The first person kicking off the blog series is our Pre-Construction Director, Lorraine Casey. Lorraine plays a key role within Lovell, leading our teams in creating winning bids, strengthening customer relationships and ultimately driving forward the business’s strategic growth.
Q1. Tell us about your role at Lovell
I manage multi-disciplined and diverse teams to support large schemes across their Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) period with industry expertise, until site commencement. As a team, we work collaboratively with the operations, bid and design teams to ensure we can develop effective business strategies that embrace a variety of social values – sustainability, affordability, diversity – across our diverse projects.
Q2. What appealed to you about the industry?
I really enjoyed studying Design Technology at school and progressed my interest further into A level. In fact, I was so passionate that I would spend my spare time in sixth form helping teach classes. By working so closely with other students I learnt leadership and teamwork skills, and started to understand how design can make a positive impact on the world around us.
As I was preparing to leave school, family members and teachers had mentioned that a career in construction might be a good fit. Having done a bit of digging myself, I liked the idea that no two days were ever the same, so decided to go for it!
Q3. What was your route into the industry?
Following my A levels, I secured an apprenticeship as an estimator. I was then supported through a degree in construction management, where I was able to gain hands-on experience through day release. This really cemented my passion for the industry and I’ve not looked back since.
Q4. What advice would you give to other women looking to get into the industry?
Be your authentic self – that is good enough, find a business with a culture that is right for you. Don’t change yourself to fit within a culture.
Q5. Why’s it so important to have a diverse construction sector?
According to a leading study from McKinsey, the more inclusive a business is, the more chance it has to achieve strong financial performance. Especially at board level, it’s vital to have that diversity to bring together different mindsets, backgrounds and ethnicities together to come up with more inclusive solutions!
At Lovell Partnerships, we’re proud to be working with a variety of women bringing valuable skills and experiences to yield the best solutions for our clients and partners. Keep an eye out for our next inspiring blog on our website and social media channels.
