2024 Inspiring Women in Construction & Engineering Awards winners revealed

Rising Star - Contribution to Gender Diversity

Winner: Hollie Taylor, Amey

The judges praised Hollie Taylor for her exceptional passion in driving change for gender diversity. As she put it, "I'm not fixing it for me; I'm fixing it for the person who will do my job next". Taylor's influence at Amey has not only inspired her colleagues but has also reached senior leadership. She has brought the women at Amey to life by listening to feedback and aligning their purpose with the broader goals of the business. Her proactive approach, such as conducting a survey on women's PPE, has led to significant positive outcomes

Rising Star - Contribution to a Project

Winner: Rebecca Daykin, Jackson Civil Engineering

Rebecca Daykin made a significant impact on the Colwick Fish Pass project, particularly in communicating lessons learned. She showed great foresight in addressing unforeseen inflation issues early on. A standout moment was when Daykin stepped up to solve a challenging defect outside her main role, providing a practical solution that saved time and money, while also focusing on upskilling and serving as a positive role model for women in her company. Her excellent presentation clearly demonstrated the measurable impact of her work and how the lessons learned will influence future projects. Daykin also recognised the social benefits of the project, understanding its positive impact on both the business and the wider community.

Rising Star - Technical Excellence

Winner: Teni Ladipo, Buro Happold

Teni Ladipo shone in the Rising Star in Technical Excellence category, embodying all the award's criteria. She has demonstrated remarkable tenacity in developing industry standards for calculating and reducing embodied carbon in façade engineering. Her particular focus on refurbishments is set to play a crucial role in the future of the industry. Ladipo is both strategic and entrepreneurial, constantly seeking improvements within the industry while expanding her own knowledge. She strives to be a role model for others, and the judges agree that she is a true inspiration to aspiring construction professionals.

Excellence in Outreach

Winner: Mine Environment Management

The statistics were truly remarkable, especially for a company of this size operating in a sector that isn’t widely represented. They exceeded all expectations, delivering insights that went above and beyond. It is impressive to see such dedication and excellence from a small company.

Highly commended: Winvic Construction

Sponsored by Arcardis

STEM Champion

Winner: Amy Dillon, Design ID Consulting

Amy Dillon has had an incredible impact on STEM throughout her career. She has led many initiatives, including City ZEN and the Big Bridge Project in collaboration with the ICE. It is clear that her determination will continue to grow in the future. Dillon has created a legacy beyond her initiatives and is now in a position to advise regional and national government on STEM.

Next Generation Employer of the Year

Winner: Burroughs - Productivity and performance and strengthening our foundations

The judges believed that Burroughs demonstrated a culture that truly embeds early career workforce development. Its ethos supports staff from the moment they join and throughout various stages of their careers, ensuring their teams flourish. Burroughs is also committed to outreach work, extending to the wider community. It has shown real impact, with 75% of its apprentices still employed after nine years, and 92% remaining in the construction industry.

Excellence in Mental Health and Wellbeing

Winner: Hochtief-Murphy JV - For the generations ahead – mental health matters initiative

A very strong entry, explaining clearly a significant range of creative initiatives and programmes, all backed up with evidence of the beneficial impact. Recognition that MHFAs may need support is an excellent model. It's wonderful to see the strong connections made beyond the company, especially in supporting the wider community and various charities. This commitment to giving back is truly commendable.

Highly commended: Colas - Period dignity: ending the stigma

Excellence in Recruitment and Retention

Winner: Amey - Consulting people team

The submission set the leading standard for industry practices. What stood out was the Amey Restart programme, which provides women an additional opportunity to pursue a career and regain their identity in business. Additionally, the initiative to provide PPE for women in the industry ensures onsite parity with their colleagues. Addressing the need for gender inclusivity across all aspects of the business was particularly noteworthy.

Contribution to a Project

Winner: Fiona Ray, Amey

Fiona Ray exhibited remarkable passion, deep expertise, and made a significant impact on a critical and unique topic. The level of knowledge and understanding was evident, showcasing an ability to explain complex concepts clearly and engagingly. As the presentation unfolded, there was a noticeable growth in confidence and immersion in the subject matter, allowing enthusiasm and dedication to shine through brilliantly.

Highly commended: Claire Sheridan, UK Power Networks

Technical excellence

Winner: Aneeka Barmi, McGee

Aneeka Barmi was an exceptional candidate who evidenced her technical excellence on the challenging Holborn Viaduct project, working adjacent to a live railway. She showcased outstanding problem-solving skills and diverse collaboration throughout the project, from pre-site surveys to managing complex lifting operations and working in confined spaces. Her dedication to continuous learning and mentoring, along with her STEM outreach with schools and local charities, was truly commendable. She is definitely "one to watch".

Highly commended: Nikki Desborough, Willmott Dixon

Contribution to Gender Diversity

Winner: Lucy Davies, Tilbury Douglas

The judges were very impressed with Lucy Davies' work in gender diversity. She has enabled others to have a voice at the board table thus raising the importance of gender diversity at senior leadership levels. Davies also works across industry with competitors, customers and the supply chain championing gender diversity so it has a reach across the wider industry. It was clear from her presentation that she has a passion for supporting gender diversity.

Highly commended: Natasha Pinder, Mott MacDonald

Sponsored by Speedy Hire

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year

Winner: Skills 4 - Empower career development programme

An excellent nomination with longstanding evidence of impactful work and initiatives. It addresses numerous sector-wide concerns, bringing women together through networking, learning and upskilling. The programme's success is evident, making it a clear winner in this category.

Highly commended: NHBC - Women in construction

Allyship Champion of the Year

Winner: Farzana Sarwar, Mothers into Work

Farzana Sarwar is a trailblazer in championing gender diversity and inclusion in the construction and engineering sectors. Her initiative, Mothers into Work, is dedicated to helping mothers re-enter the workforce after a career break. She is committed to transforming opportunities for mothers who have become disconnected from the workforce, establishing Mothers into Work as a national initiative to bring about this change. Sarwar's passion and impactful efforts in advocating for women to re-enter the workforce through strategic partnerships, training programmes, career mapping workshops, mentoring, and mother-friendly placements are truly inspirational.

Unsung Hero

Winner: Greta Rusteikaite, 4PS Construction Solutions

Greta Rusteikaite is a proactive and dedicated colleague who supports her team and the wider European business unit. She has developed an effective onboarding process, identified and addressed gaps in sustainability, and led social value initiatives. Her inspirational work in mental health awareness, including a walking challenge, and her additional roles as a fire marshal and first aid supporter, showcase her commitment. To extend Rusteikaite's impact, the judges recommend creating a structure for others to build on her exemplary work.

Excellence in Senior Leadership

Winner: Willmott Dixon - Diversity steering group

Targeting gender parity by 2030, Willmott Dixon is positioning itself as an industry leader in gender inclusion, consistently championing and empowering women in construction. This unanimous decision recognises the company’s comprehensive range of initiatives, which demonstrate both depth and breadth, led by top leadership and integrated across the entire business. Inclusivity is evident in every respect, fully supported by substantial evidence and key performance indicators, with strong commitment and buy-in from the entire team.

Inspirational Leader – Supplier

Winner: Irena Stec, Wolffkran

Irena Stec presented an inspirational story of triumph over cultural, gender and operational stereotypes. She embodies passion and confidence, and is making her mark on some of the most prestigious projects in a traditionally male-dominated field. As Stec puts it, "Don’t be afraid, reach out early, learn, and be resilient".

Highly commended: Karen Greenshields, Gap Group

Sponsored by Heidelberg Materials

Inspirational Leader – Client

Winner: Lynn Summerfield, British Land

Lynn Summerfield is a truly inspirational, authentic leader, demonstrating integrity and core values that brings out the best in those she leads. She successfully brought her leadership to a complex multi-discipline and multi-stakeholder project, which was successfully delivered in January 2024, leaving a footprint in the local community.

Inspirational Leader - Consultant

Winner: Deborah Nutt, Arcadis

Deborah Nutt is the full package, not only is she an inspiring leader, she is making effective change through empowering others to make decisions, learn and grow. Among a number of programmes that she leads or sponsors, she has been instrumental in a Women of Colour programme, touching 254 women's lives. She leads by example and works to create more leaders through actively providing opportunities for others to shine.

Highly commended: Farheen Ahmed, Arcadis

Inspirational Leader – Contractor

Winner: Trea Crozier, Farrans Construction

Trea Crozier is a role model in her role as a commercial manager, where she makes tangible savings and builds strong, collaborative client relationships. She was recognised for her conscious efforts in developing and nurturing a family-like culture and establishing a positive legacy for everyone around her. As a founder of the DNA Network, Crozier has played a pivotal role in evolving the culture of the entire Farrans organisation. She is a leader and an innovator, who is truly making a difference.

Highly commended: Sonia Murton, Westbury

Inspiring Women – Company of the Year

Winner: McLaughlin & Harvey

This company has embarked on a bold and purposeful journey to reassess and transform its structure, culture, policies and values. With a commitment to equity at its core, they have taken meaningful action to ensure fairness and inclusivity across the board, embedding accountability at every level of the organisation.

Highly commended: Amey

Sponsored by Willmott Dixon

Women’s Network of the Year

Winner: Multiplex - UK Women's Network

A clear winner, this presentation stood out for its inclusivity of all genders and its openness to the wider industry. What made it exceptional was the passion, confidence and persuasive delivery on the important and sensitive issue of explicit and implicit sexual harassment - topics that are not widely acknowledged but urgently require cultural change. The initiative was backed by data to gain support from the CEO and board, with plans to roll it out across the wider Multiplex organisation, its supply chain and even among competitor businesses. The message has resonated through various channels, including social media, podcasts roadshows, and breakfast roundtable discussions, serving as a powerful example in promoting gender equality within the industry.

Sponsored by Colas

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