Even in 2025 women make up just 15% of the UK construction workforce, the worst numbers of any sector, but Liverpool building firm Frank Rogers is looking to help turn the tide. Tony McDonough reports

UK construction sector firms are bottom of the league when it comes to hiring and retaining women in their workforce.

There are around 340,000 women working in the UK construction industry, making up just 15% of the workforce. Even worse, figures show just 2% of people working in on-site labour roles are women.

This seems crazy when UK construction is facing a chronic skills shortage. It is estimated that more than 250,000 additional workers are needed by 2028 as the Government pushes for 1.5m new homes to be built.

Liverpool building firm Frank Rogers says it is determined to invest in talent in all areas of its fast-growing business, regardless of their gender. The company is on the up having just reported a 40% rise in annual revenues to £28m.

Helen Durie has been with Frank Rogers for almost 25 years in a number of different roles. She is an invaluable member of the senior team and has just been promoted from compliance manager to contracts manager.

Managing director Dean Rogers said: “While many know Helen for her leadership in compliance and training,  her contribution goes far beyond that. Over the years Helen 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 a well-earned recognition of the impact is already had and the values she will continue to bring as she takes on broader responsibility.”

Rachel Walker, head of marketing and communications at Frank Rogers, is also championing women in construction. Passionate about the firm embedding social value into everything it does, Rachel’s efforts have seen her shortlisted for a national award.

Rachel has been named as a finalist in the Community Hero category of the Women in Construction Awards. Rachel has been pivotal in the development of the FR Foundation, Frank Rogers’ charitable arm.

She is also a trustee for the Bobby Colleran Trust, which works to enhance road safety for children. And she is also now a Fairness, Inclusion & Respect Ambassador for Frank Rogers as part of a programme run by the Construction Industry Training Board.

“The construction industry is changing and this programme is about making sure that change is positive – creating places where everyone feels respected, included and able to be themselves,” said Rachel.

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“That’s something I care deeply about and I’m excited to play a small part and help push that forward. At Frank Rogers, we’ve already taken steps as a business to do better when it comes to diversity, inclusion and respect.

“The world is changing and the construction industry has to change with it. We don’t just need more women in construction, we need people from all sections of our community.

“This is not only the right thing to do but it makes sense for the business. If Frank Rogers is to continue to grow like it has been doing, then it needs to bring through the next generation of creative and skilled workers at all levels of the firm.”