ALARM25: The Local Roads Crisis With David Giles The Infrastructure podcast

#Science #Tech #Business #Antony Oliver #Infrastructure #Engineering #Construction

1:15:36

In this episode, we welcome back David French, columnist for The New York Times , former constitutional attorney, and author of Divided We Fall . We discuss the current state of American democracy, the challenges of political division, and how we can engage in civil discourse despite deep ideological differences. David also shares a personal update on his family and reflects on the profound trials and growth that come with adversity. 📌 What We Discuss: ✔️ How David and his family navigated the challenges of a serious health crisis. ✔️ The rise of political polarization and the factors driving it. ✔️ Why distinguishing between “unwise, unethical, and unlawful” is crucial in analyzing political actions. ✔️ How consuming different perspectives (even opposing ones) helps in understanding political dynamics. ✔️ The role of Christian values in politics and how they are being redefined. ⏳ Episode Highlights 📍 [00:01:00] – David French’s background and his journey from litigation to journalism. 📍 [00:02:30] – Personal update: David shares his wife Nancy’s battle with cancer and their journey as a family. 📍 [00:06:00] – How to navigate personal trials while maintaining faith and resilience. 📍 [00:10:00] – The danger of political paranoia and the pitfalls of extreme polarization. 📍 [00:18:00] – The "friend-enemy" paradigm in American politics and its influence in Christian fundamentalism. 📍 [00:24:00] – Revisiting Divided We Fall : How America’s divisions have devolved since 2020. 📍 [00:40:00] – The categories and differences of unwise, unethical, and unlawful political actions. 📍 [00:55:00] – The balance between justice, kindness, and humility in political engagement. 📍 [01:00:00] – The After Party initiative: A Christian approach to politics focused on values rather than policy. 💬 Featured Quotes 🔹 "You don't know who you truly are until your values are tested." – David French 🔹 "If we focus on the relational, we can have better conversations even across deep differences." – Corey Nathan 🔹 "Justice, kindness, and humility—if you're missing one, you're doing it wrong." – David French 🔹 "The United States has a history of shifting without repenting. We just move on." – David French 📚 Resources Mentioned David French’s Writing: New York Times David’s Book: Divided We Fall The After Party Initiative – More Info Advisory Opinions Podcast (with Sarah Isgur & David French) – Listen Here 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack David French: 🔗 Twitter | BlueSky | New York Times Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡…

The Infrastructure Podcast »
ALARM25: the local roads crisis with David Giles

3 days ago 30:26

MP3•Episode home

In today’s podcast takes a close inspection of the UK’s ever-deteriorating local roads condition.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the ALARM survey – the Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance survey – which for three decades has been the crucial benchmark for assessing the state of local roads across England and Wales.

Commissioned by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), the report was published last week and provides an invaluable snapshot of road conditions, funding levels, and the growing maintenance backlog across the UK’s local roads network.

And once again the 2025 findings, based on real feedback from real local authorities, paint a stark picture: local roads remain in decline, with 34,600 miles in poor condition and the cost to clear the repair backlog reaching an all-time high of £16.81 billion.

And while of course some might argue that “they would say that wouldn’t they!” the reality is that, despite the UK government’s pledge to fix one million potholes per year, we are still very far short of the long-term, sustained investment needed to tackle deep-rooted structural issues.

Because local roads are a vital economic asset - valued at over £400 billion. And just 1% of this value is allocated for annual maintenance. A shockingly poor stat given how much we all rely on these assets.

So what to do? Well my guest today might know! David Giles is Chair of the Asphalt Industry Alliance and a director of Continental Bitumen UK – someone who is ideally placed to explore the key findings, the barriers to progress, and of course, the actions needed to ensure a safer, more resilient local road network for the future.

His latest report calls for a radical shift in approach: multi-year funding, ring-fenced investment, and a long-term commitment to repairs – something similar perhaps to the current approach to the strategic road network.

So is that possible? Well let’s find out.

Resources

108 episodes

The Infrastructure Podcast

ALARM25: the local roads crisis with David Giles

The Infrastructure Podcast

11 subscribers

published 3 days ago

MP3•Episode home

In today’s podcast takes a close inspection of the UK’s ever-deteriorating local roads condition.

So is that possible? Well let’s find out.

Resources

108 episodes

#Science #Tech #Business #Antony Oliver #Infrastructure #Engineering #Construction

All episodes

The Infrastructure Podcast

1
ALARM25: the local roads crisis with David Giles 30:26

3 days ago30:26

30:26

In today’s podcast takes a close inspection of the UK’s ever-deteriorating local roads condition. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the ALARM survey – the Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance survey – which for three decades has been the crucial benchmark for assessing the state of local roads across England and Wales. Commissioned by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), the report was published last week and provides an invaluable snapshot of road conditions, funding levels, and the growing maintenance backlog across the UK’s local roads network. And once again the 2025 findings, based on real feedback from real local authorities, paint a stark picture: local roads remain in decline, with 34,600 miles in poor condition and the cost to clear the repair backlog reaching an all-time high of £16.81 billion. And while of course some might argue that “they would say that wouldn’t they!” the reality is that, despite the UK government’s pledge to fix one million potholes per year, we are still very far short of the long-term, sustained investment needed to tackle deep-rooted structural issues. Because local roads are a vital economic asset - valued at over £400 billion. And just 1% of this value is allocated for annual maintenance. A shockingly poor stat given how much we all rely on these assets. So what to do? Well my guest today might know! David Giles is Chair of the Asphalt Industry Alliance and a director of Continental Bitumen UK – someone who is ideally placed to explore the key findings, the barriers to progress, and of course, the actions needed to ensure a safer, more resilient local road network for the future. His latest report calls for a radical shift in approach: multi-year funding, ring-fenced investment, and a long-term commitment to repairs – something similar perhaps to the current approach to the strategic road network. So is that possible? Well let’s find out. Resources AIA Alarm Survey 2025 AIA website Colas website David Giles Linked In Government pothole repair pledge Government statement on local road conditions National Highways RIS2…

The Infrastructure Podcast

1
Planning: decoding the Bill with Robbie Owen 29:26

10 days ago29:26

29:26

In today’s podcast we return to the vitally important, hugely complicated and normally highly emotive subject of planning reform. And help is (potentially) at hand in the form of the long awaited Planning and Infrastructure Bill which was published last week and heralded by government as providing “transformative reforms to get Britain building, tackle blockers and unleash billions in economic growth”. So who better to bring back to the Infrastructure Podcast to explain and chew over this potential new dawn of planning than Robbie Owen, infrastructure planning guru and Partner at law firm Pinsent Masons. The UK’s planning system has long been a battleground between the need for economic growth and the challenges of bureaucracy, local opposition, and environmental concerns. As the government pushes forward with ambitious targets—building 1.5 million homes, upgrading transport networks, and accelerating clean energy projects—the speed at which infrastructure is planned and delivered has never been more critical. Yet, delays remain a persistent problem. As we know, major projects can take years to navigate the approvals process, with judicial reviews and lengthy consultations slowing progress. The proposed legislation includes changes to infrastructure planning, environmental impact assessments, and compulsory purchase powers … and, as discussed on the podcast before Christmas, limits on the role of Judicial Reviews. But will these changes truly unlock growth, or are deeper structural issues being overlooked? And how can the planning system ensure that infrastructure projects not only proceed faster but also deliver better outcomes for communities and the environment? Resources The Planning and Infrastructure Bill The Banner Review National Infrastructure Planning Association National Infrastructure Commission Pinsent Masons About NISTA Podcast with Robbie Owen and the Hansard Society on Parliament's planning role. Episode 93 of The Infrastructure Podcast with Robbie Owen on the Banner Review…

The Infrastructure Podcast

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Embodied carbon assessment with Adrian Campbell 33:01

17 days ago33:01

33:01

In today’s podcast we take a deep dive into embodied carbon and try to get a better understanding of why infrastructure professionals need to make its assessment more than just a nice add on but a fundamental part of the design process. The construction and infrastructure sectors are undergoing a major transformation as the industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and meet global net-zero targets. While operational carbon—emissions from heating, cooling, and electricity use—has traditionally been the focus of sustainability efforts, embodied carbon - emissions that are locked in at the point of construction and cannot be reduced over time - is now taking centre stage. To discuss this issue, my guest today is Adrian Campbell, founder of the Change Building consultancy and someone that I like to describe as an industry sustainability guru and my go-to expert when it comes to reducing carbon across the infrastructure lifecycle. Full disclosure; I have known Adrian since we studied Civil Engineering together at the University of Southampton back in the 1980s. Well, he did the studying as I remember! Adrian has made a return to the University of Southampton as a tutor and lecturer and as Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor in Sustainable Development and Climate Impact He has just produced a new guide to help students get to grips with assessing embodied carbon - a rapidly developing area of professional competence which should provide the skills and judgment to help improve designs and help move us towards the goal of net zero carbon. For students entering the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction, embracing embodied carbon assessment is no longer optional—it is a vital skill for shaping a sustainable built environment. As Adrian puts it, having an awareness of the reasons for its adoption (the ‘why’) and some experience of assessment (the ‘how’) is now expected as part of the role of the engineer. However, this presents challenges: data inconsistencies, limited industry knowledge, and balancing carbon reductions with performance and cost make it a complex area to navigate. So let’s find out why students should engage with embodied carbon thinking early in their careers. Resources Adrian Campbell Linked in Southampton University Embodied Carbon guide Change Building website University of Southampton website Positive Collective Royal Academy of Engineering Institution of Structural Engineers - how to calculate embodied carbon…

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Retrofitting: the future of housing with Anna Moore 35:18

24 days ago35:18

35:18

Today we head back to the vitally important issue of housing and attempt to understand the UK’s complex, and some might say, largely dysfunctional housing retrofit market. It is a market that is rapidly evolving, driven by ambitious government policies, rising energy costs, and increasing public demand for sustainable, lower cost living. But with a housing stock that is among the oldest in Europe, the UK faces significant headwinds to meet this challenge. But my guest today has embraced this challenge whole heartedly and two years ago quit a successful career with global consultancy McKinsey and Co to strike out on her own. Anna Moore formed Hestia, now rebranded as Domna , as a brand-new business to transform our approach to domestic retrofit and, at the same time, lever in large amounts of much needed private sector investment. It's a tough market. Because, as Anna knows I am sure, while the government’s commitment to building 1.5 million new homes continues to grab the headlines as the key to driving up living standards and revitalising communities, the need to retrofit our huge existing stock has been left something of an overlooked, Cinderella sector. Yes, recent initiatives, such as the Future Homes Standard and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund – now renamed the Warm Homes Grant, have boosted the focus on retrofitting to enhance energy efficiency, lower emissions, and reduce fuel poverty. And the market is seeing growing interest in innovations like heat pumps, solar panels, insulation upgrades, and smart energy systems. However, the sector faces hurdles, including supply chain constraints, skilled labour shortages, and the challenge of balancing affordability with high-quality retrofits. That said Anna has just secured a £70M cash injection into the business which she hopes will open up a £500bn opportunity that will help the business to play a critical role in creating healthier, more efficient homes for residents. So, let’s find out how. Resources About Domna Group Insights from Donna Group on retrofitting Domna post on £70 financing deal Building Centre New Homes in New Ways Exhibition Anna Moore Linked In…

The Infrastructure Podcast

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The affordable housing crisis with Anette Simpson 35:37

4 weeks ago35:37

35:37

In today’s episode we dive into the UK’s deepening housing crisis– specifically looking at affordable housing where demand is still far outstripping supply. Despite ambitious government targets to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, the reality is that we are still only seeing 50,000 to 60,000 affordable homes being built each year - far short of the estimated 145,000 required. The shortfall leaves over 1.3 million households on waiting lists, while rising costs, planning delays, and economic uncertainty continue to challenge the sector. My guest today is Anette Simpson the director of development and partnerships at Legal & General Affordable Homes where she is responsible for overseeing the delivery of some 3,000 affordable homes annually. Legal & General Affordable Homes (LGAH) was founded in 2018 to bring institutional investment into affordable housing, leveraging private sector funding to help bridge the gap. The business has ambition and Anette’s target is to have more than 10,000 homes under management this year. It aims to prove that, alongside the tradition public sector social housing providers, for-profit providers can play a crucial role in tackling the crisis. As such their approach combines long-term investment with cutting-edge technology, ensuring both sustainability and high-quality service for residents. However, the sector still faces significant barriers. Planning inefficiencies, limited government funding, and the financial pressures on housing associations are slowing progress. Meanwhile, challenges such as building safety upgrades, decarbonisation targets, and interest rate hikes are forcing traditional providers to scale back development. And to attract further private investment, the industry needs greater stability, a more efficient planning system, and well-resourced local authority partners. So let’s hear more as we explore LGAH’s role in shaping the future of affordable housing in the UK. Resources Legal & General Affordable Homes The Legal & General Affordable Housing Fund Planning overhaul to build 1.5M new homes Government affordable home ownership schemes Labour - Get Britain Building…

The Infrastructure Podcast

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Beyond academic with Jeni Giambona 34:06

5 weeks ago34:06

34:06

In today's podcast we explore the role that academia and research can and must play in transforming infrastructure into the modern, joined up, innovative sector needed to deliver a sustainable future for communities. My guest is Jeni Giambona, Associate Dean of Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise at the University of Southampton Business School , where she is also a Professor and a Member of the Centre for Resilient Socio-Technical Systems. More on that later. But full alumni disclosure – it is 30 years since I started my own undergrad course in Civil Engineering at Southampton University – fond if distant memories even if I’m not sure anyone there really remembers my particular academic contribution! Operating at a slight higher academic level, Jeni has worked in the higher education world and been involved at the sharp end of research for around two decades and specialises in Knowledge exchange and dissemination, engagement and systems thinking. It is fair to say that driving and investing in innovation remains key to boosting the infrastructure sector’s productivity and the outcomes - setting up projects and our approach to the delivery of asset management in new and better ways. That means embracing a systems approach; really doubling down on the need for collaboration and supply chain engagement; and of course investing in new data and digital technologies to help us to truly understand how infrastructure works. All of which is firmly on Jeni’s research and teaching agenda at Southampton as she attempts to infect the sector with her passion and enthusiasm for change and pursuit of better outcomes – let’s hear more. Resources University of Southampton Business School Systems Thinking and Leadership Development Executive Education Leaders and Entrepreneurs-in-Residence programme New Forest Business Partnership UK Higher Education and Transnational Education Mission The Newfoundland breed…

The Infrastructure Podcast

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Parliament’s infrastructure insider with Mike Reader MP 36:32

6 weeks ago36:32

36:32

In today’s episode we head back into the corridors of power to talk to Mike Reader Member of Parliament for Northampton South and chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Infrastructure. And after my recent conversation with Sarah Jones MP, minister of state for Business and net zero it will be interesting to contrast this government view of the nation’s infrastructure ambition with one from Parliament’s back benches. Certainly, there is no question that this government has infrastructure investment firmly in its sights when it comes to delivering on its ultimate mission for economic growth. We hear about no end of plans for refocusing on and accelerating delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects such as Heathrow third runway, Lower Thames Crossing, energy transition and distribution, new reservoirs and of course most recently a £3.6bn injection into the UK’s flood defences. But, as we also know, local infrastructure improvements are what really turns voters heads – be they improved bus services, tackling potholes, improving schools and hospitals or, indeed, providing new homes. And of course we also know that local infrastructure impacts, be they pylons on the skyline or rail tracks through the pastures, can and do have a major impact of deliverability. Navigating this difficult route from infrastructure aspiration to reality so often falls on the desks of an army of back bench MPs representing the myriad of interests – for and against proposals - within communities across the UK. So let’s talk to one of them. Resources Mike Reader MP website All Party Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure Energy Security and Net Zero Committee Government Industrial Strategy in the UK paper Bold reforms to planning systems Construction Leadership Council Rachel Reeves speech - January 2025 Transforming Infrastructure Performance…

The Infrastructure Podcast

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The 100th episode with Construction Minister Sarah Jones MP 39:55

7 weeks ago39:55

39:55

In today special 100th episode we shift to the heart of the UK government to hear first-hand from Construction Minister Sarah Jones MP about how she intends to embrace and accelerate infrastructure investment as a means to deliver the government’s overarching mission for economic growth. The podcast was recorded live in front of an invited audience of professionals at last week’s Twin Talks breakfast meeting hosted by Bentley Systems – just before the Chancellor Rachel Reeves set out her plans to cut through the planning and environmental blockers and accelerate a rake of nationally significant infrastructure projects such as the much discussed Heathrow third runway, East West Rail and the Oxford Cambridge Arc, Lower Thames Crossing, a raft of new reservoirs and a splurge of national wealth fund cash to underpin electric vehicle charging. As I discussed in last week's podcast with Skanska UK boss Katy Dowding, infrastructure is truly back in fashion and at the heart of the Labour government's increasingly desperate search for growth. So a great moment to chat to Sarah Jones, who was appointed as Minister of State at both the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade, last July, having been elected as the MP for Croydon West in June 2017. Her busy, cross-department role brings up an interesting mix of responsibilities, all of which, of course, have major implications for the construction and infrastructure sectors as the government attempts to balance public sector ambitions for economic growth, higher living standards and better environment outcomes with the reality of constrained public finances and the need to truly engage private sector investment and innovation. We have truly got interesting, challenging and exciting times ahead. I started by finding out a bit more about her plans for delivery… Resources Government Industrial Strategy in the UK pape r Bold reforms to planing systems Construction Leadership Council Sarah Jones MP website Rachel Reeves speech - January 2025 Transforming Infrastructure Performance…

The Infrastructure Podcast

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Modern contracting with Katy Dowding 35:32

8 weeks ago35:32

35:32

Today's podcast is episode 99 and we are going to talk about the challenge of modern contracting. There is no doubt that we are in a world where infrastructure investment is well and truly back in fashion. That’s true whether we are transforming our energy future, racing to meet a net zero goals, improving lives and community, protecting the environment, solving the housing crisis or indeed, supporting the government’s lofty ambitions for an AI driven, world leading growth agenda, Yes, we hear it all the time: infrastructure investment is key to boosting growth. Yet the question still remains: how do we actually create this new world? The answer of course is contractors - the skills, the ingenuity, and innovation, passion and resource of a pretty unique bunch of folk who, rain or shine, get out there and make it happen. My guest today knows all about the pressures and delights of contracting. Katy Dowding is president and CEO of Skanska UK , one of the UK's leading and most innovative contractors and the UK division of Skanska AB, the £13bn revenue global business based in Sweden. Katy has been with Skanska for a large part of her 30 year career in the industry and has ridden the rollercoaster of boom and bust, feast and famine that has too often characterised the sector throughout that time. So where are we now? Are we moving away from the low margin dog eat dog world? Have we arrived at the new low carbon era of collaboration, quality driven value led outcomes? And critically, are we creating an industry in which the brightest and the best actually now want to work and a sector that is set up to transform the world around us and create the kind of built and natural environment that really will change lives? Let's find out. Resources Skanska UK website Construction Leadership Council National Infrastructure Commission Infrastructure and Projects Authority Wates Corporate Governance Principles Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction Construction Youth Trust…

The Infrastructure Podcast

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LA wildfires + Trump's USA with Steve Burrows 37:48

9 weeks ago37:48

37:48

In today's podcast we go Stateside to catch up on what is happening in the US as the global super power prepares for the latest iteration of the Donald Trump Presidency and as Los Angeles struggles to contain and recover from catastrophic wild fires. My guest today is Steve Burrows, ICE Representative for the West Coast of the USA . Steve is based in San Francisco and, after a global career in engineering working for Arup, then Aecom and WSP on projects including the Birdsnest Olympic Stadium in Beijing and Apple’s headquarters in California, is now an independent consultant helping infrastructure clients to deliver better outcomes from their investments. So after 40 years in the region, If anyone has his finger on the West Coast pulse it’s Steve! Well the Trump presidency is certainly a massive moment for the US and a massive moment for the rest of the world – huge consequences geopolitically and huge impacts economically if Trump follows through on his election promises. And huge impacts for infrastructure professionals as the administration switches track from renewables and net zero ambition back to the drill baby drill oil and gas centric policies of the past. Meanwhile of course the very real impact of global climate change has arrived in Los Angeles which is still battling what is certainly one of the worst natural disasters to have hit the city in its history. So far 25 people have been killed with many more still missing and tens of thousands of properties destroyed as fires rage across the parched dry tinder box driven my unprecedented high winds. It is truly a scene of tragedy on a massive scale. From an infrastructure perspective both events raise huge questions for the US – not least in a country that has massively underfunded and under maintained is infrastructure assets and that had world leading ambitions for low carbon development.. So make no mistake there are big challenge ahead as professionals attempt to steer the path toward safe, productive and resilient infrastructure. So how are they coping. Let's find out. Resources ICE North America CalFire LA wire fires update The White House ACSE infrastructure report card Genuine Intelligence Podcast Steve Burrows Linked In B2BURROWS…

The Infrastructure Podcast

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Infrastructure for a sustainable future with Prof Jim Hall 35:40

10 weeks ago35:40

35:40

In today’s podcast we try to understand how the infrastructure investment we have planned across the UK can actually be turned into better sustainable outcomes for communities. To tackle this hugely important issue, my guest today is Professor Jim Hall, the 160th President of the Institution of Civil Engineers , professor of climate and environmental risks at the University of Oxford and commissioner for the soon to be wound down – or is it on - National Infrastructure Commission. Now, in his inaugural speech to the ICE, Jim rightly pointed out that the infrastructure civil engineers provide is central to sustainable development. Yet, he added that, around the world governments continually struggle to provide those much-needed infrastructure services. The question is why, and, of course, how can infrastructure professions start to really move the dial when it comes to ensuring that, for all the investment and enthusiasm, we are getting the right sustainable outcomes – the social economic and environmental outcomes from infrastructure systems we already have in place and from the new ones that are slated to be built as part of the on-going global drive towards economic and social growth. Make no mistake, there are some huge opportunities ahead – but there are also huge challenges. Not least in a world increasingly led by climate change sceptics and vested corporate interests. Well let’s find out what more the profession can do by chatting to an internationally recognised expert in strategic infrastructure planning. Resources ICE presidential address 2024 National Infrastructure Commission National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority NISTA NIC Needs Assessment 2 Infrastructure and Projects Authority…

The Infrastructure Podcast

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The critical role of open data with Nicholas Cumins 33:31

11 weeks ago33:31

33:31

We are back for 2025 and in today's podcast we will I hope, start the new year by catching a glimpse of the art of the possible when it comes to embracing the use of data, technology and digital tools to drive improvement across the infrastructure sector. As such it is my pleasure to sit down today with Nicholas Cumins, chief executive of global infrastructure software giant Bentley Systems . Nicholas stepped into the hot seat six months ago when former ceo, founder and driving mind for the business Greg Bentley moved up to chair the now public company, ending three decades of family control. So no pressure there then! Nicholas set out his stall for the direction of the business during his keynote address to the 2024 Bentley Systems Year in Infrastructure event held last October in Vancouver. This annual event gathers infrastructure’s top minds to share information and inspiration, find out what’s new in the digital design, construction and operation world and, or course, to celebrate success with a bunch of now highly coveted awards. These kind of global events demonstrate clearly how governments around the world are banking on infrastructure investment to drove economies but also that the future of our built environment depends on doing more with less and on achieving better economic and social outcomes for communities. And as Nicholas pointed out in Vancouver, that means creating new, sustainable solutions that will both protect our natural environment and meet global target for cutting carbon emissions. But it also means finding new and better ways to manage and maintain the vast amount of vital infrastructure that already exists. Digitalisation, data and the power of AI and data analysis tools are key to helping professionals to make better decisions and creating better outcomes for the societies that rely on it. And it’s fair to say that software companies like Bentley are developing extraordinary tools to power this transformation. So let’s hear what’s new and what’s around the corner. Resources Bentley Systems iLab The Digital Twin Hub Bentley Systems Year in Infrastructure 2024 YII 2024 Keynotes Cesium 3D Tiles Google partnership Unreal Engine…

The Infrastructure Podcast

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Turning policy into delivery with Sir John Armitt - part 2 36:00

13 weeks ago36:00

36:00

Today’s podcast is the second of a two-part year end special recorded with Sir John Armitt out-going chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission and all round voice of experience and knowledge when it comes go planning and delivering the UK’s infrastructure needs. And its the last episode of 2025! In the last episode we covered a lot of ground talking about NISTA, the all new National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, the challenges of turning policy into delivery, reforming UK planning and how the government might create the vital clear and consistent policy to drive forward vital investment needed for infrastructure projects that will boost economic growth and transform lives and communities across the UK. If you haven’t done so already, I heartily recommend you have a listen. Check out episode 94 In part 2 we will build on these themes and talk a bit more about driving down costs and improving outcomes from investment, about delivering more for the public and about ensuring private sector investors and the supply can really engage with the government’s plans. But first we have a catch up about the National Infrastructure Commission, what it has achieved since 2015 and where it is heading. Enjoy the episode Resources National Infrastructure Commission Infrastructure and Projects Authority National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority NISTA NIC Needs Assessment 2 NIC letter to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 10 year strategy Banner Review into NSIP judicial reviews Planning and Infrastructure Bill…

The Infrastructure Podcast

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Turning policy into delivery with Sir John Armitt - part 1 31:18

14 weeks ago31:18

31:18

Today’s podcast is a bit special in that it is the first of a two-part, year-end special recorded with infrastructure giant Sir John Armitt. To be fair, this podcast really needs very little in the way of set up from me, other than to say that Sir John is long standing chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission, past president of the Institution of Civil Engineers and, to most inside and outside of the engineering and infrastructure sector, the genuine expert voice of experience, calm and common sense when it comes to the built environment. And I imagine that if you are listening to this podcast you will be acutely aware that, having served on the commission since it was formed in 2015 and been chairman since 2018, John is stepping down from the role in the Spring next year as the organisation joins with the Infrastructure and Projects Authority to form NISTA, the all new National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority. This will be charged with taking the strategic planning and delivery of the nation’s infrastructure to new levels, driving forward the new and eagerly awaited 10-year National Infrastructure Strategy, and boosting the efficiency and outcomes from the vast amounts of public and private investment being slated to underpin the government’s ambitious growth agenda for this Parliament and beyond. Make no mistake, there is no shortage of ambition for infrastructure – the question, as always, is how to deliver. But if anyone knows it’s Sir John, so let’s hear from him Resources National Infrastructure Commission Infrastructure and Projects Authority National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority NISTA NIC Needs Assessment 2 NIC letter to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 10 year strategy Banner Review into NSIP judicial reviews Planning and Infrastructure Bill…

The Infrastructure Podcast

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Planning: the case for reform with Robbie Owen 35:42

15 weeks ago35:42