3 Ps in a Pod

After years of waiting, UK infrastructure agency NISTA looks set to establish a Conflict Avoidance Forum. But what will the industry think? Is it too late, and will parties want to engage with the process at this stage?The team also cover progress on the development of a new model for the UK market.

Lord Heseltine tells the story of the birth of the European Space Agency. Why post-Apollo, when the US was spending £1.2 billion a year on space, the whole of Europe was spending just £200 million. Why the birth of ESA was driven by the self-interest of three major countries. Why the US general with a $29 billion budget for the Star Wars project wanted to invest in Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Why, the idea that Britain could compete alone with the technologies that were accumulated and available to the American capitalist system was “simply laughable”. Why “being European is not selling out British interests”. And why Margaret Thatcher told him: “If you want to get on and put your budget into this, you can, but you're not getting any of mine." Join Alice and Lord Heseltine as they pick apart the negotiating contrivances and the wheeling and dealing to circumnavigate “turkeys not voting for Christmas” that ultimately put European space on the map.Contributors:Alice Bunn, President of UKspace Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedInUKspace: Overview | LinkedIn Lord Heseltine, Member of the House of LordsKey topics covered:Creation of the European Space Agency (ESA)US "Star Wars" program and brain drainGeopolitical case for European R&D collaborationImpact of Brexit on science and technology

As the national media warn of the 'return of PFI', the team take a look at what's happening behind the scenes and how the narrative can be countered.They consider:Has the government finally kicked into action? - 2:15The potential for defence PPPs - 3:50Whether UK national and regional governments have a strategy for PPP - 7:06

IML chief executive Steve Cooper speaks to Paul Jarvis about his first 18 months in the role and reflects on the threats and opportunities in the current UK market.He discusses:IML’s experience of handback of PFI contracts - 3:20What’s next for IML? - 9:41Energy transition opportunities - 12:25The emphasis on community impact and engagement - 16:40

Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington outlines the airport’s pipeline of projects, as well as considering the wider P3 market.He talks to Jonathan Davies about:The ambition of Vision 100 - 2:20How to get a public institution ready to develop a P3 pipeline - 6:50Facing the challenges of progressing a P3 - 9:50Potential of TIFIA financing for airports - 15:30Private sector health and the level of competition for projects - 19:14The potential of real estate P3s - 23:34

Jaclyn Hartman, assistant secretary for transportation investments, speaks to Jonathan Davies about the current opportunity for investment and the climate in the US P3 marketThey consider:P3 projects currently under consideration in Maryland - 53 secondsWorking through Purple Line problems - 9:01Getting the balance right between value for money and attracting a good level of competition - 12:15Ensuring a strong skills and labor base - 14:45

Once again, the biggest night in PPP delivered an insight into the projects, people and organisations that are shaping the future of the industry. The team reflect on the evening, and discuss some of the winning entries.They consider:Impact of the UK elections - 3:17Views of behaviours in existing contracts - 9:15The global landscape of PPPs - 14:50Lifetime Achievement winner - 17:25

With water infrastructure in increasing demand for a variety of reasons, the team discuss where PPP is playing a role, before moving on to look at how different nations are using the model to support their defence investment plans.They discuss:Partnerships to boost drinking waterHow data centres are driving water demand -  5:45Why the UK pipeline is strong despite general uncertainty around privatisation and PPP - 10:40How PPP can help help spending in the defence sector - 15:00