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More than 200 women gather at Portman Road to tackle construction industry gender gap

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A Christmas networking lunch has brought together more than 200 women from East Anglia's construction sector to help address the industry's gender imbalance.

Why it matters: The construction industry has historically struggled to attract women into the sector. Events like this aim to change that by creating visible role models and clear pathways into the industry.

The big picture: The Women in Construction Anglia event at Ipswich Town Football Club on 10 December connected current professionals with the next generation of female construction workers. It bought together:

  • Students from West Suffolk College and Suffolk New College

  • Industry professionals from across East Anglia

  • Seven major construction firms as sponsors

  • Expert speakers including Siu Mun Li, CITB's Most Influential Woman in Construction 2023 and Director at Temporary Works Forum

Women in Construction Anglia Community at Portman Road
Women in Construction Anglia Community at Portman RoadConstruction Anglia

What they're saying: "We can't get more women into the industry if they don't know the opportunities that exist," said Clare Friel, Managing Director of marketing agency Friel and founder of Construction Anglia.

Averil Young, lecturer at West Suffolk College, highlighted the event's impact: "Meeting powerful role models—women excelling in roles across the industry, from hands-on trades to senior leadership—has an immeasurable impact, showing my students what's possible."

Between the lines: The initiative is gaining support from major regional construction firms, with DPL Group, LDD Construction, KLH Architects, Howard Construction, Breheny, TRU7 Group and Hudson Group all sponsoring the event.

What's next: The organisation plans to continue hosting events throughout the year, following the success of their first gathering in October.

The bottom line: By bringing together students, educators and industry professionals, Women in Construction Anglia is working to create a more diverse and inclusive construction sector in East Anglia.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail

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Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.

Why it matters: The Sip'Swich trails, organised by Ipswich Central  in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council, aim to showcase the town's brilliant selection of pubs and bars to a wider audience, helping people discover new venues they've never visited before.

The big picture: Littler, who moved to Ipswich six months ago, was awarded a limited edition Sip'Swich reusable cup and received a surprise £50 voucher from men's retailer James St. Peter's for being the first to complete both trails.

Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucher
Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucherIpswich Central

What they're saying: "Having moved to Ipswich six months ago and loving a drink with friends, when I saw the trails being promoted in the local paper newsfeed it was right up my street as something to do!" Littler said.

By the numbers: The ambitious pub-goer visited 13 venues on Saturday 8 March before returning to complete the final two a couple of days later. He collected his prize less than a week after the trails launched.

The details: As a computer scientist with brewing in his blood, Littler scored each location on a 1-10 scale rating for enjoyment of the drink, price and atmosphere.

"The Arbor House and Crafty Fox were two venues that I was really impressed with for their friendly and knowledgeable staff plus recommendations they made. The Arbor House was an unexpected gem that I'd go back to, and, the Crafty Fox had a really lovely vibe about it," he said.

To make the challenge more interesting, Littler had a different type of drink in every venue, including wine at Boom Battle Bar, a cocktail at Cosy Club and a spirit at The Black Horse Inn.

Adam Littler sitting in a cafe
Adam Littler was the first to complete the Sip'Swich trailAdam Littler

What's next: Littler plans to do the trail again with another group of friends so his girlfriend can also win a reusable cup. Meanwhile, the trails will run until the end of April or when all prizes have been claimed.

Lee Walker  from Ipswich Central said:

Ipswich is so lucky to have an incredible range of pubs and bars each with their own character and ambience. We devised Sip'Swich as a way of showcasing those places to a wider audience.

The bottom line: Further special prizes will be awarded over the coming weeks, including a voucher for a brewery tour donated by the Briarbank Brewery. Details and trail cards can be downloaded from www.allaboutIpswich.com/sipswich or collected from any of the 15 participating venues.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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