Specialist façade supplier Vivalda Group has marked its position in the construction industry as one of the most gender diverse in the sector.

The industry's national average of women in the workplace sits at just 14%.

Vivalda currently boasts an operational management team of mostly women, with seven of the 12 senior managers female.

Jade Lawlor, branch manager at Vivalda's Birmingham office said: "I began working at Vivalda in the sales team three years ago and really enjoyed the challenge of the role. Last year I was promoted to branch manager, which was a huge confidence boost. Sure, the construction industry still has a bit of a macho reputation, but that's definitely changing. These days, we're much more likely to solve problems by working together as a team, irrespective of gender."

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Peter Johnson, founder and chairman of Vivalda Group, added: "With a grown up family of my own, including four young grandchildren, I have seen at first hand the challenges facing everyone who juggles the demands of a career with caring for children or other relatives – and in our society it is often women who fulfil this role.

"While we have not resorted to quotas or anti-discriminatory policies, we seem to be doing something right in attracting and retaining good talent from both genders. We try to be flexible and understanding when it comes to timekeeping and understand that there will always be times when people may need to arrive late or leave early to see to issues at home. We find that fostering an inclusive, supportive culture is good for morale and also good for business."

(CM/MH)