bn will have been invested to run, maintain and enhance the UK national rail network. The current expectation is that some £44bn will be committed for the next CP7 period to March 2029, made up from £27.5bn from government funding a...

In this podcast we try to understand a bit more about the challenge of fixing transport in the North - and how Sub-National Transport Bodies like Transport for the North can help to drive the vital investment required. And yes - I renamed this podcast because feedback suggested the original title "Understanding the role of Sub-National Transport Bodies" was just a little too obscure and...

In this podcast  we talk about transforming UK transport by “adopting an integrated systems approach” . So what does that mean in practice? Well despite multiple local and national investment programmes over decades, the UK still seems to lack transport infrastructure that is capable of providing reliable and predictable journey times. We certainly have a multitude of available modes – cars, train...

As the dust settles on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’ latest budget statement in March, many were perhaps slightly disappointed that it didn’t make more reference to - or provide more direct support for - investment in UK infrastructure  Not least after his announcement of a raft of delays to the investment plans for a number for key projects including HS2 and the Lower Thames Crossing. OK there was comm...

In this podcast we talk about the challenge of “designing infrastructure for people” – clearly a vital outcome from investment but too often overlooked. In particular, we are going focus on the architectural challenge of the Crossrail project, a multibillion pound scheme which after decades of planning and construction has given London the new Elizabeth Line beneath the capital - in fact providing...

The infrastructure profession has a massive role to play in helping the UK to tackle climate change and ensure that the nation stays on track to meeting its net zero emissions targets by 2050. Transforming the design and operation of our public and private transport system is one of the most important areas to tackle; to decarbonise existing modes but also to accelerate the development and introdu...

In this podcast we talk about the challenge of “creating infrastructure fit for the future”.  While the UK government continues to warn of “significant headwinds” holding back the economy, and despite recent delays to the investment plans for a number for key projects including HS2 and the Lower Thames Crossing, it remains clear that investment in new infrastructure is still a fundamental par to t...

In this podcast we talk about the challenge of “recruiting and retaining construction’s future talent” – without question one of the biggest issues holding back growth in the sector. In fact, according to a recent report by the Construction Industry Training Board, it is estimated that for the sector to maintain its required output, it needs to recruit over 45,000 new people every year for the nex...

Successive UK governments have continued to highlight investment in both building new infrastructure and maintaining existing networks as a key to driving growth into the economy and underpinning the nation’s prosperity.  Yet given the current perilous state of the UK’s finances, the impact of inflation, energy prices and pressure from Russia’s war in Ukraine, there is a clear need to priorities t...

In this podcast we talk about the challenge of “delivery beyond time and budget and specifically the role of the trusted adviser” .  Not so long ago, when it came to delivery, project managers were wedded to the classic iron triangle of cost, time, and scope - from which you could achieve one, or two but not all three . Today’s modern clients want more. Meeting or beating the cost budget and time...

Guest: Alison Watson, founder and chief executive, Class of your own In this  podcast we talk about the need for “new talents to meet new infrastructure challenges”. Without doubt the entire sector is suffering from not only a fundamental shortage of skills needed to tackle today’s challenges but also a major lack of the new skills needed for the future. To discuss this issue, my guest is Alison W...

In this podcast we talk about “managing complexity and risk” on major projects with Mark Thurston, chief executive of the vast HS2 project.  The UK design and construction sector has for too long been dogged by failure to properly understand and manage risk and complexity, leading to a poor track record of projects completing late and over budget - a point emphasised recently by Chancellor Jeremy...

Guest: Richard Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, UK & Europe, Atkins In this podcast we talk about “The role of the modern engineering consultancy”. Over the last decade or so we have seen the world of engineering consultancy change dramatically as the market has consolidated to create a small number of super large globally focused multi-discipline consultancies backed by a large number of ve...

For decades infrastructure sector clients have waged a battle to improve the supply chain’s woeful design and construction productivity, driving down costs and accelerating delivery times.  But In reality, more effort should be focused instead on the drive towards better overall asset performance and achieving better overall economic and social outcomes. How can this focus be switched? To discuss...

In this podcast we are going to talk about “Setting up major projects for success”. When it comes to project delivery, the UK’s track record is poor. Too often projects are delivered late, cost more than expected and crucially, they do not always delver the promised outcomes or sufficient value for public investment. To discuss this problem, the many reasons for it and perhaps some solutions, let...

Guest: Nick Smallwood, Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure and Projects Authority In this podcast we go right back to the start to talk about “project delivery - getting the basics right”. Given the UK infrastructure sector’s poor track record when it comes to productivity, performance and outcomes, it seems an appropriate place to start. To discuss this issue, my guest is Nick Smallwood, Chie...

The Infrastructure Podcast – well no prizes for guessing what that’s about!  Infrastructure journalist and commentator Antony Oliver will host this new weekly series of conversations with key leaders and influencers from across the vast UK infrastructure sector. We go live from 20th February 2023.  The aim is to give every infrastructure and built environment professional a few insights into the p...