International Women’s Day Panel Discussion
A panel discussion on women breaking boundaries in the workplace and construction
This International Women’s Day, we spoke with seven incredible women from our Key Accounts team to discuss their experiences as women in the construction industry. We also explored the challenges women face in the sector and looked at how the industry has evolved over the years.
Hear from Catherine McFadzean and Clair Hardy, our Key Account Directors, Ellen Broad, our Key Account Team Leader, Sophie Cave, our Sales Administrator, and Jennifer Marples, Cloe Johnson, and Claire Holland, our Key Account Internal Sales Executives (ISE).
Firstly, our team talks about their career journey and experience in the construction industry.
We asked, what has been your career journey at Algeco?
Catherine responds: “I started in area sales working for the Scotland region and then moved into key accounts supporting Tier 1 accounts. Around three years ago, I was promoted to Key Account Director with UK responsibility for various accounts.”
Claire answers: “I started in November 2019 as an outbound ISE. Then I moved to a regional ISE and then to my current role which involves communicating with and managing three key accounts.”
Sophie also joined Algeco in 2019 and says: “I started as a Regional Inbound Sales Executive. I am now working with 16 of our key account customers resolving any queries they have.”
Cloe says: “I joined Algeco in 2018. My role as an ISE allows me to build great relationships with customers and colleagues and deliver quality building solutions. You're constantly learning on the job!”
Ellen adds: “I started as a temp in the purchase ledger department for a year before moving to credit control for 5 years. Then, I moved into the role of a Key Account ISE, and after 18 months, I started managing the ISEs.”
Jennifer shares: “I joined in June 2021 as a sales administrator, responsible for handling invoices and new purchase orders. Later, I applied for the Internal Sales Executive role.”
Clair started at Algeco in 2017 and adds: “I joined Algeco as an Internal Sales Executive, then transitioned to the role of Business Development Manager, and then returned to key accounts. In 2021, I was promoted to Key Account Director, where I collaborate with internal stakeholders.”
What is the best part of your job and what motivates you at work?
Catherine shares: “The best part of my job is customer-facing meetings and designing the correct solution together. But what motivates me is knowing that I have a happy customer.”
Claire says: “Knowing that I have done a good job for the client and that they are happy with Algeco’s support. Also, providing solutions for clients and building good working relationships.”
Jennifer adds: “The people! Both within Algeco and the customers. Building relationships with new people both on-site and within the office environment, and feeling like I have achieved something motivates me at work.”
Clair answers: “Winning new orders with new contacts! Overall, solving customers' challenges and building relationships with new contacts”
Did you always know you wanted to work in construction?
Clair says: Not at all, I started my career journey as a Dance Teacher in Spain! I started working at Algeco as an ISE when I returned from Spain while working out what I wanted to do next. However, I have never looked back.”
Catherine shares: “No, I left school at nearly 16 and started working in an office for a CCTV/access control company.”
Jennifer also shares: “No I had never thought of working in construction before. This was a complete career change for me after taking redundancy. But I can honestly say it’s the best move I have ever made!”
What do you like about the construction industry?
Claire responds: “The people and the support we all give each other to succeed.”
Jennifer answers: “I love that I can be myself with the people both on-site and in the office. No two days are the same, from working on small site setups to larger projects within healthcare or education.”
Catherine agrees: “No two days are ever the same. I love seeing a blank piece of ground then in years there is a new building or project which has been built. I like the fact that at Algeco, we play a part in this transformation.”
Cloe says: “Problem solving! Each job presents its unique challenges, which is very rewarding when the final product comes together as a solution for the customer.”
Clair adds: “I like the industry; every day is never the same. It’s such a diverse industry and you meet so many interesting people!”
What is your experience as a woman in construction?
Catherine responds: “Very different today compared to 30 years ago! It was a challenge in the late 80s being a young woman trying to make appointments when customers would say, ‘Is there not a man coming to do the site visit?’ Thank goodness it’s a positive change but there’s still room for improvement compared to many other industries. Women have had to know more, fight harder and prove themselves way more than any man has had to do. I’m pleased to say that Construction is a much better industry today than 30 years ago, and many main contractors will provide the same welfare and working facilities for women now as they do for men.”
Jennifer shares: “It can be quite intimidating working in the construction industry as a woman, especially if you are in a meeting room with 12 other people who are all men. But after the meeting, the project manager and QS both said how great I was and that my knowledge and handling all of their questions was impeccable.”
What is it like for women working in the construction industry and what challenges do women face?
Catherine, who has been in the construction industry for over 20 years, says: “Years ago women weren’t listened to or taken seriously with regards to ideas or senior positions. Women can still be viewed as a minority or that we know less, but now many companies have a very equal split. In the 80s/90s, there used to be an expectation that I was there just to make the tea and coffee!”
Cloe shares: “It’s the lack of women in construction roles that plays a factor in the fear that they will be stereotyped and cannot succeed.”
How has the construction industry changed over the years?
Catherine adds: “When I moved to a company that sold products to the construction industry, I was the first female to be employed in that role. There are more opportunities, less discrimination and more respect for women in construction today. These words were the exception many years ago even with large corporate organisations. There never used to be female toilets on site until about 15 years ago which seems crazy! Let alone showers and changing facilities.”
How is Algeco supporting inclusivity for women in construction and helping customers to be more inclusive?
Catherine shares: “Algeco also offer various products and services to help construction companies provide a very inclusive workplace. For example, we partner with Hey Girls! who provide sanitary products to help reduce period poverty and safe female welfare bays. It’s only recently that some corporate companies have started providing female hygiene bins in toilets with regular servicing.”
Ellen confirms: “We do provide female welfare bays as a solution for women on-site, where only the women have the access code to enter buildings. We also provide feminine hygiene bins and period products as a 360 option.”
Jennifer comments: “And providing female work wear to be inclusive of women on-site and in offices”
Clair responds: “On a different note, Algeco have improved their maternity pay policy which Is fantastic! Algeco supported me on my return to work after nine months off. When I returned on 4 days a week, I had so much support it made adapting to working mum life a lot smoother and easier.”
How has Algeco supported you in your career in construction?
Clair shares: “Algeco worked closely with me on my PDP. They have allowed me to grow and push my boundaries and limits to improve.”
Cloe adds: “Having a large amount of opportunity to progress within the business and grow, whilst being given equal opportunities.”
Jennifer says: “The training and support from colleagues within the team and management and the opportunities for the future are endless.”
Sophie shares: “We work with some great people. The company is very supportive!”
How do you think the construction industry can attract more women?
Jennifer answers: “Using social media to attract women to work in construction and using more images of women in construction on marketing materials.”
Cloe says: “With marketing. Allow more women to be shown on banners, brochures, posts and logos.”
Catherine also adds: “Providing better workplace facilities and flexible working hours.”
What are you excited about for the future?
Catherine shares: “To see enthusiastic women be successful in construction, not having to fight any harder than a man to be considered for a role or promotion. I also enjoy seeing how the industry will change over the coming years and how attitudes are so much better today than in the 80s/90s”
Clair responds: “How Algeco is going to evolve over the next couple of years and what my long-time career path might look like.”
Jeniffer adds: “Building a career I can be proud of, and building lasting relationships with both our customers and also my colleagues.”
Claire says: “The growth of the accounts I work on.”
What advice would you give to young women entering the construction industry?
Cloe responds: “To not be scared of a challenge and trust that you can do it.”
Claire shares: “Don’t be afraid to be forthright and know your opinion and knowledge is just as important.”
Ellen answers: “Be powerful, know your voice and thrive.”
Jennifer says: “Be bold, be confident and be yourself.”
Catherine adds: “And reach for the top!”
Thanks to our Key Accounts team for sharing their experiences and opinions on women in construction. Our panellists of key accounts provide invaluable guidance, inspiration and encouragement to future generations of women considering a career in construction. It’s clear to see that the construction industry has changed so much for the good over the years.
However, as we look to the future, we need to keep improving inclusivity, diversity and equal opportunities not only within the workplace but within the construction sector. For more information about construction careers or job opportunities, visit our vacancy page.
