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Category: Blog

BLOG | The Building Safety Act: Why the Accuracy and Quality of Product Information is Key

Posted on by Claire McCammon

The Building Safety Act (BSA) includes a number of groundbreaking reforms and places a significant emphasis on the management and transfer of safety-critical information throughout a building’s lifecycle. With product information and legislation so critical when specification decisions are made, how can we as a construction product manufacturer support specifiers, architects and contractors to make informed safe decisions?

The impact of the BSA

For the masonry sector, the Act has raised the bar on product conformity, traceability and documentation.  It’s no longer simply a case of supplying a ‘compliant’ product. Product suppliers need to provide clear evidence of conformity to the relevant standards whether that’s BS EN 845-1/2 for masonry components or BS EN 1090 where steel execution applies. Declaration of Performance and CE or UKCA marking where applicable, test reports, and batch/serial traceability are essential to feed the golden thread of information.

With duty holders required to identify who is accountable, suppliers can expect more detailed contract clauses, warranties and requests for indemnities. Failure to provide full evidence may delay approvals or expose suppliers to claims if a product is later implicated in a safety issue. On top of that, installers’ competence and proof of correct installation (photos, sign-offs, inspection records) are required for the golden thread and to satisfy gateway and the statutory change-control process. Manufacturers must provide clear installation instructions, training and certification routes.

 

Implications for specifiers

For architect and contractors, the BSA means stricter specification and design evidence is required. Architects must specify proven systems (to the right standards, testing etc), document design decisions to feed the golden thread of information and must justify bespoke specification with risk assessments and testing evidence.

Duty holders, including principal designers and contractors, must meet competency expectations. Work on high-risk buildings (HRBs) is subject to Gateway 1–3 checks which means that documentation gaps such as missing product test certificates or lack of installation records can delay or stop work. Contractors must build the evidence trail into their programme and commercial risk management, ensuring that product IDs, certificates, test results, inspection photos, commissioning records and O&M information are captured and handed over as part of the permanent safety record for the building.

 

How IG Masonry Support has adapted to the BSA

All product information has or is in the process of being verified by the CCPI (Code for Construction Product Information). This is critical for duty holders as it clearly identifies that the product information is accurate and unambiguous. Technical Data Sheets and Installation Guides have also been updated to fully align with the Building Safety Act requirements.

We have also been awarded certification to BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018, the globally recognised standard for building information management (BIM) over the life-cycle of built assets. This supports a robust information management framework for traceability, digital record-keeping and structured workflows all of which are critical for the golden thread requirements.

We continue to lead the way with new product certification for our products including recently becoming the first masonry support manufacturer to achieve BBA for a masonry support system (Welded Masonry Support). This is key for IG as we pride ourselves in going above and beyond minimum standards and ensure our products meet the highest standards for safety and quality.

 

Supporting specifiers every step of the way 

Specifiers face a challenging environment under the BSA and our role is to make it easier for them to make informed decisions.  We provide:

  • Detailed CCPI-verified technical data sheets, installation instructions and testing data for all of our products
  • Third-party certified products to give specifiers confidence that a system has been independently assessed for intended use.
  • A Building Information Modelling (BIM) and information management infrastructure aligned to BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018.
  • A free scheduling and specification service from our in-house engineers
  • Transparency around sustainability including EPDs for all our products, support responsible specification and environmental compliance.
  • A CPD programme targeting architects, engineers and specifiers to provide deeper insight into our products.
  • Full in-house manufacturing at our factory in South Derbyshire, certified to BS EN ISO 9001:2015, BS EN ISO 14001:2015, EN 1090-1:2009, guaranteeing consistent highest quality products.

 

A new era of transparency

Every project we have tackled to date under the BSA has had different requirements. By sharing learnings from previous successful submissions, we are able to support duty holders through the gateway process, helping them understand what information is required and how to structure it.

The Building Safety Act has dramatically changed the construction landscape  but by ensuring the accuracy and quality of our product information, and supporting specifiers and contractors throughout the entire project lifecycle, we are committed to playing our part in delivering a safer built environment.

 

GUEST BLOG | Building Confidence in Fire Safe High-Rise Design

Posted on by Claire McCammon

Gavin Dunn, Chief Executive of the UK Fire Protection Association (FPA)

Recent changes to building regulations have brought a much greater emphasis on fire safety across all types of buildings, but particularly for high-rise residential buildings. The sector is now taking a more risk-averse approach to material specification and system design, which means the products we choose, the way we use them, and the way we evidence their performance are under far greater scrutiny than ever before.

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) is a non-profit organisation, owned by the UK insurance industry and the National Fire Chiefs Council. Our sole purpose is to help industry, construction, and property owners reduce risks within their portfolios, both from fire and wider resilience issues. We see first-hand how changes in regulation, oversight, and market expectations are reshaping how the industry designs, builds, and maintains high-rise buildings.

New regulatory framework

The Building Safety Act, the creation of the Building Safety Regulator, and the requirement for the “golden thread” of information have fundamentally changed the regime for higher-risk residential buildings. These projects now follow a formal gateway process. Gateways 1,2 and 3 are essentially planning, construction and before occupation with regulator sign-off being required at each stage before the project can progress.

For those involved in design and specification, this means that products must have proven performance and are tested and certified to relevant standards for their intended use. It’s fundamental that any change such as using products differently from their original specification or in combination with other products that weren’t originally envisioned, the information is reported back to the design team who must then check that these products are still safe, appropriate and compliant. Additional checks such as engineering reviews or new fire tests are essential to confirm they remain safe and compliant. It might also need regulator sign off as well.

The shift to non-combustible materials

Following Grenfell Tower and other fires internationally, the specification of combustible materials, particularly in facade systems, has come under intense scrutiny. There has been a significant shift in market expectations, with insurers, investors, and end users showing a strong preference for non-combustible materials in high-rise buildings.

This change is about more than just meeting regulatory requirements. It is also about reducing reputational risk, protecting public trust, and ensuring the long-term safety of buildings. Non-combustible materials offer the most straightforward route to achieving these goals, giving greater confidence in both compliance and performance.

Testing, verification, and installation

As an industry, we must move beyond simply selecting compliant products. Correct usage and installation are equally critical. Too often, the right products are specified but installed incorrectly, and the data shows that poor installation is currently our biggest failure point.

That is why additional verification steps are so important. Increasingly, products are being tested not just for certification, but for wider or combined uses. This data provides fire engineers with the evidence they need to make sound judgements. In parallel, inspection processes on site must confirm that products are installed exactly as intended.

The importance of the golden thread

The products chosen, how they are used and how they are installed must be documented as part of the golden thread of information. It becomes the single source of truth when it comes to a building. This provides a detailed and accessible record for future owners and operators, ensuring they have the knowledge needed to make safe, informed decisions about maintenance or alterations. Without this transparency, public confidence in building safety will remain fragile.

Looking ahead

The initial industry response to the new regulatory regime has been to specify non-combustible materials wherever possible, and this has been the right approach to rebuild trust. Over time, as testing regimes, certification processes, and regulatory oversight continue to strengthen, we may reach a point where certain combustible materials can be reintroduced in very controlled and well-evidenced ways.

Until then, prioritising proven, non-combustible systems remains the most risk-averse and publicly acceptable choice. Manufacturers such as IG Masonry Support play a vital role in this, providing A1-rated, fully tested solutions and the technical expertise to ensure they are specified and installed correctly.

The challenge now is to maintain our focus on what matters most: delivering buildings that perform in the way society needs them to perform. It is really important that we re-establish public trust and we build buildings that perform in the way society needs them to perform. That means creating buildings that are healthy, energy efficient and great places to live, while also giving people the peace of mind that they are safe and secure when things go wrong.

 

GUEST BLOG | Building Safer Outcomes, Not Just Better Buildings

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

By Richard Harral, Chief Executive Officer at Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

The drive to deliver safer buildings has never been more important, or more urgent. At Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) we are a multidisciplinary Professional Engineering Institute with a Royal Charter.

Our members work across the full project lifecycle, and we are an active and engaged community, deeply committed to improving the built environment, and, above all, to making buildings safer for the people who use them.

There’s a growing consensus in the industry as to where we need to end up in terms of safety. We need to ensure that everyone involved in designing, specifying, constructing and maintaining buildings is assessed for competence and that there is a clearly defined understanding what they can and cannot do safely. The truth is our industry has not always done this well. In fact, competence has often been managed in a patchy, inconsistent way, or sometimes not at all.

It is no longer acceptable to claim that a person, system or product can be trusted simply because we believe that is the case. In particular, third-party testing of products becomes fundamental, not only in enabling designers to have confidence in what they are specifying, but also to help rebuild trust in a broader sense; that the products are going to deliver the safe outcomes people quite rightly expect.

This means that we have to move beyond minimum standards of compliance. It’s critical that product and system manufacturers and everyone in the industry starts to look at how they deliver the right outcome, rather than simply box ticking to secure sign off from building control or any other authority.

This is why the new competence frameworks that are being developed by the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) and BSI, and the new ways of applying them, are so valuable. One good example of these new standards is  BS 8670-2, a companion to BS 8670-1, which is the core criteria for building safety and competence frameworks. While Part One sets our general principals, Part Two focuses on construction products and sets out what competencies people need have to be able to specify, use, install, maintain and manage construction products to ensure the right outcomes.

The shift towards competency based systems will help continuously upskill our industry. It will encourage people to seek out learning that’s directly relevant and applicable and focuses on maintaining competence throughout their career. In relation to construction products, this will be vital in helping everyone make better decisions throughout the life of a building.

The Building Safety Act (2022) has changed people’s accountabilities; and the timescales in which they can be held to account. This means that in addition to focusing on safe outcomes, everyone has to be more mindful about how they can defend their decisions if something does go wrong.

The advice we give is simple: when in doubt, apply the precautionary principle. What does that mean in practice? It means utilising systems and approaches that you know, understand and trust. It means adding extra levels of mitigation to ensure higher degrees of certainty that the systems and products you are using are going to perform as expected, throughout the lifecycle of the building.

It’s important that construction professionals, building users and the residents who they serve have peace of mind and confidence that the right outcomes are being achieved in a context where buildings are becoming increasingly complex, we are asking them to perform to higher standards over time, both in terms of safety and energy efficiency. The only way that we are going to achieve this peace of mind is if we think differently about how we design and specify.

That means taking a holistic view of building performance. We have to consider how each element will perform in relation to and in combination with others, rather than looking at a single product’s conformity. We must also look at additional levels of mitigation where we have any concerns, or doubts, about the overall performance of the building when it’s actually in use.

This definitely means leaning to a greater extent on third-party certification and testing of both products and systems – and increasing the number of systems that are tested at scale. It may also mean narrowing the supply chain we use so that we work with products and systems on a more frequent basis. We must become more familiar and confident in the way that they perform and in the way that we need to use them.

This is where manufacturers have a critical role to play, by providing tested, well-documented solutions and the technical support that helps designers and contractors specify with confidence. IG Masonry Support clearly understand this imperative, and it is great to see the investment they are making in helping delivery better quality and safer outcomes.

At CABE, we are committed to working with proactive professionals to, help build a safe, sustainable and equitable built environment. This is important to our members, who are professionals with a real passion for the work that they do. It’s also fundamental to ensuring that people are safe, and feel safe in the homes and workplaces that matter to them.

 

BLOG | The Importance of Sustainability in Masonry Support Manufacturing

Posted on by Claire McCammon

 

On our journey to a more sustainable built environment, building product manufacturers must look at both the now and the future role they play. Specifiers need to think about the materials used in buildings and their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. From manufacturing processes to material specification, these choices matter. At IG Masonry Support, this challenge has become a driving force in how our company operates and why it is committed to improving efficiencies and driving product innovation which will enable the design and construction of more sustainable buildings.

Our sustainability journey began in 2020 with the goal of delivering our B.O.S.S A1 (Brick on Soffit System) as a Carbon Natural solution. Soon after, we assessed our entire company footprint. Today, it’s not just expected but it’s more important than ever to measure the environmental impact of our manufacturing processes, materials, and supply chain. What started as a series of small operational improvements quickly evolved into a long-term strategy that has reshaped our thinking across all departments.

Our leadership team and employees are fully aware of the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. That’s why we made a collective decision to commit to annual Carbon Footprint reporting and to respond proactively to our findings. In 2021, IG Masonry Support became the first masonry support manufacturer in the UK to achieve Carbon Neutral status. While we recognise that credible carbon credit schemes are not a long-term solution for achieving Net Zero, we are seeing a year-on-year reduction in the emissions we need to offset. For us, this marks significant progress. We’re proud to continue investing in responsible initiatives, including renewable energy technologies, while working to reduce our operational impact.

Reducing our carbon footprint doesn’t happen overnight. It requires sustained commitment, targeted investment, and strategic upgrades, all intentionally aimed at lowering emissions. This has included significant improvements at our manufacturing sites in Swadlincote and Cookstown, such as transitioning to 100% renewable energy tariffs, adopting electric-powered equipment, and enhancing our manufacturing technologies. We’ve replaced diesel forklifts with electric alternatives, expanded our recycling facilities, and ensured that zero waste is sent to landfill, a critical benchmark in sustainable manufacturing.

B.O.S.S A1

One of the defining moments in our sustainability journey was the development of B.O.S.S. A1. Our Brick on Soffit System not only meets but exceeds the latest A1 fire regulations. Designed to deliver superior aesthetics and structural integrity, B.O.S.S. A1 gives the appearance of unsupported brickwork while significantly simplifying installation.

What makes this product truly stand out is its environmental profile. It became the first carbon neutral product of its kind on the market, combining functionality, compliance, and sustainability. Achieving this milestone gave us the confidence and motivation to take our ambitions even further.

The certification of B.O.S.S. A1 was just the beginning. It demonstrated that sustainability can be designed into a product from the outset and that environmental performance doesn’t have to come at the expense of structural or aesthetic quality.

Science Based Targets

To ensure that our sustainability strategy was both robust and achievable, we engaged with Carbon Footprint Ltd. With their guidance we have developed measurable targets to align with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) methodology, a globally recognised framework that helps companies set and achieve ambitious emissions reduction targets.

Through this framework, we identified and analysed our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, giving us a comprehensive understanding of our carbon footprint. This transparency allowed us to identify immediate actions in areas like energy use and transport, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration with suppliers and partners to drive reductions across the supply chain. We are now on track to meet the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target, joining thousands of companies worldwide in tackling climate change.

None of what we have achieved would be possible without the dedication of our entire team. Sustainability is embedded within the culture at IG Masonry Support. From design to production, every individual plays a role in driving our environmental progress. Backed by ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and BBA certifications, our commitment to excellence is clear.

Looking ahead, our goal is to continue leading the way in sustainable product manufacturing and bringing innovative, responsible solutions to market.

BLOG | In-house Manufacturing Drives Quality and Efficiency

Posted on by Claire McCammon

 

With brick facades as popular today as they have ever been, building designers and specifiers need to be confident the products they specify will achieve the same exceptional finish each and every time. Taking the construction of complex brick features offsite into factory-controlled conditions, how do offsite manufactured solutions fulfil complex and creative requirements in buildings whilst hitting the mark on quality and meeting regulatory compliance?

 At IG Masonry Support, we are committed to delivering the highest quality brick slip and masonry support solutions for our customers. Quality is at the heart of everything we do, from our innovative product design to our rigorous manufacturing processes.  This commitment is backed by internationally recognised certifications for our facilities including ISO 9001, along with BBA product approval, reinforcing our focus on robust quality management and environmental responsibility.

The company goes further by using UKAS-accredited equipment from Queen’s University Belfast and partnering with respected independent testing facilities such as Warrington fire, Lucideon, Efectis, and SGS, rigorously verifying hygrothermal performance, fire resistance, deflection, and adhesion. This comprehensive approach to product validation underpins the confidence that designers, contractors, and regulators place in our solutions.

 At the heart of this is IG’s B.O.S.S. A1 (Brick on Soffit System), the first brick soffit system on the market to comply with and exceed the new A1 fire regulations. By combining adhesives with mechanical fixing, B.O.S.S. A1 delivers the exacting performance and safety standards demanded, while being the first product of its kind to be carbon neutral. Its impressive credentials, all of which are BBA certified, offer a technically advanced solution that meets the required aesthetics by hiding structural steelwork to give the illusion of unsupported brickwork.

 

Precision brick matching

Ensuring a seamless, authentic look is crucial for our brick slip solutions. That’s why we manufacture all our products, including B.O.S.S. systems, in our in-house Brick Fabrication Facility in Overseal, Derbyshire. Our design engineers work closely with customers to identify the exact brick type, shape, and bond pattern required, using free-issue bricks from the live site. This meticulous process allows us to achieve a perfect match and integration with the surrounding brickwork.

To support our dedication to quality, we have invested heavily in our Swadlincote and Overseal production facilities. These state-of-the-art factories utilise the global 5S system to optimise productivity and reduce waste, while being home to cutting-edge machinery, including robotic lasers, press brakes, and stacking machines.

Brick remains a timeless material that future generations will continue to rediscover, ensuring its enduring place across our built environment. Moving the construction of complex brick features offsite into factory-controlled settings means, we can achieve the level of quality and consistency that excellence demands. This is due in part to companies such as ours and a commitment to developing solutions that enable brick, a cornerstone of construction, to be used in ways that inspire the imagination of architects and builders alike.

 

GUEST BLOG | Building Safety Act: Why Competence, Testing and Trust Are Non-Negotiable

Posted on by Claire McCammon

An interview with Richard Harral, Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

As the construction industry continues its journey towards safer, more accountable practices, the message from regulatory bodies and professional institutes is increasingly clear: compliance alone is no longer enough.

In a recent conversation with IG Masonry Support, Richard Harral, Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), shared his perspective on how the industry must evolve to meet the expectations of the Building Safety Act — and why this shift demands a fundamental rethinking of how we define and demonstrate competence.

CABE, a global professional engineering body, is championing a culture of lifelong learning and accountability. With the introduction of frameworks like BS 8670-1 and 8670-2, there’s now a sharper focus on the specific skills and understanding required to correctly specify, install, and manage construction products — from brick support systems to full envelope solutions.

Richard also highlights the critical importance of manufacturers in this process. By providing independently tested and clearly documented solutions, manufacturers help close the trust gap and enable designers, specifiers, and contractors to make confident, compliant decisions.

At IG Masonry Support, we’re proud to play our part. From our TITAN and B.O.S.S. products to our technical support and CPD offerings, we help ensure that performance, testing, and compliance are not afterthoughts — but core to specification decisions from the outset. We’re proud to be part of a safer, more competent built environment.

Watch the full interview with Richard Harral to explore how safety, trust, and responsibility are reshaping the future of construction.

NEWS | CCPI Assessed Mark Achieved for Folded Angle

Posted on by Claire McCammon

IG Masonry Support has earned the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark for our Folded Angle product.

The CCPI, developed by the Construction Product Association (CPA) following Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, establishes an 11-clause set of requirements designed to raise standards in product information management and marketing within the construction manufacturing sector.

Achieving CCPI conformance enhances customer trust and helps to give greater confidence that product information is conforming with the CCPI. This is increasingly vital for specifiers and buyers seeking reliable product performance information and supporting some of their needs in relation to compliance with the Building Safety Act.

The CCPI Assessed Status for Folded Angle product information is valid for two years, demonstrating our commitment to ongoing improvement and proactive advancement of production information and marketing standards.

Securing the CCPI Assessed Mark for all of our masonry support solutions reaffirms our commitment to providing reliable, transparent, and assessed product information to the industry, said Kyle Alexander, General Manager of IG Masonry Support. “This recognition reflects our ongoing drive to empower specifiers with trusted data and reinforces our role in pushing the boundaries of best practice across construction. It’s more than an achievement—it’s a long-term pledge to integrity and innovation. We are continuing to work on achieving the CCPI Assessed Mark for the product information for the remainder of our product ranges, using the latest assessment process.”

The CCPI mark for Folded Angle adds to our extensive portfolio of manufacturing and product certifications, further solidifying our company’s compliance and reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry.

BLOG | International Women In Engineering Day 2024 – Anisa Alla Interview

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) celebrates its 11th year on 23 June 2024. The theme for this year is Enhanced by Engineering and celebrates the amazing work that women engineers worldwide are doing to support lives and livelihoods every day.

IG Masonry Support is proud to employ several female engineers. We caught up with our newest Structural Engineer, Anisa Alla, on what International Women in Engineering Day means to her.

What made you want to get into engineering?
My passion for engineering started in secondary school, where I enjoyed maths and loved drawing 3D objects. Later, my passion for physics and chemistry grew alongside maths and 3D design.

I enjoy using all the knowledge that maths, physics, chemistry and design has to offer as it allows me to question, explore, invent, discover, and create work that makes a genuine and lasting impact.

What does your role entail within IG Masonry Support?
I find my role as a Structural Engineer within the company rewarding and challenging. IG Masonry Support offers me great progression and a very supportive work environment. I have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, conduct advanced structural calculations, and collaborate with a team of skilled engineers. I can also apply my knowledge and passion for structural engineering and share this passion with other colleagues.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is that I am fortunate enough to design projects that will be around for generations to come. I get a real sense of achievement when a project is finished.

What makes it more enjoyable is the support I get from my team. Our dedicated manager is always there to help us and create all the conditions needed to develop our knowledge and skills in a positive environment. The opportunities for career growth and development within the company are endless.

How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue careers in engineering?
It’s not just about encouraging young woman to pursue a career in engineering. It’s about creating the environment and conditions at the early stages of education so they can succeed in their engineering careers. A career in structural engineering is a smart choice for anyone looking for a challenging, impactful, and well-compensated career. With diverse career paths, engaging work, good earning potential and opportunities for professional growth, structural engineering is a field that offers something for everyone.

For more information on our career opportunities, visit our careers page.

BLOG | International Women’s Day 2024 – Interviews

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

It’s International Women’s Day 2024 and to celebrate we are pleased to present a series of interviews featuring the incredible voices of our female employees. From sharing their experiences, motivations, and perspectives, these interviews shed light on the diverse talents and strengths of the women who drive innovation and success within our company.

 

Interview – Siobhan Martin, Senior Brand Executive

 

 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

As a woman in a male-dominated industry and also competing in a male-dominated sport, I think it’s truly important to highlight and encourage the limitless possibilities we have as females. Equality and empowerment are vital.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the construction industry?

After spending the first half of my career in Local Government, I moved location and fancied a challenge in a brand-new industry. Keystone Group stood out for me as a leading construction product manufacturer and I was keen to become part of something big and make an impact on the future of construction.

How do you think the construction industry can become more inclusive and diverse?

I think we are slowly but surely moving in the right direction however as an industry, we need to do more by targeting and advising young females from school age to highlight the career possibilities. This will also allow construction companies to access a broader range of skills and experience.

What’s your personal International Women’s Day message?

Go for it and don’t be worried! No matter which job you are interested in, your gender plays no role. We are all capable. We, as women, can accomplish anything. We just need to be brave enough to stand up and do so!

 

Interview – Judith Mitchell, Health & Safety Coordinator 

 

 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

To me IWD is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the progress that has been made in empowering women in the workplace and to recognise some of the amazing talented female colleagues I work with.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the construction industry?

Choosing a Health and Safety role  in the construction industry offers a chance to make a significant difference to employee safety and the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from safe working practices being implemented across sites.

How do you think the construction industry can become more inclusive and diverse?

To be more inclusive the construction industry needs to ensure the same opportunities, recognition and rewards are given to women in the workplace as are given to men.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction?

Never doubt your knowledge, don’t be afraid to speak up and express your concerns. It can be quite intimidating being a young women in what’s has always been considered a male environment but your  input is just as important and valuable as anyone else on the team.

What’s your personal International Women’s Day message?

“It took me a long time to find my voice and know my own strength but now I have it, I’m never going to be quiet or rely on anyone but myself, if I make mistakes along the way at least I’ll know they were mine to make”

 

Interview – Beverly Whiting, Area Sales Manager

 

 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It’s the chance to celebrate and recognise the achievements of all women. For me personally to reflect on inspirational women in my life. Along side celebrating achievements it important to recognise the gender inequality that still exists and look at opportunities to overcome these.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the construction industry?

I fell into the construction industry after working in finance and found that I absolutely loved the industry so continued to pursue a career in it.

How do you think the construction industry can become more inclusive and diverse?

It has been great to see the rise in numbers of women in the construction industry workforce, however the percentage is still very low at around 16%. The diverse range of jobs need to be promoted through college’s, universities and apprenticeships to women.

Companies breaking down gender stereotypical roles by hiring women for positions previously perceived and a male role and supporting diversity.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction?

Absolutely go for it. It’s an amazing industry to be part of. It’s incredibly interesting, challenging and there’s so much scope for career development.

What’s your personal International Women’s Day message?

Pursue your ambitions, be the author of your own destiny, smash through the barriers and be the most successful and happiest version of yourself.

BLOG | National Engineers Week 2024 – Maruf Khan Interview

Posted on by Siobhan Martin

National Engineers Week 2024 is drawing to a close so we’ve caught up with our final interviewee Maruf Khan to share his thoughts and experiences working in the industry as a Structural Engineer:

 

What made you want to get into engineering?

I was always fascinated by how things work and enjoyed solving mathematical physics problems in school / college. This curiosity naturally led me towards engineering. The idea of creating innovative solutions and contributing to the advancement of society appealed to me. I wanted a career that allowed me to apply mathematical and scientific principles to real-world challenges, and engineering offered the perfect blend of creativity and analytical thinking.

 

What does a typical working day look like for you?

A typical day in my role involves a mix of collaborative teamwork and individual tasks. I spend time analysing project requirements, designing solutions, and often working closely with cross-functional teams. Meetings, whether with colleagues or clients, are a crucial part of ensuring everyone is aligned. Additionally, problem-solving is a daily occurrence, and adaptability is key as priorities may shift.

 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The most enjoyable aspect of my job is the opportunity to bring ideas to life and witness the tangible impact of our work. I find satisfaction in overcoming challenges and seeing projects evolve from concept to reality. Collaborating with diverse teams and learning from each other’s expertise is also rewarding. Moreover, the continuous learning environment in engineering keeps me engaged and excited about the ever-evolving technologies and methodologies.

 

Any advice for aspiring engineers?

My advice to aspiring engineers is to foster a strong foundation in mathematics and science. Cultivate a passion for problem-solving and embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Seek internships or projects that provide hands-on experience, as practical knowledge is invaluable. Communication skills are equally important, so practice expressing complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. Stay curious, be adaptable, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges – they often lead to the most significant growth in your career. Finally, build a professional network and learn from mentors who can guide you on your journey.

For more information on our career opportunities, visit our careers page.