“If We Can Help Inspire Other Women Into The Property Sector Then That’s Fantastic”
06 Mar 2019

Now, more than ever, there is a strong focus to encourage more women into housebuilding and #balanceforbetter, the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day (8th March).

One person keen to highlight the benefits of housebuilding as a career is Maxine Dudley, head of technical for Linden Homes in the South West. Maxine joined the industry 33 years ago, after starting work with an architecture firm – where she was the only female candidate who applied.

Maxine achieved an HNC in building studies and had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of consultants including architects, interior designers and historic building and restoration companies, along with organisations such as Manchester University, where she worked as an architectural technician.

After moving to Devon and following a five-year career break to have children, Maxine re-joined the industry and has worked with local councils and several housebuilders in the south west, including Midas Homes, Persimmon and Bovis Homes.

Maxine now heads up the technical team at Linden Homes that’s responsible for providing the technical elements to enable the production team to start building. This includes working drawings for the house types, infrastructure and external works, as well as liaising with the legal team and statutory bodies to ensure any technical agreements are put in place.

Commenting on her career in housebuilding, Maxine said: “Historically it’s always been a male-dominated industry and over the years I have attended many meetings where I am the only female in the room, but I have noticed a slight increase in the number of women in property. However, there’s still a lot that needs to be done to address the imbalance.

“A career in housebuilding offers a wide variety of job roles from land buyer to site manager, surveyor to sales executive and we regularly welcome schools to site to help inspire future generations.”

Maxine added: “Linden Homes has sponsored Women in Property’s National Student Awards for the last four years. It’s a great way to see future talent coming through the industry and it’s helping to promote and highlight the benefits of a career in housebuilding and construction.

“I really enjoy my job and if we can help inspire other women into the property sector then that’s fantastic. Many people think of it as a career for men and I’m pleased to be changing that misconception.”

For more details visit www.internationalwomensday.com or our website.

-ENDS-

Media can contact Emma Mackay on 077383 12960 for more information, images and interviews with Linden Homes.

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