Dig In Deep

Is “Net Zero” in construction real… or just clever marketing?In this episode, we expose the truth about greenwashing in construction — from so-called “sustainable” buildings to the reality happening on site.Everyone is talking about net zero, sustainability, and green building certifications like BREEAM and LEED… but are these standards actually delivering — or just ticking boxes?We break down:Why many “green” buildings aren’t as sustainable as they claimThe truth about embodied carbon vs operational carbonHow developers use carbon offsetting to claim “net zero”The shocking performance gap (15–30%) in real buildingsMajor failures in insulation, timber, and “low-carbon” materialsHow greenwashing is now becoming a legal risk for companies and directorsWe also share real questions you can ask contractors and developers to expose the truth behind sustainability claims.KEY TOPICS COVERED✔️ Greenwashing in construction explained✔️ Net zero buildings — truth vs myth✔️ BREEAM & LEED criticism✔️ Embodied carbon in construction materials✔️ Carbon offsetting vs real reduction✔️ Construction industry scandals & failures✔️ New UK laws on misleading environmental claims✔️ How to spot fake sustainability claimsWHAT’S DOING YOUR HEAD IN?This week’s rant:👉 Formula 1, Gardening and Saturday Shoppers WHO THIS IS FORConstruction professionalsContractors & site managersDevelopers & investorsAnyone interested in sustainability & net zeroPeople who want the real truth behind constructionBIG QUESTIONAre we actually building greener… or just getting better at marketing it?📢 GET INVOLVEDDrop a comment below:👉 Have you seen greenwashing on site?👉 Do you trust “net zero” claims?🔔 DON’T FORGETLike 👍Subscribe 🔔Share 📤#Construction #NetZero #Greenwashing #Sustainability #BREEAM #LEED #ConstructionIndustry #ClimateChange #Building #PropertyDevelopment #UKConstruction #EmbodiedCarbon #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #ConstructionPodcast

Demolition — most people think it’s just smashing buildings down. The reality? It’s one of the most technical, high-risk and misunderstood parts of construction.In this episode of Dig In Deep, Mark Kennedy, Mark Scutt and Charlie sit down with David Morrissey to break down what really goes on behind the machines.From cut & carve projects and façade retention to high-rise towers and tunnel work, we get into the detail of modern demolition — the planning, the precision, and the pressure that comes with it.We also talk about:The real skills needed to succeed in demolitionWhy good operators are worth their weight in goldSafety in the UK vs the rest of the worldThe realities of running a demolition businessCash flow, competition and industry challengesPlus, we’ve got:💥 “What’s Doing Your Head In?”📊 Stats that might surprise you😂 Relatable curveballs🎯 Proper site stories you won’t believeThis one lifts the lid on an industry people think they understand — but really don’t.If you’re in construction, plant, or just want to hear the real stories from the ground — this is one for you.🔥 Follow & Share

In this episode, Mark Kennedy, Mark Scutt (“The Facts Guy”) and Charlie sit down with Roger Reeder, a construction specialist and Managing Director of TRP Group, to talk about the reality of working in construction and utilities today.From getting kicked out of school at 14 to delivering multi-million-pound projects across the UK and Dubai, Roger shares his journey, lessons learned, and what the industry isn’t telling you.How Roger got into construction (and why it wasn’t planned)The TRUTH about skills shortages in utilitiesWhy it’s so hard to find good workers right nowThe problem with qualifications vs real experienceFraudulent tickets in construction (yes, it’s happening)UK vs Dubai construction – speed, quality & opportunityWhy young people AREN’T entering the industryWhat needs to change in construction right nowAdvice for anyone looking to get startedThis episode dives into some real issues affecting the industry:Labour shortagesYouth unemployment vs job opportunitiesBroken entry pathways into constructionOver-complicated regulations slowing projects downAs discussed in the episode, the industry is crying out for people — but the system isn’t set up to bring them in properly Construction isn’t just about building anymore.It’s one of the biggest opportunities in the UK right now — especially in utilities — but there’s a serious disconnect between young people and the industry.If you’re thinking about a career in construction, or you’re already in it, this episode is a must-watch.Do you think construction is doing enough to bring in the next generation?Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇We bring real conversations from the construction, plant hire and business world — no fluff, just honest insights.🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE:#construction #planthire

In this episode, Mark Kennedy, Mark Scutt, and Charlie are joined by Karen Jones to talk about the reality of working in the construction industry as a woman today.From first experiences on site to how the industry is evolving, Karen shares her journey and honest insights into what’s improved — and what still needs to change.The conversation covers career progression, industry culture, common misconceptions, and why construction needs to attract more women to tackle skills shortages and build stronger, more diverse teams.Whether you’re already in the industry or considering a career in construction, this episode offers a genuine look at the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector today.#WomenInConstruction#ConstructionIndustry#WomenInEngineering#ConstructionCareers#DiversityInConstruction#ConstructionPodcastOptional Hashtags (YouTube & Spotify)

Is AI quietly removing the first rung of the career ladder?In this episode of Dig In Deep, Mark Kennedy and Mark Scutt are joined by Charli from the recruitment sector to explore one of the biggest questions facing the future workforce:👉 What happens to young people when entry-level jobs start disappearing?Across the UK, nearly 1 million young people are not in employment, education or training, while businesses are simultaneously struggling to find skilled workers. At the same time, artificial intelligence and automation are transforming the job market, particularly the administrative and junior roles many people historically used to start their careers.So are we facing a skills crisis, an education problem, or the early impact of AI on employment?In this episode we break down:The real youth unemployment statistics in the UKWhy entry-level jobs are shrinkingHow AI is changing the future of workWhether the apprenticeship system is failing young peopleWhat recruiters are seeing in the job market right nowWhich industries will grow vs decline over the next decadeWhat government, education and business should be doing differentlyMark Scutt brings the data and facts, Mark Kennedy drives the discussion, and Charli offers a real-world recruitment perspective on hiring trends and the changing job market.This episode explores whether technology is creating opportunity — or quietly closing the door for the next generation.🎧 Topics coveredAI and the future of workYouth unemployment UKApprenticeships and skills shortagesAutomation and entry level jobsRecruitment trends in the UKJobs of the futureSkills gap and education reform💬 Join the conversationDo you think AI will create more jobs than it replaces?Should apprenticeships be expanded across more industries?Drop your thoughts in the comments.📌 Subscribe to Dig In Deep https://linktr.ee/digindeeppodWe explore the forces shaping business, industry, technology and the future of work.#construction #planthire #recruitment #aijobs #futureofwork#youthunemploymentUK#automationjobs #entryleveljobsdisappearing#AIreplacingjobs#skillsgap #apprenticeships UK#AIandemployment#futurejobs 2030#recruitmenttrends UK#jobsofthefuture #aieconomy

Who really runs the UK plant hire industry?The UK plant hire industry is worth more than £10 billion annually, yet the biggest companies control less than 10% of the market. In this episode, Mark Kennedy and Mark Scutt explore how the plant and tool hire industry really works.With thousands of independent hire businesses competing alongside national operators like Sunbelt Rentals, Speedy Hire, and HSS Hire, the industry is far more fragmented than most people realise.In this episode, Mark Kennedy and Mark Scutt break down the real structure of the UK plant hire and tool hire industry, exploring why contractors often split their spending between national hire companies and independent operators.They also discuss the hidden realities of the sector — from cross-hire networks and fleet utilisation to industry consolidation and the future of equipment rental.If you work in construction, plant hire, tool hire, civil engineering or infrastructure, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry really works.________________________________________What We Cover In This Episode✔ The real size of the UK plant hire industry✔ Why the biggest companies control less than 10% of the market✔ Why contractors often use both national and independent hire companies✔ The hidden world of cross-hire between hire companies✔ The economics of fleet utilisation and equipment depreciation✔ Whether national companies are squeezing out independent hire firms✔ How digital platforms and sustainability could reshape the industry________________________________________Key Industry Insights• The UK plant hire market is worth £10–£11 billion annually• There are 4,500–5,000 hire companies operating in the UK• Independent hire companies control roughly 70–75% of the market• Construction accounts for around 65–70% of hire demand• Healthy hire companies aim for 65–75% fleet utilisation________________________________________Timestamps (example)00:00 Introduction02:10 The £10 Billion Hire Industry05:30 Nationals vs Independent Hire Companies11:20 Why Contractors Use Both16:30 The Hidden World of Cross Hire21:45 The Economics of Plant Hire27:10 Is Consolidation Coming?32:30 The Future of Equipment Rental________________________________________About The PodcastHosted by Mark Kennedy and Mark Scutt, this podcast explores the business, strategy and realities behind the construction, plant hire and equipment rental industries.Each episode dives into the people, trends and debates shaping the sector.Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/digindeeppod ________________________________________#planthire #construction #recrutement tool hire businessconstruction equipment rental UKplant hire market UKSpeedy HireSunbelt RentalsHSS Hireequipment rental businessplant hire companiesconstruction industry podcast

In this conversation, Mark Kennedy and Mark Scutt discuss various challenges facing the construction industry, including quiet market conditions and the impact of water supply issues. They share personal frustrations with travel and airline delays, explore the rise of autonomous vehicles and AI, and reflect on the changing landscape of news consumption. The discussion also touches on mental health awareness in the construction sector and the need for open conversations about personal struggles.The construction industry is experiencing a quiet period post-holidays.Water supply issues highlight the importance of public services.Travel frustrations are common, especially with airlines.Autonomous vehicles are becoming more prevalent in urban areas.AI is set to accelerate changes in various industries.Mental health awareness is crucial in the construction sector.News consumption has evolved, with many avoiding negative headlines.The construction workforce has declined significantly since COVID.Investment in infrastructure is essential for economic growth.Open conversations about personal struggles can help improve mental health.Chapters00:00 Construction Industry Challenges and Observations02:59 Water Supply Issues and Public Services05:58 Travel Woes and Airline Frustrations09:11 Autonomous Vehicles and AI in Transportation11:57 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Industries15:04 Current Trends in Construction and Employment17:58 Mental Health Awareness in Construction20:56 The Evolution of News Consumption24:10 Future Prospects in Construction and Infrastructure#planthire #construction

🚨 WE’RE BACK! 🚨The Dig In Deep Podcast returns with a brand new series… kicking off THIS MONDAY 🎙️If you’re in plant hire, construction, or just enjoy a proper rant, this is for you.We’re back talking everything plant, business, site life and industry realities — plus the return of everyone’s favourite segment…👉 “What’s Doing Your Head In?”And let’s be honest… it can be absolutely anything:🍔 McDonald’s touchscreens that never work☕ Costa queues that take forever⏰ Washing machine clocks that are always wrong📦 Amazon drivers turning up at 9pm…plus plenty more from site, business and everyday life💥 Over 12,000 of you have listened in the last 28 days — which is unreal — but if you’re watching and haven’t already…👉 HIT SUBSCRIBE (it really helps us grow!)📅 New episode drops Monday, then every week🎧 Available on all platforms👇 Link below🎙️ We’re also looking for:👉 Guests – got something to say?👉 Innovations – launching something new?👉 Sponsors – loads of opportunities this seriesExpect more stories, nicknames, chaos, and whatever me, Mark & Charlie get up to next…Let’s go 👊#Construction #PlantHire #Podcast #UKConstruction #DigInDeep #SiteLife #BusinessPodcast #ConstructionIndustry

This week’s #digindeepjobs roundup brings you 30+ fresh roles in plant hire, tool hire, equipment rental, and construction equipment across the UK, plus a few global notables. Leadership, ops, sales, engineering, and more—let’s dig in!Welcome back to the weekly #digindeepjobs roundup—your Friday fix for the best plant hire, tool hire, and equipment rental gigs in the UK and beyond. Whether you’re a depot boss, sales shark, wrench wizard, or just like big kit, we’ve got something for you![Role Buckets] This week’s roles break down into 6 main buckets:• Leadership: General Manager, Plant Manager, Service Manager, Engineering Manager• Depot/Ops: Hire Controllers, Yard Drivers, Plant Systems Admins, Workshop Engineers• Sales/BD: Account Managers, Area Sales Managers, Internal Sales, Sales Manager (Capital Equipment)• Engineering/Service: Plant Engineers, Mobile Fitters, Powered Access Engineers, Rail Plant Engineers, Technicians• OEM/Dealer: Technical Account Manager, Sales roles in capital equipment and attachments• Contractor/Transport: HGV Drivers, Transport Supervisors, Plant & Fleet Coordinators[Standout Roles]• Fancy running the show? Check out the General Manager gig at PATH Recruitment—company car and all the perks.• Engineers, you’re spoiled for choice: mobile roles in Wigan and Suffolk, or a workshop spot in the North East.• Sales legends—there’s an Area Sales Manager slot in the Midlands and a Sales Manager role for the North, both with top earning potential.• If you love logistics, Transport Supervisor near Dartford is calling your name.Hire Controllers, Account Managers, Yard Drivers, Powered Access Engineers—too many to name, but plenty to pick from. Contractors and OEMs are hiring too, so whether you’re in the depot or out on site, there’s a seat for you.If you’re hiring or job hunting, tag your posts with #digindeepjobs so we can spotlight you in next week’s roundup. For the full list and links, hit up digindeeppod.com. Until next Friday—keep digging in deep and good luck on the job hunt!________________________________________Sources:• PATH Recruitment• Embark Recruitment• Flannery Plant Hire• Kemp Recruitment• LinkedIn Jobs UK• United Rentals EU & UK

Creating Cultural Transformation in the Construction Industry, Best Selling Author of "Let's Skip to the Good Bits" - Mental Health advocate, Founder of iTalk MH and Keynote SpeakerDarren’s story is impactful to say the least……Happily married, with a great job and a newborn son, Darren Barden was on top of the world. Little did he know that a knock on the door would change everything… Let’s Skip To The Good Bits is the emotional tale of one man’s journey to recovering from a savage knife attack. Darren spares no details as he lists the events that led up to the attack, and what followed. Share with Darren as he tells you what it’s really like to be the victim of an unsolved crime, the mental repercussions that knife crime can have, and his family’s struggle to obtain financial compensation. A heartbreaking story, of love, loss and the search for acknowledgement, Darren’s experiences will have you laughing and crying in equal measure. With Darren’s help, you truly can ‘Skip To The Good Bits’ and start mending your own mental health.Darren’s Profile.https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-barden-a6673156?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appLet’s Skip to the best bits:https://amzn.eu/d/59ZOPfpiTalk- https://italkmh.com/

Talking Sales styles and the impact of AI in sales with Sales Legend Mark Scutt Mark provides solutions for construction with operated and self drive plant and equipment. He has over 25 years experience in sales within construction, tool hire, Fire. Suppression and Plant hire.Mark has worked in some of the best know hire companies including Lynch Plant, Sunbelt and Active Plant. Mark believes Highly skilled and safe operators enable us to provide first class solutions on site for a number of activities including bulk excavation, drainage, deep drainage, grading, loading tippers and much, much more. Operated & Self Drive Plant Hire Hi-Ab / Plant Haulage Tipper & Grab Services www.activeplant.co.uk

An episode with Carl Griffiths - Owner of First ResponseDedicated and results-oriented Security and Facilities Management professional with over 20 years of experience. Passionate about creating safe, efficient environments, I excel in balancing security, operational excellence, and client satisfaction.Key Expertise:Successfully managed complex programs, integrating leading technology and best practices to mitigate risks and enhance safety.Expertise in threat assessment, emergency response planning, access control, and surveillance systems for tailored organisational needs.Optimising maintenance and sustainability practices, ensuring seamless operations for employees and visitors while delivering significant cost savings.Dedicated to ongoing professional development, I stay at the forefront of industry trends and regulations. Known for adaptability, teamwork, and fostering positive relationships with colleagues, vendors, and clients.Driven by a pursuit of excellence, I thrive in challenging environments. Ready to leverage expertise to contribute to organisations seeking holistic security and facilities management strategies.

Our very own host sits on the opposite side and talks about his journey into management and what it takes to be a leader in business. Mark is now the Chief Executive Officer of Spraylat International where he oversees the development and deployment of Protectapeel-a peelable protective coating which is supplied to over 25 countries. With a track record of success in leadership roles, including as Head of Plant, Access & Construction at Ballyvesey Holdings Ltd, CEO at BCL Rail, Managing Director at Paddington Offsite (Ardmore Group) and Group managing director at the Dunmow Group. Mark specialises in board development and sales target management, fostering partnerships, enabling product innovation, and guiding teams to deliver tailored solutions that meet diverse market needs.

Business leader within the rental industry. Steve talks about how he is driven to develop the market above and beyond the customers expectations and never tire of building & developing a team he is proud to surround himself with.Steve talks about the difficulties in building a business from attach with Reactive Rentals Ltd a Powered Access and Site Services rental business Steve is a Customer Service focused, Rental Expert, with genuine International Rental market expertise.This is a real insight to the highs and lows of lows of stating your own business and the dedication needed to succeed. https://www.reactiverentals.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveskeatesreactiverentals?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

The latest episode of The Dig In Deep podcast is a discussion on the care industry as well as solar with special guest Dan Wylie.We're diving deep into serious topics that matter, but don’t worry—we also keep it light with a fun debate Tune in to get informed, entertained, and engaged! 🎧💪

An episode with Martin Dunne

Engaged how many times Mark?!

As we close off the year it felt only right to create a compilation of our viewers most watched part of the Pod - What's doing your head in! From everyone in the Dig In Deep team - We wish you a Happy New Year and can't wait to bring you more entertainment in the Plant Hire & Construction space in 2025. Watch this space!

This episode Mark, Mark & Charlie continue the conversation with Don Moore, International Coach that delivers change in organisations and expand on Part 1.Going through how to build a high performing team, how behaviours can effect results and much moreAvailable on all major platforms!

This episode Mark, Mark & Charlie welcome Don Moore, International Coach that delivers change in organisations. Going through what's doing their head in, how to build a high performing team, how behaviours can effect results and much more Available on all major platforms!

The latest episode of The Dig In Deep podcast is a discussion on Mental Health within the Construction industry with special guest Steve Kerslake, founder of Construction Sport. We're diving deep into serious topics that matter, but don’t worry—we also keep it light with a fun debate on the age-old North-South divide: Red sauce or Brown sauce? 🍅🥫 Plus, we tackle the phenomenon of fake news in our industry. Tune in to get informed, entertained, and engaged! 🎧💪

This episode Mark, Mark & Charlie are going for an internal chat amongst themselves! Going through what's doing their head in, the challenges of owning plant machinery compared to hiring and the sheer amount of machines in the UK. ...Plus much more. The Dig In Deep Podcast offers a light hearted look into the very serious industry of Plant Hire & Construction in the UK. New Episodes out every Thursday. The views and beliefs discussed in this podcast are solely that of the hosts and do not represent the views, opinions or beliefs of their employers, affiliates or sponsors.

This episode Mark, Mark & Charlie are joined by Special Guest Gavin Elson from ETC Training! Gavin talks all things Operators - What's changed in the industry, what people need to consider when getting into the industry and the current challenges The Dig In Deep Podcast offers a light hearted look into the very serious industry of Plant Hire & Construction in the UK. New Episodes out every Thursday. The views and beliefs discussed in this podcast are solely that of the hosts and do not represent the views, opinions or beliefs of their employers, affiliates or sponsors.

This episode Mark, Mark & Charlie are joined by Special Guest Ricky Ellam, legend of the tool hire industry! Ricky talks about opportunities for growth in plant hire, the evolution of the industry and the major changes in recent times The Dig In Deep Podcast offers a light hearted look into the very serious industry of Plant Hire & Construction in the UK. New Episodes out every Thursday. The views and beliefs discussed in this podcast are solely that of the hosts and do not represent the views, opinions or beliefs of their employers, affiliates or sponsors.

This episode Mark, Mark & Charlie are joined by Special Guest Ian Horton, Founder of PATH Recruitment, the experts in recruitment for Plant, Access & Tool Hire. Ian talks everything through first paydays, industry challenges, getting into the industry to pork pies! The Dig In Deep Podcast offers a light hearted look into the very serious industry of Plant Hire & Construction in the UK. New Episodes out every Thursday. The views and beliefs discussed in this podcast are solely that of the hosts and do not represent the views, opinions or beliefs of their employers, affiliates or sponsors.

Join the guys as they discuss and cover topics such as Electric Machinery, Autonomous Vehicles, The Hillhead Tradeshow, Plant Theft and most importantly, Charlie's new Bungalow! The Dig In Deep Podcast offers a light hearted look into the very serious industry of Plant Hire & Construction in the UK. New Episodes out every Thursday. The views and beliefs discussed in this podcast are solely that of the hosts and do not represent the views, opinions or beliefs of their employers, affiliates or sponsors.

Overview of the show "Vertikal Days" - the UKs number 1 powered access and crane tradeshow, at its new venue at Newark Showground. We cover off women in construction, how to run a rental business, apprenticeships, financing solutions and much more... Including some Dad Jokes. Featuring; Scott Wilkins - Sales Director powered access & forklifts XCMG UK Linda Betts - Key Accounts Director APS Vicki Allen - Director International Platforms Jason Beacock - Director AWP Finance

A lighter look at the really serious Construction and Plant Hire industry. Join the hosts Mark, Mark & Charlie on the Pilot Episode of the Dig In Deep Podcast as they discuss topics such as machine costs & hire rates, Chinese products, skills shortages and recruitment issues among others.