THIS International Women’s Day, recent, shock statistics reveal that just one in eight construction workers are female. Now, local housebuilder Barratt Developments North East is encouraging more women to consider a career in the male-dominated construction industry by shining a light on one of its many leading ladies, Leanne Hardcastle. After completing her BSc Honours degree in Building Surveying in 2015, Leanne chose to kick start her career in construction with Barratt Developments through the Accelerated Construction Programme as a trainee assistant site manager. Within just four short years of joining the housebuilder as a trainee, Leanne quickly climbed up the ladder of success and has recently been promoted to her new role of site manager, where her daily responsibilities have evolved to include decision making when challenges arise within the technical and engineering teams, as well as managing the daily maintenance of site.
BARRATT Developments North East, which includes the Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes brands, has appointed Stephen Wooldridge into the role of technical director. With an impressive career spanning over 13 years, Stephen brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise of the housebuilding industry. Having joined Barratt Developments in 2007, through the companies’ Graduate scheme, he has quickly progressed up the career ladder, gaining experience across multiple operational divisions, as well as group design and technical. Joining the company from his previous role as senior technical manager at David Wilson Homes Mercia, in Solihull, Stephen’s main priority is to build on the success of the housebuilder in the region in key areas like land market, timely site starts and legacy and adoptions. As part of his role, he will also be bringing best practice and multiple improvement opportunities, from his time around the group, to the region.
Announcing its trading results, Barratt Developments North East has seen positive outcomes for region. Carl Sobolewski, managing director at Barratt Developments North East, commented: “Barratt Developments North East has continued to deliver a solid performance throughout the pandemic. We have worked hard to make our operations completely Covid-secure and our highest priority continues to be keeping our customers, employees, sub-contractors and suppliers safe. We continue to rebuild completion volumes, drive further operational improvements and deliver on our commitment to building the highest quality homes across the region.
A TYNEDALE school has benefited from a generous donation by a North-East-based housebuilder. Barratt Developments North East is continuing its support to charities and organisations in the area, and this month, Hexham Priory School has been selected as its good cause. It comes after the school, which works with pupils aged two to 19 with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties, announced they were raising essential funds to help replace the school’s minibus. And as travelling to new places for trips, residential visits and swimming lessons are all a big part of the children’s learning experience, Barratt Developments North East boosted their fundraising efforts to the tune of £1,000.