Under the glowing London skyline at Luckycat Rooftop, 22 Bishopsgate, Design and Build UK welcomed guests to its much-anticipated “Meet the Judges” Day on 18 July 2025. This celebratory afternoon brought together shortlisted candidates, esteemed judges, sponsors and industry champions ahead of the Women in Construction Awards 2025.
Designed as both a networking opportunity and a platform for inspiration, the event offered attendees the chance to connect with peers, engage with influential voices and hear from previous winners and key advocates for gender equity in construction. Over drinks and canapés, conversations flourished about representation, retention and the role of allyship in transforming the industry. It was an afternoon that celebrated not only the achievements of those nominated, but also the collective effort needed to build a more inclusive future across all areas of the built environment.
Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and former Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, delivered the keynote address. She spoke candidly about the resistance she encountered in Parliament after her election in 2010 and explained how that experience reshaped her understanding of systemic inequality. Caroline Nokes said: “To all the male allies, be brave in your choices. Encourage women, but more importantly, take actions that make real impact.” She also called on organisations to go beyond recruitment and create environments that retain women in the long term, including access to properly fitting PPE, inclusive facilities and flexible policies that acknowledge the needs of families.
Sponsors Avison Young and Mott MacDonald also shared reflections on the value of inclusion and allyship. Adrian Boyce of Avison Young likened career development to a construction project and encouraged nominees to recognise their worth: “Think of your career like a project. Success over time is a huge accolade. Someone nominated you because they believe in you. Never forget that.”
Joanne De La Porte of Avison Young shared her personal experience of nearly walking away from construction after two decades, and how reconnecting with a community of women through the Women in Construction network reignited her passion for the industry. Joanne De La Porte said: “Male allies have been crucial in my journey, and we need them at the right tables if we’re going to shift culture.”
Clare Woodcock of Mott MacDonald delivered an emotional message on resilience and support. Clare Woodcock said: “Getting pregnant and bringing up children doesn’t stall your career, it reshapes it. The strength you show up with inspires others.” She applauded the women in attendance for their perseverance and praised the men who champion inclusivity, reminding everyone that diversity enriches the industry at every level.
A highlight of the afternoon was the “Maybe She Can” panel, chaired by 2023 award winner Dr Carol Massay and featuring four of last year’s winners: Lee McEvoy, Abi Taylor, Paula Chandler and Becca Weston. Each panellist offered raw and honest reflections on their journey, barriers faced and hopes for the future.
Becca Weston, 2024’s On the Tools winner and a combustion engineer, addressed the structural pipeline issues. Becca Weston said: “Our schools are outdated. Girls are steered into textiles while boys are sent to resistant materials. I knew I wanted to be a tradesperson, but most women like me didn’t discover that until much later.”
Abi Taylor, Rising Star winner, stressed the importance of creating inclusive workplaces. Abi Taylor said: “We need to feel welcome, not just tolerated. It’s not always about speaking up. It’s about knowing we belong.”
Paula Chandler, Lifetime Achievement winner, emphasised the need to reach young people early. Paula Chandler said: “Kids decide what they want to do as early as seven. Let’s get in front of them, show them the possibilities, and yes, pay matters too.”
Lee McEvoy, Male Ally of the Year, championed authenticity and visible support. Lee McEvoy said: “Be yourself. Talk the talk, but make sure you walk the walk. Male allies need to champion women publicly and privately.”
Closing the discussion, Dr Massay praised all nominees. Dr Carol Massay said: “Only two per cent of the on-the-tools workforce are women. Every woman here has survived and succeeded against those odds. You’re all winners already.”
The formal programme concluded with drinks and networking as guests mingled with their judges and fellow nominees, enjoying sweeping views of the capital and the company of like-minded professionals from across the sector.
The Meet the Judges Day served as more than just an introduction to the Women in Construction Awards, It was a celebration of resilience, allyship and ambition. In an industry where only a small percentage of site-based roles are filled by women, events like this serve as a vital call to action. Design and Build UK is proud to continue championing these voices and looks forward to honouring even more amazing people at the Women in Construction Awards 2025.
