Hear from Our Headline Sponsor, NHBC

1. Can you tell us why NHBC decided to become the headline sponsor of the Women Leaders Awards again this year?

NHBC is proud to once again be the headline sponsor of the Women Leaders Awards. This partnership reflects our deep commitment to championing female leadership, promoting equity, and supporting diversity in all its forms. We welcome the opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of women across Milton Keynes and beyond, and we’re honoured to play a part in helping to raise aspirations and break down barriers for future generations.

2. The theme of this year’s awards is ‘Smashing Stereotypes.’ How does this theme resonate with NHBC’s mission and values?

‘Smashing Stereotypes’ is a theme that strongly aligns with our values at NHBC. The construction and insurance industries have historically been seen as traditional and male dominated. We actively work to change that perception, supporting initiatives that encourage greater participation from underrepresented groups including women through training, apprenticeships and leadership development.

By supporting initiatives like the Women Leaders Awards we’re able to showcase the achievements of women. In addition, through our corporate initiatives and Women’s Network we’re dedicated to creating opportunities for women through mentorship, training, and networking platforms that support career progression.

Our Women’s Network has also hosted engaging construction events, including bricklaying and shed-building competitions, which are shared on social media to spark interest in the industry and demonstrate that women can excel in any field they pursue. By providing visibility to these achievements, we challenge misconceptions and aim to inspire more women to explore careers in the industry

3. What impact do you hope your sponsorship will have on encouraging more women to consider leadership roles, both in and beyond construction?

We hope our sponsorship sends a clear message: leadership is for everyone, and women belong at every level of every industry. As an insurance company that has clear and close links to construction, we see two very different industries that are both often considered to be male dominated. Our collaboration with Women Leaders is an excellent opportunity to showcase and celebrate female leadership across a wide variety of roles, hopefully inspiring others wherever they are in their career journeys. By highlighting the success stories of female leaders, we want to provide role models for future generations and reinforce the message that construction is evolving.

4. The construction industry has long been seen as a male-dominated sector. How is NHBC working to change this narrative?

Changing a deeply rooted perception doesn’t happen overnight, but one of the most effective ways is through representation. By giving a platform to women thriving in construction roles and leadership positions, we demonstrate that these careers are open and accessible to all.

At NHBC, we’re committed to showcasing the wide variety of opportunities available in construction and celebrating the women who are leading the way. Visibility is a powerful tool in challenging outdated norms and creating a more inclusive industry.

5. Can you share any initiatives NHBC has in place to support, develop, and empower women in the construction industry?

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) strategy is focused on providing a shared direction and a clear commitment to respecting our diverse workforce. We strive to build an inclusive environment and continue to highlight the rewarding career opportunities available to all.

We also aim to attract more women into our industry, ensuring they have fair access to development opportunities and leadership roles. For example, we run a variety of development programmes, two of which are specifically designed for women.

For emerging talent, we offer a programme called Springboard, which seeks to unlock the potential of women in the early stages of their careers. For mid-level women, we provide a career mentoring programme. Both are positive actions we take to help accelerate our talented women into our leadership pipeline.

6. What do you think are the biggest barriers preventing more women from entering industries which are typically perceived to be male dominated?

One of the biggest barriers is the lack of visible role models. It’s hard to imagine yourself in a role when you don’t see anyone who looks like you doing it. This absence can create a perception that certain careers aren’t meant for women.

Stereotypes, societal expectations, and unconscious biases also play a significant role—often from a young age. Encouragement from teachers, families, and mentors is crucial in helping girls and women see the full range of career paths available to them, especially in STEM fields. Even once in the workforce, women can face barriers to progression—such as being overlooked for promotions or lacking sponsorship. That’s why mentorship and allyship are so important. I’ve personally benefited from people who challenged, believed in, and supported me throughout my career, and I know how vital that support is.

This is one of the many reasons NHBC has remained so closely aligned with Women Leaders over the years. As a charity they offer so much more than the awards alone—but a platform for visibility, support, and inspiration through mentoring, allyship, and wider initiatives such as MK Innovates, a brilliant STEM festival that encourages young people to explore new possibilities.

The good news is that as more women enter industries like construction and insurance, we’re creating a growing community of visible leaders to inspire the next generation.

7. How is NHBC working to attract more women into construction, particularly younger generations or those considering career changes?

At a time when there is a growing skills gap in house building it is more important than ever that anyone, no matter their age, gender or background, can build a rewarding career in construction if they want to.

That is why I am particularly proud of NHBC’s planned £100 million investment in our dedicated multi-skill training hubs to equip the next generation of tradespeople with the necessary skills to build high-quality new homes.

8. Are there any success stories of women within NHBC or the wider construction industry that highlight the opportunities available to female professionals?

Absolutely. Two shining examples are Yvonne Patsanza and Michelle Lewis, both of whom were winners at the 2024 Women Leaders Awards. Yvonne, now a Claims Investigator and previously a Senior Building Inspector, and Michelle, our Head of Operational Risk, have both excelled in technical and leadership roles that are often underrepresented by women.

Their achievements are a testament to what’s possible with the right support, opportunity, and determination—and they’re excellent role models for anyone considering a career in construction or related sectors.

9. What message would you like to share with the readers of All Things Business about the importance of diversity in construction and NHBC’s role in driving change?

As we celebrate a decade of supporting the Women Leaders Awards, our message is simple: diversity makes us stronger. At NHBC, we’re committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to succeed.

For us it is a commitment to create a work environment that is safe and enjoyable for all, where everyone feels able to contribute and achieve their full potential. We value diversity, equity and inclusion, the range of perspectives it offers and how it supports the growth of our organisation, enabling us to make positive changes and better serve our customers, consumers and colleagues.