Four Ipswich businesswomen have been recognised for blazing trails for other women who would like to lead successful careers in the construction industry.
Helen Clements, Clare Yelland-Friel, Kat and Fiona Parsons won the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards organised by the National Federation of Builders.
Ms Clements, senior social value manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, who won in the Local Hero East category, said she feels “super proud" to be recognised for doing what she truly loves.
She added: “I have been lucky throughout my career in construction to have been championed, supported and enabled to be successful.
“Receiving this award has given me the opportunity to raise awareness that our industry is a fabulous place to have a career and that the whole industry needs to shout about this.”
Mrs Yelland-Friel, who runs Friel Consulting, Construction Anglia and Friel Marketing, won the Ally category.
She said: “When my name was called out, I couldn’t believe it. To be recognised at a national awards ceremony was mindblowing.
"After last year's awards where I won the Local Hero East, I have been lucky enough to be part of a bigger construction community.
“The people that I met have played a key role in my life since, we have a strong and supportive community, and I cannot wait to see what the next year brings.”
Duo Kat and Fiona Parsons, who have been running their All Female Design & Build Project, scooped the Influential Client Award.
Fiona said: “I’m incredibly proud and humbled that my wife Kat and I won the award for our project, which aims to showcase the talented women working in the construction industry and highlight the gender balance issues that exist.
“How fantastic, therefore, to be in a huge roomful of brilliant and inspiring women that work in the construction industry, leading the way, pushing the boundaries, and making change happen in so many different ways.”
READ MORE: Ipswich businesswomen nominated for construction award
During the awards night, other Ipswich women were also recognised, including Pippa Jacobs, Sasha Bainbridge and Charlotte Hyams-Winger.
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