The Magnificent 7

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In recent years, there has been a growing shift in the construction gender gap, with more women choosing to join the industry in a variety of roles. Currently, women own 13% of construction firms, and 16% of senior management positions are held by women. However, there is more progress to be made.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that only 13.6% of the overall construction workforce is female, down from a peak of 15.8% in 2023. To turn these results around, initiatives like The Magnificent 7 are blazing a trail for women looking to join the industry.

The Magnificent 7 is a group of seven women in the construction sector who are paving the way for increased female participation in the industry. Through challenging outdated stereotypes they are inspiring the next generation of women to see that they are welcome additions in an industry that greatly benefits from their skills and perspectives.

These seven women have carved out exceptional careers, overcoming significant personal and professional challenges to achieve success

Campaigning for the future

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Spearheading The Magnificent 7, Sophie Horgan, Director of Horgan Homes, supported the launch of the “I am a Housebuilder” campaign by the All-Part Parliamentary Group (APPG) for SME Housebuilders. 

The APPG for SME Housebuilders was founded by Edwin de Silva after he noticed that women’s experiences and voices were significantly underrepresented. Edwin believes that the industry could reach new heights by amplifying these voices. 

Supported by Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, the ‘I am a Housebuilder’ campaign is not only attracting women into the industry, but it’s also providing them with a mentoring network that will help boost their careers and get them into more senior roles.

In conversation with Sophie for our Building Better Series, she reflected: 

At our first Magnificent 7 meeting, the reality hit me hard - there were only six women compared to over 100 men and that brought it home to me, that outside my bubble, there is a challenge and that more needs to be done.

Alongside Sophie in the Magnificent 7 is Xuan Meng, Founder and Director of Cosy Hauz, who moved to Ireland at the age of 18 and founded the company during her maternity leave. Xuan's focus on revitalising properties in Southwest London led her to become a leader in the industry and has forged a path of great success for the diverse team at Cosy Hauz. 

Xuan shared her thoughts on diversity in her team:

I employ over 30 people, many of them women, including several single mothers. I once hired someone who was seven months pregnant. We agreed that motherhood often adds even more motivation to work hard - not only to support your family financially but also to set a positive example for your children.

Building a support network

Together, Sophie and Xuan are leading by example through initiatives like ‘I am a Housebuilder’ and at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions we are proud to support them.

As an industry, it is crucial to create more opportunities for women to enjoy long and fulfilling careers. This includes offering apprenticeships and other professional development channels for young women entering the field.

Fostering inclusive workplaces both retains women in our workforces and supports them to fulfil their potential. Growing our female workforce can enhance resilience, drive innovation and boost competitiveness within the industry, which will benefit all workers.

Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions has created its Building Better Hub to provide resources and talking points on major industry issues such as workforce gender diversity. Explore our videos, podcasts and blogs here.