Role Model of the Year

Honouring an individual who has shown outstanding leadership and serves as a role model to others in the industry, inspiring peers through their dedication and achievements.

Renee Preston – Gallaway Construction

Overview

Renee Preston is not just challenging the status quo in construction—she’s rewriting it. As CEO of Gallaway Construction and Founder of Construction for Women, Renee leads with vision, courage, and compassion. Under her leadership, Gallaway has grown into a nationally recognised contractor known for its values-led culture, 40% female workforce, and 22 years of operation without a single reportable incident or litigation. Beyond her role as CEO, Renee is a mentor, campaigner, and changemaker, creating opportunities for those traditionally excluded from the sector.

Why They Stood Out Renee’s leadership has redefined what inclusivity and excellence look like in construction. Through pioneering initiatives such as Construction for Women, she has built a national mentoring network with over 50 mentors and supported school leavers, prison leavers, and mothers returning to work. Her Early Talent and Prison Leavers Programmes have created tangible social value, while her advocacy for neurodiversity and women in trades is shifting mindsets nationwide. Even during a personal battle with breast cancer, Renee continued leading Gallaway, mentoring women, and inspiring young people—turning adversity into purpose with extraordinary resilience.

Highlights

• Founder of Construction for Women, mentoring network aiming for 100 mentors by 2025.
• Led Gallaway to a 40% female workforce and 22 years incident-free.
• Delivered 1,000+ hours of early engagement to tackle the NEET crisis.
• Keynote speaker at UK REiiF 2025, championing women in construction.
• Personally mentors young women and ex-offenders entering the sector.
• Nationally recognised advocate for inclusive and values-driven leadership.

Ellie Farlow – AtkinsRéalis

Overview

As a Senior Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis, Ellie Farlow (née Carswell) embodies professionalism, perseverance, and passion. From leading multi-million-pound schemes across healthcare, education, and local government sectors to chairing next-generation industry groups, Ellie has made her mark as both a technical expert and an industry ambassador. She champions early careers engagement and diversity, guiding young professionals with authenticity and enthusiasm.

Why They Stood Out

Ellie’s journey—from modern languages graduate to chartered project professional (MRICS) within four years—is one of grit and growth. She has delivered complex government and local authority projects, including a £20m Levelling Up-funded scheme for Dover District Council, while leading Constructing Excellence Kent as Vice Chair and founding G4C Kent to empower young professionals. Her presence at UK Construction Week and industry panels across the UK reflects a deep commitment to improving pathways for emerging talent and women in construction.

Highlights

• Founded G4C Kent, now 100+ members strong.
• Chartered MRICS in under four years.
• Vice Chair of Constructing Excellence Kent; co-opted SECBE Board member.
• Keynote speaker at UK Construction Week (London & Birmingham).
• Launched onboarding and mentoring initiatives for early careers at AtkinsRéalis.
• Awarded Future Leader of the Year (SECBE, 2022).

Marina Strotz – Coda Workshop

Overview

Marina’s projects go beyond aesthetics—they build connection and resilience. While Associate Director of Intervention Architecture, she was project architect of Erdington Baths £4m transformation, turning a disused Victorian site into a thriving enterprise hub, and led the East Birmingham Pocket Parks initiative, engaging 140+ residents in co-creating green spaces. As former President of the Birmingham Architectural Association, she revitalised its presence, launched the BAA Student Awards, and championed emerging talent. Her integration of horticulture into design earned her the RHS Gold-winning Wander and Wonder Garden at BBC Gardener’s World Live.

While at Intervention Architecture, Led £4m Erdington Baths regeneration and multiple community pocket parks
Former President, Birmingham Architectural Association; founder, BAA Student Awards.
Designed Wander and Wonder therapeutic garden (RHS Gold winner).
Advocates for diversity, co-design, and sustainability in architecture.

Highlights

• Associate Director at Intervention Architecture; RIBA Rising Star 2024.
• Led £4m Erdington Baths regeneration and multiple community pocket parks.
• Former President, Birmingham Architectural Association; founder, BAA Student Awards.
• Designed Wander and Wonder therapeutic garden (RHS Gold winner).
• Advocates for diversity, co-design, and sustainability in architecture.

Magda Czerwinska – Reliable Contractors

Overview

As Social Value and Engagement Manager at Reliable Contractors, Magda Czerwinska drives community impact and inclusion across major UK infrastructure projects. Her personal journey—from arriving in the UK with limited English to leading social value strategies— reflects her deep empathy and determination to empower others through opportunity.

Why They Stood Out

Magda’s tireless commitment to social equity has made her an essential force at Reliable Contractors. In 2024 alone, she delivered over 350 hours of community engagement through school visits, STEM days, job fairs, and prison outreach. She has built strong partnerships to support people facing barriers to employment, including ex-offenders and those with disabilities. Her leadership has fostered a workplace culture rooted in empathy, collaboration, and purpose.

Highlights

• Delivered 350+ hours of community engagement in 2024.
• Finalist at Women in Construction Awards 2024 (Community Hero).
• Championed inclusivity for women, ex-offenders, and vulnerable groups.
• Implemented paid volunteer days for staff to support local initiatives.
• Active STEM ambassador inspiring young people into construction.
• Key driver of Reliable Contractors’ Sustainability School Gold Status.

Damian Brown – Bishop Burton College

Overview

Brickwork Tutor Damian Brown is shaping the next generation of skilled tradespeople at Bishop Burton College. Once a student himself, he now combines technical expertise with genuine mentorship, helping learners build both confidence and craft. His teaching approach blends innovation with empathy, inspiring students to believe in their potential.

Why They Stood Out

Damian’s work exemplifies teaching excellence and inclusivity. His support for three Level 1 female learners to build a commemorative wall for the college’s 70th anniversary showcased how he transforms classroom theory into pride and empowerment. His use of virtual reality in health and safety training has modernised vocational learning, while his involvement with CITB ensures curricula stay industry-relevant. Damian’s passion for widening access— particularly for women in construction—is reshaping perceptions across Yorkshire.

Highlights

• Introduced VR safety training into construction curriculum.
• Led all-female student project celebrating college’s 70th anniversary.
• Partnered with CITB to align course design with industry standards.
• Active advocate for women and underrepresented groups in construction.
• Modelled lifelong learning through Level 5 Teaching Apprenticeship.
• True ambassador for vocational education and youth empowerment.

James Murkin – GMI Construction Group PLC

Overview

Data & Reporting Lead James Murkin is transforming how construction embraces digital innovation. Since joining GMI, he has pioneered a culture of data-led decision-making, creating systems that optimise performance, transparency, and collaboration across projects nationwide.

Why They Stood Out

James led the creation of ProjectData, GMI’s bespoke Power BI suite that revolutionised project tracking—earning two national award nominations in 2024. His introduction of sitelevel digital dashboards has given real-time visibility into performance metrics, enhancing delivery efficiency and safety. A mentor, innovator, and educator, James bridges generational divides by helping experienced professionals embrace new technologies with confidence, fostering an inclusive digital culture across GMI.

Highlights

• Developed ProjectData system—nominated for two national awards (2024).
• Introduced real-time digital dashboards on all GMI project sites.
• Mentors colleagues and champions digital upskilling across generations.
• Currently pursuing Level 5 Data Engineer qualification.
• Awarded Employee of the Year (Central Services) at GMI National Roadshow.
• Represents GMI at industry conferences, sharing data-led best practices.

Each of these six finalists exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, authenticity, and impact—proving that the true measure of leadership in construction lies not only in what we build, but in who we lift along the way.