STARK Building Materials UK has announced its Communications Director, Helene Bradley, has been appointed as a Fellow of the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence (CSCE), recognising her leadership and expertise in the field.
She becomes only the third Fellow of the CSCE in the UK, and the first from the builders’ merchant and wider building and construction industry.
Helene is a valued member of the UK Executive with STARK Building Materials UK (STARK UK), which earlier this year celebrated its first 12 months of operating in the UK. The business is part of STARK Group, one of Europe’s leading builders’ merchant and distribution platforms.
Speaking of the fellowship, Helene, who joined STARK Building Materials UK in September 2023, said: “My life’s work has always been about helping people and organisations to succeed and shine. To be recognised in this way is incredibly humbling. Strategic communications is a profession that has emerged and evolved over the past 30 years, and my career has grown throughout that journey.
“Today, leaders who specialise in business communication have a seat at the C-suite table and organisations are now also starting to see the benefit of our experience and perspective being represented at Board level too. I am proud to play my part in shaping the profession, one which makes a material positive difference to the colleagues, companies and communities we serve. Working with STARK UK and my many fabulous colleagues is a unique and important opportunity to support our customers who are at the heart of building – and making local communities.”
John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK, added: “This acclaimed honour highlights the strategic leadership that Helene is implementing to shape our company’s future. Helene’s expertise in transforming culture, improving performance, and enhancing our reputation is a tremendous asset to STARK UK, while her commitment to empowering our teams, with a special focus on advancing women in construction, is driving positive change within the company – and the communities we serve.
“This recognition reinforces STARK UK’s dedication to excellence in everything we do and our mission to lead in the industry.”
Helene has held senior positions in multinational corporations, government bodies and non-profit organisations, with roles at organisations including the BBC, Unilever, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, Anglo American and Brakes Group. She has worked around the world including Canada, South Africa, Singapore and Europe, leading significant communication initiatives at a global level, and has also contributed significantly to the profession through multiple volunteering experiences.
During her role with Unilever, Helene took the lead in developing the first-ever Corporate Accreditation Program in partnership with the International Association of Business Communicators. Implemented across APAC and Africa, the programme dramatically improved the quality of corporate communication capabilities, which saw a 16% increase in the strategic value of the communication function. Helene was recognised for her work by the IABC with a Rae Hamlin award in 2012, which acknowledges exemplary service in communications.
She also led the charge for the Unilever UK business in helping families tackle food waste and save money at a time when disposable incomes were under pressure as result of the Global Financial Crisis, and during her role with Brakes Group, Helene was instrumental in setting up and establishing Meals & More, a charity dedicated to helping tackle child food poverty.
In a statement about the appointment, the CSCE declared: “Helene’s over 30-year career spans numerous roles and organisations, showcasing her versatility and dedication. With extensive experience in various B2B and B2C sectors, she has consistently delivered exceptional results, delivering a positive lasting impact through her work and the approaches she adopts. Helene’s ability to adapt and excel in different environments is a testament to her expertise and commitment to the profession.”
Sia Papageorgiou, Managing Director at the CSCE, added: “Helene’s remarkable career, spanning over three decades and multiple continents, showcases her expertise and unwavering dedication to the communication profession. Her leadership in developing the award-winning Corporate Accreditation Program with Unilever has advanced the profession and set new standards for excellence. Helene’s contributions go beyond her professional achievements; her commitment to mentoring and guiding aspiring communication professionals underscores her profound impact on our community.
“Recognising Helene as a Fellow honours her exceptional accomplishments and her enduring influence on the global communication landscape.”
