International Women’s Day: Laura highlights the range of jobs in housebuilding and encourages more women to join the industry

International Women’s Day on 8th March provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the positive changes we’ve seen in the housebuilding industry over the years and consider what more can be done to increase inclusivity in the workplace.

Laura White is a senior partnerships manager at Vistry Group and has been highlighting the diverse range of ‘hidden’ jobs in the sector that people aren’t always aware of.

With 17 years’ experience in the industry, Laura is part of Vistry’s Regeneration and Growth team and works closely with the Bristol region. Speaking about her experience, Laura said: “There are so many interesting jobs in housebuilding, but they’re not on everyone’s radar and I do think that prevents more people from joining. From engineering manager to marketing assistant, technical coordinator to land buyer, there is a diverse range of jobs available, providing great career paths.”

Laura works closely with housing associations, local authorities and other partners from an early stage to provide the right housing for clients. The role involves organising bids with affordable housing and build to rent providers, contract negotiation, carrying out due diligence on offers, building client relationships and advising on contract requirements.

She added: “I’m often asked about my job and in a nutshell: I act as an in-house consultant for the delivery of affordable and additionality housing. There are lots of intricacies involved in delivering a development and I feel my skillset is well-utilised.

“Following the company’s recent merging of its Housebuilding and Partnerships operations to focus more on its Partnerships model, it’s busier than ever! It’s a constantly changing industry which is closely linked to the political, social, economic and environmental landscape, so you have to be adaptable. I’m impressed with the new strategy – it’s a bold move that’s responding to society’s need for more homes and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Laura began her career in conveyancing where she worked as a case handler, following the completion of her law degree at UWE Bristol. She also worked in Canada for a year; spent eight years at Sovereign, in both the sales and development departments; gained experience at Bromford; and joined the company (now named Vistry) as a development manager in 2016.

She continued: “I hadn’t really thought about a career in development and when I discovered the role, I went back to university to study further modules in construction management to help pave my way. Ultimately, everyone needs a home – it’s such an important profession. It’s been a great move for me and my job is so varied; no two days are ever the same.”

Laura lives in Horfield with her partner Matt and two children: Dexter, five, and Sienna, three.

She is based at Vistry’s Bristol offices but also works from home. Laura said: “I went part-time after having children and now work full-time but flexibly, which helps enormously. I feel so lucky that I’m supported in my role. There are a lot of things to think about and you need to be organised but I’m really passionate about my job and enjoy the challenges of the role.

“The industry has changed dramatically for women. Once upon a time you’d be asked to make teas and coffees if you were the only female present, but now it’s very different and much more respectful.”

Companies have taken a proactive role in increasing equality and inclusivity. Vistry has a diversity and inclusion committee with an active women’s network; there’s recruitment training, which includes the topic of ‘unconscious bias’ to support fair and consistent recruitment practice; the company’s maternity leave policy has been reviewed and improved; a menopause guide sets out the support available to employees; and progression and pay gaps are regularly analysed, with action plans produced.

Laura, who loves going out for dinner, trail running and keeping fit, added: “There are a lot more women in the industry now but I’d love to see even more and I think the scope of work isn’t well-known, which we have to change! I hope others feel inspired to work in this industry as the more heads that come together to work on solutions the better.”

The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is #InspireInclusion, where difference is valued and celebrated, awareness is raised against bias and action is taken for equality. For further information on International Women’s Day visit www.internationalwomensday.com.

There is currently a vacancy within Laura’s department and candidates can be based out of Cheltenham, Reading, Bristol or Exeter. For more details on Vistry Group and its Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes and Linden Homes brands visit www.vistrygroup.co.uk.

Ends

Notes to Editors

Vistry Group

Vistry Group is the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed tenure homes. Our purpose as a responsible developer is to work in partnership to deliver sustainable homes, communities and social value, leaving a lasting legacy of places people love. We are a young and dynamic business with a Partnerships-led approach, delivered under our Countryside Partnerships brand, and an exciting timber-frame manufacturing operation called Vistry Works, running three factories and supporting our drive towards net zero.

Delivering thousands of homes every year for the affordable and private market places, Vistry Group also has an unmatched portfolio of retail brands, each with a rich history and strong reputation: Linden Homes, Bovis Homes and Countryside Homes.

We are a multi award-winning housebuilder and the Group has again been awarded the 5 Star Rating by the Home Builders Federation following the latest industry’s Customer Satisfaction Survey. For more information go to www.vistrygroup.co.uk.