Strata

Last week, our main board of directors Gemma Smith, Mark Leaf & Marytyn Strong spent the day volunteering at our Charity of the Year, Roundabout Ltd. They were put to work sprucing up the outside space at the hostel with a fresh coat of paint! After their morning of painting, they visited the Prevention Centre, where we met Jonny, who shared the incredible work they’re doing to support young people and help prevent homelessness before it happens. Gemma Smith, CEO of Strata, said "It was a privilege to volunteer and make the outside space a brighter, more welcoming place to enjoy, and just in time for the weather to start picking up too! "And having the opportunity to meet Jonny and hear about the amazing work they're doing was an eye-opening and humbling experience, and we’re so excited to continue supporting them throughout the year." Huge thanks to Matthew Bloomer for organising the day!

Celebrating Women in Construction Grace Clarkson Strategic Land & Planning Manager Grace has worked in the housebuilding industry for almost six years now, after choosing a career in Town Planning as a Graduate Planner. “I find the role interesting because each site has its own challenges and I am involved in seeing transformation as the sites are developed. I kind of fell into Town Planning after researching the role whilst at university. My first experience was a graduate planner role and I loved it once I got stuck in, and have never looked back! “Certain parts of the industry (such as on-site/construction roles) are still male dominated. From personal experience, I haven’t had to face issues as a woman and there is a good balance of males/females in the team at Strata.”

Celebrating Women in Construction Katie Milnes Planning Manager, Pre-Development Team at Strata Strata is the first employer since graduating and Katie has progressed to her role as Planning Manager over the five and a half years working with us. She’s an asset to the Pre-Development team! “I have always had a passion for development, and undertook various work experience roles within the property/development industry. I knew I wanted to work for Strata the moment I walked through the doors at head office! "The whole team genuinely care about the communities we are creating. The team forever encourages and supports one another and positively drives for results. No matter how big the challenge, you know the team will collectively rise to it. We push for results, we work hard but also genuinely care about one another! We are encouraged to take care of ourselves and spend time with family/friends too – the importance of caring for yourself is an integral part of achieving success and Strata provides you with the space and time to do so!” When it comes to being a woman in construction, Katie believes that although there are still stereotypes in certain roles, the industry is an incredible place for women to thrive. “Women are incredibly strong and resilient and can put our minds to anything and change this stereotype. The industry is dynamic & fast paced, but because of this, like all the amazing women I work with, we thrive in this industry!”

Celebrating Women in Construction Claire Linley Planning Director, Pre-Development Team at Strata Claire previously worked as a Planning Consultant for 13 years before moving client side with Strata, and our Pre-Development team is proud to have her onboard! After always having an interest in geography and placemaking, planning felt like a natural career step for Claire. As a consultant she worked on all types of schemes, from quarries and landfill sites to schools and commercial buildings. But she realised quite quickly that residential schemes were her favourite type, which led her to us. “I absolutely love that my role means I work on a site from the very beginning, when we are looking at a piece of land and I stay involved until our final customers have moved in and beyond. As a planning consultant, I only saw a small part of the process, whereas now I get to see the communities we create at the end. I love show home opening day! “I’m glad to say I have seen a change over the 19 years I have worked in construction, and in particular working at Strata. We have such a balanced workforce, being a female doesn’t feel like a challenge at Strata. I know the industry as a whole still has a way to go but things are improving. I genuinely love my job, which not everyone can say, and for that I’m very grateful!”  

Celebrating Women in Construction Kate Shaw Commercial Director at Strata Kate has worked in the Construction Industry for 29 years, with a range of main contractors and now we’re lucky to have her as part of the Strata family! She didn’t choose construction, it chose her, after not knowing what she wanted to do and going for a Quantity Surveying degree. She’s never looked back! “My favourite part of working in the construction industry, and at Strata, is the variety of people you work with. Every day is interesting and challenging – never a dull moment! “It is still very much a male-dominated industry and there are still a minority that discriminate against women in construction. I think many young women may be put off joining the industry because of that. Those cases are few and far between, and I would hate for people to be put off entering into a career they will love because of that. “Construction isn’t always glamorous but can be very rewarding!”

Celebrating Women in Construction Gabrielle Hughes BSc (Hons) Assistant Project Manager at Elan in Nottingham Gabby has worked in housebuilding for 3 years, and loves the versatility and opportunity to learn it offers. She is a valued member of our Production department and brings such positive energy to site every day! “I chose the production element of the business particularly, due to the responsibilities and challenges I get to participate in. I feel Strata has given me the tools and support to develop as an individual within the construction industry. “I would say that there has never been a better time for women to take the leap and follow their passions to work in construction. Strata have encouraged progression and ensured that stereotypical barriers are a thing of the past. Strata also provide a positive work environment and strong values for females to excel in a predominantly male workplace.”

Happy Women in Construction Week! We're celebrating the fact that the Strata family is now made up of 40% females; from project managers and engineers to skilled tradeswomen and our CEO! It's crucial to continue supporting and empowering women in construction through mentorship, training, and advocacy. To all the women breaking barriers and building the future—this week is for you. Let’s keep pushing forward! 💪🏽🏗️ Tag a woman in construction that you admire in the comments and let's celebrate them together! #WomenInConstruction #BreakingBarriers #40PercentStrong

💗 Love is in the air at today's Fika! 🧁 Each quarter, we host 'Fika' - where all our team gather in the Family Kitchen at our Support Office or their site office to enjoy coffee, cake and a catch up. It's a great opportunity for different departments to chat, both about work and personal life, and for everyone to take a break away from screens and tools, and enjoy a treat!

Celebrating one year of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). BNG is revolutionising how we approach development, ensuring that new projects not only avoid harming biodiversity but actually enhance it. It requires developments to deliver at least an additional 10% net gain in biodiversity. What are the benefits? • More wildlife: BNG creates and improves habitats, boosting local biodiversity. • Healthier communities: Green spaces improve our wellbeing and make places more attractive. • A thriving environment: BNG contributes to larger nature recovery efforts. Strata are proud to be part of an industry that's embracing this change. We've been implementing BNG on projects like Desire in Leeds, where the local area supports the presence of the Great Crested Newt, and a number of newt ponds have been incorporated across the site to support this. #futurehomeshub #futurehomes #BNG #biodiversitynetgain #oneyearofBNG #sustainablecommunities #sustainablehomes Future Homes Hub

It's always great to be part of these kinds of events, inspiring the next generation of workforce to see the breadth of career paths available in our industry!