Taking control of the government’s growth agenda
The UK government is prioritising economic growth and driving a renewed focus on building for Britain’s future. However, funding gaps, delivery challenges and limited capacity risk holding back the construction sector’s role in national renewal. We’ll explore how government and industry can unlock investment, build delivery confidence, expand capacity and achieve long-term growth.
Episode 1: Closing the gap: driving private investment in UK infrastructure
13 January 2026
With public finances under pressure, the UK must embrace innovative funding models for infrastructure-led programmes.
In this episode, we discuss how UK construction can attract private investment to close the funding gap, get major projects and programmes off the ground and build investor confidence in the sector.
Host
- James Corrigan, UK Managing Director, Infrastructure at Turner & Townsend
Guests
- Matt Palmer, Executive Director at Lower Thames Crossing
- Sacira Coric, Director and Head of Infrastructure and Project Finance at Turner & Townsend
Episode 2: The workforce challenge affecting UK construction
12 February 2026
The UK construction sector is losing workers at its fastest rate in five years. Without urgent action, the skills shortage risks undermining long-term, national growth.
In this episode, we explore what needs to change and how government and industry must work together to attract, train and deploy the talent needed to deliver the UK’s future infrastructure.
Host
- Patricia Moore, UK Managing Director, at Turner & Townsend
Guests
- Fiona Aldridge, Skills England Board Member and Chief Executive for the Skills Federation
Episode 3: AI’s role in modern programme delivery
11 March 2026
With artificial intelligence advancing at pace, the UK construction sector must put the correct foundations in place to adopt this technology now and in the future.
In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping major programme delivery across the UK. Using insights from our work with Heathrow airport, we discuss the opportunities, challenges and cultural shifts required to use AI responsibly and effectively.
Host
- George Mokhtar, Director and Head of Digital for Real Estate at Turner & Townsend
Guests
- Ben Jones, Head of Capital PMO at Heathrow airport
- Guy Beaumont, Head of Digital for Infrastructure at Turner & Townsend
Episode 4: A new era for consenting: rewiring the UK
6 May 2026
With the UK accelerating the delivery of critical infrastructure, an effective and trusted consenting system has never been more necessary.
We discuss how recent planning and infrastructure reforms are reshaping the consenting landscape for major programmes. Looking at nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) and National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade, we’re finding that early engagement, collaboration and cultural change are essential to delivering the UK’s future infrastructure.
Host
- Simon Earles, Head of Consents, UK at Turner & Townsend
Guests
- Charlotte Mitchell, Chief Planning Officer at National Grid
Episode 5: Securing the UK’s energy future
10 June 2026
With unprecedented levels of investment and demand in the UK’s energy infrastructure, building a resilient, secure and affordable system has become critical.
For our final episode of this series, we explore how shifting priorities are reshaping delivery across the sector, from net-zero targets to a sharper focus on energy security, resilience and affordability. Success will depend on clear policy direction, supply- chain capacity, workforce skills, embedding social value, embracing innovation and digital technologies, and deep collaboration across industry to deliver the future-ready energy system the UK needs.
Host
- Alan Sinclair, Managing Director, UK Head of Energy and Natural Resources at Turner & Townsend
Guests
- Paul Leddie, Director of Procurement at SSEN Transmission
- Blessy Babu, Director, Energy and Natural Resources at Turner & Townsend
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