The Middle East has become one of the world's most ambitious construction markets, attracting global contractors, consultants, and investors with its mega projects, rapid growth, and long-term infrastructure plans. But behind the headlines is a market where success depends on far more than simply winning work.

Marcus Siddons, Group Director at Baker Wilkins & Smith, joins Jimmy Webb to discuss the realities of delivering projects across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC. Drawing on nearly 60 years of the company's experience in the region, Marcus explains why British construction professionals continue to be highly regarded, how long-term relationships shape opportunities, and why patience, trust, and disciplined risk management matter just as much as technical expertise.

The conversation explores Saudi Arabia's giga projects, construction across the GCC, cost and risk management, procurement, cash flow, material price volatility, and the impact of regional conflict on project delivery. Marcus also shares what the UK construction industry can learn from the speed, ambition, and scale of development across the Middle East, while highlighting the challenges that often go unnoticed.

Whether you're planning to expand into Saudi Arabia, already working in the GCC, or simply interested in the future of global construction, this episode of the UK Construction Podcast offers practical insights into one of the industry's most active and influential regions.

___________________________________________

🚀 Watch, Like & Subscribe to our YT channel for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@UK_Construction_Blog

🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, WebMotion Media:

https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

____________________________________________

Follow us for other industry updates, thought leadership, house building/DIY tips and the occasional crossword puzzle!

► Website: https://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uk-construction-blog

► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uk.construction.blog

► X: https://x.com/UKCBlog

► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UK.Construction.Blog

► Threads: https://www.threads.net/@uk.construction.blog

► Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ukconstructionblog.bsky.social

1.8 homes per minute.

That's how many homes need retrofitting between now and 2050 if the UK is going to meet its energy efficiency goals.

The challenge isn't just carrying out the work. It's knowing where to start, which homes need attention first, and whether retrofit projects are actually delivering the results they're supposed to.

Lucy Lyons, Co-Founder and CEO of Kestrix and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree in 2024, joins us on the UK Construction Podcast to explain how her company is using drones, thermal imaging, and AI to create what she describes as the "Google Maps of heat loss". By turning aerial data into detailed 3D models, the platform helps housing providers identify heat loss, prioritise investment, assess retrofit opportunities, and measure outcomes across thousands of properties.

The conversation explores social housing, EPC assessments, retrofit funding, AI in construction, energy efficiency, and the role technology could play in helping the UK tackle one of its biggest infrastructure challenges.

Connect with Lucy Lyons:
Kestrix Website: https://www.kestrix.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-lyons/

____________________________________________

🚀 Watch, Like & Subscribe to our YT channel for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@UK_Construction_Blog

🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, WebMotion Media:

https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our dynamic host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

____________________________________________

Follow us for other industry updates, thought leadership, house building/DIY tips and the occasional crossword puzzle!

► Website: https://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uk-construction-blog

► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uk.construction.blog

► X: https://x.com/UKCBlog

► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UK.Construction.Blog

► Threads: https://www.threads.net/@uk.construction.blog

► Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ukconstructionblog.bsky.social

Jane Middleton and Charity Rose join the UK Construction Podcast to discuss the realities of inclusive PPE in construction, from oversized clothing and unsuitable footwear to pregnancy PPE, menopause, neurodiversity, and the wider issue of “standard” PPE not fitting the workforce it’s designed to protect.

Recommended Inclusive PPE Products & Resources:

• Inclusive Hard Hats (smaller head sizes & braided hair compatibility)
  MSA Safety V-Gard range
• Women’s Safety Boots
  Amblers Safety Women’s Footwear Collection
• Women’s Safety Wellington Boots
  Muck Boot Company – Women’s Muck Grit S5 Tall Boots
• Safety Footwear for Challenging Site Conditions
  Rock Fall – Hurricane Safety Boots
• Smaller Gloves & Safety Glasses
  uvex Women’s PPE Range
• Hijab-Compatible & Maternity PPE Accessories
  Leo Workwear Accessories & Jacket Expanders
• Women’s Stretch Cargo Trousers
  Leo EcoViz Stretch Cargo Trousers
• Stretch Jogger-Style PPE Trousers
  Hawkridge Class 1 EcoViz Jog Trousers
• Women’s Waterproof Hi-Vis Coat
  Leo Rosemoor Women’s Orange Waterproof Hi-Vis Coat
• Inclusive PPE Supplier Directory
  PPE That Fits – Supplier Directory
• Further Reading / Industry Initiative
  AtkinsRéalis Inclusive PPE Release

____________________________________________

🚀 Watch, Like & Subscribe to our YT channel for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@UK_Construction_Blog

🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode

Thank you to our sponsor for this episode, WebMotion Media:

https://web-motion.co.uk/

Special shoutout to our host Jimmy Webb of Construction Cogs: https://constructioncogs.com

____________________________________________

Follow us on socials!

► Website: https://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uk-construction-blog

► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uk.construction.blog

► X: https://x.com/UKCBlog

► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UK.Construction.Blog

► Threads: https://www.threads.net/@uk.construction.blog

► Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ukconstructionblog.bsky.social