Nottingham Women in Construction event returns celebrating its 20th year

​Women in the construction industry came together for the reunion launch of Nottingham Women in Construction, following a four-year hiatus.

A membership group bringing together women in the sector, Nottingham Women in Construction was originally founded in 2003 by Nicola Millward, Managing Director of Millward Engineering, a Nottingham-based integrated engineering consultancy.

Held last month at Baresca in the city, the event saw over 60 professionals in attendance, who enjoyed welcome drinks sponsored by Millwards, lunch and the opportunity to network.

Nicola welcomed guests with a speech which brought to life the 20-year history of the group and all it has achieved, including raising funds for many local charities and providing hands-on volunteering. The group is currently looking for a local charity partner to support in 2023.

In the speech, Nicola paid tribute to the lives of three remarkable members who played a huge role in Nottingham Women in Construction – Gemma Petrie, Hilary Taylor, and Dianne Allen – who have sadly passed away.

Following the event’s return, Women in Construction will be held quarterly with the next being scheduled for June. Committee members include Carrie Booth from BSP Consulting, Karen Hargreaves at KH Legal and Maria Coulter from Construction Coach.

On the successful reunion launch event, Nicola said: “20 years on, it is fantastic to see so many women in the industry coming together to work together, celebrate success and create new connections.

“Nottingham Women in Construction was born from me personally wanting to build a career in the sector, surrounded by likeminded people who understood the challenges women in the sector faced at the time, but it has become so much more than that.

“There are so many people who have played a part in this group, and I am incredibly proud of everyone who has supported us over the years – for what they have achieved professionally in such a competitive but brilliantly vibrant industry.

“Alongside celebrating 20 years of Nottingham Women in Construction and the 30-year anniversary of Millward Engineering, the event commemorated some very important women who are no longer with us, and we raised our glasses to Gemma, Hilary and Dianne, who were members of this network and who will always be remembered in our hearts.

“Looking forward to the group thriving and meeting new members along the way.”

Written by East Midlands Business Link.