NATIONAL mechanical and electrical engineering (M&E) consultancy, Building Services Design (BSD), has welcomed three new engineers at its Kettering and Birmingham offices, reinforcing its representation of women across the business. With almost 15 years’ experience between them, Charu Gupta, Christina Iona and Dominika Ruszkowska have added a wealth of experience to the expanding M&E firm. Charu, who is the Birmingham office’s newest energy and sustainability engineer, is a qualified level five building simulation expert. She said: “I specialise in carbon reductions and assisting in supporting required zero carbon targets and I really hope to make my mark at BSD, making a difference at the business and supporting our clients. “I’m looking forward to working closely with the BSD team to deliver a range of exciting schemes across the West Midlands and beyond.” BSD has eight offices across the UK, turning over more than £6 million and, at its Kettering headquarters, Christina has joined as an energy and sustainability engineer She said: “Engineering and construction is a fascinating industry and I’m very excited to have joined BSD as I have a real passion for sustainable design. Christina hopes to dispel the misconception that engineering is ‘just for boys’ and believes that more women should be encouraged to take up STEM subjects. “I started pursuing engineering in Cyprus and, as a woman, I wasn’t encouraged at all – it was a very difficult start. However, being in a male-dominated industry has actually helped improve my confidence,” Christina added. “I think we need to focus on encouraging the next generation of women so they become more self-confident, in turn thriving in not only the construction industry, but other sectors as well.” Also at the firm’s Kettering office, Dominika has been appointed as a junior mechanical engineer after completing a training placement at BSD. “Last year, I started training with BSD for a week each month before joining the company permanently. This allowed me to see what engineering is all about and find out how interesting it is, inspiring me to move from contracting into design,” said Dominika. “There are not many women in the construction environment, especially on the mechanical engineering and estimating side. I do think women should be encouraged more as it brings new skill sets – like problem solving and organisation – opinions and experiences to the table,” she continued. Last year, Jo Jones became the first woman at BSD to be promoted to associate director. She said: “Construction is a great career path – it’s not all about being on a building site in a hard hat. People need to realise the opportunities available to them because development and infrastructure is important for the whole country. “BSD is not a gender specific company. You are judged on your abilities and dedication to the job, not on whether you are male or female. We’re working hard to achieve a gender balance in the business and our experienced new hires are a testament to this.”