Behind the Built Environment (BESA)

In this episode of "Behind the Built Environment," David Frise interviews Dr. Jo Jolly, Director of Environment and Innovation at Ofwat. Jo discusses her journey from geophysics and hydrogeology to her current role, emphasizing her commitment to achieving the best outcomes for the environment and society. She highlights the urgent need to transform infrastructure performance using data analytics and innovative approaches.

Jo advocates for proactive collaboration between water specialists and building engineers to enhance water management and HVAC systems, improving water and energy efficiency. She also discusses the importance of using data to measure and improve project performance, stressing psychological safety within teams to encourage transparency and prevent issues from being overlooked.

In this episode, BESA CEO David Frise speaks with Amos Simbo OBE, founder of the BPIC Network and Winway Group, about improving diversity in construction. Amos shares his career journey and explains why representation, inclusion, and access are vital for attracting and retaining talent from ethnic minority backgrounds. He introduces BPIC’s mission to support inclusive workplaces and its upcoming Skills Academy. The key message: inclusion benefits everyone and leads to innovation, better business outcomes, and stronger industry culture. For companies of all sizes, authenticity matters—don’t fake it, make it real. Inclusion isn’t a trend—it’s good business.

In this episode of Behind the Built Environment, BESA’s David Frise speaks with Suzannah Nichol, Chief Executive of Build UK, about her career journey and the organisation’s impact over the past decade. They explore Build UK’s role in improving payment practices, introducing the Common Assessment Standard, and tackling industry-wide issues like productivity, skills shortages, and cultural change. Suzannah shares insights on the Building Safety Act, the importance of collaboration, and embracing innovation and AI. She highlights the success of the Open Doors initiative and emphasises the need for the sector to modernise, reduce duplication, and unite around shared goals.

In this episode, the spotlight is on Remi Suzan, the newly appointed Managing Director of Gratte Brothers Limited, a family-owned UK building services company that has flourished since its founding in 1946. With a turnover of over £250 million, Gratte Brothers thrives on repeat business and a commitment to innovation. Remi emphasises the significance of offsite construction in boosting efficiency and quality while addressing skills shortages. He also discusses the evolving impact of the Building Safety Act and the challenges of implementing BIM in the industry. From operational improvements to strategic leadership, Suzan's insights paint a dynamic picture of Gratte Brothers' journey and future in the building engineering sector.

In this episode of Behind the Built Environment, BESA Chief Executive David Frise talks with Steven Boyd, a property and infrastructure expert with over 30 years’ experience, including leading roles with the Government Property Agency and the British Army. They explore key challenges facing the built environment, from the implementation of the Building Safety Act to tackling fragmented data management and inefficiencies across construction and operations.

Steven shares insights on integrating lifecycle data to improve decision-making, reduce waste, and achieve sustainability goals, including net-zero carbon emissions. He advocates for bridging the gap between construction and maintenance, emphasising the importance of digital tools and offsite assembly in driving innovation. The conversation also highlights opportunities to streamline regulations, enhance collaboration, and prioritise refurbishment for existing buildings.

Fiona Cousins, CIBSE president and Arup leader, discusses her engineering journey, emphasising the need for broader problem definitions in building services, beyond cost and efficiency, to include carbon reduction, biodiversity, and social value. 

She highlights how evolving client demands for decarbonisation and carbon neutrality shape the industry. She stresses integrating safety, climate change, and societal impacts into design goals to prevent issues like those revealed by the Grenfell Report. She also advocates for better building operation and AI tools to optimise energy efficiency, emphasising whole-life value over short-term cost in creating sustainable, functional buildings.

In this episode we are joined by Nick Mead, Technical Director at Laing O'Rourke and Chair of the BESA Building Safety Act Advisory Group.

He discusses the transformative impact of the Building Safety Act on the construction industry, emphasising the importance of compliance, collaboration and cultural change. Nick shares insights on navigating new regulations and the industry's future.

The episode also introduces BESA's "Play it Safe" guide, designed to simplify what everyone’s roles and responsibilities are for complying with the Act.

Join us as we discuss the critical issue of indoor air quality (IAQ) and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) with Dr. Phil Webb, Chief Executive of Health & Wellbeing 360 and a seasoned healthcare professional and industry representative for the Promoting Awareness of Air Pollution Delivery Group for the Welsh Government. Discover why indoor air quality is a major health concern, surpassing even the impacts of cancer and heart disease.

In this episode, Dr. Webb sheds light on:

• The staggering statistics on air quality-related deaths.
• The role of engineers in solving indoor air quality issues.
• Innovative technologies and systems to improve air quality.
• The importance of monitoring and maintaining air quality in buildings.
• How good air quality can enhance productivity and well-being in workplaces.

Tune in to learn how better indoor environments can lead to healthier, happier lives and why it's crucial for employers, building owners, and policymakers to take action now.

In this episode, David Frise, Chief Executive for BESA, chats with Lorna Stimpson, Chief Executive at LABC, about the Building Safety Act and its impact on the construction industry.

Lorna discusses her background in building control and emphasises the importance of cultural change, competence, and putting safety first. They explore the significance of the Building Safety Act, the need for behavioural change and the responsibilities of duty holders in ensuring compliance.

BESA Chief Executive David Frise speaks with Charles Begley, Chief Executive of the London Property Alliance, about the future of London’s built environment.

They discuss economic growth, sustainability, and the need for public-private partnerships.

Charles highlights how flexible planning policies could generate £100 billion in additional GVA by 2045.

The conversation explores skills shortages, the rise of retrofit projects, and the growing role of investors in sustainable development.