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Alice shares how her time at Loughborough shaped her career, the impact of her role as Co-Chair of the Wates Women and Allies Network, and her thoughts on overcoming challenges women face in the construction industry. She also offers advice for young women entering the field and discusses the changes needed for greater gender equality.
Alice is a Design Manager at Wates Residential where she has worked for four years. She is currently working on Gascoigne East Phase 3b – a £143 million redevelopment project in Barking that will bring 334 much-needed new homes to the area. It focuses on affordable housing and social housing. Alice says: “It’s not just about the number of houses we build, but the quality and the positive impact they can have on people’s lives. It’s such an exciting time to be in the industry, especially as we push for positive change and advancements.”
Winning the WICE Award for the Best Young Women in Construction in 2023 was a significant achievement for Alice. This recognition also influenced her personal and professional growth. She said:
“Winning the WICE Award has been such a reflective moment for me. It made me pause and recognise how far I’ve come in the industry – it wasn’t something I fully appreciated while caught up in the day-to-day.“It’s also opened up incredible networking opportunities with people across the industry. I have been able to support others going through their CIOB or awards applications, mentoring people of different genders, ages and backgrounds.”
The award solidified her confidence. She added:
“I now realise that celebrating individual wins is important. The award has given me the focus to continue pushing for change and making a difference in this industry whilst continuing to grow professionally."
As Co-Chair of the Wates Women and Allies Network, Alice has been involved in driving gender equity within the company. She leads a steering committee of 35 people. The Women and Allies Network is built around four key focuses: retention of women; flexible working; health, safety and wellbeing; and culture and behaviours.
The group worked on endometriosis awareness, something Alice is particularly proud of:
“I’ve been personally affected by this condition, and when we partnered with Peppy to run an awareness session, we had 400 people sign up. I shared my own journey with endometriosis during this session, talking openly about what is often deemed a ‘taboo’ subject within the workplace. This session helped break down barriers and promote conversations about women’s health in the workplace. One piece of feedback particularly stood out to me ‘a lifeboat hearing similar shared experiences reinforcing "you're not alone"’. As a result, we’ve been able to provide valuable feedback to the business about internal policies and required line management training.”
Another initiative that was particularly important to Alice was the ‘In Conversation With’ series. She commented: “As a woman entering the industry, I saw the need for more senior female role models. So, I started a monthly spotlight series where senior women across the industry could share their stories and advice. Over 500 people have signed up for these sessions, and the feedback has been incredibly positive.”
Reflecting on her experience in the construction industry, Alice highlighted some of the key challenges women face and offers suggestions on how companies can create more inclusive environments. She said:
“Two of the biggest challenges in the industry are the initial perception and retention rates. We need to do more to educate and inspire younger generations about the exciting opportunities construction offers. “Unfortunately, the industry still faces stereotypes, and this can be discouraging for women and girls. Retention is a multifaceted issue, with factors like work culture, flexible working, and lack of progression all playing a big role. All of these factors then contribute to a wide Gender Pay Gap.
“Even though the UK construction workforce has seen some improvements in gender diversity in recent years, with women now representing around 14% of the total workforce, we are still far from achieving a fully inclusive industry.
“To address these barriers, I feel it is crucial for companies to listen. We need to actively seek feedback from female employees, understand gaps in existing policies, and create a more inclusive and flexible culture.
“Fundamentally, intersectionality is key – companies must be open to making room at the table for everyone.”
During her time at Loughborough, Alice built the foundations for her career in construction and design management. She added:
“My time at Loughborough provided the perfect foundation and has truly shaped my career. The course content was so diverse, covering everything from architectural drawing to engineering maths and surveying. The balance of creativity and technical skills really honed my abilities and set me up for the industry. The university’s focus on industry and hands-on experience helped me build a solid foundation that’s been invaluable in my career.”
She added: “A standout moment in my time at university was being nominated by my Course Director for the Women in Property Awards. Not only was I proud to be named a Finalist, but that experience solidified my commitment to advocating for equal opportunities and paving the way for more diversity in the field. I now have the privilege of supporting others going through these awards, offering mentoring and guidance based on my own experiences."
In her final year, Alice led an international research project that focused on a subject that it important to her. It involved exploring how the redevelopment of informal settlements in Cape Town impacts the safety of women. This project allowed Alice to blend her academic interests with her passion for social change.
She said: “The team at Loughborough was incredibly supportive, pushing me to pursue my passions and encouraging me to lead conversations on such an important issue.
“I was incredibly proud when my hard work was recognised with the prestigious ‘Robert Moss’ Award for Services to the Construction Industry at graduation. It was lovely to have my efforts acknowledged in this way.”
Passionate about her work in the sector, Alice offers valuable advice for young women considering a career in construction and shares her thoughts on the changes needed in the industry to promote greater gender equality.
“Be prepared to work hard, stay adaptable, and never stop learning. It’s a competitive and fast-paced industry, but the rewards are immense. The sense of accomplishment and the support from your team are what make the hard work worthwhile. You’ll work with a diverse group of people every day, and this constant exchange of knowledge and ideas will broaden your perspective and help you grow.
“The UK construction industry is evolving – I see it day to day, from better access to gender-specific PPE to more inclusive conversations around menopause and female health – but we need to keep pushing forward. The industry must continue to push for more female representation, not just in entry-level roles but in leadership positions, where women are still underrepresented.
“For women starting out, my message is clear: there’s room for you here, and the industry is better for your contribution. Don’t let the challenges hold you back – be proud of your place in this sector, and let’s keep pushing the boundaries together.”
Further details on the events and initiatives for Loughborough University’s International Women’s Day celebrations are available on the dedicated website.
Find out more about joining the Loughborough Alumni Women's Network.