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

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

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.

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Double victory for St Joseph's as young debaters shine

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St Joseph's College students demonstrated exceptional public speaking prowess, claiming victory in both intermediate and senior categories at a prestigious local debate competition.

Why it matters: The double win at the Ipswich East Rotary Club 'Youth Speaks' competition secures both teams places in the Norwich debating chamber finals next month, showcasing local talent on a regional stage.

The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant
The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevantSt Joseph's College

The details:

  • The college hosted the competition on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

  • The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society.

  • The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant.

What they're saying: "Working with these students and developing their oracy and public speaking skills through debating is such a joy!" said Dr Briege Rice, Stretch and Challenge Coordinator and History and Politics teacher at St Joseph's College.

"These skills are vital in every field, fostering confidence, clear communication and critical thinking. The standard of debating was very high, and we are very proud of this extraordinary achievement of our students," she added.

The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society
The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human societySt Joseph's College

The bottom line: The competition, supported by the Rotary Club, continues to foster key communication skills amongst young people through its Youth Speaks initiative, with St Joseph's teams now preparing to showcase their talents in February's finals.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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