INTERVIEW LAURA ELLIS
Laura Ellis on site for DLE Construction Ltd
W hen Laura Ellis went to work at her family’s construction business in Halifax 7 years ago it was to help with general labouring on site and basic business administration tasks. But that decision quickly evolved into an intentional career in construction. “I chose to do an apprenticeship in construction management at Leeds College of Building, which lasted for 3 years,” Ellis explains. “I then took a more active role in the company running day-to-day tasks, such as sourcing and pricing materials, organising and paying subcontractors, and putting together estimates and quotations for customers.” Given that DLE Construction Ltd is a small family-run company, the team has to be adept at managing many different aspects of the business. “We needed to maximise my productive time,” Ellis explains, “so when not doing office admin, I am usually on site specialising in bespoke hand painting kitchens. It’s a skill I have picked up over the years working with various trades on site and I found I have a natural ability for the detailed work this requires.” Versatility is a key adjective when describing Ellis. She seamlessly transitions between office responsibilities and on-site tasks, ensuring the business runs smoothly. “The most satisfying part about working in the construction industry is being part of the design process, from start to finish. I get to help the customers design their dream project
help them understand that a career in the construction industry is potentially a job for life.” Sustainable practices DLE Construction Ltd recently won the sustainability award at the 2023 National Master Builder Awards. It was welcome recognition of the business’ efforts, which Ellis says starts by thinking and acting locally, and using local companies wherever possible, which bolsters the community and cuts down transportation costs and emissions. The next step is to reduce waste wherever possible,
From labourer to Company Director, Laura Ellis shares her journey in the industry BECOMING A LEADER
whilst also increasing recycling and reusing materials with the aim of
diverting waste from landfill. Environmental sustainability is important, but what else ensures a construction business remains relevant in the marketplace? Ellis says: “A modern construction business needs to be very proactive in this current climate, embracing new technologies that are being developed to help them design and build sustainable homes for the future. We pride ourselves on this as it enables us to work with the client to advise and design their project from start to finish.” Embracing technology, appointing women to senior leadership positions, and demonstrating an ongoing commitment to sustainability – it’s clear that DLE Construction Ltd is safe in Ellis’ hands.
at family-run business DLE Construction Ltd in Halifax
and follow it through from concept to completion. Being able to hand over a completed project with pride, knowing that the customer is 100% satisfied, makes it all worthwhile.” Positively for the industry, Ellis says there is a lot of work – renovations, upgrades and new builds – available to small construction companies but the challenge is the lack of skilled tradespeople to deliver it.
“This is caused by the older end of the industry retiring and the gap in the new apprentices coming through the system,” Ellis
Laura Ellis and her father, David, attend the Master Builder Awards
explains. “There should be more help for smaller companies taking on apprentices to encourage the younger generation and
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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