An Ipswich businesswoman has been crowned amongst the most influential women in her industry.

Clare Friel won the Eastern region Unsung Hero category of the prestigious Top 100 influential women in construction award.

The award's organiser, the National Federation of Builders, aims to showcase women in the construction sector and make female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible.

The award ceremony took place on Thursday, October 27 in Manchester.

Ipswich Star: L-R: Will Smith, Shell Smith, Kerry Burley, Nia Friel, Clare Friel, Claire Flowers, Esmee Vince, George L-R: Will Smith, Shell Smith, Kerry Burley, Nia Friel, Clare Friel, Claire Flowers, Esmee Vince, George (Image: Supplied)

Miss Friel is a multitasking businesswoman, who runs Friel, a marketing and business development consultancy company, Construction Anglia, a news platform where companies can share good news from the industry and Suffolk Property Drinks, a monthly networking event.

She said: “I was absolutely overwhelmed and honoured to win Unsung Hero East and be named one of the Top 100 most influential women in construction.

“It was an amazing event with a room full of inspirational people.

“There are so many positive things going on in the construction industry, and it’s great to see it being celebrated.”

Miss Friel can be an inspiration for every woman, as she came a long way to the place she is now.

She said: “I am proud of what I have achieved to date, although it hasn’t been easy, and I have wanted to give up at times.

“My planned “traditional route” of college, university, and employment changed when I fell pregnant and became a single mother while studying for my A-Levels.

“However, the stigma of being a teen mum gave me the fire in my belly to succeed.

Ipswich Star: George, Nia and ClareGeorge, Nia and Clare (Image: Supplied)

“I am lucky enough that my daughter is now working for me. The scared 17-year-old could have only dreamed of being in the position I am now.”

Miss Friel tried to pursue her career in television and worked on the first series of the Apprentice, Celebrity Big Brother and other reality TV shows.

In 2018 she opened her own Business Development consultancy, facilitating introductions and work streams for multiple construction companies.

Clare added: “It’s so rewarding to get recognition from an industry I love and have worked in for over a decade."