Winners 2024

Allyship Champion of the Year

Winner:  Farzana Sarwar, Mothers into Work

"Farzana 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 dedicated to transforming opportunities for mothers who have become disconnected from the workforce and has established Mothers into Work as a national initiative to bring about this change. Farzana’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 training placements, are truly inspirational"

Finalist:

Kelly Cartwright
Core Recruiter

James Fleming
The Power Within Training

Dickson Pang
Berkeley Group

Farzana Sarwar
Mothers into Work

Christine Scott
Madison Berkeley

Mariska van der Velden
Eckersley O'Callaghan

Contribution to a Project

Winner:  Fiona Ray, Amey

"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. Congratulations"

Highly commended: Claire Sheridan, UK Power Networks

Finalist:

Sarah Bissessar
Willmott Dixon Interiors

Sophie Cannon
Strabag

Katy Hall
SC4 Carpenters

Maria Hartford-Beynon
Structural Soils - RSK Group

Sarah Lack
Skanska

Sara Lovelady
Currie & Brown

Fiona Ray
Amey

Claire Sheridan
UK Power Networks

Georgie Street
City Building Engineering Services

Pam Tippett
Willmott Dixon

Contribution to Gender Diversity

Winner:  Lucy Davies, Tilbury Douglas

"The judges were very impressed with Lucy's work in gender diversity. Lucy has enabled others to have a voice at the board table thus raising the importance of gender diversity at senior leadership levels. Lucy 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 Lucy's presentation that she has a passion for supporting women's gender diversity"

Highly commended:  Natasha Pinder, Mott MacDonald

Finalist:

Lucy Davies
Tilbury Douglas

Duko Frankhuizen
Berkeley Group

Jayne Little
Skills 4

Natasha Pinder
Mott MacDonald

Rebecca Schwarz
Winvic Construction

Christine Scott
Madison Berkeley

Dawn Williams
Eos Surveyors

Sponsored by

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 program’s success is evident, making it a clear winner in this category"

Highly commended: NHBC, Women in construction

Finalist:

A&B Engineering

Amey,  Women's PPE survey

Arcadis,  Places Shadow Board UK and Ireland

Mothers into Work

NHBC,  Women in construction

Skills 4,  Empower: career development programme

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

Finalist:

Arcadis

Colas,  Period dignity: ending the stigma

Heidelberg Materials

Hive Projects

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

Joseph Gallagher,  Mental health

Multiplex Construction Europe

On The Tools,  Behind the high-vis: a mental health white paper

RSK Environment,  Geosciences - Southampton team

Waterman Aspen,  Our commitment to colleague mental health and wellbeing

Excellence in Outreach

Winner:  Mine Environment Management

"The statistics were truly remarkable, particularly 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's impressive to see such dedication and excellence from a small company."

Highly commended:  Winvic Construction

Finalist:

Amey,  Challenge cup

CECA Southern , NextGen Southern Foundations Group

Mine Environment Management

Mott MacDonald,  Sheffield schools engagement forum

On The Tools,  The women on the tools white paper

AFBE- UK,   Making engineering hot

Winvic Construction

Sponsored by

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"

Finalist:

Amey,  Consulting people team

Fulkers Bailey Russell

Micim

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.”

Finalist:

Arcadis

Hive Projects

Useful Simple Trust

Willmott Dixon,  Diversity steering group

Inspirational Leader - Consultant

Winner:  Deborah Nutt, Arcadis

"Debs 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

Farheen Ahmed
Arcadis

Sophie Bevington
Mace

Charis Cosmas
Eckersley O'Callaghan

Maria Coulter
Construction Coach 

Joanna De Waal
Arcadis

Emma Greenland
Anderson Acoustics

Ellen Halkon
Fairhurst

Emelye Kenyon
Pick Everard

Louise Lado-Byrnes
IPInitiatives

Deborah Nutt
Arcadis

Kim Smith
Aecom

Judith Sykes
Useful Simple Trust

Inspirational Leader – Contractor

Winner: Trea Crozier, Farrans Construction

"Trea 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, Trea has played a pivotal role in evolving the culture of the entire Farrans organisation. Please join me in welcoming Trea, a leader and an innovator, who is truly making a difference"

Highly commended: Sonia Murton, Westbury

Finalist:

Danica Chambers
MCS Construction

Trea Crozier
Farrans Construction

Jane Elder
McLaughlin & Harvey

Lucy Fell
Colas

Sarah Frith
Wilmott Dixon

Katy Hall
SC4 Carpenters

Sonia Murton
Westbury

Heather Ratcliffe
Winvic Construction

Alessia Sgattoni
Socotec UK

Elinor Strapp
Multiplex Construction Group

Inspirational Leader – Supplier

Winner:  Irena Stec, Wolffkran

"Irena presents 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 Irena puts it, 'Don’t be afraid, reach out early, learn, and be resilient."

Highly commended: Karen Greenshields, Gap Group

Finalist:

Val Clarke
4PS Construction Solutions

Karen Greenshields
Gap Group

Mandy Messenger
Advanté

Irena Stec
Wolffkran

Karoliina Torttila
Trimble 

Sally Wray
Go Hire Group

Sponsored by

Inspiring Leader – Client

Winner:  Lynn Summerfield, British Land

"Lynn 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"

Finalist

Johanne Bridgman
Severn Trent

Iona Davis
Port of Dover

Penny Halliday
Enfield Council

Suzanne Kinley
Heathrow Airport

Caoimhe O'Flaherty
Berkeley Group

Fatema Salat
Ashghal Public Work Authority

Lynn Summerfield
British Land

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

Finalist:

A&B Engineering

Amey

Hive Projects

McLaughlin & Harvey

Mine Environment Management

Sponsored by

Next Generation Employer of the Year

Winner:  Burroughs,  Productivity and performance and strengthening our foundations

"The judges thought that Burroughs demonstrated a culture which truly embeds early careers workforce development. Their ethos supports staff from the moment they join, through various stages of their career, ensuring their teams flourish. They are also committed to outreach work extending to the wider community. Demonstrating real impact with 75% of their apprentices being employed 9years on, and 92% staying in the construction industry"

Finalist:

Build The Way

Burroughs,  Productivity and Performance and strengthening our Foundations

Enigma Industrial Services

Micim

Mott MacDonald,  Foundations and Geotechnics Graduate Programme

Winvic Construction

Rising Star - Contribution to a Project

Winner:  Rebecca Daykin, Jackson Civil Engineering

"Rebecca 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 she stepped up to solve a challenging defect outside her main role, providing a practical solution that saved time and money, whilst 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 lessons learned will influence future projects. Rebecca also recognised the social benefits of the project, understanding its positive impact on both the business and the wider community"

Finalist:

Claudia Barr

Wilten Construction

Monica Calinescu
Heidelberg Materials

Mia Chutti
Arup

Rebecca Daykin
Jackson Civil Engineering

Nilema Rahman
Laing O'Rourke & Bylor

Steffani Roberts
Morgan Sindall Infrastructure

Emma Searle
Morgan Sindall Infrastructure

Ellie Shackleton
Barratt Developments

Rebecca Tancock
Fulkers Bailey Russell

Laura Waite
Wilten Construction

Rising Star - Contribution to Gender Diversity

Winner:  Hollie Taylor, Amey

"The judges praised Hollie 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.' Her influence at Amey has not only inspired her colleagues but also reached senior leadership. She has brought to life the women at Amey 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"

Finalist:

Anya Abraham
WSP

Sam Blanchard
Skanska

Libby Bowers
Colas

Bex Fellows
On The Tools

Rebecca Folwell
Berkeley Group

Renee Preston
Gallaway Construction

Clare Prosser
Jomas Associates

Hollie Taylor
Amey

Rising Star - Technical Excellence

Winner:  Teni Ladipo, Buro Happold

"Teni shone in the Rising Star in Technical Excellence category, embodying all the award's requirements. She has shown 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 industry's future. Teni is both strategic and entrepreneurial, constantly seeking improvements within the industry and expanding her own knowledge. She strives to be a role model for others, and the judges agree that she represents a true inspiration to aspiring construction professionals"

Finalist:

Jennifer Bailey
Dodd Group

Victoria Bukato
Mott MacDonald

Katrina Gresswell
John F Hunt

Anna Ioannidou Kati
Eckersley O'Callaghan

Anna Jackson
Heidelberg Materials

Kaja Kacperska
Hochtief-Murphy JV

Teni Ladipo
Buro Happold

Emma Lampard
Fulkers Bailey Russell

Carys O'Shea
Hochtief-Murphy JV

Jessica Slamaker
RSK Environment

STEM Champion

Winner:  Amy Dilllon, Design ID Consulting

"Amy has an incredible impact in STEM in her career. She has led on many initiatives including CityZEN and The Big Bridge Project in collaboration with the I.C.E. It is clear she that her determination will continue scaling up in the future. Amy has created a legacy beyond her initiatives and is now in a position to advise regional and national government on STEM"

Finalist:

Amy Dillon
Design ID Consulting

Luisa Hendry
Story Contracting

Oliwia Karwatka
Winvic Construction

Jennifer Lee
Mott Macdonald

Laura Macdonald
Arcadis

Paula McMahon
Sir Robert McAlpine

Divannia McMaster
Galliford Try

Nicola Morris
Stomor

Melanie Rogers
Amey

Louisa Venables
Gatwick Airport

Technical Excellence

Winner:  Aneeka Barmi, McGee

"Aneeka 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

Finalist:

Aneeka Barmi
McGee

Miriam Dall'Igna
Eckersley O'Callaghan

Nikki Desborough
Willmott Dixon

Karen Greenshields
Gap Group

Rachelle Mcdade
Currie & Brown

Clotilde Robin
Useful Simple Trust

Fatema Salat
Ashghal Public Work Authority

Afroditi Spanou
Mott Macdonald

Sarah Stone
Remagin

Becky Wood
Write My Manual

Unsung Hero

Winner:  Greta Rusteikaite, 4PS Construction Solutions

"Greta 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 Greta’s impact, the judges recommend creating a structure for others to build on her exemplary work"

Finalist:

Sarah Amores
Useful Simple Trust

Samantha Barratt
Barhale

Alice Brookes
On The Tools

Kate Garland
Selwood

Katy Hall
SC4 Carpenters

Emily Irish
Multiplex Construction Group

Brooke Johnson
Berkeley Group

Tara Kennedy
Patrick Parsons

Helen Mason
Fulkers Bailey Russell

Charlotte Mint
Wilmott Dixon Interiors

Greta Rusteikaite
4PS Construction Solutions

Clair Thomas-Poulton
V3 Group

Women’s Network of the Year

Winner:  UK Women's Network, Multiplex

"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."

Finalist:

Women of Colour Network
Arcadis

Gender and Allies Affinity Network
Balfour Beatty

Women in Nuclear
Mott Macdonald

Raise the Roof

Connected Women
Scottish Power

UK Women's Network
Multiplex

Senior Women's Network
Willmott Dixon

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Click the 'find out more' button to view 100 word summaries of all entries.