Podcast Episode #16: Material Matters, Cut and Fill
May 5, 2026
Explore how early cut and fill strategy, sequencing and on‑site material management shape cost, programme and environmental outcomes on development projects.
Brookbanks is excited to launch this years' Graduate Rotation Programme!
This week, Brookbanks welcomed five new graduates to our teams to take part in our Graduate Rotation Programme. Over the next 18 months, the graduates will spend time within each of our Groups to gain exposure to the entirety of our business.
As the week draws to a close, we asked our newest team members to let us know how their first week at Brookbanks has been and what they are looking forward to most as they look forward to commencing their rotation.
Hannah Simpson
My first week at Brookbanks has been an incredibly welcoming experience. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many members from different teams, as well as my fellow graduates. The support and warmth I’ve received from everyone have made settling in seamless and enjoyable.
I am excited to begin my first rotation with the Highways Environment and Transport team, where I will gain hands-on experience with exciting projects. The opportunity to collaborate with such a talented and dedicated team is something I genuinely look forward to.
Thank you to everyone who has made my first week so amazing, I am truly excited about the journey ahead and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together!
Isabelle Latuszka
As I reflect on my first week of Brookbanks, I would like to thank everyone for being so welcoming, I already feel like part of the team. I have had an amazing introduction week where I have already learnt a lot and I am ready to put it into action.
Next week I begin my journey through all six departments of the business, starting with Civil Engineering. I am excited to get out my comfort zone and gain hands on experience in all aspects of the business and expand my skills and knowledge.
I also look forward to getting stuck into everything else that Brookbanks has to offer like their social media and charity work.
Engy Hassan Sherif
My first week at Brookbanks has been very exciting and memorable, the culture and openness of the people has been outstanding making it a super easy and light transition for me.
Over the week I’ve gotten to meet different people from different departments, and getting a first-hand experience on how people communicate and coordinate to achieve the best possible outcome. The willingness to help and go above and beyond for each other amazes me and gives me a positive insight to why we are continuing to grow.
I’m very eager to start my first rotation in the Cost & Commercial Group back in the Bristol office.
Edward Grinsted
We can’t wait to watch these amazing people join our teams and begin this professional and personal journey at Brookbanks.
Explore how early cut and fill strategy, sequencing and on‑site material management shape cost, programme and environmental outcomes on development projects.
Rising geopolitical tension does not affect development viability in isolation, but through increasing pressure on energy prices, supply chains and the cost of energy‑intensive materials. Where schemes are progressed on assumptions made under more stable conditions, these pressures can quickly challenge margins, appraisals and deliverability, particularly in a flat housing market. Our article looks at how developers can respond to build cost volatility in a more informed and proportionate way. Drawing on our specialists' experience, it explores how early coordination, design‑led value engineering and integrated decision‑making can help manage cost risk, protect scheme viability and avoid short‑term measures that compromise long‑term quality and value.
Welcome to our April 2026 newsletter. In this month's Brookbanks newsletter, learn more about how high-rise developments can be made more deliverable, with guidance on how you can reduce risk and protect viability. We're also looking back on our April webinar, where Annabel Le Lohe and Katherine Peers gave a rundown of Environmental Impact Assessments and how coordination can make a real impact on project delivery. Plus, there's a recap of this month's podcasts featuring two special guests. Paul Smith, Managing Director at The Strategic Land Group, and Tom Park, Associate Development Director at Caddick Developments. Also, find out which members of our team will be at UKREiiF as well as more about the CPD event we're co-hosting with the LPDF in May.