Last year marked the first ever NFB Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards. It was the start of real change for the industry, showcasing women in the sector to make female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible. Its purpose was to make the change and build construction as more inclusive together with plugging the skills gap.
Following on from the success of the first awards in 2022, the NFB have brought the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards back for 2023. The categories for this year include Local Heroes, Influential List, Allies, One to Watch, and Woman on the Tools.
Bethany Holroyd, UK Health and Safety Business Partner at WSP in the UK and North East Unsung Hero winner of 2022, comments; “Following the awards last year, I have made so many new connections, of which several have become not only business connections but great friends too. Everyone I met was genuinely inspiring – and we all regularly connect with each other almost a year later!”
The NFB also offers the Top 100 Legacy Programme, a year-long programme of training and support available to those that have nominated or been nominated which includes mentoring, virtual and in-person networking events, master classes, pathway support, and much more.
This program offers guidance in cultivating a personal brand, utilising expert social media advice and training. It helps people to define clear goals, strategise actionable steps to achieve them, overcome imposter syndrome and self-limiting beliefs, and builds confidence in conversations with others.
“Since this programme I have done TV, radio, podcasts, internal TV and photographed more times than ever before! Which, as someone who is always behind the camera by choice, is a massive step!” Gail Farley, Head of Customer Experience at HMS Works and nominee of the 2023 Awards.
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) represents builders, contractors and house builders across England and Wales. As one of the UK’s longest standing trade bodies, it was created to represent the building profession and to promote conditions its members need to thrive and contribute to the economic success of the UK.
Positive representation can motivate and inspire the next generation of female workers to pursue construction-related careers. When young girls and women see successful female role models in construction, they’ll be more likely to consider careers in the industry. Awards like these contribute to the advancement of the industry by recognising diverse talent and encouraging new perspectives.
Siu Mun Li from Multiplex Construction Europe, who has been an Awards nominee both years, has some advice for anyone thinking about getting involved in the programme; “Don’t just consider it, go ahead, take the plunge and get involved.
“It’s an opportunity to develop both professionally and personally whilst meeting amazing, inspirational and very supportive people along the way. Be part of something bigger, get involved and help steer the construction industry to where it needs to be. The NFB and the legacy programme don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk so be part of the change you want to see.”
The NFB also hosts Construction Awards of Excellence which are highly prized awards, recognising individual and team excellence. The awards are truly independent, owned by the sector for the sector, across all of the British Isles, designed to recognise those individuals and companies that set the gold standard in the construction sector.
Danny Clarke, Commercial Director for the National Federation of Builders comments; ”We launched the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards last year in order to celebrate the amazing women and their allies that are doing wonderful things throughout the Industry. Whilst it’s undeniable that we need to bring more females into the industry, we also need to recognise the amazing people we have already working within it.
Unlike many influential lists that focus purely on senior individuals, the NFB’s Top 100 Women in Construction is fully inclusive and crucially showcases all the role models in our industry from Trainees and Apprentices right the way through to the boardroom.
Our Legacy programme also helps to support individuals to develop skills necessary to make the change and lead our industry in the years to come, showcasing what’s possible for people within our wonderful industry.”
The Top 100 most Influential Women in Construction shortlist for 2023 can be found here.
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