Rippon Homes building up female employees in Mansfield

Twenty-six-year-old Sarah Morris, who lives in Edwinstowe joined the company almost two years ago and, in that time, has completed a Higher National Certificate in construction and started a bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying and commercial management at Nottingham Trent University.

She entered the housing industry after taking a job at care home build specialists Wynbrook to escape the unsociable hours of the hospitality industry.

It was there that she found an interest in surveying.

“I met an amazing woman at Wynbrook who became a mentor to me, she supported my ambitions so I was able to step into her role as a material buyer once she moved on, which is where I discovered surveying,” she said.

“Her confidence was inspiring and she taught me the importance of speaking up for myself, which is especially important in rooms where women aren’t as present.”

The theme for International Women’s Day 2021 was ‘Choose to Challenge’ – and Sarah is clear it is not just down to women to rise up.

“Men play just as much part in supporting women in the industry, and the team at Rippon has been incredible at that,” she said.

"My senior surveyor, Andrew Linley, has been fantastic at offering advice at every opportunity, and I’m so grateful for the company’s support in beginning my degree.

“I’ve been so lucky in the mentorship I’ve received so far, helping me build the pillars to achieve my ambition of becoming a commercial manager.

"I’ve loved the chance to mentor younger members of the team myself, so they too can build the career they dream of.

“To any women considering a career in the housebuilding industry, I’d say don’t be afraid of it.

"It can be seen from the outside as an intimidating man’s world, but there are fantastic people everywhere so reach out to them.”

Ian Dyke, managing director at Rippon, said his firm was determined to challenge the ‘notion that housebuilding is a man’s world’.

“We’re really proud of Sarah; she’s achieved so much in the time she’s been with us, and has a very bright future ahead of her,” he said.

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