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Women in Buildbase: Equality in the Construction Industry

May 17, 2019

In April, Buildbase ran the 4th Women in Buildbase Conference. This was held at The Nottinghamshire Golf Club where 40 female leaders converged to network, share best practice and develop skills related to the theme of Personal Brand and Networking.

The session was facilitated by #YesSheCan contributor Nicki Seignot from Purple Shark Consulting an experienced coach, mentor and development consultant.

Women in Buildbase events are part of a framework of support along with our newly formed steering group and mentoring circles we aim to encourage, empower and upskill female colleagues so they have the same access to future career opportunities as their male colleagues.

Key to the success of Women in Buildbase is the organisational culture and willingness to embrace this as a positive investment in addressing the gender gap. At grassroots, this is as simple as getting the right cover and support to enable women to prepare and attend these one-day events.

Here’s why having a diverse workforce is essential to Businesses like Buildbase;

The Office of National Statistics states that the UK workforce is pretty much a 50/50 split between men and women, great. However, of the 2.3million people working within the Construction Industry less than 300,000 were women, less than 8% are women.
Statistical evidence clearly shows that a more balanced representation of women in top leadership positions produces better financial results. Yet women remain an underutilized source of innovation, performance and leadership in organizations – and there’s a lack of collective understanding of what it takes for organizations to maximize the potential of female leaders and talent. Korn Ferry – Creating opportunity through Inclusion.
Companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15 percent more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. Companies in the bottom quartile both for gender and for ethnicity and race are statistically less likely to achieve above-average financial returns than the average companies in the data set (that is, bottom-quartile companies are lagging rather than merely not leading) McKinsey- Why Diversity Matters.

Buildbase has committed to achieving greater Gender Diversity in several ways, one of which is working with #YesSheCan to increase the opportunity for women to apply for Buildbase, Electricbase, Hirebase, Civils & PDM and Timber roles. Gender Diversity improves recruitment, finances and engagement. But more importantly, Buildbase are aware that to achieve true Gender Diversity they must win hearts and minds of their colleagues. Gender Diversity is a journey, and it doesn’t matter where people are on that journey, the important thing is they are moving.

Comments from the Women in Buildbase Conference:

“It was great to meet so many new people and so many likeminded successful women. It was a fantastic day, and something I would recommend to other women in Buildbase. Thank you for a fantastic day, and I hope to see everyone soon.”

“I didn’t know what to expect from the day if I’m honest, so went in with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised. I’ve even bought the book that Nicki recommended, the session was more helpful than you will ever appreciate!”

“I was extremely nervous and anxious about attending but I understood the importance of the cause, so I put my feelings aside, when arriving I was surprised at how welcoming everyone was considering I was a new face had never met a single soul in the room. I was instantly made to feel comfortable and within 30 minutes of being at my table, I felt like I had known everyone for years. I have come away from this experience a much more confident person, completely changed my previous opinion on women and have gained a wonderful group of new friends.”

“There was a real “buzz” in the atmosphere. It was great being able to offer & accept assistance in a non-judgmental forum.”

“I came away from yesterday totally buzzing and full of ideas and plans. I forget how many brilliant women we have within Buildbase and it make me so proud to see women of all different ages and experience trying to come up with ways to support each other.”

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Women in Buildbase: Equality in the Construction Industry

Comments from the Women in Buildbase Conference:

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