Actis is set to mark International Women’s Day, which takes place on 8 March, by celebrating the achievements of some of the female members of its team across the UK.
Harsha Mistry, an architectural designer, is the insulation specialist’s UK and Ireland technical manager. Actis stated that her work enables the wider technical and specification team to offer support to the company’s growing customer base.
Harsha said: “What I enjoy most about working in the construction industry is the ability to influence the built environment in a meaningful, technically rigorous way. I get to combine design thinking with high performance building solutions as well as working with the products I genuinely love; their technology, their simplicity and the fact that they deliver powerful functional results without unnecessary complexity.
“We have to challenge the idea that technical and construction roles belong to men. Visibility is key. When women lead projects and shape innovation and policies, it changes what the next generation sees as possible. For me, that starts at home with my four year old daughter. I want her to grow up knowing that women can lead and belong anywhere.
“My message to girls at school looking into future career ideas is to choose a career that genuinely excites you, not one shaped by stereotypes. Start by identifying the qualities you naturally bring to the table; whether that’s attention to detail, problem solving, communication, creativity, or empathy – and choose a path that lets those strengths shine or puts them to work for the betterment of that industry.
“I did encounter bias early in my career, when I started as an architect 25 years ago. At the time, some builders on site simply weren’t ready to take direction from a female designer. The industry has changed significantly since then as more women enter technical and construction roles, and that shift continues to build momentum.”
Tara Pronaszko, specification manager for the North, visits sites and creates complex build-ups. She is also involved in training construction industry professionals via Actis’ two RIBA-approved CPD training courses.
She added: “I enjoy the mix of technology, specifications and being on site.
“To encourage more women into the industry it’s important to show how varied construction roles really are – not just site work, but technical, sales and design roles too. Better careers advice in schools, visible female role models and more work experience opportunities for girls would make the industry feel more accessible.
“My message to girls considering their careers is that you don’t need a straight line career path. I studied history at university and worked in sales before moving into construction by chance, and those skills still help me today in my role. Be open to trying different things and don’t rule out careers just because it’s something you haven’t been exposed to before.
“When I began working in construction I was nervous at first because of it being a male dominated sector. In reality, I’ve found people to be supportive and professional, and it hasn’t been the issue I expected. Once you show your knowledge, you’re judged on your work, not your gender.”
Jan Telfer and Bev Hinds offer technical support from head office to architects, builders, homeowners, building control departments, energy assessors and builders’ merchants.
Actis noted that their work involves offering guidance on installation processes and building regulations, producing project-specific U-value calculations, condensation risk assessments and detailed cross-sectional diagrams.
Jan said: “I enjoy the variety and problem-solving aspect of my role. It’s rewarding to provide clear, practical advice that help customers make informed decisions.
“Greater awareness of the diverse roles within construction is key to encouraging more women into the industry. Technical support combines science, maths, communication and teamwork — skills many young women already excel in. Visible female role models can help demonstrate that construction is not just site-based roles. There are many technical career paths available.”
She also offered some advice to young girls. Jan added: “Stay curious and don’t limit yourself. If you enjoy technical subjects, problem-solving or helping people understand complex information, a career in technical support could be extremely fulfilling.”
Bev said: “We need continued visibility of women in technical and decision-making roles, partnerships with schools and colleges and clearer communication about career pathways. Promoting the sustainability and innovation aspects of construction can also help attract more diverse talent.
“Technical support roles require analytical thinking, confidence and communication skills — qualities that are not defined by gender.”
