Building Brum

This April, on the Building Brum podcast, we caught up with the organisers of the British Council for Offices (BCO) 2024 Annual conference taking place next month in Birmingham. It has been 10 years since the conference was last held in the UK’s second city and over the past decade, our city, famously known as the ‘workshop of the world’ has lived up to its name, quietly delivering a number of sizeable new developments, including 103 Colmore Row, Enterprise Wharf and Paradise Birmingham. We caught up with Peter Crowther – Senior Vice President of the BCO, James Hall – Director at Associated Architects and Member of the BCO Midlands Chapter Committee and Rosie Cotterill – Director at Turley and Chair of BCO Midlands NextGen Committee to discuss what makes Birmingham a strategic place for the conference to be held and how ongoing investment and development has transformed the city. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

This spring on the Building Brum podcast we discuss housing across the UK in 2024 . Following on from the March Spring Budget and ahead of the local elections, mayoral elections and the general election, we caught up with Chartered Town Planner Daniel Wilson who specialises in delivering sustainable developments that transform places and leave a positive, lasting impact on local communities through holistic, inclusive growth. Joining Dan from our sponsors Cavendish is Tristan Chatfield who served as a councillor at Birmingham City Council and is now Associate Director at Cavendish specialising in Planning Communications and Public Affairs. Together they examine the 2024 spring budget and look ahead at the future of the housing sector. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. Daniel Wilson: Dan is a Chartered Town Planner who specialises in delivering sustainable developments that transform places and leave a positive, lasting impact on local communities through holistic, inclusive growth. Dan is experienced in delivering strategic urban extensions, a brand-new garden village, urban regeneration schemes, student accommodation, hotels, and more. Since graduating from Cardiff University (MSc in International Planning and Development), Dan has gained over 10 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Dan previously sat on both the RTPI West Midlands Regional Activities Committee and the RTPI West Midlands Ball Committee. He also served as Junior Vice-Chair and Vice-Chair and, in 2020, was Chair of the RTPI West Midlands Young Planners Committee. That same year, Dan won the RTPI West Midlands Young Planner of the year award and, in 2021, was highly commended by the judges in the national Young Planner of the year awards. In a previous life, Dan was President of a Students’ Union and Regional Chairman of the Commonwealth Student Association (Caribbean Chapter). Tristan Chatfield: Tristan is a passionate advocate for sustainable economic development in Birmingham and the West Midlands. As a former cabinet member at Birmingham City Council and MPs constituency assistant Tristan enjoys unparalleled local connections. He can offer insight into both the politics of the region and its varied communities. His current portfolio of projects includes regeneration schemes, aviation, infrastructure, retail and residential. Tristan leads our work in the West Midlands, based out of our Birmingham office.

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. We have three guests joining us this March on the Building Brum podcast including two of Birmingham's leading women in architecture with glowing careers. Alex Slatter Associate as Associated Architects and Shauna Bradley Partner at Howells, alongside long-time building Brum collaborator and supporter Lee Simmonds of Solus. All three of our guests are parents, both Alex and Shauna are both mothers of one and Lee is a father of three. On today's episode, we are going to be talking about the challenges of planning for, having and raising a family whilst furthering your career and growing within your place of work. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

This February on the Building Brum podcast we are joined by some of the stakeholders behind the Skills Hub initiative taking place at the latest MODA development coming out of the ground on Great Charles Street. We are speaking with Matthew Hood of Sunbelt Rentals, Shaun Hall from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Karl Johnson Social Value and Stakeholder manager at John Sisk. The Skills Hub offers local people free construction training and a guaranteed job interview at the end of the 20-day course and follows on from the earlier success of another project by MODA “The Mercian” which created 140 new job opportunities. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. Matthew Hood, Major Projects Sunbelt Rentals – Midlands Recently celebrated 14 years at Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland. His focus is on major projects in the midlands, and he works with management & main contractors, subcontractors, local authorities, and other project partners. He offers project solutions and ESG across all services at Sunbelt. Shaun Hall - West Midlands Combined Authority Shaun is the Lead for Adult Retraining for the West Midlands Combined Authority, with extensive experience of connecting local communities to jobs. Shaun has specialist knowledge of working with the construction sector, including pioneering work with HS2 and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, helping to reskill local unemployed people so they can access new employment opportunities. He has a long career working in employability, including close partnerships with JCP, colleges and training providers. Karl Johnson - Social Value and Stakeholder Manager - John Sisk. I have many years of experience working within social value, providing opportunities for roles primarily within construction for individuals who may never have considered a career within the sector. A passion for working with communities, schools, colleges and local businesses, as well as being a STEM ambassador and being on the Employment Advisory Board for HMMPS, I fundamentally believe in access to employment for all irrespective of background.

We are excited to be joined by two of Arup’s Birmingham-based thought leaders Alison Kilby and James Watts, at their brand-new office at One Centenary Way, in Birmingham City Centre. In this episode we discuss all things Paradise Birmingham and the part both played in delivering one of the city's most ambitious office developments for MEPC and in turn, becoming its largest occupier. In the five years since the award-winning architects Howells made plans public for One Centenary Way, the project has taken centre stage with its strategic placement linking Centenary Square to the High Street. We discuss Arup’s role in this journey, including how they supported the redefining of the building as the first intelligent building in Paradise, and how that enabled them to design an office in partnership with HOK Architects and Overbury shaped by Arup’s values of sustainable and inclusive design. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. James Watts James is the regeneration lead for Arup’s Midlands property team. He’s worked on a wide variety of projects across a number of different sectors from concept through to completion both in the UK and overseas. He has delivered cost effective solutions through quality design throughout the region and further afield, including across Arup’s new workspace at One Centenary Way and further visioning for Paradise and the city centre. Alison Kilby Alison is an associate director at Arup. Having started in the industry 14 years ago and, following a period working in Business Development, she returned as a Mechanical Engineer in 2014, and now works on a range of multi-disciplinary building designs, including collaborating with the University of Warwick and University of Birmingham on campus development, as well as with PwC on a range of exciting projects.

This December we discuss all things Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Solihull with Maggie Grogan, Managing Director - Midlands for Muse. Exploring the expansion behind national placemaker Muse into the Midlands and their vision set out to transform key areas across the West Midlands. We look at the partnerships in place that drive the development team from Muse forward, from Homes England to Legal and General, Maggie and her team have their sights set on creating a lasting legacy across Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Solihull and beyond. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

This month on the Building Brum Podcast we are joined by Gensler Birmingham’s Design Director, Philip Twiss. From Associated Architects to MAKE and now Gensler, Philip has helped to design and deliver some of Birmingham’s most iconic buildings from The Cube to the Mailbox, to the next chapter of Hammerson’s Bullring landmark. We look at why Gensler decided to move to Birmingham 10 years ago and what it means to combine global and local with projects being delivered by the Team in Birmingham spanning across the city and into Europe. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

HUB Residential Managing Director Damien Sharkey and Development Manager Isabel Scruby join Building Brum’s Conor Nolan alongside Cavendish Associate Director and ex-Birmingham City Council Cabinet Member Tristan Chatfield to talk about their upcoming development: 2 Snow Hill Plaza. We will discuss why Birmingham is a key destination for investors as 2 Snow Hill Plaza marks HUB's second project in Birmingham alongside the Digbeth Coach Station. We explore why Damien and the team at HUB have chosen to invest in the Build to Rent market in Colmore Row and discuss the ongoing demand for development sites across Birmingham. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. Damien Sharkey is HUB’s Managing Director. Damien is keenly involved in all aspects of the HUB business, leading the development process of its current £2bn pipeline from acquisition and funding through design, consultation, planning, procurement, and delivery to completion. An architect by background, Damien completed his post-graduate diploma in architecture at the University of Westminster before beginning his career at Robin Partington Architects, now known as Apt. Having moved into development, Damien remains passionate about design and ensures maximum value through thoughtful design, technical accuracy, and efficient delivery for all of HUB’s portfolio. His agile thinking and proclivity for problem solving allow him to develop the HUB direction, structure deals and lead a fantastic team. Isabel is a Development Manager at HUB as well as a chartered town planner with a range of experience in residential and commercial projects across the UK. Isabel is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and continually enhances her knowledge of key legislation and policy. Prior to joining HUB, Isabel was a Senior Planning Consultant at JLL. She has previously spoken at events including the Cities Alive Conference in New York, where she explored the history of Green Roof policies and their evolution as they spread worldwide. Tristan is a passionate advocate for sustainable economic development in Birmingham and the West Midlands. As a former cabinet member at Birmingham City Council and MPs constituency assistant Tristan enjoys unparalleled local connections. He can offer insight into both the politics of the region and its varied communities. His current portfolio of projects includes regeneration schemes, aviation, infrastructure, retail and residential. Tristan leads our work in the West Midlands, based out of our Birmingham office.

On the podcast this month we are joined by the Head of Digital Project Delivery Joshua Hanson and Liam Clarke Regional Head of 4D Planning at John Sisk & Son. We caught up with Liam and Joshua to look at the projects they have both completed and are currently delivering across Birmingham including The Merican, Great Charles Street and Birmingham Health and Innovation Campus. These schemes when combined add up to three-quarters of a billion pounds worth of development across build-to-rent and life science sectors in the city. We also explore how the standardisation of digital project delivery across regions has enhanced programme efficiency across the organisation and changed the way John Sisk approaches developments as a company. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

We caught up with IM Properties Group Sustainability Director Andrew Swain. Andy is a chartered environmentalist with over 20 years of experience and joined IM Properties in 2022 to drive the implementation and delivery of the businesses ‘Sustainable Futures’ strategy focused around its three pillars of People, Planet and Place. In addition to delivering sustainable futures, he works closely with delivery partners to ensure that the principles of sustainable development and net zero construction are delivered across IM Properties property portfolio, industrial and logistics developments and residential projects. We discuss the ambition that is required to deliver developments that are fit for the future. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

We are onsite at the Peddimore Birmingham development with Winvic Construction and Sunbelt Rentals. IM Properties are Birmingham City Councils development partner for Peddimore.On our latest episode we caught up with key members of the project team to talk about the role, impact and importance of social value within the construction industry. Focusing on how social value is there to support, grow and create positive change within communities. All three guests on our latest episode play a key role in the Peddimore project Rokneddin Shariat Policy and Governance Manager Birmingham City Council, Emma Rhymes Social Value Manager Winvic Construction and Jackie Cuthbert Social Impact Director Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland. The Building Brum podcast is sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modeling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. Jackie Cuthbert, Social Impact Director, Sunbelt Rentals Jackie and her team work closely with design teams and contractors to create, deliver and report on social value in local communities for customers and ultimate clients. With 25 years experience gained across multiple sectors, Jackie is passionate about transforming lives for local people, one job at a time. Sunbelt Rentals is committed to leading with ESG and its ‘Our Planet’ programme is dedicated to supporting local residents, businesses and VCSEs in achieving their ambitions. This is achieved through innovative collaborations with customers, suppliers and VCSE partners with environmental; skills, education and employment and social equality expertise. Rokneddin Shariat Policy and Governance Manager Birmingham City Council Shariat is the Policy and Governance manager at Birmingham City Council’s procurement service. He has been leading the social value development at the Council since 2012 with a 3 year gap as an independent consultant. Birmingham is one of the early adopters of Social Value considering the City’s challenges around deprivation and the opportunities offered by the Commonwealth Games and HS2. He has first hand experience of all 3 sectors, Private, Public and Third sector. Previously, Shariat managed the publicly funded business support programmes at the Chamber of Commerce in Birmingham for 10 years. Emma Rhymes is Social Value Manager for Winvic Construction Ltd Over the last two years, Emma has been working alongside the Peddimore Project Team and is responsible for supporting and implementing social value during the construction stage of the project. Emma uses her past experience of community engagement and CSR working for both construction sub-contractors and the charity sector to drive the social value agenda to leave a positive legacy in the local community. Emma is inspired daily by the positive stories she hears about the opportunities and impact being created through the project which include some of the innovative initiatives she has helped to create.

We catch up with Ash Wilson, Creative Director and Founder of Sculpt - an architectural interior design practice based in Digbeth. Exploring the journey of a design practice start-up we look at what it means to be an entrepreneur within the design world in the Midlands. We discuss the highs and lows of starting up a design business and amazing projects like The Roundhouse with the National Trust that help to define the practice, as well as repeat clients such as Digbeth Dining Club that are won through hard work and determination. The Building Brum podcast is sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modeling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

All three of our special guests were recently nominated for the British Council for Offices (BCO) NextGen Rising Star Midlands Award. We are joined by Rosie Cotterill incoming Chair of the BCO NextGen Midlands Committee who plays an instrumental role in the planning and delivery of Birmingham’s award-winning Paradise Development as a Director at Turley Alex Slatter BCO award winner is both the Chair of the British Council for Offices Next Gen Midlands and an associate at Associated Architects delivering both commercial and education projects, with considerable experience in the refurbishment and conversion of commercial buildings. Francesca Ghavami one of Glenn Howells Architects senior interior designers working on a macro master planning scale right down to the micro interior details on a selection of high-profile projects, including the RIBA-award-winning Moss House for University College Birmingham, Two Chamberlain Square and One Centenary Way at Paradise Birmingham. All three guests share the same vision for building a better Birmingham and are working towards that goal, taking huge strides each year in making this vision a reality. The Building Brum podcast is sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. Alexandra Slatter Alex joined Associated Architects in July 2017 as a Part II Graduate and qualified as an Architect in 2020. She was promoted to Associate in 2021. She undertook her architectural training at the University of Kent, the University of Liverpool, and Birmingham City University. Alex has worked across multiple sectors, predominantly on commercial and education projects. She has considerable experience in the refurbishment and conversion of commercial buildings, with extensive involvement in mixed-use commercial, residential and luxury residential developments. The current Chair of the British Council for Offices (BCO) NextGen Committee for Midlands and East Anglia; Alex has led BCO tours of numerous projects. She acts on behalf of Associated Architects on the RIBA Future Architects Mentoring Scheme and sits on the practice’s CSR committee. Francesca Ghavami Francesca is interested how spaces can affect how people behave and interact with each other and how good quality design can transform this experience. At Glenn Howells Architects, Francesca works on a macro master planning scale right down to the micro interior details on a selection of high-profile projects, including the RIBA-award-winning Moss House for University College Birmingham, Two Chamberlain Square and One Centenary Way at Paradise Birmingham, Port Loop and Kidbrooke, London. Francesca is committed to mentoring and sharing knowledge with the younger generation. She is a key member of our annual Summer School design review panel and leads interior design workshops to provide encouragement, advice and inspiration to the young participants. She hosts a work experience placement with Birmingham City University second-year students and has worked with the “I Can Be” charity to offer a career insight to girls at primary school. Before joining us, Francesca studied architecture at Oxford Brookes University and worked for a specialist workplace interior design practice.

We caught up with Matt Warren, Head of Digital Engineering and Integrated Solutions at Lendlease Europe to discuss the delivery of city centre regeneration projects and how advancements in technology are changing the ways in which teams collaborate and work together to drive positive change and regeneration. We look back at work by Lendlease in Elephant and Castle, London and ahead to the upcoming Birmingham Smithfield redevelopment. With the advancements in technology being embraced and implemented across the construction sector in recent years, we look at how this digital transformation seen within the construction industry has changed the way colleagues, project partners and clients deliver projects and collaborate together. The Building Brum podcast is sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. Matt Warren Head of Digital Engineering and Integrated Solutions Lendlease Europe: Having worked within architectural practice since 2002 and with a BA(hons) & MA in Architecture complete, Matt decided to change direction to join one of the world’s leading developers and contractors, focussing on delivering their integrated projects from inception through to completion. From the 2012 London Olympics, eco home firsts in zone 1 London, to major urban regeneration schemes throughout the UK, Matt has led design and digitisation innovations always with a focus on improving process and products. As Head of Digital Engineering for Lendlease’s Integrated Solutions team in Europe, he and his team are focussed on supporting and leading Lendlease’s digital transformations and innovations in design, development and delivery.

On our latest Building Brum podcast we have been joined by Simon Delahunty-Forrest Assistant Director of development planning and development at Birmingham City Council and Verity Barr Director at Cavendish Advocacy, part of the BECG. We caught up with Verity and Simon to discuss the future of Birmingham and what the Future City Plan means for the City and look at what it also means to developers and investors who are looking to relocate and establish themselves in the UK’s second city following its recent global success at hosting the Commonwealth Games. The Building Brum podcast is sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modeling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. About Simon Delahunty-Forrest Assistant Director of Development Planning and Development at Birmingham City Council: A 21st Century Public Servant, and Architect possessing strong, robust, professional and senior managerial leadership experience, delivering high quality outcomes for the citizens of Birmingham. Currently Acting Assistant Director for Development with responsibility for Planning Management, Enforcement, Planning Development, Development Policy, Enterprise Zone and City Design. Simon's substantive role as the Head of City Centre and Design within the Planning and Development service area for Birmingham City Council is strategic in promoting and delivering development that will help make Birmingham a place where people increasingly want to live, work, visit and invest contributing significantly to economic prosperity, job creation and to better quality of life, including improved social cohesion, equality and health. About Verity Barr Director Cavendish Advocacy: Verity is a director at Cavendish Advocacy, part of the BECG Group and leads the PR team. She has 20 years’ experience developing and delivering integrated strategic and creative communications campaigns that directly meet business objectives and deliver measurable results. A built environment specialist, she has worked across both the private and public sectors with organisations in the property, energy, infrastructure and construction industries, providing strategic counsel as well as devising and managing the delivery of creative marcomms and media-based campaigns.

In our latest episode, we are joined by our Building Brum partners and sponsors Solus. We caught up with Sustainability Manager Ken Graham and Area Sales Manager Lee Simmonds to look at the sustainability journey Solus are making as a UK tiling market leader and the wider journey being made by the tiling industry globally. We look at how the role of a product supplier has changed in years gone by and developed into a much more collaborative role working alongside contractors, architects, interior designers and developers to provide the best and most sustainable solution to a new or existing development. The Building Brum podcast is sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modeling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. About Solus Sustainability Manager Kenneth Graham: Ken qualified as an Energy Consultant in the UK in 1986. In 1991, he emigrated to New Zealand and was recruited by the NZ Government to promote energy efficiency and conservation for homeowners and businesses throughout the country. Ken travelled the world representing NZ at international conferences, gaining a broad understanding of the different approaches to efficient practice in many countries. Working in several other sectors including rubber tyre, plastics, cardboard, glass recycling; food waste management, and water management before gaining higher level sustainability management qualifications. These gave Ken the knowledge to bring all my experiences together; and how to create Sustainability Management Plans and Supplier Assessments.

As time ticks away to BCC’s Net Zero by 2030 target we caught up with Rob Nield - leader of the Webb Yates Engineers Midlands office and chartered structural engineer – to talk about his approach to lowering embodied (or upfront) carbon which can be responsible for a significant portion of a building’s carbon life cycle. We talked about their current portfolio and plans in the region, their approach to design and sustainability and how they are using innovative material systems coupled with extensive research and development to challenge the status quo in contemporary building design. The Building Brum podcast is sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modeling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,000,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. Rob Nield, Associate Director - MEng (Hons) CEng MIStructE Rob is a Chartered Structural Engineer with over 17 years of experience on a wide range of projects, both in the UK and internationally. During this time, he has successfully led a number of multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative and sustainable project solutions. His design experience covers structural steelwork, reinforced concrete, timber, masonry, glass, and post-tensioned stone. Starting his career at Arup in 2005 Rob joined Webb Yates Engineers’ London office in 2012 delivering projects including Barrett’s Grove – a Stirling Prize shortlisted residential development in Stoke Newington with a cross laminated timber structure; and Wimbledon College of Art – one of the first Timber Concrete Composite structures in the UK and winner of numerous sustainability awards. Relocating to the Midlands in 2015 he returned to Arup to deliver regionally significant projects including the design of HS2 Interchange Station in Solihull with it’s organic timber roof, and One Centenary Way an innovative 16 storey exoskeleton building suspended over the Queensway tunnel. Rob rejoined Webb Yates Engineers in 2020 to lead the Midlands office and currently manages a varied portfolio of exciting projects across the UK and abroad. Having worked with numerous leading architects his expertise lies in the production of efficient, elegant and low carbon structural solutions as part of an overall holistic design. An in-depth understanding of the design process, ability to visually communicate high level ideas and fine attention to detail during the construction stage has led to Rob’s track record in successfully delivering high quality and award winning projects.

We are joined by the team behind Creative Retail: Matt Pegg and Ed Purcell. Both are experts in commercial real estate across Birmingham and the UK. We will be looking at how the high street has changed over the past ten years and what needs to happen to boost, develop and take it forward in the decades in the come. The Building Brum podcast is sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modeling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,000,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. Matt Pegg Investment Director Matt has worked in Commercial Real Estate for 15 years in both consultancy and client-side positions. Having acted for regional and national retailers in an agency capacity and as retail asset manager of LCP’s £100m Provincial Portfolio, he is highly adept at identifying and implementing investment strategies across the full commercial property life cycle. Matt now advises private, regional and national clients such as Queensway Group, Midcounties Cooperative, Evolve Estates, Watkin Jones, Home Bargains, Lidl UK and WM Morrisons PLC. Ed Purcell Director Ed has been involved with the retail and leisure industry for over 13 years. He started his career at King Sturge before joining Cushman & Wakefield in 2011 as a member of the Midlands Retail Agency Team. Ed currently advises pension fund Landlords on Shopping Centre and High Street disposals, national retailers on the acquisition and disposal of shops, developers on Out of Town Warehousing schemes, and also independent landlords and retailers.

This summer the British Council for Offices NextGen Midlands and Building Brum collaborated to present a special event, looking at the careers of industry and business leaders in Birmingham who are forging and shaping the UK’s second City. Building Brum Programme Director Conor Nolan was joined by Calthorpe Estates Masterplanning and Development Director Ralph Minott, Turley Senior Director and Head of Planning Midlands Angela Reeve and Associated Architects Director Stephen Townsend. The evening looked at the paths that these three inspirational leaders have followed, how they have created a balance between work and life and if where they are today has followed the trajectory they set out at the start of the careers. This event was kindly sponsored by Solus Ceramics, Dline and The Senator Group.

Following on from our recent Building Brum roundtable event held with Careys and hosted by Cundall, we caught up with Careys Regional Director for the Midlands, Tom Wraight, to talk about what is being done in Birmingham to help tackle unemployment within the City. We find out more in today’s podcast about the opportunities that our sector offers for those who are unemployed or looking for a career change and also, how the sector as a whole can support local communities, plus develop skills across the region by creating employment opportunities within developments across Birmingham and the Midlands. The Building Brum podcast is sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modeling specialists ScanTech Digital, Solus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles and Sunbelt Rentals with over 2,000,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.