Best NetMAGmedia Podcasts (2026)

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#74: Ask the Expert – How NIBE is focusing on heat pump quality and smart control for self-build success 22:36

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29d ago22:36

22:36

An Ask the Expert special, in association with NIBE. James Parker speaks to Rick Clarke, product manager from the firm on why its focus on only building high quality, high efficiency heat pumps is crucial as electricity prices continue to outstrip gas. He also looks at why air source heat pumps are not the only answer, and how self-builders can ben…

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#73: Squaring the Circle – Practical Solutions for Harnessing the Circular Economy at Scale 23:15

1M ago23:15

23:15

James Parker, editor of Architects’ Datafile and Housebuilder and Developer, presents the key findings from a recent Building Insights LIVE industry round table, including knowledge shared from designers, industry associations and supply chain representatives. This session was sponsored by Amtico and Soprema UK, who were represented at the discussi…

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#72: Navigating the Pathway to the Decarbonisation of Social Housing 21:45

2M ago21:45

21:45

Presented by editor of Housing Management and Maintenance magazine, James Parker, this podcast episode collects the key recommendations from the Building Insights LIVE industry round table which looked at Solutions for Decarbonising Social Housing. Sponsored by WMS Underfloor Heating, LHC Procurement Group, Intergas Heating and Mira Showers, and ch…

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#71: The Role of Secondary Heating in Future Homes Standard Compliance 21:40

3M ago21:40

21:40

James Parker presents key findings and highlights from the recent Building Insights LIVE round table on secondary heating’s role in new housing developments’ resilience. Sponsored by Percy Doughty, Charlton & Jenrick and Jotul UK, the discussion looked at how the stoves industry can support housebuilders and homeowners in identifying the best optio…

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#70: Ask the Expert – Tom McSherry of BuildStore 27:31

4M ago27:31

27:31

In association with BuildStore Mortgage Services; James Parker, editor of Housebuilder and Developer magazine speaks to Tom McSherry, National Business Development Manager, BuildStore Mortgage Services. Tom gives us the benefit of 20+ years of experience at Buildstore and housebuilding in a very pertinent conversation around short-term funding – su…

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#69: Ask the Expert – Jamie Sandilands of Grant Westfield 26:17

5M ago26:17

26:17

This is a special Ask the Manufacturer episode, brought to you in association with Grant Westfield, an award-winning bathroom design specialist manufacturer. James Parker, editor of Housebuilder and Developer speaks to specification sales director Jamie Sandilands about how recent regulation changes around tanking in baths, showers and wetrooms are…

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#68: Ask the Expert – Tom McSherry of BuildStore 32:43

5M ago32:43

32:43

In this Ask the Expert episode in association with BuildStore Mortgage Services, James Parker speaks to Tom McSherry, National Business Development Manager at BuildStore Mortgage Services. He explains how the company, which is 25 years old this year, has unlocked the possibility of self-build and home renovation for a much wider demographic thanks …

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#67: Exploring Solutions for Inclusive & Sensory Design In Education 41:23

6M ago41:23

41:23

Highlights of the Building Insights LIVE round table held in London in July, on Inclusive & Sensory Design for Education Environments. Sponsored by Interface and Dulux Trade, it saw designers discussing challenges for creating education environments that can support the widest range of neurodiverse needs in mainstream education.…

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#66: Design for Dementia Network 2 – Creating Supportive Spaces for Dementia Care 42:00

6M ago42:00

42:00

Highlights of the second meeting of a new cross-disciplinary Design for Inclusivity Network for sharing good practice on inclusive design. This round table was sponsored by Amtico Flooring and Johnstone's Trade Paints and took place at Amtico's London Flooring Studio. Expert designers, academics, manufacturers and care professionals tackled many ch…

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#65: Managing the Golden Thread of Information to Ensure Long-Term Safety 33:02

7M ago33:02

33:02

Highlights from the recent Building Insights LIVE round table staged by Housing Management & Maintenance magazine, looking at how to manage data to provide the ‘Golden Thread of Information’ on higher-risk buildings. Sponsored by K Systems and Winkhaus, the event at the Institute of Directors in London saw a range of experts exchanging strong views…

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#64: Net Zero-Ready Homes – Delivering the Future Homes Standard 39:14

7M ago39:14

39:14

Will the Future Homes Standard come into force in 2025 as planned? This was just one of many questions addressed around the challenges of building homes 75%-80% lower carbon emissions than current standards, by our expert round table held at the Institute of Directors in London in May. Held just as the controversial Home Energy Model was due to lau…

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#63: Using Performance Specification to turn Good Design to Good Construction 31:50

8M ago31:50

31:50

Jon Lowy talks James Parker through the ins and outs of performance specifications, why they’re important for specifying zinc roofs and walls correctly, and what architects tend to get wrong. He also explains how VMZINC is helping specifiers navigate current territory where cost-based value engineering is still occurring, even post-Building Safety …

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#62: Cool your roof down – How RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Bright membranes lead this campaign! 20:03

8M ago20:03

20:03

In association with RENOLIT, ADF editor James Parker speaks to Steve Hatcher, UK Technical Manager at RENOLIT ALKORPLAN. He explains how the company’s ‘pure white’ ALKORPLAN Bright roofing membrane provides class-leading solar reflectance to help offset cooling requirements as well as bringing other sustainability benefits.…

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#61: Round Table Highlights – Solutions for Water & Energy Saving in Commercial Environments 33:38

9M ago33:38

33:38

The need to increase the efficiency of water appliances and fixtures in commercial environments is becoming increasingly acute for clients and specifiers tasked with sustainability goals. However it is low on the agenda compared to carbon, and low on regulation, so we brought together a panel of experts from the construction and water sectors to he…

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#60: Foundations for Healthy & Safe Housing - The Social Housing (Regulation) Act Round Table Review 29:07

10M ago29:07

29:07

James Parker, managing editor of Housing Management and Maintenance magazine, presents a special edition of Building Insights focusing on the Building Insights LIVE round table held to discuss the Social Housing (Regulation) Act. Beginning with Awaab’s Law this October, the legislation has been called “the most significant reform of the sector in m…

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#59: Best practice compliance management 20:21

10M ago20:21

20:21

In association with Kingspan Insulation. James Parker, editor of ADF, is again joined by Rita Singh, head of public affairs at Kingspan Insulation. She explains the complex and rigorous lengths the company goes to in order to show its products are compliant with relevant regulations.

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#58: Ask the Expert – Charlton & Jenrick 31:29

11M ago31:29

31:29

In this Ask the Expert episode of Building Insights, in association with Charlton and Jenrick, managing editor of The Selfbuilder, James Parker, speaks to Peter Mintoft, MD of the fire and stove manufacturer. He explains the options for self-builders looking to create an eye-catching and efficient secondary heat source for their home.…

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#57: Analysing Futurebuild's impact after 20 years 41:24

12M ago41:24

41:24

In this special episode of Building Insights, James Parker visits the HQ of Futurebuild in Twickenham, to speak to event director Martin Hurn about the changes and sustained selling points the show has seen over its 20 year history.

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#56: Tackling the crisis in SME housebuilding 21:30

12M ago21:30

21:30

James Parker speaks to managing director of SME developer City & Country Wayne Douglas, about the crucial contribution that SME firms like his are making to the delivery of good quality housing in the numbers asked for by Government. However he explains how the smaller end of the sector is being continually squeezed on viability, and why more suppo…

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#55: Ask the Expert – Dawn Scott [Audible Article] 5:16

1y ago5:16

5:16

In this audible article, Dulux Heritage's Dawn Scott explains why selecting the right paint colours for each room is more than just a matter of aesthetics. It involves understanding how colours interact with light, influence mood, and establish a sense of continuity.By netMAGmedia

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#54: Water Efficiency & Energy Saving Innovations in New Build Housing Round Table Review 46:42

1y ago46:42

46:42

Highlights from the Building Insights LIVE round table staged in November 2024 at the Building Centre on Water & Energy Saving Innovations in New Build Housing. Sponsored by Hansgrohe, Triton Showers, and waste water heat recovery solutions supplier, Showersave, it featured housebuilders Vistry and Barratt Homes, Thames Water, and the Future Homes …

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#53: BRiCS – a new housebuilder putting the focus on quality placemaking 26:18

1y ago26:18

26:18

James Parker, managing editor of Housebuilder and Developer speaks to Hugo Reeve, Development Director & Co-Founder of new housebuilder BRiCS. Focused on placemaking and high quality design, Reeve describes how he managed to launch the firm in the teeth of Covid, with the help of former Crest Nicholson colleagues, to offer a more bespoke solution t…

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#52: Bringing green features into the heart of developments for Biodiversity Net Gain 30:12

1y ago30:12

30:12

James Parker speaks to Neil Walker, Design Manager at Russell Homes, about how the award-winning north west-based housebuilder is prioritising green features over maximising margins.

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#51: Ask the Architect – Greg Blee [Audible Article] 6:05

1y ago6:05

6:05

In this audible article, Greg Blee, founder of Blee Halligan, tells ADF how he found himself working in architecture almost by accident, and why he now focuses on creating projects overseas which blend into their landscapes.By netMAGmedia

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#50: Solutions for Commercial and Residential Adaptive Reuse Projects 17:29

1y ago17:29

17:29

In our third Building Insights episode in association with Saniflo, James Parker speaks to Conor Reeves, UK sales manager. The growth of adaptive reuse projects which convert ex-commercial premises into residential schemes in urban centres has a range of potential benefits. However as Conor explains there are also many inherent challenges including…

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#49: Multi-Generational Living: Creating Additional Living Space 15:58

1y ago15:58

15:58

In association with Saniflo. James Parker speaks to David Cook, managing director of Saniflo about the rising demand for bathrooms which work for elderly users and the rest of the family, to support multi-generational living. He also has some strong views about the need for housebuilders to be driven to focus on whole-life performance.…

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#48: Design Solutions for Supportive Dementia Care Environments Round Table Review 1:02:38

1+ y ago1:02:38

1:02:38

In this episode, James Parker, editor of ADF, introduces highlights from our recent Building Insights Live round table held in September 2024 at RIBA, focusing on improving the design of dementia care facilities to offer better support to all people living with the condition. The multi-disciplinary debate included expert academics, people with live…

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#47: Changing Trends in Bathroom Design 13:41

1+ y ago13:41

13:41

In association with Saniflo, James Parker speaks to Scott Taylor, area sales manager for Scotland and North East England at Kinedo. He discusses the rising trend for more decorative wall panels in bathrooms and other settings, and how the Kinewall brand is helping specifiers meet the demand.

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Builders' Voices #10: Christian Hale, Hale 27:51

1+ y ago27:51

27:51

Christian Hale, MD of housebuilder Hale works in the high-end luxury home sector, but even his end of the market isn’t immune from the perils of value engineering post-tender, in fact it’s getting more common. He explains how clients’ expectations from their homes need managing so that cost cutting isn’t inevitable, and makes a plea to reduce extra…

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#46: Simplifying Sustainability Data vs. Vision vs. Action 32:59

1+ y ago32:59

32:59

For the third time on the podcast, we are joined by Nick Haughton, Head of ESG at Sapphire Balconies, who are sponsors of this episode. James Parker discusses with Nick the crucial topic of why we need to strive to keep sustainability data as simple as possible, as more and more is unravelled in products’ life-cycles assessments, and Sapphire’s rig…

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#45: Navigating the path to structural timber for net zero 54:34

1+ y ago54:34

54:34

In this special episode of Building Insights, we capture some of the key sessions of a seminar held at RIBA recently to discuss ways to drive specification of timber buildings in the UK, as one of the chief ways to move the country to net zero by 2050. It features highlights of talks by leading lights in timber design; Alex de Rijke of dRMM, Anthon…

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#44: Ask the Expert – Giles Fallan, BuildSafe [Audible Article] 5:29

1+ y ago5:29

5:29

In this audible article, Giles Fallan of BuildSafe shares how the right selfbuild insurance can help give you confidence to make your dream home a reality.By netMAGmedia

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#43: Clearing the path to timber [Audible Article] 8:41

1+ y ago8:41

8:41

In this audible article, James Parker speaks with Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of the Structural Timber Association, to discuss how the construction industry is tackling the obstacles behind the Government’s roadmap for increasing the use of timber.By netMAGmedia

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#42: The Phoenix, Lewes – a first look at the future [Audible Article] 8:15

1+ y ago8:15

8:15

In this audible article, Kathryn Firth of Arup reveals a groundbreaking residential development in Lewes, East Sussex. The scheme aims to transform the challenges of climate change and sustainability into opportunities for innovative design and community-focused placemaking, including shared amenities and affordable housing.…

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#41: Ask the Expert – Scott Wolters, EGGER UK [Audible Article] 5:37

1+ y ago5:37

5:37

In an insightful Audible article, Scott Wolters of EGGER UK offers a concise guide for self-builders navigating the diverse landscape of structural timber flooring options. Wolters breaks down the various choices available, highlighting their unique benefits and applications. This overview serves as a valuable resource, simplifying the decision-mak…

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#40: Ask the Architect – Gillian Burgis Smith, Strawberry Leopard [Audible Article] 13:49

1+ y ago13:49

13:49

In a compelling Audible article, we narrate Gillian Burgis Smith's inspiring journey to becoming an architect, triumphing over outdated industry biases and significant health challenges. She explains how she broke through the male-dominated architecture field with persistence and resilience, transforming personal health obstacles into a source of e…

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Builders' Voices #9: Stephen Rankin, Vantage & Co 27:33

1+ y ago27:33

27:33

This episode of Builders Voices (in collaboration with the Federation of Master Builders) is a revealing conversation with housebuilder Stephen Rankin, awarded the 2023 Master Builder of the Year by the FMB. Stephen and firm he founded Vantage & Co have a string of great projects which demonstrate an unusual level of attention to detail, including …

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#39: Streamlining Construction: Where can Technology & Innovation make a difference to competency? 27:37

1+ y ago27:37

27:37

This episode of Building Insights is the second in association with Sapphire Balconies; James Parker, editor of ADF speaks to Nick Haughton, Head of ESG at Sapphire Balconies to discuss the key topic of ‘Streamlining Construction and Competency.’ Nick looks at why competency has become the current industry buzzword for the new more robust specifica…

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#38: Reimagining London's Districts from Borough Yards to the Camden Film Quarter 26:32

1+ y ago26:32

26:32

James Parker speaks to architect Trevor Morriss, who designed his first building at 17, and founded his own practice, SPPARC in 2007. He reveals his enthusiasm for conserving London’s heritage architecture as shown in various masterplans, how involving the community can pay dividends for designs and designers, and the important of curiosity and inv…

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#37: Elevating Facade Fire Safety: Going beyond compliance in the new building safety regime 27:24

1+ y ago27:24

27:24

In this episode of Building Insights, in association with Sapphire Balconies, James Parker speaks to Nick Haughton, head of ESG at the company, on the crucial topic of elevating the fire safety of facades, post-Building Safety Act, how it might support a new look at laminated glass balustrades, and how the firm is going ‘beyond compliance’ in its p…

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#36: Exploring Solutions for Residential Deep Retrofit Round Table Review 1:04:14

1+ y ago1:04:14

1:04:14

This episode collects some of the highlights of our recent industry round table, 'Exploring Solutions for Residential Deep Retrofit', held at London’s Building Centre on 22 May 2024, and sponsored by WMS Underfloor Heating and Saint-Gobain Construction Products UK. A cross-disciplinary panel including renowned retrofit experts delivered practical i…

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#35: Driving a sustainable housebuilding business in a challenging market 19:56

1+ y ago19:56

19:56

James Parker speaks to Debbie Waddington, group head of HR at Keepmoat, to find out how the Top 20 UK housebuilder is putting the work into attracting a new generation of onsite and offsite staff in a difficult construction skills environment. She explains how selling the benefits of a career in a more ‘people-centred’ industry to new entrants is o…

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#34: Design & aesthetics in hardened wood flooring 21:50

1+ y ago21:50

21:50

In association with Bjelin, James Parker speaks to Emanuel Lidberg, head of design at Bjelin’s sister company, Välinge Innovation. In a very entertaining discussion with the timber flooring design specialist, James discovers why keeping up with fleeting trends may not be as crucial as timeless design and sustainability.…

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#33: VMZINC from Napoleon to the Stirling Prize 23:20

1+ y ago23:20

23:20

In association with VMZinc, this episode features Jonathan Lowy, operational marketing marketing manager at the company. Jon’s held several roles in 27+ years at VM, but maintains a really infectious enthusiasm for all things zinc. We explore how the material – the roof covering of choice in Paris in the mid 19th century – is now an increasingly po…

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Builders' Voices #8: Chris Carr, FMB 38:17

2y ago38:17

38:17

James Parker, editor of Housebuilder and Developer, speaks to Chris Carr, who has run his family SME housebuilding company in Grimsby for many years, but has recently seen his industry profile going through the roof as President of the Federation of Master Builders. He is a key figure advising and lobbying Ministers on what needs to change to ensur…

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#32: Following the Golden Thread to Safety Round Table Review 1:04:36

2y ago1:04:36

1:04:36

In March 2024 we hosted the third Building Insights LIVE round table, which was a multi-disciplinary discussion around the impact of the Building Safety Act & the Golden Thread on future construction. We brought together architects, developers, IT experts and product suppliers at the Building Centre in London, to identify the challenges and solutio…

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#31: New products from BJELIN – Woodura Hardened Wood Flooring causing a stir in the flooring market 12:45

2y ago12:45

12:45

Richard Banham, national key account manager, Bjelin UK Ltd, speaks to James Parker about how the company has promoted innovation in flooring for decades, and what makes their hardened flooring products innovative. They also discuss new products in the pipeline, and how receptive the UK market to innovations in flooring.…

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#30: The Benefits of Retrofit & Refurbishment 25:55

2y ago25:55

25:55

James Parker speaks to Tom Slater, who founded T2S Architecture during the pandemic and is driving the agenda around retrofit as beneficial for the urban context, developers’ business cases, and sustainability.

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Builders' Voices #7: Jeremy Gray, FMB 16:17

2y ago16:17

16:17

In this episode of Builders’ Voices, James Parker speaks to Jeremy Gray, head of policy at the Federation of Master Builders. Jeremy discusses the key takeaways from the FMB’s 2023 House Builders Survey, a key snapshot of the shared challenges across the sector.

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#29: Introducing the BJELIN Hardened Wood Flooring brand and its innovative solutions 19:15

2y ago19:15

19:15

In this first episode of Building Insights in association with wood flooring innovator Bjelin UK, James Parker speaks to Simon Darbyshire, managing director of Bjelin UK. He explains how the firm has evolved from pioneering a method of installing wood flooring without using glue.