SIMIAN Celebrates International Women’s Day 2023

Today marks International Women’s Day 2023, a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide.

As a business that operates in an industry that is often perceived as ‘male-dominated’, at SIMIAN we are keen to help challenge this perception, promote a diverse workforce and encourage  women to enter the construction industry, supporting them throughout their career.

There are countless opportunities for women in the construction industry both on and off-site (you may have caught our recent video with trainee scaffolder Rianne) and we are proud to celebrate all the women at SIMIAN today.

As part of our celebration of IWD,  we sat down with long-standing construction professional and Finance Director here at SIMIAN, Jackie Thomason in our latest ‘Meet the team’ feature:

Meet Jackie

A bit about your role

I have overall responsibilities for the finance, commercial and sales departments at SIMIAN, my main areas of responsibility include:

• Preparation of Management Accounts
• Financial & Commercial Reporting to Board and Partners
• Audit and compliance
• Forecast, budgets and strategy
• Cash flow planning
• Business planning
• Strategic developments and partnerships
• Funding/Capital Bids
• Business development and growth

Can you describe a typical day at Simian?

I can honestly say that no two days at SIMIAN are the same, but two things never change; first job of the day is a cup of tea and catch up with the team and secondly, all things stop for pop master on BBC Radio 2.

I have found over the last few years that my role has changed, supporting to all departments within SIMIAN, looking at the systems, processes and procedures to look at efficiencies and how we can continuously improve.  This has become more crucial due to SIMIAN being a multi-site organisation.

Is there one aspect of your work in particular that you most enjoy?

I enjoy the budget and strategy part of the job, putting the company’s vision and growth plans together, breaking this down by department and looking at what we need to achieve this.

What advice would you give those considering a career in the construction industry?

Go for it, I would encourage anyone to join the industry. Both of my children have entered the industry, one working as an Assistant Site Manager and one training to be a Nuclear Civil Engineer. The construction industry is diverse, has a lot of careers on offer at all levels.

In your opinion, what is the most important piece of guidance you give youngsters making their way in the industry?

To never give up and if you want to pursue a career in the industry there’s always a way, look at all options. Apprenticeships are a fantastic entry into the industry and if that’s not for you, explore all options and look at all the information, advice and guidance that is available.

What would be your dream job?

Travel blogger. I am known as Judith Chalmers in the office, but I had to tell the younger ones to google her.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I have always wanted to tour Asia and we are lucky enough to be embarking on our Asia adventure later in the year and I cannot wait.

Favourite film?

Nacho Libre as I love Jack Black.

Favourite food?

Fish.

Have you ever had your 15 minutes of fame?

About 17 years ago I was cycling in the Lakes with my daughter on the back of my bike and my son, we were approached and asked if they could take photos of us as they were promoting family cycling.  The following year we found out our photos had been used and we were the face on the campaign and found ourselves on posters, brochures and even Bus Stops in the Lakes.

Pub or wine bar?

Love our local pub.

Secret talent?

Baking/cooking for friends and family. I love trying new recipes.

How is your business celebrating women in construction this International Women’s Day? What more do you think the industry could be doing to encourage gender parity? We’d love to hear from you on Twitter or Facebook.