Four building materials female leaders will share their experiences and insights at the BMF Members' Conference this September, exploring how businesses can build more inclusive workplaces, support the development of female talent, and strengthen allyship across the industry.
One of the panel discussions at the BMF Members' Conference will be dedicated to Women Leading in Building Materials. The panel will explore how businesses can create more inclusive workplaces and how male colleagues can play an important role as allies in supporting and developing talent.
The panel will feature:
- Jen Cassidy, CEO, Bristan Group
- Emma Champion, Group Marketing Manager, Independent Builders Merchant Group
- Helene Bradley, Communications Director, STARK Building Materials UK
- Alice Maughan, Owner & Creative Director, Stronghold Homes
Jen Cassidy also brings insight from her role as Chair of the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC), a cross-industry movement working to improve diversity, equity and inclusion across the building materials sector. The CIC unites leading organisations behind practical actions to widen participation, strengthen workplace cultures and help ensure that talented people, regardless of background, can build successful careers in the sector.
The members of the panel will discuss what has helped them succeed, the day-to-day reality of being a woman in the building materials sector, and the practical steps companies can take to recruit, retain and develop female talent. They will also provide advice for women seeking to advance their careers in the industry.
The session supports the BMF's commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive building materials sector and to promoting conversations that help businesses make the most of the talent available across the industry.
John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: "We are fortunate to have an outstanding panel of speakers, each of whom has built an impressive career in our industry and brings a wealth of experience from different parts of the building materials sector. Helene, Emma, Alice and Jen are all exceptional leaders who have made a significant impact within their businesses and across the wider industry.
"This session is an opportunity to hear honest insights into the challenges they have faced, what has helped them succeed, and how we can all play a part in creating an industry where talented people can thrive. I hope it will inspire more women to pursue leadership roles and encourage all of us, particularly men, to be stronger allies in developing the next generation of talent."
The BMF Annual Members Conference and Awards will take place at the Belfry Hotel and Resort in Sutton Coldfield on 16 and 17 September.
