National Highways is an organisation that has a huge influence on the whole construction sector and is ultimately responsible for keeping the country moving through the management, development and maintenance of the strategic road network. And because of this, it has a major stake in innovations such as Digital Roads that are critical if we're to meet the challenges of climate change, carbon reduction and biodiversity. In the latest in-depth edition of our Think Tank Series podcast, supported by 3D Machine Control and Surveying specialist Leica Geosystems, Malcolm Dare, National Highways Execu ..read more

Stage V engines are different, so how will they change the industry, and how can rental companies, in particular, benefit by investing in equipment powered by them? Peter Haddock asks all these questions and more to Dave Stollery of Perkins Engines in the latest edition of our Think Tank Series, supported by 3D Machine Control and Surveying specialist Leica Geosystems. Think Tank is all about how we should think about, in this case, getting the most out of the diesel or HVO fuel in the tank. So this episode is all about productivity, uptime, efficiency, and ultimately reducing carbon emissions ..read more

How do we solve the skills shortage whilst increasing productivity and reducing CO2 emissions? These are just some of the key topics Peter Haddock discusses with Peter Bell, MD of housebuilding groundworks specialist, Bell Contracting onsite at the new AccXel Construction Training School. In this latest edition of our Think Tank Series supported by Leica Geosystems, Peter Bell talks about how the family business has created key relationships and partnerships with JCB and 3D machine control and surveying specialist Leica Geosystems to change the way the business operates. It's a process that ha ..read more

For our Bauma 2022 show special, supported by 3D machine control and surveying specialist, Leica Geosystems, host Peter Haddock talks to Mark Crawford, the Digital Plant Manager for leading UK Tier 1 contractor, Balfour Beatty. This episode was recorded at Hexagon Live in Las Vegas following the launch of new surveying and construction sector technologies.  Mark joined Balfour Beatty in his new role during the pandemic and has been heavily involved in accelerating the digital roadmap for the business.  Mark: "The digitalisation of the mobile plant sector is all about the connectivity ..read more

How can the plant sector plan for a digital journey whilst focusing on the bigger Net Zero picture by reducing fuel burn and carbon emissions? These are some of the questions Peter Haddock asked Sam Mercer, COO of leading plant hire specialist Plantforce. In this Think Tank podcast, they talk about how the business has moved forward, forging key industry partnerships whilst taking a transparent approach to working with clients to deliver projects like HS2.  Whether it's working with OEMs like Kobelco to introduce semi-automatic machines with Leica Geosystems 3D machine control, used with ..read more

Want to know what the future looks like for National Highways?  Then this is the podcast for you as Muneer Akhtar talks to Peter Haddock about the challenges the sector faces and how National Highways is on the road to Net Zero.  Through his work with the Connected Autonomous Plant Group, Muneer talks about technology adoption, innovation, people, skills and much more.  This is a real insight into how National Highways is looking to work with businesses to deliver better outcomes for those using its infrastructure and those building and maintaining it.  It's another Think T ..read more

In our final episode of the 'Think Tank' Series for 2021, Peter Haddock talks to Alasdair Reisner, CEO of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA).  Alasdair talks about the new 'Industrial Skills Plan for the UK Construction Sector 2021 - 2025', launched earlier this year, and available from the Construction Leadership Council's website at this link https://bit.ly/3pX1LA0 Peter and Alasdair also discuss diversity and inclusion as well as a focus on respect in the industry to ensure we can both attract and keep talent.  Alasdair: "Why wouldn't you want to be in the constr ..read more

THINK TANK SERIES EPISODE 4: Joining host Peter Haddock for the fourth in our new 'Think Tank Series', sponsored by our friends at Leica Geosystems, the 3D machine control and surveying specialist, is James Cadman, plant sector expert for the Sustainability Supply Chain School.   In this special COP26 (Climate Change Summit) episode, James returns to the podcast to talk to host Peter about all of the challenges the industry faces to play its part in tackling climate change. They discuss what has changed in the industry since the Sustainability Supply Chain School Plant Charter was launche ..read more

For our 50th podcast special edition, host Peter Haddock is joined by construction and plant sector communications specialists. They include 'Construction Collective' colleagues and founder members, Mark Anthony and Nick Drew, with special guest, PR & Communications guru, Louise Carney. They discuss how using the Three C's - Collective - Collaborative - Communications, can support better marketing and communication outcomes for businesses in the sector. The team talk about the importance of a digital communications strategy and how to work with influencers in a post pandemic world, explain ..read more

THINK TANK SERIES EPISODE 3: Joining host Peter Haddock for the third in our new 'Think Tank Series', sponsored by our friends at Leica Geosystems, the 3D machine control and surveying specialist, is Andy Wright CEO of Sunbelt Rentals UK. In this episode, Peter and Andy talk about the record-breaking deal Sunbelt Rentals UK has signed with JCB. They continue onto the subject of sustainability and how the business is driving change as it works towards transforming the 'Future of Rental' With over 2200 units set to be delivered by the end of 2021, the JCB deal is not just about numbers, it's abo ..read more