I am currently employed by BCC Employment Access Team working alongside varying stakeholders to reduce unemployment in Bham and Solihull. Account managing numerous SME and large businesses. I am currently leading on construction related activity feeding into HS2, Commonwealth Games and other key builds in Birmingham. I actively support main contractors and supply chain by upskilling individuals to fill skills gaps and creating a talent pool to fulfill 106 and CSR obligations.

David Browne is a Director at Pareto Projects, bringing over 30 years of experience in the development and construction industry. His career trajectory includes leadership roles in a diverse range of projects, from retail and commercial to large-scale mixed-use developments, with project values ranging from £100k to £160m. In 2005, David played a key role in the management buy-out of the Back Group, which later became DBK and was acquired by RPS in 2016. As a Project Director at RPS, he oversees service delivery, client relationships, and the management of costs, revenues, and fee proposals. David is also focused on recruitment and development, managing teams of Project Managers and Quantity Surveyors. His expertise spans project management, contract administration, and addressing technical, management, and contractual project challenges. A member of the Chartered Institute of Building, he has contributed to the profession by reviewing membership applications and conducting Professional Interviews.

Dr. Bola Abisogun OBE (Hon DUniv, Hon MBA) is a renowned industry disruptor, serial curator, and innovative Systems Architect/Developer specializing in Digital Twin solutions through ConTech and PropTech platforms. As a Gemini Ambassador for the Centre for Digital Built Britain (#CDBB), he co-authored the Gemini Papers and the Digital Twin Business Case Toolkit, published with techUK in February 2021. A Chartered Construction Manager, Chartered Surveyor, and eminent Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Dr. Abisogun has delivered over £8 billion in capital projects across various sectors, with extensive experience in public sector procurement, contract management, and regulatory compliance. Through his independent consultancy, he offers cutting-edge construction cost management and asset management solutions. Awarded an OBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honours for his services to diversity and young people in construction, Dr. Abisogun is unapologetically committed to challenging the status quo and driving positive change in the industry.

Danny Clarke is the Engagement Director for England at CITB, championing people and skills development within the construction industry. A recognised leader in the sector, Danny was named one of the Top 100 Women in Construction. With extensive experience working alongside leadership teams across multiple organizations, she has successfully helped drive growth and strategy, focusing on team building, leadership development, and diversity & inclusion. Her expertise spans management consulting, strategic planning, executive coaching, and public speaking. Passionate about supporting a skilled, competent, and inclusive workforce, Danny is dedicated to attracting talent and developing future-ready training systems for the construction industry. Engage with Danny to explore how CITB’s initiatives can enhance your skills and contribute to industry growth.

Emma has spent her whole career mainly working within the construction industry or helping people in the not-for-profit sector and her role at Winvic is the perfect blend of these two passions. Starting as an apprentice in construction from finishing school she has worked in an array of construction roles, before having a complete change in career which led her towards the third sector, and becoming a Community Engagement Officer. Very fulfilling, Emma managed funding to deliver support services to the Birmingham communities and seen Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was gaining much momentum at that time (around eight or nine years ago), particularly in construction so focused on this area and undertook online courses to gain qualifications within CSR and move back into construction sharing her third sector and CSR learnings. Emma supported the creation of the virtual ‘Aspire Hub’ one of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability’s (ICRS) Hubs. The Aspire hub is for people who are new to the sector and seek to become a professional in the field. Emma chairs both the North East and South East Social Value Working groups for National Highways, as part of a collaborative group of contractors on their SDF framework. Emma uses her knowledge and project expertise from working across construction sectors and in many areas across the UK to share best practice between communities.

Sarah Taitt is the Chief Property and Services Officer at Wickes, where she leads a multi-functional team and drives one of the company’s key growth strategies. With extensive experience in senior leadership roles, Sarah has successfully designed and implemented strategies that foster business growth and operational efficiency. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving change and managing diverse operations within organizations. Passionate about mentorship, she is dedicated to nurturing and supporting future generations of diverse leadership in retail. Sarah’s expertise and commitment to development continue to shape Wickes’ success in the home improvement sector.

As a qualified Architect Simon is Birmingham City Council’s lead design advisor championing design quality within the built environment. Having responsibility for ‘Specific Specialist Areas’ such as the City Design Team, City Centre Planning Management, City Centre Development, Enforcement and Householder Simon encourages and enables the highest standards of Place Making, Planning, Architecture, Urban Design, Arboriculture, Historic Conservation and Landscape Design across all new development in the City for the benefit of all the citizens of Birmingham. Simon is known for his ability to successfully combine Architecture and Urban Design to create holistic environments and is responsible for recent Masterplans such as ‘Birmingham Curzon HS2 Masterplan for growth’, ‘Birmingham Smithfield Masterplan’, ‘Langley Sustainable Urban Extension’ and most recently the ‘Rea Valley Urban Quarter Masterplan’. This includes acting as the focal point on design issues and stimulating design quality through multiagency project team working and close interaction with external developers, key stakeholders and partners in relation to the design of new development being promoted and managed through the Planning and Development Service that reflects the international standing of the City of Birmingham. Simon is listed in the Birmingham Central University ‘Sphere of Influence’ the 50 top influencers within the architecture and landscape sector to graduate from the Birmingham School of Architecture.

Paul Bingham is an experienced Director with a proven track record in the construction industry. With a career that spans over two decades, Paul has developed expertise in key areas such as Negotiation, Integration, Contract Management, Affordable Housing, Sustainability, and Procurement. His extensive experience and leadership have played a pivotal role in driving successful outcomes across a variety of projects. A Chartered Member of the Institute of Building (CIOB), underscoring his commitment to excellence and continuous professional development. His career began as an apprentice Bench Joiner at 16, where his passion for craftsmanship evolved into a broader vision for leadership in the construction and facilities management sectors. Paul has held senior management positions throughout his career and after joining Equans (formerly Keepmoat) as a Project Director, Paul managed significant projects, including a high-profile partnership with Birmingham City Council. He is currently serving as the Regional Operations Director at Equans, where he oversees a business with an annual turnover exceeding £200 million, leading a team of over 500 professionals. With his comprehensive skill set and extensive industry experience, Paul has become a respected leader in the field, consistently delivering operational excellence and strategic results for his team and clients.

With a background spanning hospitality, retail, and construction, Anne Okafor is passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation, particularly within STEM industries. Having personally experienced the challenges of maths anxiety, Anne has made it her mission to bridge the gap between education and everyday use of maths, helping to inspire a love for learning and a vision for life beyond the classroom. Anne’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite not achieving strong grades in maths at school, she pursued higher education and graduated in 2019 with a First-Class Honours Degree in Construction Management. She went on to achieve Chartered Status in 2022 and earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Quality Management the same year. Representing the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Tomorrow’s Leaders programme and serving as a STEM ambassador since 2021, Anne has worked tirelessly to bring STEM subjects to life. She demonstrates the value of these disciplines in both life and careers, inspiring young minds to explore the possibilities of STEM pathways. Currently working as a Construction Planner with Robertson Construction, Anne draws on the transferable skills from her earlier career to excel in the industry. Her passion lies in sharing her experiences and showing others how to leverage their unique skills to succeed in construction. Anne dedicates her free time to inspiring the next generation of construction professionals through STEM activities and addressing maths anxiety in children. Her goal is to transform how people perceive careers in construction, equipping them with essential tools, motivation, and support to thrive in a competitive industry.

Siu Mun Li, named Most Influential Woman in Construction 2023/24, is a Director at the Temporary Works Forum and an active IOSH Construction Group Committee Member. With an in-depth understanding of practical site and buildability issues, Siu Mun brings a wealth of experience in coordinating works on live sites. Her exceptional communication and liaison skills ensure seamless collaboration across teams, while her strong leadership abilities enable her to manage people effectively, maximizing their skills and contributions to each project. Siu Mun is dedicated to advancing the construction industry by fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and teamwork.

Cheryl Causebrook is a Freelance Consultant, with a rich background in the construction industry. She began her career as a quantity surveyor and gained extensive experience working across all disciplines of industry, contractors, subcontractors, and client-side roles. Her commercial expertise is used in her QS activities with main contractors and as Employers Representative, and she is committed to delivering optimal commercial outcomes by supporting negotiations and resolving disputes, helping projects achieve their best results.

Cheryl’s passion lies in helping others, particularly in nurturing and guiding young businesses and the younger generation. She leads the Kent Club of Constructing Excellence, co-chairs the Chamber of Commerce's Construction Focus Group and hosts her own networking group monthly.

CEO The OM Group Damini Sharma is a passionate leader in the construction industry, serving as the CEO of The OM Group. Her commitment to integrity, innovation, and putting people first is the driver behind her desire to reshape industry standards. In 2023, she was awarded with the ‘Most Influential Designer’ accolade at the NFB Top 100 Most Influential Women Awards, celebrating her dedication to design excellence and sustainable practices. As a devoted advocate for diversity in STEM and business, Damini is committed to working to break barriers for women in traditionally male-dominated fields, as well as ensuring that the topic of EDI is integral to every project. This earnt her a place among the Most Inspirational Women in STEM, an honour recognised at the House of Lords. Beyond her professional achievements, she loves collaborating with others across the construction sector on innovative projects, making a tangible impact industry-wide. When Damini isn’t leading The OM Group, she takes on multiple influential roles. She serves as a Visiting Industrial Fellow at Aston University; as the Vice Chair of the IoD British Asian Business Group and as an Ambassador for Be The Business. Through these roles, she continues to inspire and drive positive change.

Alex Tross Built Environment Commercial Director With a wealth of experience in Commercial Property, having qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 2008, Alex is  a Chartered Surveyor, with a proven track record of advising on the acquisition and disposal of office space on behalf of landlords and tenants in Birmingham's central core and wider West Midlands area. Alex is also Deputy Chair of Colmore Business District, providing him with expert knowledge of Birmingham’s business quarter. Alex was also voted Man of the Year, at the city’s Business Awards in 2022, after being nominated alongside leading business figures across Birmingham.

Ghazala Javed Associate Director At Tetra Tech Ghazala Javed is an Associate Director in Planning at Tetra Tech, a global consultancy firm. She has extensive experience advising clients on various planning matters, particularly in property development and regeneration schemes. Ghazala is actively involved in the construction industry, serving as the chairperson of United in Construction (formerly Women Working in Construction). The organization promotes diversity and inclusion within the industry. She also co-hosts The Construction Curry Club, a quarterly networking event for industry professionals to connect and explore business opportunities. Ghazala’s passion lies in encouraging young people, especially women, to pursue careers in construction. She emphasizes that the industry offers diverse roles beyond the traditional perception of “bricks and mortar.” Her dedication and leadership have been recognized by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee, where she was invited to share her insights.

Keith Shayaam-Smith Legacy Centre Of Excellence Keith Shayaam-Smith is an award-winning Business Leader, Social Entrepreneur and Creative Visionary with a passion for community and business development. Keith is the CEO at 7E Youth Academy, and Chairman of The Legacy Centre of Excellence, Europe’s largest Black owned Arts and Business Centre. He is also a trustee and Chair of several professional organisations, a business advisor to aspiring entrepreneurs, and has over 20 years of experience in youth engagement.

Lorraine is the Executive Director of CECA Midlands, (Civil Engineering Contractors Association) Lorraine studied Health and Social Care at college before going onto do a degree in Education and History at University. She started her career in Education, Skills, and Careers with a focus on education policy development and development of employability workshops in schools. She then went into the construction industry working as a recruitment adviser before developing her role to work supporting employers with skills, funding and influencing policy. Lorraine joined CECA in 2022, where she now leads the trade association to support civil engineering businesses to gain work opportunities, support with social value commitments and deliver training.

Avril formed her organisation AVision for Empowerment in 2012, a social enterprise which delivers holistic empowerment interventions that supports people to overcome personal challenges so they can achieve sustainable career success. Avril and her teams work within the Criminal Justice Sector delivering bespoke accredited empowerment courses to over 26 prisons across the UK in partnership with many large prime organisations, transforming attitudes and leading over 5000 delegates including those with serious violence convictions, along the road to desistence and to achieve long term employment and entrepreneurship.

Sachin is a Chartered Town Planner based in our Birmingham office and covers the Midlands area. He is proven at shaping and guiding complex development schemes through the planning system to a positive outcome. With a strong background in the public sector being responsible for projects across various sectors, Sachin understands the complexities of the planning system, the role of politics in planning and the ways in which to negotiate the balance in favour of development.

Lee Burke is the Head of Business Development for the National Federation of Builders – one of the UK’s longest standing trade federations with unrivalled standards, services, and advocacy. With over a decade of experience in sales and business development, Lee leads the NFB’s work to support construction businesses in saving money, winning more contracts, and keeping up to date with legislation and policy advocacy.

A former Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer, Rosa has been delivering employer responsive training for the engineering sector for over a decade. As a firm advocate for flexible training solutions to ensure learning opportunities linked to career development are available to employees of all backgrounds, she was invited to join the Trailblazer groups that developed apprenticeships in Civil and Building Services Engineering. More recently, she has taken on a Board Director role for Greater Birmingham & Solihull Insitute of Technology and has been appointed as Executive Dean Engineering, Digital & Sustainable Construction at University College Birmingham (UCB). This is an exciting time for Rosa to be joining UCB as it moves into delivery of new Engineering and Construction courses; design, development and delivery of the new Curriculum is supported by substantial investment and a new accreditation partnership with the University of Warwick.

Charlene is a distinguished leader in Birmingham with notable achievements in the construction industry. With over 20 years of experience running businesses in the West Midlands, she has demonstrated resilience and inspired others by showing a growth mindset and adaptability. Key achievements include: – Entering property renovation, subletting, and development at 19. – Being the first Black woman in Birmingham to own a ladies-only gym, “Gym Diva’s.” Charlene sits on various boards, helps in education, and paves pathways for the younger generation in construction. She is committed to fostering strong professional relationships and creating opportunities for others.

Dean is the Commercial Director at Home-Fresh® (Corium Solutions Ltd) and a seasoned international commercial leader with over 23 years of experience delivering exponential EBITDA growth across a range of technically complex industries. His career spans Aerospace, Industrial Gas Turbine Power Generation, and Global Supply Chain Management, including the Construction space, where he has consistently driven strategic transformation and commercial success for global retailers and brands.

Renowned for building and scaling high-performing sales and marketing teams, Dean has coached and mentored hundreds of professionals, empowering them to exceed growth targets while fostering long-term value. His hands-on leadership and data-driven approach have made him a catalyst for sustainable, profitable growth at both personal and organizational levels.