Company News: Celebrating Women in Construction Week 2024

In honour of Women in Construction Week 2024, we bring you interviews from our team of females working here at DPL Group. 

Meet Ellie Bloomfield, Accounts Assistant here at DPL Group. 

Q – Can you start by introducing yourself and tell us your job role within DPL Group Ltd:

A – I’m Ellie Bloomfield, Accounts Assistant at DPL Group since November 2023

Q – What specific responsibilities and tasks do you manage as an accounts assistant in the construction sector, and how do these contribute to the overall success of the company?

A – Adding purchase invoices to the system, carrying out weekly payment runs to suppliers and subcontractors, and liaising with other members of the company to ensure all invoices and payment applications are processed and suppliers paid in a timely manner. This ensures that service to sites and office runs smoothly. 

Q – What advice would you give to other women aspiring to enter or advance their careers in the construction field? 

A – Ask questions, no question can ever be stupid (only the ones you don’t ask). Be confident, and don’t be afraid to go against the stereotypes of the industry.

Q – What is a perk about working in the construction industry that people might not know about?

A – Most sites have a complete shut-down over the Christmas period, meaning time to relax with the family. Close working teams, whether in the office or out on site everyone is working closely together to get the job done to a high standard.

Introducing Hannah Smith, she’s a member of the Facilities and Maintenance team here at DPL Group.

Q – What is your current role within DPL Group? 

A – Facilities and Maintenance Office Administrator

Q – How did you end up with a role in the construction industry? 

A – I worked in the hospital for 4 and a half years and got the opportunity to become an Administrator for a building surveying company. When working there, I received a promotion to Trainee Building Surveyor, unfortunately this was not suitable for my home life, so I applied to work at DPL as an administrative assistant and been here ever since.

Q – Can you share a specific learning experience, accomplishment / project you are proud of?

A – I have a couple of accomplishments I am proud of, but the main one would be building my knowledge in the construction industry and being able to progress within the industry.

Q – What advice would you give other females who may be thinking about joining the construction industry? 

A – You can achieve whatever you put your mind to, the construction industry gives you a wide knowledge of what goes on and there is always room for progression.

Meet one of DPL Groups CEO’s, Frances Dinsdale.

She has been a part of DPL Group and its development since the beginning of the company’s journey in 2001. We invited Fran to give us an insight into the life of a female CEO in the construction industry. 

Q – How long have you been a CEO in the construction industry?

A – I started as a Company Director when we set the company up 23 years ago, recently my role has changed to CEO. 

Q – As a female CEO in the construction industry, what unique perspectives or leadership qualities do you believe you bring to the role, and how have these contributed to the success of the company?

A – I like to think I look at the whole, what is best for the company, the employees and our clients. If this is all aligned, everyone is a winner. 

Q – In your experience, are there any misconceptions about women’s roles in the construction industry, and how do you work to challenge or change those perceptions?

A – There is not enough women in construction and this historically relates to the industry being male dominant. However, we are always encouraging women to consider engineering as a profession, we have some excellent female employees across various departments, who are an asset to the construction industry. 

Q – As a leader, how do you foster a positive company culture that encourages collaboration, professional development, and employee satisfaction within the construction industry?

A – I have always believed that if someone has potential and wants to learn and develop their career, we should give them every opportunity to reach their goals to be the best they can. Sometimes this can be a long journey but, by taking one step at a time anything is achievable. 

Q – Can you name one thing, a project, accomplishment, or milestone in your career that you are particularly proud of?

A – The fact we have grown our company to over 150 staff, who are dedicated and committed to being part of the best M&E contracting company around.