London Networking Podcast

"Thousands of small businesses to benefit from new government buying rules, boosting local jobs, growth and innovation"This headline was published by the UK government to highlight its priorities for the new Procurement Act, including “driving economic growth and strengthening supply chains by giving SMEs.. a fair chance" of winning a larger share of direct tenders and places on project supply chains.As Urbano Network, we have been helping bring SMEs into procurement by creating business communities to engage business owners and encourage collaboration, drive innovation and create real new business opportunities through training and explaining the benefits of becoming a supplier to the public sector.This podcast is a recording of our recent Urbano speaker panel event, where  representatives from AECOM, Peabody, Mace, and Trowers & Hamlins and an audience of SMEs discuss the impact of the new rules and policies.Please email feedback etc to mark@urbanonetwork.co.ukSupport the show

Talent Lab brought together three very knowledgeable and experienced bid professionals to share their experiences. The discussion led on to what would improve the process - and ultimately help create winning submissions, including lessons shared on how to write better Invitation to Tenders (ITTs).Panel:Caroline Brock, Director, Talent LabMike Raynor, Raynor Bid ConsultancySamantha Burns, Head of Bid Management and Direction, EiBFacilitated by Mark Herring, Director, Talent Lab and Producer of the Urbano Network Only Connect PodcastAlso available as a video: https://vimeo.com/912701916Support the show

Urbano hosts regular speaker networking breakfasts on topics of interest to our SME membership and audience which we release as podcasts following each event.In this episode,  Dr Armando Castro, Associate Professor at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, kicks off the session, along with Dr Kell Jones as they discuss the key findings of the newly released publication , ESG in the Real Estate Finance Industry. The post presentation discussion features a cross section of the event's attendees and is facilitated by Urbano's Connector-In-Chief Mark Herring.The event was hosted by Urbano Members Seddons and Urbano gratefully acknowledges the community support of Stewart Title, which offers insurance cover against losses arising from title related risks in property transactions.Support the show

Talent Lab brought together three very knowledgeable and experienced bid professionals to share their experiences on working on mega and major client bids. The discussion led on to what would improve the process - and ultimately help create winning submissions, including whether the bid stages most companies follow are fit for purpose.Panel:Caroline Brock, Director, Talent LabMike Raynor, Raynor Bid ConsultancySamantha Burns, Head of Bid Management and Direction, EiBFacilitated by Mark Herring, Director, Talent Lab and Producer of the Urbano Network Only Connect PodcastAlso available as a video: https://vimeo.com/902956885Support the show

SpeakersChristian Logue, Director at Sagal GroupDebra Spurway, Director at HR Dept Jo Geraghty, Director at Culture ConsultancyMark Herring - Director at Urbano & Talent LabSupport the show

Introduction to the Security Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work', and its place in RIBA work stagesSupport the show

Recording of Urbano Network speaker networking event with Will Hurst, Managing Editor of the Architects' Journal to discuss its Retrofirst campaign.  Following Will's presentation, various attendees - mostly professionals from across the built environment sectors - offered their own perspective and experiences on the challenges faced in prioritising retrofit over client's narrow, profit-first demands.Chaired and facilitated by Mark Herring, Urbano's Connector-In-Chief.Hosted by Trowers & Hamlins.  Urbano Network, The Sustainable Business Network,  is supported by Stewart Title, Rift R&D, & Talent Lab LtdSupport the showSupport the show

This episode features a recording* of Sophie Kennedy, Joint CEO of EQ Investors, one of Urbano's most loyal members and supporters.  EQ Investors are an award-winning discretionary fund manager, focused on sustainable and impact investing, based in the City Of London.In this episode takes an in-depth and personal look at the challenges facing those in investment and finance to  deliver sustainable, wealth creation. During the course of her discussion with Mark Herring, she looks how those City are changing , what options there are for those individuals who want to look after their families for the longer term.Included in the discussion are issues around labels like ESG. Sophie also gives feedback on COP26 and how they worked with other B Corps to push for changes to company's Articles of Association as an important step to delivering measurable corporate benchmarks built around sustainability.For more information on EQ Investors, click here: EQ InvestorsFor more information about Mark, Talent Lab & Urbano Network - and to leave feedback - click here:  https://www.talentlab.co.uk/networking/* The sound quality of this episode was affected by a very loud air conditioning unit which we couldn't turn off.  The important messages are still audible though with an industrial background.Support the showSupport the show

Since Urbano began in 2011, we have had a proud track record of championing opportunities for women, and our UWACTE (Urbano Women In Architecture, Construction, Technology & Engineering*) community helps women in Urbano member firms to develop and enhance their connections across our networkJoining Mark Herring, our Connector-In-Chief at Urbano is our guest speaker - Nicola Gillen - EMEA Lead, Total Workplace at Cushman & Wakefield.GUEST SPEAKER & PRESENTATIONNicola Gillen - EMEA Lead, Total Workplace at Cushman & Wakefield Nicola specialises in the relationship between design, people, behaviour and the built environment and is widely recognised within the industry as a leading authority on workplace strategy, design and behaviour change management. Nicola has 25 years' experience delivering workplace strategy and innovation internationally. An architect and author, she is lead author of RIBA's guide ‘Future Office'.Nicola's presentation will be drawn on the ‘Future Office' and her work as co-author of another RIBA publication ‘ReThink Design Guide for a Post Pandemic world' (published in January 2021), an innovative design guide with expert guidance on designing in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic.Nicola will also share insights into how employees are coping right now through Cushman & Wakefield's unrivaled bespoke Experience per Square Foot™ a data-driven initiative that captures information from thousands of respondents in over 100 countries designed to measure what matters most to employees. @CushWakeUKSupport the showSupport the show

We were delighted to welcome Penny Gowler, Director and Head of Sustainability at Elliott Wood to act as our guide to offer illumination and clarity on some key questions: What do we mean by net-zero carbon, carbon-neutral, embedded carbon, the life cycle of a building, carbon footprint, sustainability, retrofit, circular economy and reuse vs recycling? Can you compare and measure different material choices when discussing their sustainability and zero carbon impact? What regulations exist that govern the use of materials in the built environment? Penny Gowler is a Chartered Structural Engineer. She has a strong interest in sustainable design and is a frequent speaker at events, including the recent RIBA Smart Practice Conference. Penny is Director and Head of Sustainability at Elliott Wood and is responsible for managing a team of 20 engineers and technicians working across a wide range of projects with typical construction costs of between £10m and £100m.Support the showSupport the show

London, perhaps more than any other of Britain, has seen the slowest rate of economic activity compared to 2019 and the City of London has not yet returned to previous levels of office-based working.This event was a look at the future of London and the City with Catherine McGuinness, Chair of the Policy & Resources Committee of the Corporation of London.Catherine shares the Corporation of London's and her personal vision for the City and London as part of a post-Brexit and post-Covid Britain. A unique chance to share, shape and align your company's future relationship with the financial heart of the UK with a key policy maker.Support the showSupport the show

Simon is a founding director of global architecture practice, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) where he leads a design studio of 200 architects.Simon is a frequent writer, critic and advisor, a visiting professor at Harvard, a trustee of the London School of Architecture and the Chickenshed Theatres Trust.In 2020, Simon was elected the next president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and took up the role on September 1st.On his election, Simon said he wanted to create "a more open, productive, engaged and reinvigorated RIBA" that addresses "global climate change and architecture's pivotal role in a post-pandemic world." This event will hear from Simon on his plans to deliver on his priorities and where he sees the future of architecture within the fast-changing landscape of the built environment, leading into an interactive Q&A, with networking to follow. Our hosts - The Building Society - is a co-working space and collaborative community for everyone working within the build environment sector, created by Urbano Members Structural & Civil Engineers, Elliott Wood. This is a place where we can all start to engineer a better society. Support the showSupport the show

https://historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/news/greening-historic-homes/Using the report as a starting point, we look at the specific challenges around retrofitting in historic and listed buildings, and traditional homes - especially those in conservation areas - where owners are looking to install heating and power systems in line with government targets to reduce zero carbon emissions.About our Guest SpeakerPeter Cox is Managing Director at Carrig Conservation International Ltd and a Fellow at The RSA. Peter and his company Carrig International have a proven track record in dealing with all levels of listed buildings, protected structures and monuments. Peter Cox is well known and respected internationally and contributes much to international standards, Government policies and lectures extensively on the international stage. Support the showSupport the show

Presenting this session, which examines newly opened The Spine building, is Robert Hopkins, Regional Director of AHR, the award-winning architecture and building consultancy practice - and Urbano Network members. Robert is design/project lead on The Spine, the new northern home for the Royal College of Physicians in Liverpool, which aims to be one of the healthiest workplace environments in the world when it opens its doors in May 2021. Biophilia is at the heart of AHR's approach to the design of The Spine and the building has been designed adhering to WELL Standard principles. Robert discusses how biophilia and other innvovations around workplace wellness and design have informed The Spine's design and construction. About our speaker Robert has over twenty years' experience in the design of award winning buildings and delivery of several large and complex education projects in the UK and internationally. Robert is lead on the design of The Spine, the new £35m northern headquarters for the Royal College of Physicians in Liveropool which incorporates biophilic design features to create an inspirational workspace.Support the showSupport the show

Urbano has championed green and sustainable business practices since 2002 in Shoreditch where we created our first networking community. To achieve the targets in the Paris Agreement will involve more collaboration, more engagement, and a different way of measuring profitability. Urbano has highlighted and supported environmental awareness in business since 2002 and support organisations like the Good Law project. We will also be looking to undertake an audit for Urbano's parent Talent Lab to become a UK member of B Corp, the global body for-profit businesses to demonstrate their commitment to having a positive impact on society and their environment. This event will look at the steps that for-profit companies need to take to become a member of B Corps UK with Urbano Supporters, EQ Investors. SPEAKER Kate Sandle - Director of Programmes & Engagement at B Corp UK. Since the launch of the B Corporation movement in the UK, Kate has been key to building the community of companies who are reinventing business. By voluntarily meeting higher standards, Certified B Corps are distinguishing themselves by measuring their impact and offering a positive vision of a better way to do business. As Director of Programmes & Engagement at B Corp UK, Kate works with existing B Corp members to strengthen the community and delivers campaigns to champion and build awareness of the movement. Kate will share with us how they are driving and promoting the role business plays in society This event is supported by EQ Investors, who recently scooped the award for 'the best adviser firm for ESG' at the Professional Adviser Awards 2021. are a purpose-driven investment management firm helping individuals and institutions who care about social and environmental impacts.Support the showSupport the show

Our speakers for this event were Sofie Pelsmakers and Ming Hu. Sofie Pelsmakers first spoke at an Urbano Zero Carbon/Build & UWACTE event in 2013, following the publication of her book The Environmental Design Pocket (now on it's 2nd edition!). An expert in sustainable design and architecture, she is co-founder of Architecture for Change, a not-for-profit environmental building and research organisation, with the mission of challenging the way we design and build. She is now Assistant Professor of Sustainable Housing Design/Architecture at Tampere University in Finland and is co-author of the new book, Everything Needs to Change: Architecture and the Climate Emergency from RIBA Publishing. Joining Sofie on this special event was Ming Hu, Assistant Professor at School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, University of Maryland. Ming specialises in high-performance building design, parametric modelling, Life Cycle assessment and building performance measurement. Ming is author of Net Zero Energy Building: Predicted and Unintended Consequences. Ming & Sofie explored the theme of 'Zero Carbon in Architecture & Construction: Challenges and Unintended Consequences' and offer us a global perspective on how different countries address the need to meet Paris Agreement climate change commitments.Support the showSupport the show

Deborah's presentation with Urbano Network examined the performance of different materials from an environmental/zero carbon perspective alongside other elements of process and production affecting sustainability across construction.Support the showSupport the show

On Sunday May 10th, the UK Prime Minister laid out the government's plan and timetable for putting the country back to work whilst still fighting the effects of the Covid-19 virus on the country. This event looked at how the new regulations/advisory elements will need to be addressed by employers with workforces in office environments.Our speaker panel line-up featured office/workplace design expert - Christian Logue from Sagal Group, and an employment law specialist - Meredith Hurst, Head of the employment department at Thomas Mansfield.Hosted and facilitated by Mark Herring, Urbano's Connector-In-Chief, the panel looked at the pressure points and challenges that the most common modern 'office-scapes' present and where responsibilities lie for the care of returning employees.Support the showSupport the show

SPEAKERSDebra Spurway – HR DeptDebra is a Director at The HR Dept London City & Central and Somerset leading a team providing employment law and human resources support to small and medium sized companies. An Associate CIPD with over 20 years' experience, Debra provides advice on employment contracts, HR policies and procedures, offsite advice and on site assistance with Disciplinary & Grievance, absence issues and dismissals. She also advises on restructuring and redundancies, training and development and coaching on all employment issues.Jo Geraghty – Culture ConsultancyJo is a Director at Culture Consultancy.  Formerly Head of HR for Goldman Sachs France and Switzerland and with 16 years' experience working in change management for various investment banks across the globe, Jo brings a wealth of practitioner experience to change projects. She is a speaker on high-performance leadership and organisational culture and a regular guest lecturer at several of the UK's leading business schools. Jo was recognised in the 2017 Smith & Williamson Power 100 Index for her work to boost productivity through positive company culture.This panel event was facilitated by Mark Herring, Urbano's Connector-In-Chief.Support the showSupport the show

Our speaker, Laurence Quail, a Property & Planning Expert, leads an audience of companies from across the Build sectors through the background and approach of Aitch Group with particular focus on how 2020 planning proposals will affect London residential development and  sustainability in construction.Hosted and facilitated by Mark Herring, Urbano's Connector-In-Chief. For more information on Urbano, including upcoming events and speaker opportunities, please click here: www.urbanonetwork.co.ukSupport the showSupport the show

Mary Parsons is Group Director, Place-Making & Regeneration at People For Places and a Commisioner on the  Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission whose report, Living With Beauty, published this year puts quality design at the heart of new homes building for the UK.Here we capture her presentation looking at quality in planning and development, followed by a Q&A with her knowledgeable audience.Support the showSupport the show

What is R&D Tax Relief?This online event was held in August 2020 and features Julie Barry, Head of Business Development at Rift R&D talking what kind of business activities qualify under R&D tax relief and what costs can be recovered. After Julie's presentation, there is a panel discussion with two companies who have used Rift to make a successful claim and then some questions from the audience.Support the showSupport the show

Urbano Zero Carbon Programme online speaker breakfast with Emily Hamilton, Associate Director - Sustainability at Grosvenor Group - May 2020.Support the showSupport the show

Professor Yolande Barnes, Chair of the Bartlett Real Estate Institute, presentation at the June Urbano Build event on the Beauty in the Built Environment as part of the London Festival of Architecture.Support the showSupport the show

Presentation for Urbano Network by Dr. Judith GrantSupport the showSupport the show

Looking at the transition from BIM Level 2 to ISO 19650Support the showSupport the show

Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Royal Academy of Engineering discusses issues around attracting and keeping diverse talent in the engineering and construction sectors.Support the showSupport the show

Welcome to our fist edition of the London Networking Podcast, brought to you by the team at Urbano Network.Part 1: Mark Herring, Connector-In-Chief at Urbano, interviews two Urbano members - Elle from Drew London and Dawn Williams from We Make Stuff Happen - in the cells at Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, both from member companies from our Media community, on their approaches to networking and especially their first experiences when networking.Part 2: (42:00) In January, Urbano welcomed back George Clarke, architect and presenter of Channel 4's Amazing Spaces amongst many other strings to his busy bow, to come and talk to an Urbano Build audience about his passions (see photos of event hosted by Katten Muchin Rosenman here).Any feedback on issues raised, our podcasts, or for more information on Urbano, please contact us through the Contacts page on the Urbano website.Support the show

As President Biden takes his oath of office on this day, we would like to use such an event to bring together different US and British companies to hear from someone at the sharp edge of future planning a city and to see what issues are shared with London. There will also be facilitated networking and plenty of chance to chat and connect.Joy Sinderbrand, the Vice President for NYCHA's Recovery and Resilience Department.Formed in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Joy's department is responsible for managing a $3Bn budget aimed at repairing developments throughout New York impacted by Sandy, incorporating resilient design that will guide future construction throughout NYCHA's portfolio.The New York City Housing Authority is the body in charge of increasing opportunities for low and moderate income New Yorkers to access safe, affordable housing and facilitating social and community services. Support the showSupport the show

Facilitated by Mark Herring, Urbano's Connector-In-Chief, our Urbano Engage Speaker Panel events use an interactive format to examine key themes of interest to business. For this event, we are pleased to partner with Cityzenith to look at Digital Twins, a market set to be worth $50Bn by 2026,  and how smart technology that connects areas and systems like maintenance, energy consumption, space utilization and traffic management, will be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Digital Twins are virtual replicas of buildings, infrastructure and physical assets, fully interconnected with the data in and around them that optimize project performance, and help predict and visualize future outcomes.Jason Thomas, Business Development Manager EMEA at Cityzenith, will lead on what Digital Twin technology is and its uses, and analyse results from Cityzenith's advanced Digital Twin software solutions for buildings, infrastructure, and smart cities. Support the showSupport the show

Facilitated by Mark Herring, Urbano's Connector-In-Chief, our Urbano Engage Speaker Panel events use an interactive format to examine key themes of interest to business. For this event, we are partnering with Urbano Members, Sakura Business Solutions and its Founder/Managing Director, Damian Connolly. With offices in London and Dublin, Sakura and Damian are ideally positioned to both understand how we can use Ireland as a spring-board to trade with the EU after January 1st. Joining Mark & Damian will be Michelle Conaghan, VP - Emerging Technologies & New Forms of Investment UK, from IDA Ireland for what we hope will include an update on any Brexit trade agreement.Support the showSupport the show

For this event, Mark Herring, Urbano's Connector-In-Chief is joined by Robert Kelly, Commercial Business Development Manager at Stewart Title UK, a leading provider of title insurance & real estate services. Robert kicks off this panel event by examining regulatory changes on permitted development and other factors that will affect housing and analysis of markets following previous stamp duty holidays.Stuart Kaye, Founding Director of Adams Kaye, property law and private client specialists, gives his take on how his clients, including HNWs and overseas buyers, view property investment in the south-east in particular.Richard Merrett, Head of Strategic Development at Simply Biz Mortgages , looks in details at lending requirements, liquidity and other factors that will influence the market next year, because your property is only worth what a lender will lend you you to buy it.Stay tuned for the final verdict of attendees and the panel on whether our houses and flats will be worth more in a year's time than today,Support the showSupport the show

Aitch Group was founded by Hackney born Henry Smith in 1995, and in those 25 years has developed a reputation as a leading property developer in London. Built upon strong values, Aitch Group has an unwavering commitment to developing stylish and innovative spaces that allow people and communities to thrive.Our speaker, Laurence Quail, a Property & Planning Expert, leads us through the history of Aitch Group, its current projects and its ambitions for the future. He also looks at their approach to building as sustainable company fit to meet the specific challenges of net zero carbon targets for the construction sector. With Laurence's planning experience, we asked him to share his views on two important themes to those developing residential schemes in London:1. The recently announced planning changes including commercial to residential; and2. The future of London as a place to work and live in light of Covid. Support the showSupport the show

This event with EQ Investors is timed for the publication of the 2020 edition of their annual review of Impact Investing and how it has benefitted in key areas like waste reduction, zero carbon technology, alternative energy, access to mobile technology, healthcare and elsewhere.The event features guest speakers, Louisiana Salge, EQ's resident Impact Specialist and Dale Scorer, a Chartered Financial Advisor and Planner. Following the presentation, there is a discussion on ESG, sustainability and the role our own pensions and ISAs can play in creating a better planet by Mark Herring, Urbano's Connector-In-Chief.This event was part of Good Money Week 2020 aimed at helping everyone find sustainable and ethical options for banking, pensions, savings and investments.Support the showSupport the show

As Covid sees a lot of people appraise what they want from their working lives - or have had this decision forced up them - we want to help those starting their own companies to learn from the experiences of a wide range of Urbano Members who founded and now own succesful companies from across all sectors.Mark Herring, Urbano's Connector-In-Chief, will be asking each of them to share the key points on their growth journey and share this information with you. He will also ask questions submitted by participants.Our Urbano Member speaker line-up includes:Arit Eminue, Founder/Director of recruitment and training company DiVA ApprenticeshipsElle Moss, Founder/CEO of creative agency Drew LondonBrant McNaughton, Managing Director of web development agency Ecce.Louise Turley, Director of high-end commercial and residential designs at FT ArchitectsJess James, Director of dynamic sustainability consultancy JAW  This panel event will be facilitated by Mark Herring, Urbano's Connector-In-Chief. Support the showSupport the show

Podcast recording of an Urbano speaker event, featuring Pano Christou, CEO of Pret A Manger, the UK based international food retail chain, discussing his experience of starting behind a till at McDonalds to running one of Britain's most recognisable brands.Facilitated and chaired by Mark Herring, Urbano's Connector-In-Chief, this breakfast event included Michelle French, Managing Director of CAMA Group and questions from our audience of business founders and directors.The event was hosted at the London offices of  Seddons GSC, and supported by Stewart Title.Click the link for more information on Urbano.Support the show

Hosted by Urbano Network, this event examined the likely impact of new Procurement Act on SMEs.The new act mentions SMEs only once, but the subsequent National Procurement Policy Statement and other documents have made opening up opportunities to small and micro business a central commitment of the government.To help examine how this will and could work in practice, we hear from the following expert panel:Dr Rebecca Rees, Head of Public Procurement, Trowers & HamlinsLucy Carraz, ESG Strategy & Growth Director (Europe & India) at AECOMDamon Pickard, Procurement Business Partner at Peabody Housing and part of the G15 group of London's leading housing associationsLouise Carroll, Associate Director - Procurement Advisory at Mace ConsultQuestions to the panel and also the experiences of tendering from representatives of SMEs present were facilitated by Mark Herring, Urbano Network's Connector-In-Chief and Director of Talent Lab, which specialises in communications and tendering.Urbano gratefully acknowledges the support of Trowers & Hamlins and Stewart Title in delivering this event and recording.Details of podcast recordings of Urbano events, including tendering and procurement, can be found on this channel.Details of Talent Lab/Urbano's experience around SME engagement, events, training and guides etc can be found here: https://www.urbanonetwork.co.uk/the-new-procurement-act-and-smes-words-into-actionsSupport the show

Our guest speaker is Andreas Galatoulas, Data Analytics and AI Director at AECOM, sharing how they as a global consultancy are using AI across its construction, engineering and infrastructure projects. As a qualified data leader and with national publications for his work, Andreas drives AECOM's on data strategies, data ethics and auditing AI models. At the NCE TechFest Awards, Andreas led the team which won the Best Use of Technology: Artificial Intelligence for their work with the Environment Agency for flood image analysis.We also hear from two Urbano Member SMEs, Alex Luketa, Partner at Xerini and Mark Wakeling, Technical Manager from Plowman Craven, on how they use AI and other tools to enhance tech development projects with clients in the ACTE sectors.Support the show

This event looked at AI in construction, specfically looking at where this technology is being used and the outlook for its uses and wider impact, featuring Andreas Galatoulas, Data Analytics and AI Director at AECOM, sharing how they as a global consultancy are using AI across its construction, engineering and infrastructure projects. As a qualified data leader and with national publications for his work, Andreas drives AECOM's on data strategies, data ethics and auditing AI models. Support the show

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The Procurement Bill currently progressing through Parliament sets out to reform public sector purchasing regulations post Brexit. We gathered an illustrious panel to discuss what the changes will mean for SMEs looking to win work through bidding and those bodies which have to publish contracts through public tenders.This online webinar from Urbano Network features  Rebecca Rees, Partner and Head of Public Procurement at Trowers & Hamlins,  Alan Heron, Director of Procurement at Places for People, Sarah Collins, Technical MD at RIFT R&D (on claiming back tendering costs  using R&D tax credits) and Caroline Brock, Co-Director of Urbano & Talent Lab where she is lead on tenders.The event is introduced and facilitated by Mark Herring, Co-Director of Talent Lab & Connector-In-Chief of Urbano.Urbano is grateful for the support of EQ Investors, Rift R&D & Stewart Title.Support the show

Join Mark and assorted Urbano Members as they discuss how they use LinkedIn as a networking and business engagement tool.Support the show

Since Urbano began in 2011, we have had a proud track record of championing opportunities for women, and our UWACTE (Urbano Women In Architecture, Construction, Technology & Engineering*) community helps women in Urbano member firms to develop and enhance their connections across our networkJoining Mark Herring, our Connector-In-Chief at Urbano is our guest speaker - Nicola Gillen - EMEA Lead, Total Workplace at Cushman & Wakefield.GUEST SPEAKER & PRESENTATIONNicola Gillen - EMEA Lead, Total Workplace at Cushman & Wakefield Nicola specialises in the relationship between design, people, behaviour and the built environment and is widely recognised within the industry as a leading authority on workplace strategy, design and behaviour change management. Nicola has 25 years' experience delivering workplace strategy and innovation internationally. An architect and author, she is lead author of RIBA's guide ‘Future Office'.Nicola's presentation will be drawn on the ‘Future Office' and her work as co-author of another RIBA publication ‘ReThink Design Guide for a Post Pandemic world' (published in January 2021), an innovative design guide with expert guidance on designing in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic.Nicola will also share insights into how employees are coping right now through Cushman & Wakefield's unrivaled bespoke Experience per Square Foot™ a data-driven initiative that captures information from thousands of respondents in over 100 countries designed to measure what matters most to employees. @CushWakeUKSupport the show

Urbano as an independent business community has a proud track record in championing green business practices since our beginnings in Shoreditch in the early 2000's. Back then to believe sustainability and business were compatible was to be seen as a hippy outlier.Now, such practices are becoming essential for companies as to achieve the targets set out at COP26 and in the Paris Agreement will involve more collaboration, more engagement, and a different way of measuring profitability, all areas Urbano has long championed. Our #urbanoengage Speaker Panel Events use an interactive format to examine key themes of interest to businesses. For this event, we are proud to be partnering with long-standing Urbano Members and Supporters, EQ Investors at a live event at their offices in the City of London.EQ Investors is an award-winning boutique investment company and certified B Corporation with a mission is to improve its clients' well-being through good financial planning and to connect capital to sustainable businesses by offering impact investing to everyone.Mark Herring, Urbano's Connector-In-Chief is joined by Sophie Kennedy, Joint CEO of EQ Investors, to discuss how finance and the City of London need to support those who are creating sustainable futures for us all.Support the show

This Urbano Network webinar, featuring guest presenter Debra Spurway, Director at HR and employment law specialists, HR Dept, offers timely, practical advice on what employers can do to support employees in the workplace and provide insight to those who would not likely suffer from such symptoms. Facilitated by Urbano's co-Director, Caroline Brock , who introduces questions from the audience, this webinar is essential listening for employers who want to address the issues around menopause and create inclusive workspaces and retain experienced talent. Please leave feedback for Caroline and Debra through the Urbano website.Support the show

One of Urbano's longest standing and most loyal members, Mark recorded a podcast with Leo Bones of EQ Investors. EQ Investors are an award-winning discretionary fund manager, focused on sustainable and impact investing, based in the City Of London.Leo is part of the business development team at EQ and has over 30 years experience within the financial services sector.Mark and Leo take a meandering trip back through their networking history which started back in Shoreditch in the mid 2000s. Along the way, Leo shares with us his approach to networking, how he connects with people and the changing landscape around finance, investment, ESG and sustainability. He also shares his views on what makes a good networking event and network - and what doesn't! For more information on EQ Investors, click here: EQ InvestorsFor more information about Mark, Talent Lab & Urbano Network - and to leave feedback - click here:  https://www.talentlab.co.uk/networking/Support the show (https://www.urbanonetwork.co.uk/membership)

During an online Urbano Members Networking Round Table, in addition to the usual 'who you are/where you are/what you do and who for'  introductions, I asked each participant to share with us their most valuable connections made through networking.The explained where they met them the benefits they have brought you. You'll hopefully hear how these critical connections have developed  valuable relationships and brought  with them tangible (ie business) and intangible (personal, such as friend or now partner) value.Remember, when networking, you don't know when you first meet a person what they will add to your life. I think the  examples discussed demonstrate that.Mark(www.urbanonetwork.co.uk / www.talentlab.co.uk)Support the show (https://www.urbanonetwork.co.uk/membership)

Julie is a long-standing member of Urbano and a very experienced networker. Last year, Julie took the courageous step of leaving the world of employment and PAYE to start her own business, Pro Team BD.Pro Team BD is an outsourced marketing services provider and amongst a range of things, Julie speaks about networking for yourself and your own business against for an employer.This episode is full of good advice on how sales people must not sell at networking events to find value.To find out more about Julie and her company here: Pro Team BD.For more information about Mark, Talent Lab & Urbano Network - and to leave feedback - click here:  https://www.talentlab.co.uk/networking/Support the show

Recorded during Women In Construction Week and on International Women's Day, Mark Herring interviews Jess James,  MD and owner of Jaw Sustainability, whose company celebrates its fifth birthday party on the day of publication of this podcast,Mark and Jess discuss how she she has grown her company , how she has used networking to develop business opportunities, and how spends her time productively at MIPIM, the international property show which takes place next week in Cannes, France.Jess also discusses her experience of sexism and discrimination in a male-dominated industry.To find out more about Jess' company, Jaw, click here: Jaw SustainabilityFor more information about Mark, Talent Lab & Urbano Network - and to leave feedback - click here:  https://www.talentlab.co.uk/networking/Support the show (https://www.urbanonetwork.co.uk/membership)

During an online Urbano Members Networking Round Table, in addition to the usual 'who you are/where you are/what you do and who for'  introductions, I asked each attendee to share their own experiences and tips on how to turn those initial introductions made at networking  events into valuable relationships that produce new business opportunities.Mark (www.urbanonetwork.co.uk / www.talentlab.co.uk)Support the show (https://www.urbanonetwork.co.uk/membership)

A lovely conversation with Lucy Dunne for this episode who you will gather is a lot younger than Mark and offers a fresh perspective on networking which should be an especially valuable listen for those new to the world of business networking and find the prospect of meeting new people daunting.Lucy is Marketing and Social Value Coordinator at Rooff who are members of Urbano Network. She has taken part in a previous podcast recording of our online speaker panel event on New Procurement Regulations which featured Rebecca Rees of Trowers & Hamlins and Caroline Brockof this parish & Talent Lab.I chatted to Lucy about how she finds networking as a young woman in a male-dominated industry like construction. The story of how she got her job through Claire Bullen is also exactly why any connection can deliver new opportunities.For more information about Mark, Talent Lab & Urbano Network - and to leave feedback - click here:  https://www.talentlab.co.uk/networking/Support the show (https://www.urbanonetwork.co.uk/membership)