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The Top 100 shortlist and awards ceremony celebrate women and allies who are “driving real change” across the industry
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced the winners of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards 2024.
The awards ceremony, hosted by the National Federation of Builders (NFB), is an annual celebration of outstanding women and allies in construction.
The event aims to make female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible, while demonstrating that the industry is open to everyone.
Katherine Evans, lead founder of the Bold as Brass women’s support group, received the Most Influential Overall award at this year’s ceremony.
Evans, who is also a supporter of CIOB’s #PPEthatfits campaign, said: “The award for Most Influential Overall is the proof I’ve needed to show the efforts I’ve sunk into women’s safety are working, and that it is possible for one person to be a catalyst when that person intertwines themselves with others who want the same thing.
“When we use our voices to speak out truths collectively they can’t be ignored; we’re no longer anomalies but a movement that won’t be silenced.”
The full category winners:
Local Hero
Exceptional women from nine different regions across the UK who are currently working at an operational or site level role in construction.
- Midlands: Kayleigh Merritt, Winvic Construction
- East of England: Suzanne Moss, Ringway Infrastructure Services
- South West: Danielle Haskings, MCS
- North East: Denise Cherry, YIRTG
- North West: Melissa Fazackerley, Dimension H&S
- South East: Chloe Xidhas, independent contract consultant
- Scotland: Emily Carr, Kier Construction
- Northern Ireland: Melanie Dawson, Origin7
- Wales: Katherine Evans, Bold as Brass
Women on the Tools
For those working in a specific trade within the industry who have or are striving to inspire the next generation of construction workers.
- Nettie Taylor, Eliza Tay Lady Decorators
The Influencer
For those who have made a considerable and real impact at an organisational or national level within an organisation in one of three sub-categories (client, designer and contractor).
- Designer: Sam May, WSP
- Client: Liz McDermott, QuickFix Profiles
- Contractor: Carolyn Jay, Ringway Infrastructure Services
Allies
The only category that recognises people, no matter the gender, within the industry who are acting as key influencers in supporting inclusion and change.
- Alice Brookes, On the Tools
- Claire Brown, Turner & Townsend
- Clare Yelland, Friel
- Gail Farley, HMS Works
- Jason Newton, Redrow NW
- Joanna Strahan, C2C Group
- Lade Ogunlaja, Turner & Townsend
- Magdalena Stefanick, Tilbury Douglas
- Tony O’Sullivan, CPI Mortars
- Kelly Cartwright, Core Recruiter
One to Watch
For industry newcomers leading the way in championing equality, diversity, inclusion and equity.
- Kynleigh Parker, Lovell Partnerships
Driving change
Commenting on the event, Danny Clarke, engagement director, England at CITB, said: "Congratulations to our award winners and to all of those who were shortlisted for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction. We are delighted to recognise the incredible women and allies who are driving real change in the construction industry.
“The award ceremony and Top 100 shortlist celebrate the women that work at every level within the sector and their phenomenal achievements, while inspiring others and encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in this field. We are proud to showcase those who are leading in our industry and hope to see even more applicants next year.”
Richard Beresford, chief executive officer at NFB, added: “It was a privilege to attend the Top 100 Most Influential Awards event and celebrate the outstanding women and allies that have gone above and beyond this year.
"It is testament to the positive changes taking place in the industry and we must build on its success and continue to empower and support our women in construction.”
