The construction industry is making great strides in its commitment to boost diversity but continues to lag significantly behind other sectors when it comes to creating opportunities for women.

 

Based on data from the Office of National Statistics from the third quarter of 2022, women make up 47.6% of the overall UK workforce. However, when female employment is broken down by industry, construction sits lowest, with only 14.7% of those employed in the industry being women, 32.9% lower than the UK average.

 

Despite these less than flattering statistics, progress is being made and the trend is slowly moving in the right direction. For example, over the last 10 years, the number of women as a proportion of the overall construction workforce has increased by 36.9%.

 

At MKM, our commitment to promoting diversity within our ranks is a long-standing cornerstone of our culture and every year, we are continuing to create fantastic opportunities for women wanting to build a career in construction.

 

With nearly 500 women working in our team across the UK, MKM is leading the way when it comes to creating these opportunities - promoting the construction industry as a positive environment for women isn’t just a one-week thing at MKM, it’s a culture.

 

With a total workforce of around 2,700, this means women account for 19.2% of our MKM team, 3.5% ahead of the UK average.

 

In line with this year's Women in Construction Week theme, 'Many Paths, One Mission', we’ve created a video celebrating the different journeys women at MKM have taken toward their shared goal of working in construction.

 

 

 

 

At MKM, we are focused on truly offering equal opportunities – from Branch Directors to Yard Staff, Bathroom and Kitchen Designers, Drivers and more, there is not a single role across MKM branches that isn’t filled by a woman.

 

This comes as a direct result of our commitment to creating a diverse, welcoming and supportive environment for all across MKM. Our unique business model empowers Branch Directors to run their branches as their own business; a model which attracts the best and brightest of the sector’s talent pool, without discrimination.

 

We are also doing more than simply focusing on the here and now when it comes to improving opportunities for women in construction.

 

Our sector-leading apprenticeship schemes are attracting a diverse range of young talent to the sector, with female apprentices working across Central Support and our branch network.

 

At the highest level, Kate Tinsley was named CEO of MKM in 2020, making her one of the most influential people in the UK merchant sector.

 

Women in Construction Week has celebrated and promoted the role of women in the construction industry each year since 1998 and we are proud to continue supporting this crucial campaign.