<![CDATA[Block FutureNow]]>b7c910a6-1323-51dc-92af-2c2db503cd14Wed, 23 Sep 2026 04:30:19 +0000Captivate.fmBlock Solutions https://artwork.captivate.fm/a7c0d520-f428-4941-91f4-3a7d1867cdb1/kaCFSUl25xxEo0ryhiRLeat4.pngBlock FutureNowBlock Solutions Block Solutions What happens when technology transforms lives? FutureNow from Block dives into the smart, sustainable tech reshaping healthcare and higher education in the UK. Hear from NHS and university digital leaders making care safer, operations smoother, and learning more connected. From smart hospitals to digitally empowered campuses, this is real change in action. Designed for people, built for the future.https://block-futurenow.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastHow AI is changing network operations | HPE JuniperHow AI is changing network operations | HPE JuniperIn this episode of FutureNow, Rob Brady, Head of Solutions at Block, sits down with Elliot Townsend, Senior Director of Field PLM - Campus & Branch (EMEA & LATAM) from HPE Juniper to get under the bonnet of AI-driven networking.

HPE Juniper has been developing AI-driven networking capabilities long before AI became a mainstream conversation. Having been part of that journey for many years, Elliot brings first-hand experience of how the technology has evolved.

Together, Elliott and Rob explore what modern network technology looks like in practice, where it can add value, and what network leaders should consider before investing.

]]>In this episode of FutureNow, Rob Brady, Head of Solutions at Block, sits down with Elliot Townsend, Senior Director of Field PLM - Campus & Branch (EMEA & LATAM) from HPE Juniper to get under the bonnet of AI-driven networking.

HPE Juniper has been developing AI-driven networking capabilities long before AI became a mainstream conversation. Having been part of that journey for many years, Elliot brings first-hand experience of how the technology has evolved.

Together, Elliott and Rob explore what modern network technology looks like in practice, where it can add value, and what network leaders should consider before investing.

]]>95e67bc4-4057-4850-9096-e5f6bbd3aec9Wed, 23 Sep 2026 05:30:00 +010029:31falsefull2112Tech Insights: Using AIOps in the NHS?Tech Insights: Using AIOps in the NHS?Can AI be used for good in the NHS? Perhaps not in the way you expect.

IT and network teams are mobilising AI to conquer the never-ending queue of service tickets and keep the connectivity behind care services running.

Marc Chang, founder of Block, chats to Mark Walton (CTO) and Shaun Pell (Services Director) to find out how Trusts are implementing AIOps safely… and with results.

Get the full details of the ‘Crawl, Walk, Run’ AI adoption methodology mentioned for free at: https://www.block.co.uk/tech-insights

]]>Can AI be used for good in the NHS? Perhaps not in the way you expect.

IT and network teams are mobilising AI to conquer the never-ending queue of service tickets and keep the connectivity behind care services running.

Marc Chang, founder of Block, chats to Mark Walton (CTO) and Shaun Pell (Services Director) to find out how Trusts are implementing AIOps safely… and with results.

Get the full details of the ‘Crawl, Walk, Run’ AI adoption methodology mentioned for free at: https://www.block.co.uk/tech-insights

]]>495492b2-493e-4b54-8d48-7c79d08f9aafTue, 22 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +010016:49falsebonus22Tech Insights: Network engineering in the AI era?Tech Insights: Network engineering in the AI era?What does it take to be a network engineer in healthcare these days? AI is changing the requirements for both infrastructure and skill sets.

Marc Chang, founder of Block, chats to two guests confronted by this very change: Rob Brady (Head of Solutions) and Paul Alexander (Chief Architect).

Get your hands on AIOps use cases for healthcare, skills guides, and free training opportunities at: https://www.block.co.uk/tech-insights

]]>What does it take to be a network engineer in healthcare these days? AI is changing the requirements for both infrastructure and skill sets.

Marc Chang, founder of Block, chats to two guests confronted by this very change: Rob Brady (Head of Solutions) and Paul Alexander (Chief Architect).

Get your hands on AIOps use cases for healthcare, skills guides, and free training opportunities at: https://www.block.co.uk/tech-insights

]]>8b680a59-3756-448f-8d2e-c0427a0ed85bTue, 22 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +010014:29falsebonus11How do you replace an entire network when downtime isn't an option?How do you replace an entire network when downtime isn't an option?In this episode of FutureNow, we speak with David Biron, Head of Networks at The Francis Crick Institute, one of Europe's leading biomedical research centres.

David shares the realities of leading a five-year data centre network transformation programme, supporting thousands of researchers, and maintaining resilience in an environment where disruption can have real consequences.

We also dive into how to maintain stakeholder trust throughout a major transformation project. This episode offers valuable lessons for network and infrastructure leaders across healthcare, education and research.

*This discussion reflects The Crick's experience of their Data Centre Network Transformation and related projects at The Crick and does not constitute a general endorsement of Block as a supplier.

]]>In this episode of FutureNow, we speak with David Biron, Head of Networks at The Francis Crick Institute, one of Europe's leading biomedical research centres.

David shares the realities of leading a five-year data centre network transformation programme, supporting thousands of researchers, and maintaining resilience in an environment where disruption can have real consequences.

We also dive into how to maintain stakeholder trust throughout a major transformation project. This episode offers valuable lessons for network and infrastructure leaders across healthcare, education and research.

*This discussion reflects The Crick's experience of their Data Centre Network Transformation and related projects at The Crick and does not constitute a general endorsement of Block as a supplier.

]]>53578c85-3026-4a73-b490-c82604d639dfMon, 13 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +010016:43falsefull1551How digital transformation is improving patient care in UHNMHow digital transformation is improving patient care in UHNMAmy Freeman, CDIO at University Hospitals of North Midlands, shares how she transformed her Trust with bold digital innovation. From patient care apps to award-winning leadership, hear her honest take on what works for NHS digital transformation and how other Trusts can make it happen.

]]>Amy Freeman, CDIO at University Hospitals of North Midlands, shares how she transformed her Trust with bold digital innovation. From patient care apps to award-winning leadership, hear her honest take on what works for NHS digital transformation and how other Trusts can make it happen.

]]>27c81aac-61ac-4215-a18b-a0642b945945Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +010031:25falsefull1441Inside a Smart HospitalInside a Smart HospitalJamie Clegg from Milton Keynes University Hospital shares how real-time data, IoT, and staff-led innovation are transforming care. From cutting noise to improving workflows, this transformation works for patients, staff, and the future of the NHS.

]]>Jamie Clegg from Milton Keynes University Hospital shares how real-time data, IoT, and staff-led innovation are transforming care. From cutting noise to improving workflows, this transformation works for patients, staff, and the future of the NHS.

]]>5212b227-0696-4832-bcc6-0ed39fbbb171Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +010025:52falsefull1331How NHS trusts are using digital to transform everything, with North Bristol NHS TrustHow NHS trusts are using digital to transform everything, with North Bristol NHS TrustNorth Bristol NHS Trust Chief Digital Information Officer, Neil Darvill, and Casey from Block dive into how digital transformation isn’t just about systems and infrastructure; it’s about giving clinicians the tools and environment they need to deliver outstanding care.

Block has been the trusted digital transformation partner for North Bristol NHS Trust since 2018, and this episode is packed with real insights on how technology is supporting healthcare.

]]>North Bristol NHS Trust Chief Digital Information Officer, Neil Darvill, and Casey from Block dive into how digital transformation isn’t just about systems and infrastructure; it’s about giving clinicians the tools and environment they need to deliver outstanding care.

Block has been the trusted digital transformation partner for North Bristol NHS Trust since 2018, and this episode is packed with real insights on how technology is supporting healthcare.

]]>142cfc31-4bca-4152-9aee-95c6d46aec41Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:30:00 +010033:05falsefull1221Impact of smart infrastructure on universities with Queen Mary University of LondonImpact of smart infrastructure on universities with Queen Mary University of LondonIn this exclusive episode, Queen Mary University of London’s CIO Rachel Bence, and Professor of Networks & Head of Schools, Steve Uhlig discuss:

📌 The biggest challenges in university digital transformation

📌 How strategic leadership turned vision into action

📌 The impact of smart infrastructure on research, learning, and student experience

]]>In this exclusive episode, Queen Mary University of London’s CIO Rachel Bence, and Professor of Networks & Head of Schools, Steve Uhlig discuss:

📌 The biggest challenges in university digital transformation

📌 How strategic leadership turned vision into action

📌 The impact of smart infrastructure on research, learning, and student experience

]]>6ef9959f-deba-4607-a5ab-646f3b8ee028Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +010028:57falsefull1111