Women into Construction Ceases Trading after 16 Years

WOMEN into Construction (WiC), the independent not-for-profit organisation promoting gender equality in construction, has ceased trading after 16 years.

In a statement published on 15 August 2024, WiC said the closure was a result of “a difficult trading year due to a challenging economic climate for both charitable and construction sectors”, and that the company “had worked tirelessly to find solutions to these challenges, however, despite our best efforts, we have concluded that our business model is no longer viable”.

CBW Recovery LLP has been appointed to manage the closure of WiC. Any queries regarding the closure of the company should be directed to creditors@cwbrecovery.co.uk.

Kath Moore MBE, Managing Director of Women into Construction CIC, said: “We know that there is still much to be done to transform diversity in the construction industry, but we are proud of all that we have achieved over the past 16 years.

“Over 4,700 women have had in-depth support, 3,000 completed industry training, 1,300 completed work placements, and this led to an amazing 1,300 women gaining employment. We’ve also worked with over 350 companies and forged partnerships with training providers, DWP, local stakeholders and industry bodies to further our cause and support the industry.”

Women into Construction

Starting as a project on the Olympic site in East London in 2008, Women into Construction provided training, work-placements and job opportunities for women wishing to enter the construction industry.

In January 2015, WiC became a stand-alone, community interest company, and has worked with contractors on a number of projects across London, Birmingham and the West Midlands, including Crossrail, Tideway and HS2.

Over the years, WiC has worked with many partners including CITB, Job Centre Plus, universities and construction colleges, and other specialist brokerages.

Kath Moore continued, “Our work has transformed the lives of over 1,300 women who now work in construction – and we know that this mighty army will continue to challenge and change the construction companies they now work in, alongside all of their colleagues and supporters who have not only understood but embraced our message over the past 16 years.

“We wish to thank all our staff, our stakeholders, corporate members, delivery partners, programme clients and, of course, all the women we’ve had the joy to work with. We hope that the foundations we have built with all our stakeholders will allow you all to keep Changing the Face of Construction!”

Support

If you are looking for support, there are alternative resources available to help you.

For women looking to enter construction, visit:

• Careers in Construction
• Go Construct
• Construction Job Board

For support to attract, retain and progress diverse talent in your company, visit:

• Supply Chain Sustainability School
• CIOB
• CITB
• NAWIC

Additionally, the Home Builders Federation will continue to offer the Women into Home Building Programme. Applications for the autumn programme can be submitted here.

See the full statement from Women in Construction here.

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