29 September 2023
Julie White, Managing Director of D-Drill & Sawing and chair of Build UK
I was delighted to be sworn in as the new chair of Build UK earlier this week – it’s been an ambition of mine to take on the role since the organisation was established in 2015.
I’ve been on the board since then and I am thrilled to be entrusted with this role and take over from Paul Cossell, from ISG Ltd, who has helped to steer Build UK and the industry through a very uncertain period for the sector.
It’s great to have such a wonderful board behind me as well as the executive team at Build UK, including chief executive Suzannah Nichol MBE, who is an incredible role model.
I really love the ethos of Build UK. There are very few trade associations like it because of who it manages to bring to the table.
Its membership consists of businesses across the whole construction supply chain – including clients, main contractors, specialist contractors, other trade associations (representing more than 11,500 businesses) and professional services. In total, it’s around 40 per cent of UK construction that is represented.
It allows for very open and transparent conversations to take place and for all parties in the supply chain to understand one another and see things from each other’s perspective.
That leads to positive changes within the industry and it allows us to truly speak with one voice.
It also offers information and support to members and is committed to driving forward the delivery of construction projects for the benefit of the industry, its clients and the economy.
I have, for many years, spoken up for construction – not just in raising issues but also in ensuring that the great benefits we bring to society and to the economy are understood. As an industry, I really want us to talk ourselves up and to get the message out there that we deliver huge social and economic value with every single job we deliver.
The industry employs 2.3 million people directly, about seven per cent of the whole UK workforce, which highlights its huge importance and that is why I am so keen to make sure we continue to improve and, also, to get the industry the recognition it deserves.
I’m a big advocate for apprenticeships and bringing through the next generation of skilled professionals in the industry, no matter their background or gender and that’s something that is important for me to continue to talk about and address.
Anyone who knows me, knows I am passionate about what we do and knows that I am full of energy when it comes to giving construction the profile it deserves and I am looking forward to using the two years I have as Build UK chair to drill (sorry couldn’t resist the pun!) that message home.
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