An England football legend, backed by local sports stars, is spearheading a new charity encouraging construction workers to talk about mental health. Former England and Everton hero Trevor Steven’s Mindflow initiative has been endorsed by football legends Gary Lineker, Robbie Fowler, Stuart Pearce, Ally McCoist, Peter Reid and Viv Anderson.
Women in construction are breaking barriers, driving change, and shaping the future of the industry. Their voices and experiences prove that progress is happening – but there’s still more to be done. This International Women’s Day, British Gypsum and Isover – businesses that are part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions –
While construction often brings to mind images of building sites and hard hats, the industry is powered by a vast network of professionals working behind the scenes to bring developments to life. This International Women’s Day, Harron Homes is celebrating the women who play crucial roles in shaping its success—driving
A local Priors Hall Park School student is over the moon following an ‘out of this world’ gift from a housebuilder. Last year, 9-year-old pupil Jasper won a competition to design a bedroom, held by housebuilder Davidsons Homes for its stunning showhome at Kirby Woodlands. As part of his prize,
A new development of key worker accommodation has been officially opened at the John Radcliffe Hospital (JRH) in Oxford, which forms part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH). Colleagues from housing association A2Dominion, housebuilder The Hill Group, OUH, and Oxford Hospitals Charity came together for an official opening
STARK Building Materials UK (STARK UK), one of the UK’s largest retailers and distributors of building and construction materials, has become a sponsor of Stronger Together, an organisation which campaigns to reduce modern slavery in supply chains. By sponsoring Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme, STARK UK is demonstrating
Providing vital online access and technological support for those in need, McLaren Construction is launching a new initiative to donate repurposed laptops to charities across the UK with the first donation taking place in the Midlands and North. Kick-starting the initiative, 20 repurposed company laptops were donated to the St
One of the UK’s leading independent builders’ merchants has joined forces with two of the nation’s most respected charities in the construction industry. Huws Gray Group has secured two-year partnerships with Mates in Mind and CRASH and is focused on helping raise awareness of mental health issues and homelessness. The
A Christmas lunch attended by more than 200 women across the region’s construction sector has looked to ‘bridge the gap between education and industry’. The Women in Construction Anglia event, at Ipswich Town Football Club on December 10, aimed to inspire the next generation of women to take up a
In the spirit of the festive season, the Barrack Charitable Trust, funded by Knight Property Group, is delighted to announce that is has donated almost £42,000 to 23 charities across Scotland. This significant contribution is part of the Trust’s biannual giving programme, aimed at supporting a diverse range of organisations
An England football legend, backed by local sports stars, is spearheading a new charity encouraging construction workers to talk about mental health. Former England and Everton hero Trevor Steven’s Mindflow initiative has been endorsed by football legends Gary Lineker, Robbie Fowler, Stuart Pearce, Ally McCoist, Peter Reid and Viv Anderson. It was launched at the National Football Museum in Manchester on 20 March and attended by Mindflow Ambassadors: Manchester City’s David White, Paul Dickov and Paul Lake, Tottenham Hotspur’s Paul Stewart, and Sheffield United’s Curtis Woodhouse. Through Mindflow’s ‘Talk Football Talk Mental Health’ programme, current and ex-football players will visit construction sites to deliver mental health awareness sessions, encourage conversation, and recruit volunteers from each session to train as mental health first aiders. The Ambassadors have all publicly shared their challenges around mental health and have firsthand experience to support the construction industry. Research conducted on-site by Trevor Steven, supported by construction software company Causeway Technologies, found that more than half (56%) of site workers are either currently experiencing or have experienced mental health problems. The industry is especially vulnerable due to factors like long irregular hours, many workers being self-employed, and high-pressure working environments. The survey found that many workers in the industry (67%) are football fans, and the charity aims to create a culture of proactive support and early intervention by joining the dots between construction, mental health, and football. Trevor said: “Football, and sport in general, has made great strides in destigmatising issues around mental health. Whereas in construction, the statistics around suicide rates tell an opposing story. “Getting people talking is widely cited as being key to tackling poor mental health. Football offers a potential route in; it is a sport that brings people together and starts conversations. We hope that through football, Mindflow can help site workers to speak more freely about their mental health.” Through its Charter, Mindflow will introduce a consistent, and measurable, standard for mental health provisions onsite, set out by the local authority on publicly funded projects. As it stands, the level of mental health support for workers is left up to the contractor, whereas the Charter will mean contractors have to meet set standards to secure the work. Phil Brown, Executive Chairman at Causeway Technologies and Chair of Trustees at Mindflow added: “We’ve worked closely with Trevor for years on research into the mental health crisis in construction. The findings are clear – construction is an industry where mental health struggles are common yet go unspoken. “That’s why it’s so important that Trevor is launching Mindflow and combining football and construction to initiate meaningful conversations and provide real, practical support. “Causeway is proud to be backing Mindflow and looks forward to seeing how the power of football can create meaningful change in the industry.” Visit Mindflow to find out more. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Women in construction are breaking barriers, driving change, and shaping the future of the industry. Their voices and experiences prove that progress is happening – but there’s still more to be done. This International Women’s Day, British Gypsum and Isover – businesses that are part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions – are proudly celebrating the women who are making an impact in the construction sector. By sharing their stories, we’re championing their achievements, amplifying their voices, and paving the way for an even more inclusive industry. Katie Anderson is Performance Manager at British Gypsum East Leake Works which produces bagged plaster and plasterboard. She has seen the business take proactive steps to help more women into its workforce. “We have got a lot more women coming through which is great,” she said. “It will take a while to change but I definitely see positive movement in that regard.” Katie joined British Gypsum in 2019 as a project leader and has progressed rapidly through the ranks. She is encouraging other women to consider construction manufacturing as a fulfilling career. “British Gypsum has really helped me with my training,” she added. “So even if you don’t have the skills initially, they can help you to develop those skills.” However, Katie says she still occasionally encounters gender bias. “Sometimes it can take a bit more time to build up a rapport or respect with people, it’s important to get to know people as individuals and learn to communicate with them in the most appropriate way.” Last year, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions supported the launch of I am a Housebuilder. Founded by a cross-parliamentary group, it aims to grow the number of women working in the housebuilding industry. It is fronted by seven women who hold prominent roles in construction – dubbed the Magnificent 7. One of them is Xuan Meng, CEO of Cozy Haus. She started in property development after taking maternity leave from an investment fund. “It took me a lot of effort and mental determination to plunge myself into building Cozy Haus because it is something I’ve never done,” she said. “I thought to myself, if I could make this a success, it could give me the flexibility to be my own boss and also the flexibility to look after my daughter and the financial stability I wanted for my family. This was my chance, I took it, and I think that it was the best decision I ever made.” Cozy Haus now employs over 30 people and has more female staff than male. “I think that 60% of our staff members are female and a lot of them are single mums,” added Xuan. “I believe that, because you are a mum, you have more reasons to work hard not only because you have to provide financially but also because you have to lead by example.” As part of their mentoring programme, each of the Magnificent 7 will give one-to-one mentoring to women taking their first steps into the housebuilding sector. Georgina Hammond, Co-Founder of Beau Property, has taken 21-year-old graduate Abbi Bird under her wing as her mentee. Abbi saw the Magnificent 7 announced on LinkedIn and reached out to them about mentorship. She first became interested in construction aged 13 when her dad asked her to help with a building project. As a teenager she relentlessly pursued her passion, even switching schools to study construction and engineering before going on to complete a university degree. She is now shadowing Georgina while looking to start her career in construction management. “I really want to help her to navigate her career, to grow within her next role and be able to set goals for what her career is going to look like,” said Georgina. “I hope that she achieves becoming an MD of a PLC housebuilder because I know that she’s got it in her. She’s incredibly determined, she’s so enthusiastic, and she loves building houses. She’s incredibly technically minded. “It is so amazing and encouraging that people from that next generation have the enthusiasm and want to get into this industry because they feel so passionately about it and love it. So, I think from Abbi’s perspective, the sky is the limit and she can achieve anything. “Women need this support in an industry that is male dominated. I think that if we had this conversation again in ten years’ time, that would look very different. But while we go through that transition period, there needs to be role models and support for women that are making the move to enter this industry, to help them thrive.” The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Accelerate Action, focusing on driving progress for gender equality. Rachel Kelly, Head of Brand for British Gypsum and Isover said: “We are proud to support International Women’s Day and are accelerating our efforts to bring talented women into our workforce. “Women remain underrepresented in construction, facing barriers such as gender bias, lack of career visibility, and limited opportunities for progression. We are committed to addressing these challenges by amplifying female voices, promoting inclusivity and providing pathways for women to thrive in the sector.” The Building Better Hub provides resources and talking points on workforce gender diversity and other major industry issues. To hear more from some of the industry leaders featured in this article or to discover more about what women in construction have to say, visit the Building Better hub: https://www.saint-gobain.co.uk/building-better-hub/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
While construction often brings to mind images of building sites and hard hats, the industry is powered by a vast network of professionals working behind the scenes to bring developments to life. This International Women’s Day, Harron Homes is celebrating the women who play crucial roles in shaping its success—driving projects forward, supporting customers, and ensuring seamless operations. With 18 years of experience in the industry, Kirsty Wilson plays a vital role in Harron Homes’ design team. She is responsible for creating site layouts that balance viability with compliance, ensuring each development meets the highest standards. Kirsty attributes her success to early mentorship from a female architect and notes the increasing presence of women on construction sites. “Gender equality should be the norm,” says Kirsty. “One of the biggest barriers for women is awareness. Young women may not realise the variety of roles available in construction. “To women who are interested in the construction side, don’t be put off by it being male-dominated. People no longer make a big deal about women being on site, you’ll find the majority are friendly and helpful, regardless of gender.” Stacy Law transitioned into the construction industry two years ago after a diverse career in operations and business development. As a PA to the Managing Directors and Office Manager at Harron’s Yorkshire office, Stacy ensures smooth operations and provides essential support to the leadership team. “I’ve seen a real shift in attitudes towards women in construction,” Stacy shares. “Traditionally, it was seen as a male-dominated field, but there is now a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Implementing clear policies and providing equal growth opportunities will further accelerate progress and inclusion.” Her advice to women considering a career in housebuilding? “Go for it! There are so many departments to start your career in beyond the building site, from finance to design to customer service, and the industry is full of opportunities.” With 18 years in property and seven in construction, Laura Higginbottom ensures that every homebuyer receives top-tier support as an Assistant Customer Service Manager. She values the strong support network within the company and believes social media has played a significant role in highlighting the achievements of women in the industry. “I’ve always felt supported and heard at Harron,” Laura explains. “The company hires the right person for the role, which has naturally led to women stepping into leadership positions. The more we promote women in senior roles, the more we can inspire others to follow.” Like Kirsty, Stacy feels a wider knowledge of the various career paths could encourage girls to join the industry. “Social media is doing a lot to showcase women in the industry, but promoting those available career paths from a much younger age could encourage women to explore construction a lot sooner. Some people are too shy to approach certain roles in life so by offering the information initially it might spark a positive conversation.” While the construction industry has made significant progress in gender equality, Kirsty, Stacy, and Laura agree that increasing representation, fostering an inclusive workplace, and promoting diverse career opportunities are key steps forward. Group Operations Director, Sarah Marsden added, “At Harron Homes, we are committed to supporting women in the workplace and celebrating their contributions. As Harron’s inaugural Group Operations Director, I’ve been given an amazing opportunity to not only leave my own mark on the company, but to encourage other women aspiring to do the same. Success comes from the hard work of people across every part of the business. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women behind the scenes who make it all happen.” For more information on Harron Homes please visit https://www.harronhomes.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A local Priors Hall Park School student is over the moon following an ‘out of this world’ gift from a housebuilder. Last year, 9-year-old pupil Jasper won a competition to design a bedroom, held by housebuilder Davidsons Homes for its stunning showhome at Kirby Woodlands. As part of his prize, Jasper’s bedroom design was replicated in one of the showhome bedrooms – a room that Jasper was excited to visit and explore for himself. Following a surge of sales including the showhome itself, Davidsons Homes decided to gift all the furniture from the space-themed bedroom to Jasper. The treat was carefully planned between the housebuilder and Jasper’s mum, Annabelle, giving the youngster a surprise that rendered him speechless on the day. Simon Tyler, Sales Director for Davidsons South, said: “Gifting the furniture to Jasper from the bedroom he designed feels like the perfect ending to this lovely story. Originally, we tasked students from Priors Hall Park School to design a bedroom for our new showhome, and we were absolutely blown away by the results. From models made of the room, through to stories that accompanied entries, we have genuinely never seen such high-quality entries from children. “Jasper’s design won our hearts though, with so many carefully-considered details – a galaxy-themed ceiling, Doctor Who and Star Wars elements and a slide reaching from the bed, surely every child’s dream. “Now, we’re delighted that following the sale of the showhome, we are able to gift all the furniture from this bedroom to Jasper. We very much hope he enjoys his revamped bedroom and that it’s a little reminder to him of this project, which has certainly been one we’ve all thoroughly enjoyed here at Davidsons Homes.” As part of his prize, Jasper also won a £500 Merlin voucher for him and his family to enjoy. Not only that, but Jasper was the first to visit the showhome and see the bedroom, before it was open to other visitors. Jasper’s mum, Annabelle, said: “Jasper has been so excited about his bedroom design being chosen, in fact he even took his grandparents to visit it over Christmas last year. Now, it’s the icing on the cake that we have been given the furniture from the bedroom for Jasper to take home and enjoy. “It was wonderful to visit the showhome again with Jasper, along with his sisters, and see him receive the news that he is able to take the furniture home with him. We really cannot thank you all enough.” People are invited to visit Kirby Woodlands for themselves. To make an appointment or to find out more, visit davidsonshomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new development of key worker accommodation has been officially opened at the John Radcliffe Hospital (JRH) in Oxford, which forms part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH). Colleagues from housing association A2Dominion, housebuilder The Hill Group, OUH, and Oxford Hospitals Charity came together for an official opening on Wednesday 29 January. A2Dominion appointed The Hill Group in 2022 to deliver the scheme. OUH is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in England constituting four major hospitals in Oxford and the project at the JRH is one of many supported by the Oxford Hospitals Charity. Customers recently moved into the new modern apartments in Ivy Lane from the previous flats following the completion of the first phase of the project. The ribbon cutting marked the completion of phase one, which will ultimately replace the previous accommodation with seven modern apartment buildings. The ribbon was cut by Dorcas, an NHS nurse and Ivy Lane resident, along with senior representatives from all four organisations. Dorcas, 42, said: “I was previously in the old Ivy Lane flats and recently moved in here along with rest of the tenants. The new flats are definitely an upgrade – I really love it. “These new flats are well designed, spacious, and well-ventilated with bigger windows for more natural light. The facilities are excellent. “I was surprised to see how this has made a significant improvement in the comfort and wellbeing of my family and I. When I’m back at home, I’m comfortable, what I need is available for me. So, when I go back to work it has enabled me to work effectively.” The completion of phase one includes 90 new homes in total, comprising 12 self-contained one-bed apartments, 11 studios, 23 two-bed self-contained family apartments, 16 four-bed and 25 five-bedroom shared apartments, and three homes specially configured for disabled tenants. The second and final phase is due to complete in 2026. Once phase two is completed, the seven new apartment buildings will house at least 340 key workers across 125 high quality residential properties. Chris Ives, Managing Director of Development and Regeneration at A2Dominion, said: “We are delighted that phase one of our transformative project at Ivy Lane, aimed at building modern homes for key workers, is now complete. This achievement was made possible through our collaboration with OUH, Oxford Hospitals Charity, the Hill Group and our employers agent John Rowan and Partners. “A2Dominion has a strong track record of providing homes for our remarkable key workers, and we are pleased to have recently moved the last tenants from the previous flats to the new accommodation. “We are now focusing on phase two, which will deliver more high-quality homes for OUH staff at Ivy Lane, with completion expected next year.” Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, Chair of OUH, said: “We know that many staff face challenges in finding high-quality, affordable accommodation near the hospital. This is particularly true for new staff arriving in Oxford for the first time, as arranging suitable housing can be both daunting and time-consuming. “We are therefore delighted to be able to provide affordable homes for our new staff. Helping them settle into the area is crucial. Being within walking distance of work, public transport routes, shops, and parks is very important and being able to quickly establish friendship groups within the buildings also makes settling into Oxford much easier too. “Homes play a vital role in supporting both mental and physical health. On behalf of the Trust, I extend my gratitude to A2Dominion, The Hill Group, and Oxford Hospitals Charity for their essential support in making this project a reality. “We are now looking forward to more staff moving in once the second and final phase is completed.” Douglas Graham, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: “We are incredibly proud to have worked with A2Dominion to deliver the new flats in Ivy Lane for OUH. This is a development that will provide much-needed, good-quality accommodation for our dedicated hospital staff for many years to come. “The high cost of housing in Oxfordshire presents a real challenge, so having an affordable place to live that is close to work will be a great boost for many hard-working staff. Supporting those who care for us is at the heart of our charity, and it is wonderful to see it come to life. “It’s been fantastic to see this development come together over the last couple of years and seeing the excitement of those who have recently moved in reminds us just how important and impactful projects like this are.” Ryan Harris, Regional Director (Western) at The Hill Group, said: “The completion of this first phase at Ivy Lane is another significant milestone for the project. We are proud to be delivering excellent energy-efficient accommodation for key workers at the John Radcliffe Hospital. “We have utilised modern methods of construction on this scheme, mixing off-site light weight steel frame with pre-assembled bathroom pods, to enhance quality and reduce our carbon footprint. “The use of Modern methods of construction (MMC) has helped reduce the quantum of labour required to deliver this project, easing pressure on constrained hospital footprint and parking, which benefits the wider community and stakeholders. “We look forward to completing a development that all stakeholders can take huge pride in.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STARK Building Materials UK (STARK UK), one of the UK’s largest retailers and distributors of building and construction materials, has become a sponsor of Stronger Together, an organisation which campaigns to reduce modern slavery in supply chains. By sponsoring Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme, STARK UK is demonstrating its commitment towards tackling exploitation in the industry and will now work alongside other major construction businesses to drive sector-wide change, ensuring workers are recruited responsibly and have fair access to work. According to Stronger Together, the construction sector is identified as high-risk for modern slavery by various bodies, including the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and the Office of the Director of Labour Market Enforcement. Due to its related activities and overlapping workforce, the broader property sector is considered equally high-risk. Stronger Together’s recently updated Construction and Property Programme helps businesses to identify the signs of modern slavery in the construction and property supply chain with sector-specific tools, training and resources. STARK UK was officially established on 1 st March 2023, with STARK Group having acquired a collection of businesses from Saint-Gobain, including Jewson, Jewson Major Building Solutions, Jewson Partnership Solutions, Frazer, Minster, JP Corry, Normans and International Timber. Nim Cassidy, General Counsel and Company Secretary at STARK UK, said: “We are committed to supporting ethical practices across the construction sector, so by sponsoring Stronger Together’s UK Construction and Property Programme, we’re taking an important step to help tackle the risks of modern slavery in our industry and supply chains. “This partnership reflects our values and dedication to creating a responsible and fair supply chain, and we’re excited to work with Stronger Together and other organisations to make a real difference and protect workers.” Pamela Zielinski, Stronger Together’s Construction and Property Programme Manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome STARK UK as sponsors of our Construction and Property Programme. The sponsors work together to address the risks of modern slavery in their business and in their supply chain through our workshops and free resources. “We are excited for the year ahead and to continue our collaborative work to tackle modern slavery in construction and property whilst delivering industry wide change.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Providing vital online access and technological support for those in need, McLaren Construction is launching a new initiative to donate repurposed laptops to charities across the UK with the first donation taking place in the Midlands and North. Kick-starting the initiative, 20 repurposed company laptops were donated to the St Helens-based Martin Murray ThinkFAST academy, providing young people with online support to help with educational development. McLaren Construction Midlands and North has a long-standing relationship with the Martin Murray academy, which aims to help young people with high-quality social support and development through the discipline and ethos of boxing. The laptop drop off is the latest support initiative for the academy and it follows a joint donation of £30,000 that was provided in 2023, by the contractor and Miller Developments. As part of McLaren Construction’s commitment to giving back to the communities in which it operates, alongside its sustainability strategy for 2025 – legacy computing assets that are fit for reuse will now go through an IT repurposing programme instead of secure disposal, to enable monthly laptop donations by the McLaren Construction Group. The new scheme will see approximately 250-400 laptops repurposed and donated annually to chosen charities across the UK and drop-offs will include protective equipment alongside the laptops to ensure longevity. The next donation will be a drop-off to Sele SEND School in Hertford and the ‘London & South’ region. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are proud to be kick-starting our laptop donation initiative with our first drop off of the year at the Martin Murray academy in St Helens – helping young people and offering online and technological support at a fundamental time of their lives. Martin Murray, founder of the ThinkFAST academy, said: “The opportunities that can be harnessed through having laptop access cannot be underestimated and we can’t thank the team at McLaren enough for the laptops and their continued support over the past couple of years. The joint donation that we received from them along with Miller Developments in 2023 has helped to ensure that our academy can keep on doing the much-needed work that we do. “These laptops will provide access to a vast amount of information, enable interactive learning experiences and will be used to personalise learning, dependent on the young person’s individual needs.” Dan Blackman, Group IT and Security Director at McLaren Construction Group PLC, said: “Launching this initiative will enable our high-quality fit-for-use legacy assets to be repurposed and donated to those in need, and we are delighted to be contributing to our communities in this way, providing online access and a resource for educational development, to change lives for the better.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s leading independent builders’ merchants has joined forces with two of the nation’s most respected charities in the construction industry. Huws Gray Group has secured two-year partnerships with Mates in Mind and CRASH and is focused on helping raise awareness of mental health issues and homelessness. The collaboration will also see the company provide resources, products and general support to vital construction schemes which care for the homeless and people of all ages with life-limiting illnesses. Daksh Gupta, Huws Gray Group CEO, is looking forward to working with both charities and reinforcing the good work of the organisations among staff, customers and stakeholders. Daksh says: “We are incredibly excited to announce both Mates in Mind and CRASH as our new charity partners. We recognise the critical importance and the huge difference both charities make in the construction sector and are looking forward to working with them to raise awareness of their good work throughout our various stakeholder relationships.” Mates in Mind is a leading UK charity raising awareness and addressing the stigma of poor mental health. This new partnership extends the relationship to all brands under the Group including Civils and Lintels, an existing support of the cause. Sam Downie, Mates in Mind Managing Director, said: “We are so grateful that Huws Gray chose us as a charity partner, it gives us the opportunity to reach more organisations, and it is only through working together that we can create a sector where work is good for workers. “At Mates in Mind, we know that building a culture of prevention can reduce the likelihood of individuals reaching crisis point, as supporting positive mental health in and through work becomes an integral part of everyone’s role. With Huws Gray’s support we will be able to provide resources and advice to more organisations and individuals throughout the four nations, reaching people that have not had access to our help before.” Huws Gray Group has also partnered with CRASH, becoming one of its corporate patrons for the next two years. Established in 1996, CRASH is the construction industry’s charity bringing together the professional expertise, products and donations of the construction industry to deliver their vital construction projects for homelessness and hospices charities creating places that care for people when they’re at their most vulnerable. Trisha Pickersgill, Chief Executive for CRASH charity, is delighted to welcome Huws Gray as a corporate patron, adding: “We are delighted to announce that Huws Gray has chosen to partner with CRASH for the forthcoming two years 2025 and 2026 by becoming CRASH patrons. “Working collaboratively to provide support from across the Huws Gray Group to aid CRASH with their vital construction and refurbishment of hospices, shelters and move-on accommodation making a difference to the lives of people who are homeless, and children and adults receiving hospice care. This partnership will make a huge difference to the project support that CRASH can offer to the charities that it receives applications from. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Christmas lunch attended by more than 200 women across the region’s construction sector has looked to ‘bridge the gap between education and industry’. The Women in Construction Anglia event, at Ipswich Town Football Club on December 10, aimed to inspire the next generation of women to take up a career in the sector, while giving students the opportunity to meet female role models in the industry. Organised by Clare Friel, Managing Director of marketing agency Friel and founder of Construction Anglia, the event also sought to create a supportive community of women in a wide variety of construction roles across East Anglia. Clare said: “I created Women in Construction Anglia so that people could form new connections, and students studying on construction-related courses could see the opportunities in the industry. “The biggest thing that came out from our first event in October was role models – the fact our panellists didn’t have them when they came into the industry, but the students that attended now do. “We can’t get more women into the industry if they don’t know the opportunities that exist. “That’s why it’s a priority for me to not only mix industry with education but to mix students together from different colleges.” The event was attended by staff and students from West Suffolk College and Suffolk New College and hosted by Siu Mun Li, CITB’s Most Influential Woman in Construction 2023 and Director at Temporary Works Forum. Averil Young, lecturer at West Suffolk College, said: “These events offer a unique and inspiring chance to bridge the gap between education and industry, providing my students with an invaluable window into the exciting and rewarding careers that could be part of their futures. “Meeting powerful role models—women excelling in roles across the industry, from hands-on trades to senior leadership—has an immeasurable impact, showing my students what’s possible and inspiring them to dream bigger than ever before.” The event was sponsored by DPL Group, LDD Construction, KLH Architects, Howard Construction, Breheny, TRU 7 Group and Hudson Group. Kaleigh Norris, Head of Careers and Employer Engagement at Suffolk New College, attended the event along with a group of female electrical students. She said: “For our learners to be able to hear stories about the industry directly from employers and to hear how passionate they are about the sector helps them feel pride in what they are studying and excited to go into this industry in their future careers.” For more information on Women in Construction Anglia and upcoming events, see www.womeninconstructionanglia.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In the spirit of the festive season, the Barrack Charitable Trust, funded by Knight Property Group, is delighted to announce that is has donated almost £42,000 to 23 charities across Scotland. This significant contribution is part of the Trust’s biannual giving programme, aimed at supporting a diverse range of organisations dedicated to making a difference in their communities across the country. From grassroots initiatives to nationwide efforts, the Trust’s donations will help tackle pressing issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental health and youth support. The winter tranche of funding comes at a crucial time, as many charities face increased demand for their services during the holiday season. Trust Chairman James Barrack, shared his thoughts: “We are incredibly proud to support such a wide range of worthwhile causes across Scotland, through the Barrack Charitable Trust. We believe in giving back to the communities where we live and work and this is especially meaningful as we approach the festive season. These charities provide essential support to so many and it is an honour to play a part in their vital work.” Spotlight on the Charities The 23 charities supported in this tranche represent the diversity and resilience of Scotland’s charitable sector. Below, seven of the beneficiaries share their appreciation and outline how the funding will help their efforts: Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of the Denis Law Legacy Trust said: “We are delighted to receive a grant of £5,000 from the Barrack Charitable Trust, contributing to the purchase of a new mobile arena. Thanks to their generous support, the arena will help us deliver our range of free to access activities directly into the hearts of disadvantaged communities that need it most. I am incredibly grateful to the Barrack Charitable Trust and with their support, we can continue to empower more young people to thrive.” Shirley Finlayson, Manager, Disabled Persons Housing Service Aberdeen said: “We are extremely grateful to receive this generous funding from the Trust and on behalf of the staff, volunteers and committee of DPHS Aberdeen, I would like to thank the Trustees for the award. The funding will help us greatly in assisting disabled people aged over 65 in the community who are struggling to access housing options advice and are seeking solutions to their housing needs. Many of our disabled clients have complex needs or are in hospital where we visit them to provide our advice service and we can help them access housing waiting lists or advise on other housing options.” Jim Van Nice, Treasurer of Forfar & District Men’s Shed said: “We are proud to add the Barrack Charitable Trust to our list of contributors. With their generous grant of £4,500 we are able to replace our existing old and heavy sliding door to the workshop with a new motorised insulated roll up door. This will provide ease of operation, provide added security and prevent the loss of heat during these cold winter months. Many thanks from the members of Forfar & District Men’s Shed.” Valerie Cox, Manager of Wester Hailes Youth Agency said: “We are grateful to The Barrack Charitable Trust for their donation of £4,000 towards the delivery of 300 hours of individual support for up to 30 young people in South West/West Edinburgh over the next six months. This support will help young people address issues which may include parental & peer relationships, lack of confidence and self-esteem, bereavement & loss, trauma, stress, anxiety and low mood. Without the generosity of supporters like The Barrack Charitable Trust it would not be possible for us to deliver this vital work. Sarah Hutchison, Volunteer Coordinator at Empty Kitchen, Full Hearts said: “Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts uses surplus food to create healthy meal packs for people living in poverty across Edinburgh. Barrack Charitable Trust’s donation will support 50 people with a month of nutritious meals, free of charge. Our meal service is combined with regular well-being check-ins and referrals to further support. This donation will provide consistent nutrition and contact during what can be a very unstable, isolating time. This allows people to have the energy and headspace to tackle other challenges in their lives.” In the spirit of the festive season, the Barrack Charitable Trust, funded by Knight Property Group, is delighted to announce that is has donated almost £42,000 to 23 charities across Scotland. This significant contribution is part of the Trust’s biannual giving programme, aimed at supporting a diverse range of organisations dedicated to making a difference in their communities across the country. From grassroots initiatives to nationwide efforts, the Trust’s donations will help tackle pressing issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental health and youth support. The winter tranche of funding comes at a crucial time, as many charities face increased demand for their services during the holiday season. Trust Chairman James Barrack, shared his thoughts: “We are incredibly proud to support such a wide range of worthwhile causes across Scotland, through the Barrack Charitable Trust. We believe in giving back to the communities where we live and work and this is especially meaningful as we approach the festive season. These charities provide essential support to so many and it is an honour to play a part in their vital work.” Spotlight on the Charities The 23 charities supported in this tranche represent the diversity and resilience of Scotland’s charitable sector. Below, seven of the beneficiaries share their appreciation and outline how the funding will help their efforts: Mark Williams, Chief Operating Officer of the Denis Law Legacy Trust said: “We are delighted to receive a grant of £5,000 from the Barrack Charitable Trust, contributing to the purchase of a new mobile arena. Thanks to their generous support, the arena will help us deliver our range of free to access activities directly into the hearts of disadvantaged communities that need it most. I am incredibly grateful to the Barrack Charitable Trust and with their support, we can continue to empower more young people to thrive.” Shirley Finlayson, Manager, Disabled Persons Housing Service
