Area build manager uses International Women’s Day to highlight: “It’s never too late to change your career”
05 Mar 2021

Bovis Homes’ area build manager, Belinda Speak didn’t start her career path in construction ?" she formerly worked in commercial law firms as a training and development manager. However, once her role found her working for a construction company, she soon became interested and made the leap to assistant site manager, where she quickly progressed. Having spent 11 years in the construction industry, Belinda is now responsible for overseeing seven sites and the site managers. Her job involves ensuring new homes on each development are built to a high quality, on time and to budget; health and safety guidelines are followed; and the team are fully supported. Belinda commented: “Working in construction has been a second vocation for me and I want others to know that it’s never too late to change your career. It’s so important to enjoy your job and working on site is fantastic, not only do you work with some amazing people, but no two days are the same. “It’s frustrating more women don’t work in construction as when I was a site manager I was always being asked by those who didn’t know me: ‘where’s the site manager?’. And the last Women in Construction event I attended out of 150 people, there were only two that were site-based. There’s definitely a rise in the number of women working in the commercial and technical departments but it’s still not as high as it should be in site based roles. “I think there’s a common misconception that you’ll be treated differently and the banter will make you feel uncomfortable but that’s not been my experience at all, I’m treated with respect. I have been very pleased to appoint female staff and it’s wonderful to see women treated equally on site now, not as a novelty but just as a regular member of the team.” Managing director, Paul Moran said: “It’s great to see Belinda encouraging other women to consider the industry; ensuring our workplaces are equally represented is so important. A career in housebuilding offers a wide variety of job roles from land buyer to site manager, surveyor to technical coordinator and we regularly welcome schools to site to help inspire future generations.” Belinda lives in Exeter with her husband and pets. She enjoys spending her free time riding her horses and ?" when restrictions allow ?" exploring the world in their campervan. She added: “It’s refreshing to see employers on board now with more women coming into the industry, however I think the next challenge is to make students more aware about these opportunities at school. “I am organised, balance my time well and enjoy forging good relationships with my peers and these are all great traits in an area build manager ?" I’m sure there are many other women who would be amazing in site management.” The theme for International Women’s Day in 2021 is #ChooseTo Challenge. For further information visit www.internationalwomensday.com and for more details on Bovis Homes visit www.bovishomes.co.uk

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