International Women's Day 2026 - Our Stories

At BKHS, we want to take this opportunity to show our support for all our female staff, whose dedication, passion and talent is integral to the success of the business.

With this year’s theme being #GiveToGain, we asked some of the women in our team to share their stories - offering an insight into the industry, telling us how thseir career began, explaining what their current role entails, and offering advice to other women thinking about beginning a career in #construction.

Paige Marsden Holloway, Assistant Buyer

Can you give us an overview of your career and how you came to join BKHS?

My first job was on an Adventure Farm near where I grew up and that job included some really diverse roles that helped me develop a very wide range of skills and knowledge – after university, this led me to start at B&K Hybrid Solutions as an Accounts Assistant.

Tell us about your role - what do you do and what is your favourite thing about your job?

Now I work as an Assistant Buyer within the Procurement team and I’m always on the go answering queries, sourcing new materials from new suppliers and maintaining contracts and files. I am also about to undertake an Apprenticeship with the CIPS organisation (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) to work towards an accreditation and learn more about the industry as a whole.

My favourite thing is that no two days are the same in this department, which is important to me so I’m always being challenged or learning something new - working with fantastic people who have so much knowledge and experience to give.

What inspired you to join the construction industry?

Having always being interested in business and studying Business Management at University, I knew I wanted to join a well-established ever-growing industry that I could grow alongside. When you learn the ins and outs of a lot of processes through studying, it makes you want to experience it all firsthand and so for me this was the next logical step to putting my knowledge into practice.

What do you like the most about working in construction?

The variety of job roles available enable you to develop and grow your knowledge. With ever changing practices and standards that must be adhered to, there is always something new to learn.

As well as this, witnessing projects firsthand coming to life and knowing you are a part of it is a very fulfilling aspect of the job and one I will always enjoy experiencing - especially getting to see them in person.

What advice would you give to women wanting to work in the construction industry?

Being a woman should never make you second guess yourself in this industry as it is so supportive, especially at BKHS where we celebrate women in every step of the business from Trainees right up to Senior positions.

I don’t think we should be treated any differently than in any other industry – if you read a job description and meet all the criteria, then why not go for it?

Angie Alkins, Senior Health and Safety Coordinator

Can you give us an overview of your career and how you came to join BKHS?

I began my career in the rolling stock industry, where I worked for 17 years before I was made redundant. During that time, I gained valuable technical knowledge and transferable skills. With previous experience in a fabrication workshop, moving into construction felt like a natural next step for my career.

Tell us about your role - what do you do and what is your favourite thing about your job?

As a Health and Safety Coordinator, I manage day-to-day workplace safety, conducting risk assessments, performing inspections and delivering training to ensure legal compliance and reduce hazards. A key part of my job is to promote a positive culture where everyone understands their safety responsibilities and feels confident to raise concerns. I also record and investigate accidents and incidents, produce reports for management, and ensure adherence to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) legislation along with other relevant regulations.

What inspired you to join the construction industry?

Being able to see the development of a project is really rewarding. From designs to a finished physical structure, being part of the industry is inspiring and special.

What do you like the most about working in construction?

Engaging with people at all levels to foster a proactive, productive and safe working environment is my one of my favourite things about working at BKHS.

The work is active, challenging, and fast-paced which prevents monotony and keeps you physically engaged but there is also a strong sense of teamwork, especially at BKHS. With a variety of age ranges in the office, everyone supports one another whilst sharing decades of knowledge and working together to overcome challenges to deliver lasting results.

What advice would you give to women wanting to work in the construction industry?

To those wanting to work in the construction industry, take the step with confidence; your perspective and skills are valuable. The collaborative nature and social environment mean that no two days are the same which offers consistent opportunities to grow and develop your knowledge.

Bethan Roper, Marketing and Office Manager

Can you give us an overview of your career and how you came to join BKHS?

Having previously studied English Literature at Degree and Master’s level before moving into a Marketing role in the Events industry, I followed an untraditional pathway into construction before joining BKHS in 2021 as Marketing Manager.

Although I hadn’t previously worked in construction, I was drawn to BKHS by the unique nature of the work they do and the potential to write creatively about their portfolio of projects. Now I lead the Marketing Team, helping to develop a cohesive brand identity while showcasing the amazing work the team are doing every day.

Tell us about your role - what do you do and what is your favourite thing about your job?

As Marketing Manager, I oversee the brand strategy, digital marketing, content creation, social media channels, and internal communications for the business. I work closely with our internal teams and our project partners to ensure we’re sharing what we’re doing effectively, both online and in print.

My favourite part of the job is getting to follow projects from launch to completion, developing content as they progress on site, and then pulling together the award submissions and case studies at the end. Every element - from design, manufacture and build - is crucial to the final result, and I love finding new and interesting ways to showcase the hard work of the people behind them.

What inspired you to join the construction industry?

I was drawn to construction marketing because I get to tell stories, rather than sell products. There’s something really rewarding about seeing a project move from concept to completion and knowing you’ve played a part in communicating that journey.

Construction is also evolving rapidly – particularly with MMC, hybrid construction and structural timber – and being part of that change is exciting.

What do you like the most about working in construction?

The people. Construction brings together such a diverse mix of skills and personalities – from project teams, designers and draughtsmen to the site guys and shop floor staff. There’s a strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose – and plenty of room for a good laugh!

I also appreciate the pace and variety. No two projects are the same, and there’s always plenty going on to write about so there’s always something new to learn.

What advice would you give to women wanting to work in the construction industry?

Don’t be put off entering construction just because you don’t fit the traditional mould. It’s not just project managers and bricklayers anymore, there are so many roles that people wouldn’t automatically associate with construction, all of which require different skill sets. There really is a place for a wide range of talents.

It’s also a genuinely great industry to work in, people are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming it is. Teams tend to be close-knit, there’s a lot of camaraderie, and plenty of good banter too. You build strong relationships because you’re all working towards the same goal – there are also more and more women in construction now, who are happy to share their experiences and support others coming through.

Sabeen Mumtaz, Senior Estimator

Can you give us an overview of your career and how you came to join BKHS?

I have been in the construction industry for over 20 years. I joined B&K Hybrid Solutions in September 2015 and have been part of the team ever since.

Over the years I’ve built up extensive experience in steel and hybrid structures, developing experience in estimating and project costing.

Being part of a company that values teamwork, quality and innovation has made my time here both rewarding and fulfilling.

Tell us about your role - what do you do and what is your favourite thing about your job?

My role as a Senior Estimator involves analysing project drawings and specifications, preparing accurate estimates and working closely with colleagues, suppliers and clients to ensure projects are priced competitively and delivered in line with estimated costings.

I enjoy the challenge that each project brings – no two jobs are the same. What I like best about my role is seeing a project go from the estimating stage through to completion and knowing I played a part in making it happen.

What inspired you to join the construction industry?

I was drawn to construction because it’s a fast paced and dynamic industry where there is always something new to learn. I enjoy the technical side of the work and the problem solving involved, and I like the idea of being part of projects that contribute to real structures and developments.

What do you like the most about working in construction?

Seeing a project develop from an idea on paper to a finished structure is what I like most - it is very rewarding to know the work you contribute to becomes something tangible and lasting.

Along with this, I also enjoy the variety in the industry – every project is different and there is always something new to learn.

What advice would you give to women wanting to work in the construction industry?

My advice would be to believe in your abilities and not be afraid to step into an industry which may seem traditionally male-dominated. Construction offers a range of opportunities and career paths which are both rewarding and stable to build a long-term career in. Be confident, ask questions, keep learning and don’t hesitate to take on new challenges – there is definitely a place for women to succeed and make a real impact in the field.

At B&K Hybrid Solutions, we’re committed to continual progress in workplace diversity. We’re pleased that 25% of our office-based team are women – a figure that stands well above the UK construction industry average of 16%. 

We believe a diverse workforce drives stronger collaboration, fresh ideas and more effective problem-solving. Ensuring our business is reflective of wider society not only enriches our company culture, but strengthens our ability to deliver innovative solutions for our clients. 

While there is work to be done across the UK construction industry, BKHS are excited to continue building on this progress, to shape a balanced and representative future for the industry.

This #IWD, we are proud to celebrate the women whose devotion, enthusiasm and expertise are vital to the continued success of our business.