Mayor meets women in construction

A North East housing development is showcasing women’s growing role in construction.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness visited Bellway’s Centurion Chase site in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, where 215 new homes are being built. 

The mayor met women working across Bellway’s North East and Durham divisions, including trainee assistant site managers Sophie Curtis and Natalie Hammond. 

Sophie, Bellway’s apprentice of the year in 2024, began as a bricklaying apprentice in 2021, while Natalie joined from the hospitality sector through the Home Builders Federation Women into Home Building programme. 

Bellway’s first female assistant site manager, Terri McGuire, who transitioned from customer service, also attended.

Mayor McGuinness said: “It’s been brilliant to see women making their careers in construction. 

“There are still more men than women working in the industry but seeing women making the choice to work in frontline construction roles, managing sites, taking on apprenticeships and learning construction skills is fantastic. 

“These women are leading the way.

“I was impressed to see that at Bellway women now account for more than 30 per cent of the workforce and this is growing.”

Mayor McGuinness added: “We have steep housing targets for the North East and nationally, and they must be met in the next few years. 

“This is vital because there are so many people in need of good quality homes.

“But to deliver that we need a skilled and sizeable workforce within the construction industry, so an inclusive approach is important.

“A thriving construction industry is essential to this region. 

“It will help to set up the North East for a successful future.”

The visit highlighted Bellway’s commitment to diversity in the construction workforce and the company’s efforts to train and support women entering the homebuilding industry.

Bellway North East sales director Emma Chesterton added: “We have highly skilled and motivated women working for us throughout the business including on our construction sites.

“Our involvement with the Women into Home Building programme has allowed us to nurture talent and provide opportunities that benefit women and benefit our business.

“It’s all part of creating a resilient and thriving industry. 

“The benefits are far reaching, not just in terms of housing delivery but also in economic growth and job creation.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Kim to Centurion Chase, and I would like to thank her for the keen interest she has shown regarding the homebuilding industry and its impact on the region.”

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