With one of the stated aims of the recently-launched Building Materials Careers campaign being to attract a broader range of skills, talent and experience into the sector, in recognition of International Women’s Day this year, the merchant industry is sharing the stories of some of the many women who are “redefining success, breaking gender barriers and leading the way for future generations in a traditionally male-dominated field.”
New Milton Sand and Ballast (NMSB), for example, is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day by highlighting the remarkable career of Karen Dickie (main image, right), its valued New Milton Builders Merchant Manager. The independent merchant states that Karen’s journey, spanning over 30 years, “offers a compelling look at the evolving role of women in the traditionally male-dominated construction supply industry.”
Starting in 1984, Karen has witnessed significant changes, overcoming challenges such as sexism and proving her competence through dedication and hard work. Her passion for customer service and continuous learning has been a driving force throughout her career, as she explains: “I fell into it by accident and I’m still here 30 years later, genuinely because I love what I do.
“When I first came into the industry, one of the biggest challenges was sexism, but it was down to proving yourself and showing you are capable.”
As one of the largest employers in New Milton, NMSB says it is committed to fostering an inclusive environment. With women comprising over 17% of its workforce (reportedly 2% higher than the industry standard), the company has implemented flexible working arrangements, championed women in leadership, improved welfare facilities, introduced leadership training, and is amplifying the visibility of women in the industry.
HR Director Gemma Lund said: “NMSB is a firm believer in investing in local talent. The recent addition of three female trainees demonstrates our commitment to diversifying the industry and providing opportunities for fulfilling careers.”
“When I first came into the industry, one of the biggest challenges was sexism, but it was down to proving yourself and showing you are capable.”
Jewson, meanwhile, is spotlighting the incredible journeys of several trailblazing women in the organisation who have “defied stereotypes, pivoted their careers, shattered glass ceilings and are now laying the groundwork for the next generation of women to follow in their footsteps.”
When Lynsey Llewellyn joined the national merchant, she’d be “dismissed by customers asking to speak to a male colleague before they realised she was in charge of the hire department.” Now, she’s been appointed as the Transport Manager for national merchant’s first ever Transport Hub, based in Edinburgh and overseeing a fleet of vehicles making deliveries across the region.
Lynsey, who in her spare time is the Head Coach of Scotland’s only women’s American football team, said: “Working in merchanting has been an exciting journey, full of opportunities to challenge myself and grow. Working at Jewson, I’ve never seen my gender as a barrier — I’m part of a great team where we push each other to achieve the best for our customers and business.
“The greater the challenge, the greater the reward!”
Domi Scrivener (main image, left), meanwhile, moved to the UK from Slovakia in 2003 and took a job as a cleaner, subsequently joining Jewson in a junior role. She has since climbed her way up the business to become the Branch Manager at the firm’s Farnborough depot — one of its brand new ‘Branches of the Future’.
She’s enjoyed some incredible moments in her career, including filming with Nick Knowles for a BBC show, and winning Branch Manager of the Year at a 2023 construction awards ceremony.
Domi commented: “When I first started in the industry, customers would be surprised to see a woman in a sales role. Then they’d start speaking with me and realise how much I knew about our products and services. From that point on, I’d be respected and treated like any other employee, which goes to show that in this field, knowledge and an understanding of what your customer needs is your most powerful asset.
“I’ve always believed that if you work hard, you will be recognised and rewarded, regardless of your identity, and I’d say this to any woman considering a role in this industry.”
“(Once customers) realise how much I knew about our products and services, from that point on, I’d be respected and treated like any other employee which goes to show that in this field, knowledge and an understanding of what your customer needs is your most powerful asset.”
Lastly, Chloe Bright joined Jewson in 2021 in a sales role, having previously worked in the retail industry. She demonstrated such tenacity, passion and a desire to upskill herself that she was enrolled on an Emerging Leaders programme, designed to champion young people at the beginning of their career journey, and equip them with the skills required to be a competent leader.
In 2023, Chloe was named the Builders Merchants Journal National Rising Star of the Year, and she can even be found on LinkedIn baking Jewson themed cakes, donning Jewson nail art, and wearing her very own Jewson themed clothing, including pyjamas and earrings!
Now Supply Chain Planner at Jewson Chichester, Chloe commented: “International Women’s Day is important to me and everyone else at Jewson because it is an opportunity — as women, as a business and as an industry — to celebrate the great strides we have made towards gender equality in construction; a previously very masculine field.
“While there was once a time when women weren’t considered for roles in this field, we now have so many exciting opportunities available to us and we are thriving in them! Jewson and STARK UK have long embodied these values, and I celebrate each year as an empowered woman in this business and merchanting as a whole.”
