A series of conversations with some of the key leaders and influencers from across the UK infrastructure sector, produced and hosted by journalist and commentator Antony Oliver.
Latest episode
The Infrastructure Podcast: Episode 121
Guest: James Stewart, chair of Agilia Infrastructure Partners and author of the Stewart Review.
Lessons from HS2
Today’s podcast takes a deep dive into High Speed 2 via the recently published Stewart Review, a detailed piece of work which attempts to help government to learn lessons and take stock from this much discussed project.
And I’m pleased to say that to help me with this task today I am joined by the report’s author, James Stewart, long-standing infrastructure finance and delivery expert and chair of Agilia Infrastructure Partners who I know will guide us first hand through his report.
A bit of background. As we know, the HS2 project was conceived as a once-in-a-generation investment in the UK’s rail infrastructure — a high-speed line that would transform north-south connectivity, unlock capacity across the network, and drive long-term economic growth.
But more than a decade on, the vision has been dramatically curtailed, costs have escalated, and delivery timelines continue to slip.
Following James’ report, government has now confirmed that completion will stretch beyond 2033, and that costs will be significantly higher than anticipated. All of which means hard questions must be asked — not just about what went wrong, but how we do things differently next time.
James’ Stewart Review offers a forensic assessment of HS2’s delivery challenges, with a particular focus on governance, assurance, capability, and the wider system in which such projects are planned and delivered.
The comprehensive report highlights what really went wrong, what needs to change, and, crucially, how the UK can rebuild trust in its ability to deliver major projects.
Lots to discuss so let’s get stuck in...
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Antony Oliver Consulting
Editorial consultancy services for the infrastructure sector
Antony works with a range of clients across the infrastructure sector, helping to boost their communication and marketing strategies and delivery so as to stimulate discussion and action in the industry.
This work includes:
- editorial support and creation
- event organisation, preparation and delivery
- round table discussion hosting and workshop/team facilitation
- video and podcasting
He has spent the last 30 years working as a journalist and editor across the infrastructure sector. Having joined New Civil Engineer magazine in 1994, he edited the title for 14 years until 2013, expanding NCE from a traditional paper magazine to deliver live events and conferences and then embrace the expanding world of multi-media digital delivery.
In 2014 he left NCE to create and launch Infrastructure Intelligence, a new digital-first publication for the sector, and for two years led and developed this ground-breaking media brand for the Association for Engineering and Consultancy.
He is a chartered civil engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, having started his career with Owen Williams and Partners and Balfour Beatty. He is committed to driving change across the UK infrastructure sector and is a Trustee of the Built Environment Trust and a Director of the Building Centre in Store Street, London.
antony@antonyoliver.com
The next episode of The Infrastructure Podcast will be published on Monday 7th July 2025.
