Why we’re starting a new FMB network for women in construction
When I first became Central Director at the FMB, one of my earliest meetings was with Kathryn Poppitt of Graline Construction Ltd. She spoke about the feeling of isolation that can come from being the woman holding things together in a small construction business.
I knew exactly what she meant. I’d been in her position – running the day-to-day, making big decisions, and juggling it all without a network of people who truly understood. I’d found support in wider business communities, but nothing that brought together the particular kind of women we so often see in FMB member companies.
Kathryn wasn’t alone in wanting that space. And now, as our Central Region President, she’s helping make it happen.
Women in construction are leading – especially in small businesses
We don’t record gender when companies join the FMB, but when I looked through our member database last year, around a third of names appeared to be women – far higher than the industry average (ONS data suggests women make up just 15% of the UK construction workforce).
In small firms especially, women are often at the heart of the business. Their job titles vary, but they’re frequently responsible for operations, client relationships, business development, finance – and sometimes all of that at once.
Across our 135 individual members who serve on Area Boards, only 12 are women. But:
- 3 of our 13 National Board members are women
- 3 of our 10 Area Presidents are women
- 1 of our Area Vice Presidents is a woman
From 2021 to 2024, we were led by our first woman National President. When women step forward here, they make a difference.
What this network isn’t
This isn’t about excluding anyone – it’s about recognising that many women in our member companies share similar experiences.
It’s also not just for women 'behind the scenes'. Many of our most active members are women on site or in leadership roles. But for every one of them, there’s another quietly doing an extraordinary job and wondering if the FMB is “for her.”
What it is
If you work in an FMB member company, you’re part of the FMB. And this is for you.
- A place for connection, not competition
- A space to share ideas, questions, and support without judgement
We’re still shaping the format, but the energy already feels brilliant.
How to join the FMB women’s network
We’ll start with online meetups so we can get to know each other and share support that works in real life. In time, we’d love to bring people together in person too.
If you’re reading this and thinking, 'this sounds like me' – or 'this sounds like someone I work with' – we’d love to hear from you.
This is open to all women working in FMB member companies, not just the person named on the membership. Please feel free to forward it to anyone else in your business who might be interested.
To join the list:
Email nicoladesousa@fmb.org.uk with 'Women’s Network' in the subject line
or call me or send me a WhatsApp on 07769 687239
Authors
Nicola De Sousa
Nicola has a wealth of first-hand knowledge of construction matters, having been at the helm of an FMB member company for nearly 20 years.
