NFB to name Top 100 women in construction

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The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has launched a campaign to showcase the top 100 female influencers in the UK’s construction sector.

The Top 100 Influencers list forms part of the organisation’s Women in Construction Programme. Based on nominations from members of the public, it aims to promote female and non-binary role models from “all levels” of the industry, from apprentices and trainees right up to company directors.

Members of the public can nominate one or more women for a place on the list, which includes contractor, designer and client influencer categories.

People can also nominate candidates under the ‘ally’ and ‘one to watch/rising star’ categories, as well as under regional categories for the industry’s ‘unsung heroes’.

Danny Clarke, Commercial Director at NFB, said, ‘At the NFB we support all of industry and showcase excellence where possible.

“It is therefore fundamental to open these awards to the whole of construction and not just NFB members, this will help showcase the amazing work being undertaken to affect change throughout construction.”

Voters have until 5pm on 3 June, 2022, to submit their nominations via the official NFB website.

A panel of independent, expert judges will then decide the shortlist in July, with the final winners for each category and the publication of the final Top 100 Influencers list announced at an awards evening in November 2022.

The association, which represents contractors ranging from sole traders to multi-million-pound companies, said while it recognises that the industry has changed a lot, it still needs to do more to “challenge stereotypes and shift perceptions to become more inclusive”.

According to the NFB, only 15% of construction workers are female, and “even fewer have on tools jobs”

Speaking of the new campaign, Clarke said, “We believe this is crucial in breaking down stereotypes and highlighting that diversity is important for people currently in the industry but also for encouraging potential recruits that construction is both a viable and rewarding career’.

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