The Go Construct charity reports that women make up around 14% of construction industry professionals, with this figure set to rise as misconceptions around gender specific roles diminish. With this in mind, and considering the recent International Women’s Day, Parker Building Supplies shines the light on Mary McKeon, a Branch Manager making an impact.
Mary joined Parker Building Supplies in 2016 and has risen through the ranks at pace to become a Branch Manager, joining a growing number of women taking top positions in what has been a traditionally male dominated industry.
Mary said: “Parker Building Supplies has given me an opportunity to lead a fantastic team in Bexhill. I prioritise my staff and customers to ensure they have a great experience working for me and with me. The branch remained open for trading throughout the national lockdown to ensure we could support emergency deliveries and essentials. Although this came with its challenges, it has also given us a great sense of achievement and brought us closer together as a team.”
The branch, based in Bexhill’s Beeching Road Industrial Estate, achieved record sales figures in 2020 under Mary’s management, and has plans to expand the range of products available to customers.
Parker Building Supplies Regional Director, Steve Wakeman, said: “Mary’s branch performance results, in her first year in a management role, are outstanding. Mary adapts well to change and has shown a passion for coaching colleagues, developing her team by empowering them to deliver results. She absolutely normalises merchanting as a career for women because she does everything so well and so naturally.”
Mary said: “It is great to see more women choosing to join this industry. There are so many different career paths available – it’s definitely not just a job for the boys!”
