Today is the fourth instalment of our five-week series of Friday Fifteen features, launched to mark International Women’s Day, highlighting some of Liverpool city region’s most remarkable women. Jennie Lewis reports
For the fourth of our five-week Friday Fifteen programme we focus on three women who have made their mark in the property and construction sectors.
First launched in 2025 to mark International Women’s Day (IWD), Friday Fifteen aims to celebrate the success of Liverpool city region women on more than just one day.
IWD is a celebration of the progress women have made, but also raises the issue that there is much work still to be done to achieve gender parity – particularly in the workplace.
This week’s trio have all made their mark in property and construction, sectors that are more male-dominated than most. They are:
- Helen Durie, contracts manager at Liverpool building and fire safety firm, Frank Rogers.
- Claire Fenton, chief executive of Construction Resources and founder of community interest company Inspire, Train, Grow.
- Claire Griffiths, chair of Liverpool City Region Housing Associations and chief executive of Cobalt Housing Association.
Keep a lookout on LBN next Friday to see who else makes ups the final trio in this year’s Friday Fifteen list. Click here to see the week one trio, click here for week two and click here for week three…
Liverpool building firm Frank Rogers is leading a drive to get more women into the construction sector and Helen Durie is evidence of its commitment to the principle.
Helen has been with the family firm for 25 years and has taken on a number of different roles. Regarded as an invaluable member of the senior team, in 2025 Helen was promoted from compliance manager to contracts manager.
Managing director Dean Rogers has told LBN the business is determined to invest in talent in all areas of its fast-growing business, regardless of their gender.
UK construction is facing a chronic skills shortage with more than 250,000 additional workers needed by 2028. Yet women make up just 15% of the national building workforce.
“While many know Helen for her leadership in compliance and training, Helen’s contribution goes far beyond that, said Dean. “Over the years she has successfully delivered a range of operational contracts across the business.
“As one of our longest-serving team members Helen has always led by example. This new role is well-earned recognition of the impact Helen has already had and the values she will continue to bring as she takes on broader responsibility.”
In early March Frank Rogers hosted a Women in Construction event to coincide with International Women’s Day. It brought together influential female leaders from across the sector to explore how a more diverse workforce can strengthen the future of construction.
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Claire Fenton is the chief executive of Construction Resources, a Liverpool-based construction and property recruitment business. She is also the founder of community interest company Inspire, Train, Grow (ITG).
ITG works with education facilities and construction companies to inspire the younger generation to consider different career routes, rather than outdated or stereotypical choices.
One of its aims is to connect young people to opportunities within the construction sector, with a particular focus on young women and the LGBTQ community.
Claire said: “Working with groups from diverse backgrounds, ITG is passionate about the importance of schoolchildren realising their strengths and passion so they leave school with confidence and a plan.
“Our goal is to deliver vocational qualifications to young people at as early a stage as school year nine, and encourage apprenticeships which can play a role in tackling major skills shortages the construction industry faces.
“We utilise our extensive network with the construction industry – gaining important insight and guidance as to the key skills shortages, with companies providing tangible support to deliver educational programmes.”
Construction Resources is focused on recruiting qualified and professional people into white collar positions within the construction and property sectors.
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Claire Griffiths has dedicated her entire career to housing and regeneration, working predominantly across the North West, with some years spent working in overseas development supporting housing and infrastructure projects.
She joined Cobalt Housing in Croxteth in Liverpool as chief executive in August 2022 and is passionate about the vital role that place based community housing associations play in strengthening and sustaining neighbourhoods.
Claire is committed to investing in Cobalt’s communities and delivering high quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of local people in North Liverpool and beyond.
In September 2025 she was appointed chair of the Liverpool City Region Housing Associations, leading collaboration across the region’s 23 housing providers and championing collective action to deliver greater impact for communities, ensuring the sector maximises the opportunities created by devolution and collaboration.
She is committed to demonstrating the importance of housing in shaping thriving, inclusive places, and driving opportunities for investment in our City Region through the affordable housing sector.