CENTRAL
Central members in Top 100 Women in Construction
NORTH
FMB member Louise Tingley and FMB Associate member Maria Coulter from the Central region were recognised in this year’s CITB Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards for their role in driving innovation and inclusion in construction, and for supporting small businesses in the industry. Louise, who runs Neways Group Ltd with her husband, Simon, won the Local Hero Award for the East of England. Louise brings an unexpected background in performing arts to the trade. “I used to be a voice coach working with Grammy and BAFTA winners,” she said. “In the arts, you learn how to bring the right people together to make something work. That’s exactly the same in construction.” Her journey to construction has led to a new venture: TradeWays, a digital platform tailored for neurodivergent builders. After discovering that none of the 160-plus software tools for construction are designed to be UK specific or neuro-inclusive, she decided to build one herself. “It’s about taking the overwhelm out of running a business,” Louise said. “Over half the industry identifies as neurodivergent in some way. We need systems that work for real people.” Louise has now secured funding to develop TradeWays and is preparing to launch its BETA testing programme for 2026, inviting builders who struggle with admin, project management or executive function overload – often linked to
FMB leaders on a visit to York FMB National President Phillip Hall and FMB CEO Brian Berry visited the City of York Council Vine Street retrofit demonstrator and York Minster Centre of Excellence to learn best practice from these key sites. Phillip said: “The Centre of Excellence is a much-needed beacon of what can be achieved in teaching traditional building skills when there is a clear vision to provide world-class training.” He stressed the need for traditional high-quality skills combined with digital technology. “The YorEnergy demonstrator Victorian terraced house here in Vine Street is an excellent example of getting retrofit right and needs to be repeated across the country.” FMB North continues to work with external partners and stakeholders on behalf of members including City & Guilds, Openreach, and the newly formed C-TECS (Construction technical colleges). Members are invited to follow the schedule of engagement via facebook.com/ fmbnorth and instagram. com/fmbnorth . North Director Carolyn Frank called on members to share news of their work. “We’re always keen to develop new opportunities for you.”
Louise Tingley and FMB CEO Brian Berry
dyslexia, ADHD or chronic health conditions – to take part. Business Coach Maria Coulter was shortlisted for her work coaching FMB members in business development to boost their skills and confidence. Central Director Nicola de Sousa said, “It’s fantastic to see both women recognised for their work supporting other small and medium-sized businesses. That spirit of collaboration and helping others to succeed is what the FMB is all about, and it’s wonderful to see it celebrated in our region.” Pam Wilson, FMB Scotland President, was also among the nominees, a great achievement that reflects the strength and dedication of FMB members across the UK. Members wanting to participate in the TradeWays BETA testing for 2026 can contact Louise at info@newaysgroup.co.uk.
(l-r) Lindsay Hogarth and Paul Peirson of York Minster, Brian Berry and Phillip Hall of the FMB on the roof of York Minster
CONTACT ● Nicola de Sousa , Central Director Email: nicoladesousa@fmb.org.uk | Call: 07769 687 239
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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