Last night (26 May), Laing O’Rourke Sector Specialist for Residential, Education, Science and Research Clare Emery was presented with the ‘Best Woman in Business Development’ trophy at the European Women in Construction and Engineering (WICE) Awards.

Celebrating its eighth year, the WICE awards help attract more women into in the construction industry by recognising and highlighting the achievements of those already making a difference. According to WICE statistics women represent only 11% of the construction workforce in the UK with only two per cent work in manual jobs. Each award winner is held up as a role model to other women considering a career in construction and engineering.

One of eight finalists in her category, Clare was proud to pick up the trophy and said:

“This award is a highlight of a career which already spans four decades. I am grateful to all the wonderful people that I have had the pleasure of working with along the way – they really have made me the person that I am today. The future of our industry is bright, and I am excited and inspired to continue to play a part in its ongoing transformation, helping to shape sustainable and rewarding future careers for a more diverse employment pool.

“I have witnessed an increased number of women joining our industry, influencing and shaping it’s future and have seen the development in the level of technological advancement. It gave additional impetus to my desire and passion for supporting and influencing the ongoing transformation of the construction industry.”

Congratulations are also warranted for the other finalists who are pictured above. Left to right Claire Watters, finalist in the ‘Geotechnical’ category, Alex Walker in the 'Contractor' category, Elise El-Chalouhi finalist in the ‘Structural Engineer’ category, with Ausra Vadapolaite in the 'Contractor' category standing next to Laing O’Rourke winner, Clare Emery at the end of the line up, proudly holding her trophy.

You can hear more from Clare on her podcast where she discusses Laing O’Rourke’s experience in the education, science and research sectors.