On Another Level

Since coming to power, the new Labour-led UK government has put the built environment front and centre of its drive to rebuild Britain. From initiatives to unlock housebuilding to accelerating the development of new large-scale renewable energy schemes, there has been action from day one. But is it the right action, is it enough and what else can the government do to work with the private sector to release investment and empower local communities to deliver change in their local area?   In the final episode of On Another Level, The Clarendon Works’ podcast looking at the future of the built environment, we explore the new government’s plans for the UK real estate sector and the work that goes on behind the scenes, spearheaded by non-profit organisations, to help it deliver on its ambitious goals. 

Social sustainability has been rising up real estate’s agenda, seemingly soon to emerge finally from the shadow of its higher profile sibling – environmental sustainability – among the ESG triplets.   Over the past couple of years, there has been a growing focus on the social impact from real estate. Those working in the sector have long been able to speak passionately about the capacity of our built environment to shape our lives – for better and for worse – and many will attribute their careers in the industry to the recognition that, through curating our urban realm, they can create tangible impact for society (as well as the economy).   In the latest episode of On Another Level, The Clarendon Works’ podcast looking at the future of the built environment, we look at new ways to quantify and measure the positive social impact of development. With ever more complex metrics and digital technology being used to record impact, is this being driven by a need to attract ESG-focused investment or by a desire to demonstrate value to communities and stakeholder? Is it even possible to objectively measure social value? And does it actually matter?

Along with Brexit, ‘levelling up’ was a signature policy of Boris Johnson’s time in Number 10 and has been continued, to varying degrees, under Rishi Sunak. But with the Conservatives trailing badly in the polls, levelling up’s days seem numbered – at least as a political slogan. But the issues that the ‘levelling up’ agenda sought to tackle will remain, so what might come next?    In this episode of On Another Level, we take a look at how the next government might approach reviving communities that have been left behind. Whichever party wins the keys to No. 10 on July 4th, how could they redress regional inequality, rebalance the economy and work with the private sector to bring further investment?    Guests: Matt Christie, External Relations and Content Director, UKREiiF Angeliki Stogia, Associate Partner, Arup

Construction is one of the most important – and largest – sectors in our economy. But its reputation lags behind and it ranks low as a career choice. The sector has long faced a skills crisis that is only becoming more acute. And, particularly in a tough economic climate, the volatile business model of many contractors that sees razor-thin margins means that news on yet another construction company’s collapse is never far from the headlines.   In the next episode of On Another Level, our host, former Bloomberg journalist Naomi Kerbel, asks guests from across the industry how we can put a spring into the step of construction – and how a career in construction has the capacity to breathe new life into some of the most vulnerable in society. Naomi talks to: Sandra Robinson, a director of the Save Construction Initiative and Technical Director (Strategic Growth) at WSP Adam Couch, a leading digital innovator in construction Karen Jefford, CEO of Building Heroes

Increasingly almost every aspect of our lives is connected to the internet. From our watches and phones, to our fridges and door bells, digitization is all pervasive.  This is especially true of the workplace, where if the internet goes down, work stops. The best office buildings now invest heavily in digital connectivity, ensuring businesses have the bandwidth and speed to compete in the global economy. But does this drive for ever improved connectivity come with increased risks? In this episode Naomi Kerbel asks how secure are our workplace digital connections? What more can workplaces do to improve their digital resilience? And what happens if the internet goes out? Naomi’s guests include:   William Newton, President & EMEA MD, WiredScore Gary Peace, UK Director of Professional Services, BlueVoyant

In this episode Naomi Kerbel explores the impact of AI on the built environment, looking at the risks and the opportunities that the rapidly advancing technology will bring and examining what businesses need to do to ensure that they benefit from AI, rather than losing out. Naomi’s guests include: Martha Tsigkari, Senior Partner Head of Applied Research + Development, Foster + Partners Laurent Grill, Partner, JLL Spark Global Ventures Tom Flynn, Head of Digital, SEC Newgate