In this new series, we discover the pioneering women across the construction and property industry who are true experts in their field, and who help to shape a gender equal future for others.

The studio recently sat down with Megan Hamlyn, a Marketing Manager for a leading UK housebuilder. Megan has built a successful career and reputation in the construction marketing world, advocating for key issues such as sustainable development and diversity & inclusion, becoming an inspiring figure both in her business and within the local community.

Megan’s Story

What did you do before you worked in Construction?

I actually worked in leisure, I was the Contract Marketing Manager. I looked after the marketing for multiple leisure facilities, very different product/service but actually being still a B2C industry the journeys for a consumer were similar. Sport has always been quite important to me and actually I would say gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of team work.

What do you like most about working in the industry?

I like the fact that no day is the same, its challenging but exciting.

Taking a customer on a journey to their new home, its such a large investment in anyone’s life and being apart of their journey is just fantastic.

What challenges do you think women face in the industry today?

I think as an industry we have overcome a lot of hurdles in breaking down the stigma that is ‘Construction is a mans world’ there are still steps to be made, I believe a huge part of this is awareness and understanding on the industry itself and what companies have put in place to encourage more women into construction.

How do you feel these challenges are being overcome?

Hearing from women in the industry, we have such inspirational women in all different areas of the business on how they have overcome hurdles, been in the position that those thinking of joining the industry have been in and mentoring/supporting those through their journey.

We campaign in local schools/colleges/outreach programmes speaking about the roles within construction, offering taster sessions/work experience to get a deeper understanding on what day is like in the industry.

Educating individuals already working in construction on viewing scenarios from alternate perspectives, the importance of inclusive language and how effectively we can deliver as a team using everyone’s strengths to succeed regardless of gender.