WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

Types of projects

We are general building contractors with experience in domestic and commercial new builds, loft conversions, extensions, refurbishments and renovations.

Future plans

We want to develop and specialise in green building and sustainable housing.

Geographical area

Greater London.

What made you pursue a career in construction?

Although I graduated in journalism I never had an opportunity to work in this area. I joined the company because it is the family business and because very few women in our Asian community are in this trade and almost none in our family. Before joining the business I was a housewife and mother of three.

Attending this course was a turning point for me. It gave me a lot of confidence and motivation to enter into the business without compromising my household responsibilities and my children. It was the most amazing experience.

How long has your company been a member of the FMB?

We think it could be since1967 when my parents first established the business.

 

Types of projects

New housing design and build construction.

 

Geographical area

West London, Bucks, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

 

What made you pursue a career in construction?

It was just in my blood; I entered the family business when I was 17 but had grown up with spending weekends looking around the many conversions the company was doing in North West London for Housing Associations. In 1981 Neatstone completed the substantial conversion and new build of 16 Victorian terraces to form 28 self-contained, supported living flats for Brent Peoples HA (now part of Network HA), at the time, this was one of the first of such schemes in London and was opened by the Housing Minister.

 

What is the most difficult part of your job and your favourite part?

I have to work hard at being creative on the marketing side and as for my favourite part of the job, it may sound cheesy but I love it all. What other industry can you work in where you can either take a bare piece of land or a redundant building, create a vision for its new use, specify how you want that vision to look, watch it grow, have the pride in seeing the final form and the pleasure it gives the new homeowner? It is cited so often how important it is for people’s wellbeing to live in well designed homes and that really doesn’t just mean luxury houses. Neatstone won an LABC award for a mixed town house and flat development in Amersham where the judges remarked that “the developer took the brave approach of a unique design but in harmony with the surrounding buildings. The result has enhanced the estate creating a focal point and a real gem in the heart of it. The quality of build and unique design will provide that ‘wow factor’ and pride in the ownership of a home rather than another box on an estate.” I am extremely proud of our team what we achieve as a company.

Types of projects

Most of the work we carry out is on domestic properties such as new builds, barn conversions, renovations and listed buildings. We manufacture purposemade joinery to our customers’ requirements, which could be windows, doors, barn screens, staircases etc.

 

Geographical area

Most of our work is carried out in the North Norfolk area.

 

What made you pursue a career in construction?

I have always known that I would be in the construction industry. My parents have run a construction company, R J Bacon Builders Ltd, since I was seven years old. I wasn’t sure which aspect of construction that I wanted to be involved in as there are so many different jobs. To help me decide I did many weeks of work experience in different areas of construction. I carried out work experience with a surveyor, architect, an energy assessor, building control, even an estate agent and a property lawyer. I eventually decided that I really enjoyed building control so I worked in this field for three years during which I went to university part time and studied for a foundation degree in building surveying. After the three years my parents decided to open a joinery business and they asked me if I would be interested in working here to help manage the business. I thought this would be a great opportunity to be involved with our family business. So far I have learnt so much, not just about joinery but how to help run a business and make it successful.

 

What is your favourite part of your job?

This is a difficult question to answer as there are so many! One of the best parts is dealing with our customers. We have such a wide customer base from architects, builders and the general public. We try to provide the best customer service and help where we can. Some of our customers will just pop in to see us and have a cup of tea and a chat! I love the fact they feel comfortable in doing that. I also enjoy working with my colleagues; they all worked together for many years at a different joinery before I joined the team, I have learned so much from everyone especially my parents Robert and Sue Bacon, and David Roberts who is The Joinery Workshop Manager. It makes a change to enjoy coming to work.

Speciality

Historic building conservation / traditional lime plastering / architectural ceramics.

 

Awards received

Sir Bernard Feilden Prize - For outstanding coursework on the Foundation Degree in Historic Building Conservation.

 

What made you pursue a career in construction?

As a child, I worked alongside my father who is a carpenter and artist. He always involved me in his work giving me projects and equipping me with various tools and a broad knowledge of different crafts disciplines. I owned my first pocket knife for carving with at age six, and a small potter’s wheel at age nine. I always gained fulfillment and pride through the work that I created with my own hands. Choosing a career in construction seemed like a natural progression. I worked in engineering before turning my passion for architecture into a profession.

 

What do you feel are the main obstacles to a career in this industry?

It is difficult to find the ‘first proper job’ as a graduate or trainee in leading positions such as construction site management etc., especially when approaching small to middle sized companies. Unfortunately, I still experience resistance to employing women in the industry, and have heard the most ridiculous excuses being used to dissuade me.

 

What are your next steps?

To finish my BSc (Hons) in Historic Building Conservation/Surveying and to find meaningful employment within this field. In addition I intend to complete my NVQ6 in Construction Site Management (Conservation) that I started during my time at the Building Crafts College.