Sue Ballard, materials innovation manager at Jablite Insulation, is a finalist for the Outstanding Woman in Construction Award.
“We decided to nominate Sue because her abilities and knowledge are outstanding,” said Richard Lee, managing director of Jablite Insulation. “She stands out in the construction product manufacturing sector because of her achievements and acumen. Anyone with Sue’s experience, knowledge and leadership skills would get noticed.
“I have no doubt that Sue has had to work harder to prove herself than a man would have to. We are all very pleased that she is a finalist for the Outstanding Woman in Construction Award and we will be keeping our fingers crossed in the hope that she might win it too!”
Ms Ballard started her career in construction as a quantity surveyor and then joined Jablite’s technical team. She successfully headed up the innovation team and in the past three years she has developed a number of innovative insulation products for the company.
Ms Ballard has recently been promoted to work with manufacturing director Wayne Brown on materials innovation.
“I am really excited to be a finalist for this award,” she said. “I love my job; it constantly brings fresh challenges and new things to learn. So far I have had a rewarding and fascinating career.
“I hope the Women in Constructions Awards will inspire other women to look at working in the construction sector or in other fields that are generally considered to be ‘male’.
“Sometimes being a woman in a man’s world can be an advantage. I bring different skills and views to the table – as long as I am as well-informed as the next man – and that can be a great advantage.”
