More women are now entering the construction industry, says Women in Business Award Winner

Ellie Sanders won the Women in Construction award in 2018

A businesswoman who switched careers to enter the construction industry says women are becoming far more prominent in the sector, but admits work still needs to be done.

Ellie Sanders, of Bingham, had spent the majority of her working life in events and hospitality before taking voluntary redundancy in 2017 and going into business with husband Mark.

Now as business development director at Tay Fire and Security the Women in Business 2018 award winner says she has seen firsthand an increase in the number of women being celebrated for their achievements in construction.

Mrs Sanders, who took away the Women in Construction award last year, said: "One of the things winning the award did was to open myself up to a network of women in the industry and it started off conversations and networking opportunities.

"I realised there is a lot of women out there in the industry who are achieving fantastic things. The industry is definitely moving forward and women are becoming far more prominent in it and becoming more respected for their achievements.

"There is a way to go but in my opinion it is getting there."

Tay Fire and Security is predominantly involved in commercial fire and security, although it does also offer services to domestic clients.

When Mrs Sanders joined the firm it was turning over about £90,000, but that quickly jumped up to about £200,000.

It was her influence on the success of the company which led to Mrs Sanders walking away with the award. That success has continued.

She added: "The last year has been fantastic. Winning the award created a whole heap of activity for the business in the days following, it really raised the profile of myself and the company.

"We have continued to push on and obtain a really great new client base and we've developed new partnerships in the industry, so it's been a really good 12 months, we are pushing on and continuing to be busy.

"It was an honour to be in a room with so many inspiring women who have achieved so many things. There was never thought that I would actually win so when they called my name out there was a moment of disbelief and then realising it was me, it was amazing."

Nominations are now open for this year's Nottinghamshire Live Women in Business Awards, where 13 categories are up for grabs, which includes two editor's choice awards.

The awards ceremony takes place on Tuesday, November 26, at the Crowne Plaza in Nottingham.

Written by Matthew Dunn - Nottingham Post