Shows
Own The Build£4,500 a Tender: Why Specialists Are Walking Away and How MCs Can Win Them Back (EP 207)Today’s Paul meets Michael Green, Managing Director at RED Systems Ltd, a leading specialist contractor with four divisions: structural glazing, SFS design, digital innovation, and glazing engineering.The Cost of Tendering: Michael explains why each new tender costs his business £4,500 on average and how this impacts decisions between pursuing new projects and focusing on repeat clients.Transparency in Tendering: Hear Michael’s call for clearer timelines, mid-tender reviews, and better collaboration to improve efficiency and trust in the tender process.Lessons from the East Anglia Project: Learn how Michael navigated the compl...2025-03-0344 min
SFS PocketTalksWhy the time is right for SFS to introduce the Installer Network for Fall ProtectionIn this episode we discuss the launch of the SFS Installer Network. This initiative aims to enhance competency and safety in fall protection through continuous training, updates on standards and legislation, and support services. Learn about the importance of ongoing competence review and the impact of new standards like BS 8681:2023. Discover how SFS is addressing the industry's needs, ensuring installers are well-equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to maintain high safety standards. Listen in to understand how the SFS Installer Network is set to drive meaningful change and improve safety outcomes in the construction sector. 2024-12-1305 min
SFS PocketTalksManufacturers Product Data - a plain language guideIn this episode we delve into the significance of accurate and reliable manufacturer's product data in the construction industry. Understand how comprehensive product information enhances decision making, compliance, and project efficiency. Learn more about the challenges related to data management and the importance of maintaining up-to-date and precise data for improving the overall quality and safety of construction projects. Tune in to gain insights on how leveraging robust manufacturer's product data can drive better outcomes in modern construction practices. 2024-12-1302 min
SFS PocketTalksWhat is structured data?In this episode, we discuss the critical role of structured date in the construction industry. Learn how effective data storage, processing, and communication can enhance safety and performance in modern construction. Discover the challenges of current data practices and the importance of creating a single source of truth to ensure accurate and reliable product information.2024-12-1306 min
SFS PocketTalksHow can early manufacturer engagement provide better building envelope warranties?In our latest PocketTalks episode we explore building envelope warranties and discuss the benefits of early manufacturer engagement, the impact of product substitutions, and insights from Dame Judith Hackitt's recommendations on product performance.Learn why selecting the right system solution is crucial for achieving long-term value and robust specifications. Whether you're a specifier, contractor, or client, gain practical advice on improving building envelope performance and securing lasting warranties.2024-12-1204 min
Super InsiderWhat to do if you’re facing an unplanned retirementHave you ever considered what would happen if you were forced to retire earlier than planned? Whether due to illness, injury, or job loss, unplanned retirement can make a big change to your financial future. In this episode, Anne and Josh dive into practical ways you can manage if you suddenly face retirement. They unpack key questions like:
How to assess your situation
Steps you can take to get on track
Options to access your super
How to better prepare now
If you’re worried about a sudden retirement, or want to be bette...2024-12-0117 min
SFS PocketTalksExploring Concealed Hinges: A Guide to Types, Features, and ApplicationsDiscover the mechanical simplicity, independent adjustments, and diverse applications of concealed hinges, ideal for minimalistic environments and modern design contexts. Join us to learn about the reliability, stability, and seamless integration of concealed hinges, offering a high-tech solution that is revolutionising the door and window industry.2024-10-1006 min
Super InsiderWhat's ahead for your superannuation returns: Economist exclusiveIn this episode, Australian Retirement Trust Executive General Manager of Advice, Guidance and Education, Anne Fuchs, and Chief Economist, Brian Parker, explore how global economic trends affect your superannuation and retirement plans. They cover:
Why super funds have Chief Economists and their role in managing your retirement savings
How economic trends and global events are impacting your super returns
How rising inflation impacts your retirement savings, and how it’s managed
The long-term economic trends that influence your investment returns
How changing demographics and economic volatility shape retirement planning.
Join us, and our commu...2024-09-0213 min
Super InsiderInvest smarter - Risk vs. reward in superannuationOn the show we’re peeking behind the curtain of our super investment team to see how they look after members’ money. Join our host Anne Fuchs and Australian Retirement Trust’s Head of Investment Strategy and Head of Private Corporate Assets as they talk portfolios, investment decisions and the Covid-fuelled rise of the ‘meme stock’. Listen to learn 🧑🏫:
why diversifying investments is important
how volatility and risk are different
why asset classes have different risk profiles
how innovation can fuel investment opportunities
Join our community of people keen to live their best retirement lives. Because...2024-08-2023 min
SFS PocketTalksGuidance on mechanical fixings in tapered insulationIn our latest episode, we explore the innovative SFS TIA and BSA fastening systems, and discover how they are revolutionising the way tapered insulation is mechanically fixed. Learn about the benefits of tapered insulation, including its effectiveness in promoting water drainage, suitability for complex roof designs, and sustainability through the use of recyclable materials. We will discuss the key differences between adhesive and mechanical fixing methods, weather restrictions, exposure limits, complexity of installation, and the certainty of fixing methods' performance.2024-08-0808 min
SFS PocketTalksHow can your chosen fastener for single-ply insulated roof panels maintain or detract the panel's thermal performance?Single-ply insulated panels provide a flat roof solution and comprise of three main components: a single-ply membrane, insulation core and liner sheet. The composite element of the panels provides an easy and quick solution, which rivals more traditional single-ply applications.Not only do flat single-ply membrane panels significantly reduce installer's build time, but they also provide a high thermal performance whilst preventing moisture ingress and air leakage. 2024-04-2404 min
SFS PocketTalksWhy might a door hinge be essential to making accessible thresholds work?Join us in this PocketTalks as we delve into the fascinating world of hinge technology and accessible thresholds. We explore how SFS Hinges can revolutionise door functionality, providing smooth operation, improved security, and enhanced durability. Additionally, we investigate the benefits of accessible thresholds and how they contribute to inclusive design and building accessibility.2023-09-1204 min
SFS PocketTalksDesign constraints hindering construction & building performanceIn this episode, we discuss the challenges facing specifiers and engineers in achieving thermal performance targets while balancing cost and benefits. We'll explore the issues posed by the substitution of PIR and Phenolic insulation materials, and the increased cladding zones, footprint, and cost involved in countering this.2023-08-2103 min
SFS PocketTalksHow can early manufacturer engagement aid understanding about corrosion risks in building envelopes?In this episode, we delve into the importance of addressing corrosion risks in building envelopes and how early engagement with product manufacturers can aid in understanding and selecting the best material grades to protect against corrosion in various environments.2023-08-1704 min
SFS PocketTalksHow can early engagement help to improve fire safety performance?In this PocketTalks, we explore how early engagement in technical design with building product manufacturers can improve fire safety performance in the construction industry. With rising insurance premiums and a culture of risk aversion, improved awareness and understanding of how products and systems behave in fire situations is more important than ever.2023-08-1705 min
SFS PocketTalksWhat is the thermal bridging impact of rainscreen subframes?Explore the complexities of thermal bridging in building design with a focus on rainscreen subframes in this episode. Understand how components like brackets in rainscreen subframes, which interrupt a building’s thermal envelope, can cause locally higher heat loss and potentially a performance gap.2023-06-2204 min
SFS PocketTalksThe Construction PlaybookWhat are the implications of The Construction Playbook, a guidance document launched by the UK Cabinet Office?Explore how this playbook, building upon precedents such as 'Construction 2025' and the National Infrastructure Strategy 2020, aims to use the enormous purchasing power of social infrastructure projects to drive investment in the construction industry.2023-06-2202 min
SFS PocketTalksWill horizontal safety lines & safety anchors be left without a product standard?In this episode we examine the potential challenges faced by manufacturers of permanently attached fall protection systems due to a potential lack of a testing standard.2023-06-2202 min
SFS PocketTalksThe basics of U-ValuesDiscover how U-Values are calculated and their importance in meeting energy efficiency standards in building regulations.2023-06-2204 min
The digital construction skills podcast.The benefits of using Cost Management Software- with Jamie Brenton of Brebur Ltd and Joe Cillia from the Finishes and Interiors SectorIn this podcast, we hear from Jamie Brenton, Managing Director of Brebur Limited. Brebur is a specialist SFS, dry-lining, plastering, and suspended ceiling company based in Yorkshire, that delivers projects throughout the North of England.
About 3 years ago Brebur invested in a Cost Management Software Solution called Chalkstring and in this podcast, we hear how this has transformed the business and why having estimating, procurement, variations, payment applications, and value engineering integrated and managed on the same platform has been a real game-changer for them.
This is a recording of a webinar and is the fi...2022-03-1441 min
Epicenter - Learn about Crypto, Blockchain, Ethereum, Bitcoin and Distributed TechnologiesJuan Benet: IPFS – Decentralizing the Web with the Inter-Planetary File SystemWe’ve made it to episode 100! Our guest for our celebratory episode is Juan Benet, inventor of the Inter-Planetary File System and founder of Protocol Labs. IPFS is a distributed file system that seeks to connect all computing devices with the same system of files. The possibilities for IPFS could range from distributed cloud hosting to websites without central servers to even replacing HTTP. It’s a project as audacious as any we’ve had on the podcast and Juan did an outstanding job explaining the technology and vision.
Topics covered in this episode:
Why HTTP is bro...2015-10-131h 37