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

Mental health on-site is often acknowledged, but rarely understood in practice.

This episode looks beyond policies to explore what is actually happening across construction sites, and why many of the warning signs go unnoticed. From long hours and pressure to conversations that rarely go beyond football, work, or a quick “you alright, mate?”, the discussion examines how many men in construction avoid speaking openly about what they’re really struggling with. It highlights how humour, banter, and carrying on as normal can often mask deeper issues, allowing addiction and mental health struggles to develop unnoticed over time.

Craig Paton, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Director, MHFA specialist, and founder of Paton Safety Solutions Ltd, brings over 20 years of experience in construction. Having started as a labourer and later moving into health and safety following a fatal accident involving a close friend, Craig also speaks openly about his own experiences with addiction, recovery, and mental health. His perspective comes from both years spent in the industry and lived experience outside of it.

Our conversation explores why many individuals struggle to speak up, how issues can develop unnoticed on site, and the role leadership plays in creating safer, more supportive environments.

Craig also shares insight from his work delivering mental health training and keynote talks across the UK and Europe, highlighting practical ways to improve communication, recognise early signs, and better support people across all levels of the workforce.

This episode of the UK Construction Podcast is a relevant watch for anyone working in construction, particularly those responsible for teams, safety, and site culture.

Connect with Craig Paton:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpaton1982/
Podcast: https://youtube.com/@constructivecomedypresents?si=IDNtscDd_CZoxVg9

____________________________________________

🚀 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

Construction doesn’t fail because of process alone — it fails when the people behind it are overlooked. This episode looks at how a People First approach to leadership is reshaping the way projects are delivered and teams are managed on site.

Jonathan Cinelli brings decades of experience from within the construction industry, having worked as an electrician, led teams, and managed large-scale electrical projects. That experience now informs his approach to People First Leadership, a system built specifically for construction environments where performance, safety, and culture are closely linked.

His discussion with host Jimmy Webb explores how leadership decisions on site influence trust, communication, and team dynamics, and why many of the challenges seen across projects can be traced back to how people are managed. It also looks at the impact of generational differences, the pressures placed on site leaders, and the role leadership plays in addressing mental health and retention across the workforce.

Rather than relying on theory, the ideas shared are grounded in real site experience, with a focus on practical changes that can be applied across different levels of responsibility, from foremen and supervisors through to senior leadership.

This episode of the UK Construction Podcast also touches on how structured support, coaching, and leadership development can help create more resilient teams, reduce unnecessary friction, and improve overall project outcomes without adding complexity to already demanding roles.

Connect with Jonathan Cinelli:
People First Leadership website: https://www.peoplefirstleadership.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cinelli-pmp-acc-103b841ba/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanacinelli/

____________________________________________

🚀 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

Most people on-site won't read a lift plan. Gheorghe Busuioc built an AI to fix that.

In this episode of the UK Construction Podcast, Jimmy Webb sits down with Gheorghe Busuioc, founder of Construct Tech, to explore how technology is transforming lifting operations in the UK construction industry.

Gheorghe shares his journey from gate man and slinger signaller to building one of the most innovative lifting solutions in the UK — combining AI-generated lift plans, 3D visuals, training videos, QR codes, and a digital daily checks app into one powerful system.

They dive into why traditional lift plans are often ignored on site, how Construct Tech is working directly with manufacturers to revolutionise access to lifting equipment, and what the future looks like for lifting operations — including VR safety training and 4D building simulations.

Whether you're an AP, site manager, crane operator or just curious about where construction tech is heading — this one is not to be missed.

___________________________________________

🚀 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

What Is PassivHaus and why aren't we building every home this way?

Jimmy Webb sat down with Liam Schofield of LGS Airtightness for the latest episode of the UK Construction Podcast. This is an honest conversation about the state of British construction and why PassivHaus needs to become the standard.

Here's what they cover:

• What PassivHaus is and how it works in practice
• Why UK housing stock is the oldest and draughtiest in Europe
• How volume builder lobbying is slowing down energy standards
• The airtightness mistakes that get hidden before final inspection
• What the UK can learn from Ireland's approach
• The future of prefab construction
• How to get into high-performance building as a tradesperson

Years of experience, no filter, and a lot that the industry needs to hear.
____________________________________________

🚀 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

Welcome to the UK Construction Podcast.

The UK construction industry continues to face mounting pressure from labour shortages, skills gaps and ongoing market uncertainty. While headlines focus on project delays and rising costs, the real story often sits on the ground, with contractors struggling to secure reliable, qualified workers.

Jimmy Webb is joined by Riley Pond, Contracts Manager at The Labour Desk, to discuss why construction is struggling to find workers, and what recruiters are doing about it.

We cover:

• The ongoing labour shortages
• Why asbestos operatives are so hard to find
• The temp vs perm debate
• Market uncertainty and signs of recovery
• Investing in training to fix the skills gap
• Supporting ex-offenders into construction

A standout moment in this episode of UK Construction Podcast highlights Riley’s visit to a prison to promote careers in construction and the powerful follow-up when one of the inmates later secured employment on site.

Construction has its challenges right now. But it also has real opportunity.

If you’re in construction, recruitment, or trying to understand where the labour market is heading, this one’s worth a watch.

____________________________________________

🚀 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