Building Brum

On today’s episode we’re joined by Moe Ali of Bruntwood SciTech, Grace Kneafsey of the West Midlands Growth Company, James Watts of Arup and Catherine Hadfield of the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter. Together, we explore why the Knowledge Quarter could represent a once generational opportunity for Birmingham bringing the potential for 22,000 jobs, 580,000 square metres of commercial space and more than £3 billion a year in economic value. Our guests discuss the vision for this emerging innovation district, the investment and infrastructure needed to deliver it, and Birmingham’s potential to compete nationally and internationally in sectors such as life sciences. We also look at the importance of HS2 and Curzon Street, what a Mayoral Development Corporation could mean for east Birmingham, and how partners can ensure that local communities genuinely benefit from the growth taking place around them. An optimistic conversation about investment, innovation and turning an ambitious masterplan into a thriving, connected and inclusive part of the city. The Building Brum podcast is sponsored by Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles; EH Smith Architectural Solutions , brick and façade specialists; Unique Window Systems , the multi-award-winning fabricator of uPVC and aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling systems; Spacion , specialists in measured building surveys, point clouds and reality capture; SOPREMA , a global leader in waterproofing, thermal and acoustic insulation, and roofing solutions; and Sunbelt Rentals , the UK’s largest equipment hire provider, with more than 1.5 million items of equipment.

Build Birmingham Build, recorded live from the West Midlands Pavilion at UKREiiF. Birmingham has one of the strongest residential pipelines in the country, with record levels of activity and the delivery potential to match. In this episode, Conor Nolan sits down with the city leaders and partners driving the next phase of regeneration, including landmark schemes like Birmingham Smithfield and Birmingham Central Heart, and explores how this momentum is strengthening the city's urban fabric and setting up Birmingham for long-term transformation. In part one, Conor is joined by Joanne Roney CBE, Managing Director at Birmingham City Council, for the view from the top of the city and what delivery at this scale really takes. In part two, he's joined by Ashley Perry, Acquisitions Director for Multi-Family Housing at Apache Capital, and Colin Murphy, Project Director for Smithfield Birmingham at Lendlease, for a closer look at how these schemes come to life and what they mean for the people who will call them home. A snapshot of a city with real momentum behind it. Speakers: Joanne Roney CBE, Managing Director, Birmingham City Council Ashley Perry, Acquisitions Director, Multi-Family Housing, Apache Capital Colin Murphy, Project Director, Smithfield Birmingham, Lendlease A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, Unquie Window Systems, multi-award-winning fabricator of UPVC and aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling, Eh Smith Brick and Facade specialists and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

On today's episode, we're joined by Matthew Ayres and James Hind of SimpsonHaugh to explore why some of the world's most loved cities, from Barcelona to Paris to Vienna, are wonderfully dense, and what makes great urban design work so well. Together, we discuss Birmingham’s future and the exciting opportunity to approach growth in a thoughtful, well-designed way. Matthew and James share their insight on the real upsides, like how smart density can save money, support better transport, build stronger communities, and contribute to a more sustainable city, and we imagine what an even greater Birmingham could look like by 2035. An optimistic chat about great design, thriving neighbourhoods and the kind of city we'd all love to call home. The Building Brum podcast is sponsored by Solus , the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, Eh Smith architectural solutions Brick and Fascade specialsts, Unquie Window Systems the multi-award-winning fabricator of UPVC and aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

On todays episode we take a look at the PBSA marke with Brian Gough, Partner at Stace, and unpack the realities shaping student accommodation across the UK. From rising construction costs and tightening viability to evolving student expectations and the widening gap between premium schemes and ageing stock, Brian shares insight on what’s driving the sector and what’s holding it back. With a sharp focus on the Midlands, we explore investor appetite, development trends, and whether cities like Birmingham are still seen as a value play or now competing more closely with London. From rental growth and affordability pressures to the emergence of a two-tier market, this episode breaks down where PBSA is thriving, where risks are building, and what it all means for developers, investors, and universities navigating an increasingly complex landscape. A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, Eh Smith architectural solutions Brick and Fascade specialsts, Unquie Window Systems the multi-award-winning fabricator of UPVC and aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

We sit down with Regional Managing Director, Ray O’Sullivan to explore the rapid rise of Caddick Construction in the Midlands. From its formation just three years ago to delivering major schemes across the region, Ray shares the story behind the Birmingham team - built on strong foundations, bringing together experience, local knowledge and established working relationships. We dive into what’s driven Caddick’s momentum in such a competitive market, from early challenges and key project wins to the ambition of building a £1bn pipeline. Ray also reflects on why the Midlands remains a critical growth region, how culture and collaboration underpin success, and the role contractors play in shaping cities like Birmingham. Looking ahead, it’s a conversation about more than just growth - it’s about legacy, opportunity, and what comes next. Today’s episode was kindly hosted by Northspring at the podcast studio in Birmingham. A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, EH Smith Architectural Solutions - Brick and Fascade specialists, multi-award-winning fabricator of UPVC and aluminium windows Unique Window Systems and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

To mark International Women’s Day on the Building Brum podcast, we’re joined by Poppy Deakin, Assistant Project Manager, and Emily Melville, Health, Safety & Wellbeing Manager both apprentices at Overbury. Straight out of school, they quickly became involved in some of Birmingham’s most significant developments, contributing to major schemes ranging from delivering workspace for global financial organisations to Arup’s new Birmingham headquarters at One Centenary Way. Landmark projects. Real responsibility. Day one. We dive into whether construction was ever presented as a real option at school, the visibility of apprenticeships, and how quickly confidence grows when you’re trusted on high-profile city-centre developments. From balancing an HNC with site life to completing a degree apprenticeship while delivering complex projects, both share how they progressed fast and why apprenticeships are far from a “second choice.” This episode is honest, sharp and forward-looking. It’s about breaking perceptions, building credibility young, and showing what’s possible when the industry opens its doors earlier especially to young women considering their future. Today’s episode was kindly hosted by Northspring at the podcast studio in Birmingham. A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, EH Smith Architectural Solutions - Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Are we finally past the turbulence? Three years into the Building Safety Act, we ask the question everyone’s thinking: is the high-rise market stabilising — or are we just better at coping with the chaos? With Weedon Architects Dave Vanderson and Pareto Projects Kuli Bajwa, we explore why Gateway 2 can still feel like a postcode lottery, and whether confidence is truly returning across the country. We get straight into the pressure points: shifting expectations on design detail, stretched regulator resources, and approvals that land with “requirements” but no clear timeline. How do you price, programme and fund a project when the goalposts keep moving? And what happens when approval pathways change halfway through a live scheme? Then we zoom out. Has the Act permanently changed procurement? Is traditional single-stage Design & Build still realistic for high-rise? And have we swung so far toward compliance that some developers are questioning whether it’s worth the risk? It’s sharp, honest and highly relatable for anyone delivering projects in the new regime. Today’s episode was kindly hosted by Northspring at the podcast studio in Birmingham. A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, EH Smith Architectural Solutions - Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

The past year has tested the construction and property industry like few others in recent memory. Rising costs, political uncertainty, cautious investment and sweeping regulatory change have all combined to create one of the most challenging operating environments in decades. We sit down with James Watts and Alison Kilby of Arup to take an honest look at what 2025 and the past 12 months really felt like on the ground. Drawing on their experience advising major developers, public sector bodies and infrastructure clients, they share insight into how global economic pressures are shaping local decision-making. We explore the growing tension between ambitious sustainability targets and project viability, and discuss how developers and local authorities are trying to balance long-term goals with short-term financial realities. We explore into the practical impact of the Building Safety Act – where it has driven genuine improvements, and where it has added complexity and delay. With institutional funding becoming more risk-averse, James and Alison reflect on how this shift is affecting major regeneration schemes and masterplans, and whether some projects are still being under-costed or over-promised. They explain what “proper costing” really means today in an era of inflation, regulation and programme risk. Today’s episode was kindly hosted by Northspring at the podcast studio in Birmingham. A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, EH Smith Architectural Solutions - Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

We are joined by Nick Gibb Joint Managing Director of BSN Group. Nick took on this new role after spending 30 years at Willmott Dixon, where Nick helped to build one of the region’s most successful Tier One contractors. Nick's now stepped into an owner-led, entrepreneurial role, leading BSN Group's ambitious growth strategy. In this episode, we’ll be talking about what that transition has been like, how BSN operates in a market where project viability is increasingly challenging, and why the business continues to grow across sectors like healthcare, residential and commercial. We’ll also explore procurement, from frameworks and direct awards to single and two stage tenders, how BSN decides which opportunities to pursue, and how the business is maintaining its agile and entrepreneurial culture as it scales. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, EH Smith Architectural Solutions Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Today on the Building Brum Podcast, we’re exploring development more regionally: how the public and private sectors can work together to deliver places, unlock land, and drive long-term economic value. At the centre of this conversation is the Warwickshire Property & Development Group — a unique local-authority-owned company operating commercially to generate income that supports frontline services, while also shaping the future of the county’s built environment. It’s a delicate balance between accountability and entrepreneurialism, public purpose and commercial reality. We’re joined by Stuart Buckley, Managing Director of Warwickshire Property & Development Group, to dive into how this model actually works on the ground. From joint ventures that bring complex sites forward, to innovative approaches that support SMEs, Stuart shares how partnering with the private sector is helping Warwickshire unlock opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. Whether you’re a developer, a planner, or simply curious about how local authorities are rethinking growth, this episode offers a look behind-the-scenes look at a public–private approach that’s shaping Warwickshire. A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, EH Smith Architectural Solutions Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Building Brum host Conor Nolan sits down with Joanna Lee-Mills, Partner at Ward Hadaway, examining one of Birmingham’s most urgent challenges: affordable and social housing. Joanna brings nearly 25 years of experience in housing, planning, and development to help unpack what “affordable housing” really means for families across the city, how Section 106 agreements shape delivery on the ground, and why—despite major funding announcements—social housing supply still lags behind demand. We examine Birmingham’s wider growth story against the backdrop of rising costs and council pressures, examining where viability, planning delays, and policy gaps hold projects back. Examining big questions around access to home ownership, the future of shared ownership, and what meaningful reform could look like. A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, EH Smith Architectural Solutions Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

In this episode of the Building Brum Podcast, we’re joined by Simon Delahunty-Forrest, Birmingham City Council’s newly appointed Director of Planning and Development, to discuss his vision for the city’s future. Having played a key role in shaping Birmingham’s planning and regeneration story over the past 35 years, Simon reflects on how the city has evolved through the Big City Plan and Our Future City Plan 2045. Looking ahead, we explore the next wave of regeneration — from Smithfield and Ladywood to Druids Heath — Simon shares how the Council aims to strengthen public-private partnerships and drive investment. Now, in his new role as Director of Planning and Development at the largest local authority in the UK, Simon is in the position to turn that vision into reality and help deliver Birmingham’s next chapter of growth. A big thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles , EH Smith Architectural solutions Brick and façade specalisats and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

In this episode of Building Brum , we explore one of Wolverhampton’s most remarkable regeneration stories, the transformation of the long-vacant Royal Hospital site into becoming the heart of a thriving new neighbourhood, the Royal Quarter. Once closed in 1997 and left derelict for nearly two decades, the former hospital and its surrounding land, along with adjacent sites (former bus depot and SJ Dixon and Son decorating shop) have been reborn through an almost decade-long partnership between Homes England, whg, YMCA Black Country, Morro and the West Midlands Combined Authority. Conor is joined by representatives from each organisation to unpack how this complex, heritage-led regeneration came together — from the early land assembly and brownfield remediation, to delivering 450 mixed-tenure all affordable homes including supported accommodation, and community facilities. Special guests: Rebecca Bennett Casserly - Corporate Director of Development - WHG Rob Lamond - Head of Strategy & Analysis - WMCA Deborah Casey - Head of Growth - Midlands Homes England Matthew Moore - CEO - Morro Partnerships Sally Cowan - Chief Officer Places - YMCA, Black Country Together, they discuss the challenges of aligning diverse goals across multiple phases, the importance of design and heritage in placemaking, and how social value and sustainability have been embedded at every stage. Tune in to discover how collaboration, creativity, and long-term vision turned a local landmark and its surroundings into a living community — and what lessons it offers for future regeneration across the region. Thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited , West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, Eh Smith Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

In today’s episode, we sit down with András Kárpáti, CEO of Cordia UK, to explore the company’s journey from its roots as BlackSwan Property to becoming a key player in Birmingham’s regeneration story. András shares how both he and Cordia — as part of the internationally renowned Futureal Group — chose Birmingham out of all of the other cities in Europe and came to invest in the UK, and why Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter became the focal point for transformative development. We unpack the strategic vision behind Cordia’s move into the UK market, the city’s unique appeal on a global stage, and how András’ first impressions of Birmingham helped shape the company's long-term ambitions. We also dive into Cordia UK's flagship developments, Lamp Works and Bradford Works , two landmark projects currently under construction in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. András talks through the design and planning process, the balance between heritage and innovation, and some of the surprises encountered along the way. He shares insights into Cordia’s sustainability commitments, the company’s growing pipeline, and what excites him most about the future of Birmingham’s built environment. Whether you're an investor, a designer, or just passionate about the city's ongoing transformation, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into one of Birmingham’s most forward-thinking development stories. Thank you to our Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited , West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, Eh Smith Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

In this episode of the Building Brum Podcast, we’re joined by key members of the team behind Three Chamberlain Square — Alex Housden from MEPC, Owen Doherty from Weedon Architects, Michael Gosling from Cundall, Chris Hucknall from Sir Robert McAlpine, and Laurence Vickers from AtkinsRéalis. Together, they reflect on the collaborative journey that brought this landmark commercial development to life. From navigating logistical challenges and maintaining momentum during critical stages of construction, to celebrating key milestones such as topping out, the discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at the delivery of a major city centre scheme. The episode also explores the importance of coordination across disciplines, the lessons learned during the build, and the legacy this project leaves for Birmingham. It’s a thoughtful insight into the complexities, achievements, and teamwork that define large-scale development in the built environment. The Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited , West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, Eh Smith Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

In this special International Women’s Day episode of Building Brum, we sit down with the team at MUSE Midlands to discuss the progress, challenges, and future of gender inclusivity in the built environment. Joining us on the podcast are Lisa Turley, Jonathan Ashcroft, Elliot Sellars, Cate Howe, Marcus Harrington, Laura Lucock and Sara Luhar. Together, we explore what an inclusive workplace looks like, the impact of having a female Managing Director at the helm, and whether the industry is doing enough to support women. We also dive into personal experiences of challenging gender stereotypes, the figures who inspire our guests, and the barriers that still need breaking down. What advice do they have for the next generation of women entering property and construction? And what challenges lie ahead for the industry as it continues to evolve? The Building Brum podcast is sponsors reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited , West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, Eh Smith Brick and Fascade specialsts and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment- they are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by key figures behind Walsall’s Renaissance — and exploring how major regeneration and investment across the Black Country is creating positive change. Special Guests: Councillor Adrian Andrew , Associate Leader of Walsall Council, has been instrumental in shaping the borough’s £1.5 billion regeneration programme. Neil Smith , Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, leads on housing regeneration in Willenhall. Simon Raiye , Head of Midlands Region for HBD, a national multi-sector development company delivering transformative urban regeneration projects. Together, they are playing vital roles in reshaping Walsall’s future. We’ll dive into the council’s ambitious borough-wide investment strategy, including key infrastructure, housing, and economic development initiatives aimed at creating jobs, new homes, and enhanced public spaces. Neil will provide insights into Keepmoat’s plans for Willenhall, where a major regeneration scheme is set to deliver much-needed housing, improved transport links, and new community facilities—bringing fresh opportunities to residents and businesses alike. Meanwhile, Simon will introduce us to SPARK—a landmark brownfield regeneration project led by HBD in collaboration with Homes England, WMCA, and Walsall Council. This ambitious scheme aims to breathe new life into former industrial land across 44 acres. SPARK is a 21st century logistics and manufacturing hub offering global and local occupiers 620,000 sq ft of high-specification floor space from 20,000 – 315,000 sq ft located right by junctions 9 and 10 of the M6 and sits in the heart of the Midlands Join us as we explore how these ambitious projects are shaping a new era for Walsall—unlocking growth, investment, and opportunity across the region. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, EH Smith brick and façade specialists, and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment Sunbelt Rentals are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

In this special episode of Building Brum hosted by Northspring , we’re joined by seven guests from across the construction industry who are taking on an incredible challenge this March—trekking and dog-sledding 180km across the Arctic Circle to raise money for charity. Amidst their intense training schedules, Scott Lydon, Rachael Fahey, Simon Jesson, Paul Davis, Emma Sculthorp, Anthony Watson, and Andrew Foster share their motivations for embarking on this seven-day journey through the frozen Arctic wilderness. More than just an adventure, this challenge pushes them beyond the comforts of modern living with no electricity, no running water and temperatures as low as -20 — all in support of a great cause. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, EH Smith brick and façade specialists, and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment Sunbelt Rentals are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. Find out more from the Artic team and make a donatation here: Scott Lydon: https://lnkd.in/es76pwtf Rachael Fahey APMP: https://lnkd.in/emhnyrAT Simon Jesson: https://lnkd.in/ecdW8X7K Paul Davis: https://lnkd.in/ejeswTxr Emma Sculthorp: https://lnkd.in/edTfmvmE Anthony Watson: https://lnkd.in/e_GFMeeT Andrew Foster: https://lnkd.in/e_GFMeeT

Joining us on the Building Brum podcast today is one of Birmingham’s rising stars, Moe Ali, Associate Director and asset management lead for Bruntwood SciTech Birmingham portfolio. We had the pleasure of speaking with Moe about Bruntwood SciTech’s ambitious vision for growth and its commitment to investing in Birmingham. Exploring their plans for 2025 and beyond, we discuss the steps being taken to create citywide innovation ecosystems. From Cornerblock to Enterprise Wharf, we delve into Bruntwood SciTech’s journey to drive investment and foster growth in the UK’s second city. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, EH Smith brick and façade specialists, and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment Sunbelt Rentals are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK.

Today we’re in Wolverhampton, joined by James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes; Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills and Rebecca Bennett-Casserly, Corporate Director of Development at Walsall Housing Group (whg). Together, we explore how Wolverhampton is driving economic growth through ambitious housing developments and regeneration projects. The City of Wolverhampton is leading the way with multi-million-pound investments in social housing and partnerships with major developers to deliver thousands of new homes. Tune in to discover what’s fueling investment, boosting confidence, and transforming the city’s construction landscape. The Building Brum podcast is kindly sponsored by reality capture and point cloud modelling specialists ScanTech Digital , Solus , one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial floor and wall tiles, APIC UK Limited West Bromwich based Architectural Glazing specialists, EH Smith brick and façade specialists, and Sunbelt Rentals with over 1,500,000 items of equipment Sunbelt Rentals are the largest providers of equipment hire in the UK. Rebecca Bennett Casserly - Corporate Director of Development - Walsall Housing Group Armed with a housing and development degree, Rebecca began her career honing her technical specialism in development management within the housing association sector with Bromford Group. She went onto work for large private sector construction and engineering organisations, including Arcadis and Balfour Beatty, and later founded her own small consultancy providing coaching and residential services. Rebecca sets our development strategy and leads her commercial and technical teams in its delivery. Her portfolio includes regeneration, new business and partnerships, construction, programme management (new supply) and sales & marketing. She is passionate about creating resilient and sustainable communities, about partnership working and the power of collaboration. Cllr Chris Burden - Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills - City of Wolverhampton Council Cllr Chris Burden was recently awarded the LGIU Young Councillor of the Year Award, and is the youngest person to ever hold a Cabinet Position at Wolverhampton. He is also a PhD Candidate at Aston University, where he is completing research on political communications and social media use in Britain, France, and Germany. Chris’ interests lie in sustainable development, densification of city and town centres, and the creation of new urban communities. James Dickens - Managing Director - Wavensmere Homes 42-year-old James Dickens grew up in Birmingham and was educated at Bromsgrove School, then obtained his BA in Economics from the University of Leeds. He commenced his career in construction, property portfolio management, and the development of individual houses for private clients across the Midlands. James is now nationally respected by his peers and the industry press, and regarded as one of the UK’s most prominent leaders of an SME housebuilding firm. James established Wavensmere Homes in 2015, setting out to uncover sites with soul to reanimate, by taking inspiration from the unique historic character. The multi-award winning housebuilder handed over the keys to 522 homes during 2023, and recently hit the major milestone of 1,500 completed homes since its inception. The business and its associated SPVs are on track to achieve a £115m turnover during 2024.