On May 8th, Croydon College proudly hosted a successful Women in Construction Open Day in collaboration with Gallaway Construction Ltd, aimed at introducing Year 9 and 10 girls to the construction trades and career opportunities within the industry. The event welcomed an enthusiastic group of students who took part in
A Midlands property company hopes to further increase its visibility as a market leader in best-in-class, large-scale sustainable development at a major real estate forum. Solihull-based IM Properties aim to connect and engage with key stakeholders to showcase its existing and proposed development pipeline at UKREiiF, as one of the
On May 8th, Croydon College proudly hosted a successful Women in Construction Open Day in collaboration with Gallaway Construction Ltd, aimed at introducing Year 9 and 10 girls to the construction trades and career opportunities within the industry. The event welcomed an enthusiastic group of students who took part in practical workshops covering Plumbing, Carpentry, Brickwork, Electrical, and Interior Design using Croydon College’s state-of-the-art facilities. Designed to raise awareness and inform young girls about their future GCSE and career options, the initiative focused on breaking down gender stereotypes and showcasing construction as an exciting, accessible, and rewarding field. Attendees explored different trades in a hands-on environment, guided by experienced tutors and current female construction students. One student, Freya, shared her enthusiasm: “I had never considered a career in construction before today, but I had a lot of fun and will look into a career in this field. The workshop showed me the basics in plumbing and electrical, I had a lot of fun!” Another participant, Stella, expressed her motivation: “I like working with my hands, so I thought it was interesting.” Madi, who attended the brickwork session, added: “The workshop was interesting. Aldo (the tutor) was really nice and showed us how to place bricks.” Stuart Singleton, Construction Team Manager at Croydon College, commented: “It was inspiring to see the level of skill, curiosity, and determination on display today. Events like this are essential to changing perceptions and opening doors, showing that construction is a rewarding and accessible career path for everyone.” Renee Preston, Director of Gallaway Construction & Founder of Construction for Women, added: “We’re passionate about promoting equality and inclusion in construction. The energy and interest from the attendees today show the incredible potential out there. We hope this is just the beginning for many of these girls.” Croydon College remains committed to supporting opportunities that empower all members of the community. The college looks forward to hosting similar events in the future, continuing to challenge outdated stereotypes and promote diversity in the workforce. To find out more information on the construction courses available at Croydon College, visit https://croydon.ac.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Midlands property company hopes to further increase its visibility as a market leader in best-in-class, large-scale sustainable development at a major real estate forum. Solihull-based IM Properties aim to connect and engage with key stakeholders to showcase its existing and proposed development pipeline at UKREiiF, as one of the largest privately-owned property, development and investment companies in the UK. IM Properties will team up with Invest Warwickshire, Warwickshire County Council’s inward investment team, as one of its official partners at the event in Leeds. The firm hopes its second appearance at the annual forum will help it to reach an audience interested in locating itself along the M42 Corridor, where it has established a reputation for legacy projects that deliver positive social, economic and environmental outcomes for surrounding communities. Birch Coppice, Blythe Valley Park, Fore Business Park, Peddimore and Mercia Park provide a near 40-year timeline of commercial investment along the M42 in the West Midlands. Looking ahead, IM Properties is progressing key projects including Stratford 46 – a 65-acre employment park offering logistics, office and roadside premises – plans submitted for the expansion of Mercia Park and proposals for Thrive, an ambitious employment park at Junction 9 of the M42 to support advanced manufacturers, R&D start-ups and high-value logistics businesses. David Smith, Director of Planning and Communities at IM Properties, said: “We welcome the opportunity to partner with Invest Warwickshire on our continued journey of investment in the West Midlands. “From our beginnings nearly 40 years ago at Haseley Manor, we have grown to become one of the largest investors along the M42 corridor and within the region, bringing forward close to 14 million sq ft of commercial space and supporting over 14,000 jobs, with a further 8,000 jobs in the pipeline. “With an ambition to deliver both social and economic impact, our reach extends beyond the boundaries of our schemes to support surrounding communities, ensuring we create legacy projects aligned with our Sustainable Futures framework of People, Planet, and Place. “Our commitment translates into real impact—developing skills, employment opportunities, and investment in local people and projects that create positive change.” IM Properties is one of eight organisations across the public and private sectors that Invest Warwickshire will partner with at UKREiiF. which has grown to become the UK’s largest real estate event and conference. The partnerships will see each organisation involved in panel discussions and “Developer Spotlight” presentations that Invest Warwickshire is hosting at UKREiiF, taking place from May 20 to 22. David Smith will be speaking at the Warwickshire Creating Places event on Wednesday, May 21 in the Midlands Engine Pavilion. Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Warwickshire is one of the most dynamic economic locations in the Midlands and the UK. The county is a popular destination for both UK and foreign direct investment, and the area is home to some of the most important commercial property developments such as Coventry & Warwick Giga Park, one of the eight UK Investment Zones, MIRA Technology Park South Site and major town centre opportunities like Transforming Nuneaton, Creative Quarter Leamington Spa and Rugby Town Centre. “UKREiiF is a great opportunity for us to promote our partner organisation, Warwickshire Property Development Group and the new homes and SME commercial space being developed by them in the county, and Warwickshire County Council’s Property Infrastructure Fund, which can lend up to £10m to bring forward commercial development projects in support of growth and jobs. “We also look forward to working with a range of partners, including IM Properties, Tritax Big Box and Stoford to promote new development opportunities in the county and local area at the event this year.” Further to IM Properties’ development ambition, the company is currently helping to facilitate innovative, landmark projects in Warwickshire including a man-made surfing lagoon at Coleshill Manor, which is set to become the largest Wave Park in the UK. IM Properties will be in the Midlands Engine Pavilion at UKREiiF. To arrange a meeting with IM Properties before, during or after UKREiiF, email enquiries@improperties.co.uk or contact David Smith or Planning Director Matthew Fox through their LinkedIn pages. If you’re attending UKREiiF and would like to join the ‘Warwickshire Creating Places’ event, you can find more information and register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1318559790829 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
