A Letchworth-based building firm is celebrating the success of its female staff after 13 of them were shortlisted in the national Women in Construction Awards.

The Comet: Julia Barrett, director of Willmott Dixon’s re-thinking department, has been nominated for the Green Business Award in the Women in Construction Awards. Photo: Courtesy of Willmott DixonJulia Barrett, director of Willmott Dixon’s re-thinking department, has been nominated for the Green Business Award in the Women in Construction Awards. Photo: Courtesy of Willmott Dixon (Image: Archant)

A Letchworth-based building firm is celebrating the success of its female staff after 13 of them were shortlisted in the national Women in Construction Awards.

Willmott Dixon’s nominees come from across the firm’s sites across the UK and are in categories such as Rising Star, Green Leadership and Outstanding Woman in Construction.

One of those shortlisted for Rising Star is Rebecca Walsh, assistant project surveyor at the firm’s Hitchin site.

Simon Ramage, who nominated Rebecca, said: “Rebecca is motivated, enthusiastic and above all, relevant. She is one of those rare people who can assess a situation and know what kind of action needs to be taken. I feel confident that when Rebecca’s name is put forward for a project, she will run it to the absolute best of her ability.”

On the shortlist for the Green Business Award is Julia Barrett, director of Willmott Dixon’s re-thinking department – who is responsible for driving sustainability across the firm.

She said: “I am delighted to be nominated for a Women in Construction Award and I am especially pleased that so many of our team have been shortlisted

Attracting more women into the industry is a subject very close to my heart, and as chair of Willmott Dixon’s Gender Diversity Steering Group it’s my ambition to see us become the number one construction company for women.”

Willmott Dixon’s Rick Lee said the firm was working hard to attract women into construction, traditionally a domain for men.

“We are always looking for new ways to attract talent into our business,” he said.

“Historically construction has been very male-dominated, and we want to open people’s eyes to the wide spectrum of roles available – it is a great place to forge a long and rewarding career for both men and women.

“Awards like these are fantastic for raising the profile of our inspirational female role models .

“The awards are being held in Manchester on Wednesday.”

To find out more, have a look at womeninconstructionawards.co.uk