Women in Property Case study
For Assistant Site Manager Lisa Francis, there was no time like the present to make the move into the housebuilding industry as a main contractor. After many years as a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur, Lisa decided earlier in 2017 to use the experience she had gained previously, to go into the equally challenging role of site management at Linden Homes’ development Kennell Farm, in Basingstoke.
Having studied Graphic Design, a career in the construction industry had not been at the forefront of Lisa's mind, with her most recent role more focused on servicing the sector, as Managing Director of her own landscaping business. However, having made the ambitious decision to change careers, with young children dominating her time, Lisa comments on the support and investment she has received as an individual from Linden Homes:
"I am infinitely grateful to Linden Homes for the belief they have had in me and giving me the opportunity. It is really encouraging to see large names such as Linden Homes offering opportunities to women wanting to embark on a career in the sector, and due to this, more and more women are joining the field and dispelling the myth that it is a male-dominated industry.
"For women looking to start their career in housebuilding, my main advice would be to keep an open mind and be prepared to keep learning every day and get stuck in. It is a demanding industry and requires a huge amount of multitasking and the ability to spin several plates at once – however, if there is one thing women are good at, it is multitasking!"
Based on Linden Homes Thames Valley's largest site, comprising 310 homes in total, Lisa's days begin with contractor and supplier briefings to kick off the day's operations. With the Longacre site now partially occupied, Lisa's role demands the careful balance of liaising with existing residents, greeting prospective buyers whilst also juggling programmes with suppliers and contractors.
Linden Homes is committed to investing in women such as Lisa to ensure they are equipped with the skills they require for a long and prosperous career.
Andrew Hammond, Linden Homes’ Divisional Chairman, commented: “Lisa is a real testament to the training and support that is offered to on-site staff, and is one of Linden Homes' success stories when it comes to encouraging women into the sector. We are pleased as an organisation to have such a network of committed and hardworking female site staff, and will continue to invest our time and resource into team members such as Lisa.
"The belief that housebuilding is a male-focused industry is continuing to shift, and we are very pleased to be playing a part in making this happen. Our ongoing support of the National Women in Property Student Awards is a tribute to the pride we take in encouraging women into the field and we hope to see more and more on-site staff such as Lisa finding their feet with Linden Homes."
For information about careers with Linden Homes, visit: www.lindenhomes.co.uk/careers
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Media can contact Emma Cox or Rebecca Reid for more information, images and interviews with Linden Homes: firstname.surname@becg.com / 01962 893893
References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.
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