Women in Construction in Suffolk takes message of inclusivity to Parliament
The Suffolk-based group brought together politicians and business leaders to highlight skills shortages in the sector.
Last updated 22nd Jan 2026
A Suffolk-based organisation working to make the construction industry more inclusive has taken its message to the heart of Westminster.
Women in Construction Anglia (WICA) hosted an event at the House of Commons to highlight the need for more women to be supported into construction roles, and to showcase projects already helping to break down barriers.
The event, called Building Better Futures, was held at the Thames Pavilion and brought together MPs, ministers and business leaders from across the East of England. It was organised in partnership with Constructed Pathways, which supports female prisoners into construction training, alongside Eastern Education Group and Vantage Construction Group.
"There are a lot of women who don’t necessarily have that support network"
WICA was founded by Clare Friel, who previously worked in construction recruitment and business development before setting up her own networking and support work in 2018.
She explained how the idea began:
“I worked on the periphery of the construction industry for quite a few years… I started out in construction recruitment and then moved into business development, which is basically connecting people.”
After losing her job, she began working for herself and realised many women did not have the support networks she had built.
“Because it’s so siloed in the industry, there are a lot of women who don’t necessarily have that support network,” she said.
"Providing role models and visability"
She added that Women in Construction Anglia began almost by accident, after organising an event at West Suffolk College.
“I wanted the women from industry to meet the students and provide them with physical role models. And it just grew from there.”
She said visibility is key:
“There are so many layers of change that need to be made, from a parent’s perspective, from an education perspective, from visibility online of what’s possible.”
Women in Construction Anglia is now in the process of registering as a not-for-profit.
“This is something that we’re doing for the industry, not for commercial purposes,” Clare said.
She also stressed that construction offers more than just on-site work.
“When I talk about construction, I’m not just talking about on site, I’m talking the office… there’s so many roles within the industry that there is a space for everyone.”
The group has also launched an online platform where people can create profiles, connect with others, find mentors and share experiences.
“It’s an online platform where you can register… you can then connect with people in the industry, you can find a mentor… so that everyone can be part of the change,” she said.
House of Commons
Speaking at the House of Commons event, Clare Friel said:
“The construction sector is a key driver of the UK economy but faces huge challenges growing the skilled workforce it needs.
“Although there has been some progress over the years, women are still hugely under-represented across the sector.
“There’s a wealth of female talent and potential just waiting to be tapped into, and events like this that bring industry leaders and those in power together are crucial to moving the industry forward.”
Among those attending were Justice Minister Jake Richards, Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee Florence Eshalomi, and MPs Tan Dhesi, Amanda Hack, Jim Dickson, Rachel Hopkins and Jack Abbott.
Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, said:
“In a short period of time, Clare and her team have created a supportive, inclusive space that really does make a difference, attracting women into the industry across the East of England and helping build a network where women can thrive.
“The UK construction sector employs more than 2.2 million people, but women still make up only around 15% of the overall workforce. We have seen progress, but it’s still far too low for a sector that needs all hands on deck.”
Justice Minister Jake Richards said:
“It’s inspiring to come to events like this where you have organisations from across the country doing incredible work changing people’s lives every day, giving them opportunities they wouldn’t have had a decade or two ago.”
The event also saw Renee Preston, from Construction for Women, launch a proposed national site standard aimed at improving conditions for women working in construction.
Women in Construction Anglia continues to run events across the region and grow its online platform to increase visibility, mentoring and support for women entering or changing careers into construction.