21st Century Construction cover art

21st Century Construction

21st Century Construction

Written by: The Chartered Institute of Building
Listen for free

About this listen

 The home of great construction stories. We go behind the headlines to meet the people who envision, create and manage the built world. Brought to you by the Chartered Institute of Building.CIOB Careers Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Success
Episodes
  • Construction clients: what do they want from the supply chain?

    Construction clients: what do they want from the supply chain?
    Feb 4 2026

    Every construction client brings a different set of priorities to a project, but all share the same goal: getting the best value from their supply chain.

    In this episode, we hear from the people commissioning construction projects to uncover how stronger supply chain collaboration can deliver better outcomes.

    From the key benchmarks that matter most and how performance is measured, to the innovations clients are looking for around sustainability, digital tools, and safer ways of working, this discussion explores the approaches that are making a real difference.

    We also dive into common frustrations and showcase best practice examples of what’s working.

    The discussion, captured at a panel debate organised by the Chartered Institute of Building and the Institute of Asset Management, features insights from:

    • Dan Hollas, director of building safety, Clarion Housing Group
    • Jason Glasson, head of asset management development, National Highways
    • Julie Blight, property and contracts manager, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

    Listen now for honest insights and practical lessons on how stronger partnerships between clients and the supply chain can unlock better project delivery.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Charting the path to 2026: what construction needs to know

    Charting the path to 2026: what construction needs to know
    Dec 19 2025
    In our final episode of the year, we take stock of the biggest issues that are defining construction and look ahead to what will be on the industry’s agenda in 2026. From reforms of the skills system and strengthened safety oversight, to the government’s response to its late payments consultation, we unpack the developments that matter most to professionals across construction. Technology is another major focus for this discussion as we explore the rise of artificial intelligence in design, planning and site operations. The episode also examines the role of modern methods of construction and why questions remain over whether 2026 will be a turning point for wider adoption of repeatable designs. We also hear from Pete McKinley, commercial director for Seddon Property Services, and Ryan O’Loughlin, regional director at Henry Boot Construction, about the opportunities and trends construction teams should be preparing for in the New Year. Whether you are looking back at the challenges and shifts of the past 12 months or planning for the year ahead, this episode brings together the insights that will shape construction’s journey into 2026.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Cutting costly mistakes: how to tackle avoidable error in construction

    Cutting costly mistakes: how to tackle avoidable error in construction
    Nov 21 2025
    This episode dives into one of construction’s biggest and most stubborn challenges: avoidable error. Ten years on from its launch, the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) has made real strides in raising awareness across the industry of the £21 billion lost to error every year. Executive director Cliff Smith joins us to discuss what’s changed and what still needs to happen to reduce error and improve productivity in construction. While the industry has made progress, significant challenges remain. A relentless focus on lowest-cost procurement and inconsistent competence standards continue to undermine quality and compliance across projects of all sizes. These issues are particularly acute when viewed through the lens of a recent National Audit Office report, which criticised major energy-efficiency retrofit schemes for poor quality installations, weak government oversight, and an under-skilled workforce. Smith believes that regulatory reforms such as the Building Safety Act can drive improvement, but only if leaders create environments where people feel confident to “push pause to avoid error” and call issues out early. His message for the next decade is clear: rebuilding respect, pride and fairness across the industry is essential to ensure construction professionals have the motivation – and the support – to get it right first time.
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
No reviews yet