Who We Are

G4C provides a platform for those in our industry who want to strive for change and improvement. We give them a voice to shout as loud as possible about the good, the bad and the ugly of our industry, so that they can shape their future. It’s a community where you can find allyship, share ideas, learn and build your network.

I first joined G4C 6 years ago as a trainee that was new to the industry.

Since joining G4C nearly 5 years ago, it has been a huge part of my professional development. It is a collaborative network, where you meet and learn from young professionals from so many different backgrounds. That’s the beauty of G4C, it brings young people in our industry together.

I joined the industry straight from leaving school when I was 16 and undertook a joinery apprenticeship with F.Parkinson Ltd. After completing my joinery apprenticeship, I continued to work on site while undertaking an HNC in construction. After completing my HNC I was afforded the opportunity, to take on a new role working as a trainee estimator in the Manchester office. After completing an internal training plan, I was successfully promoted to my current role as construction estimator working for the same company I started with back when I was 16. What an journey!

I joined G4C because I feel our industry and especially the apprenticeship route is undervalued as a whole and I wanted to join the Generation For Change campaign to give the next generation a voice and showcase how wonderful our industry is. In my role as the chair I hope to try and engage with as many people as possible in the North West and across the country and hopefully showcase how important the next generation is to the future of our industry.

In my spare time I am a massive football and Bolton Wanderers fan and I enjoy attending the matches with my Dad. I also love engaging and socialising with friends and the G4C family.

I work in sustainability and environmental social governance for Genuit Group, a FTSE 250 construction products manufacturing Group. Working in the head office, I am involved in the sustainability strategy, decarbonisation, product specific environmental impact projects, and reporting across the 20 different companies that make up the Group. My passion for sustainability stems from a lifelong love for the outdoors and nature, coupled with a BSc Geography and an MSc Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Management from the University of York. I am involved in external organisations such as The British Plastics Federation (BPF), and The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA) in which I sit within their sustainability working groups. I joined the construction industry being aware that it accounts for around half of the worlds GHG emissions and is fundamental to us achieving net-zero as a nation, and species.

Being passionate about sustainability, and with the G4C representing the future of the construction industry, and I am keen to help broaden our generations understanding of sustainability, as well as to broaden my own skillset and knowledge within the other elements of construction. It is my aim to connect with more people within our industry and to show them the benefits of coming together as a collective within the G4C.

If you would like to get in touch, my virtual door is always open via [email protected]

Ellie is a chartered Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis, a global project and programme management consultancy, and delivers schemes predominantly across the public education and healthcare sectors. Ellie was named G4C South East Future Leader of the Year in 2022, having previously been shortlisted as a Finalist in the CIOB Rising Star Awards in 2021.

As a non-cognate, Ellie has a passion for promoting the diverse range of opportunities within the construction industry, on a mission to inspire the next generation of project professionals from different backgrounds. Ellie works with colleges, universities, and professional bodies to give career-focussed talks, mentor students considering a career in construction, and provide insight into her unconventional career journey. Ellie is an advocate for the Early Careers community, sitting on the Early Careers Leadership Team for her business region, being the Vice Chair of Constructing Excellence Kent Group, and now being the founding Chair of G4C Kent.

Sesitwa is an Executive Quantity Surveyor at Gleeds and has experience spanning across 8 years in the infrastructure and natural resources sector, beginning his career in 2015 as a graduate with Turner & Townsend, Johannesburg (South Africa), working in the mining & metals sector for 2 years. He subsequently moved to London, England in 2017 and has since been working on key and major infrastructure projects, providing a full range of cost & commercial management services that span across the whole project lifecycle.

During the 6 years, Sesitwa has obtained multi-disciplinary sector experience having worked for various key clients such as Turner & Townsend, Constructing Excellence, Thames Water Utilities Limited, Heathrow Airport Limited, The Environment Agency, and Anglian Water to make a difference for them to achieve their project, portfolio and business objectives. As a custodian of the Construction Innovation Hub’s Value Toolkit, Sesitwa has been integral in the development of the industry wide Toolkit during its early phases and has led and supported on industry wide engagements through targeted workshops with the Supply Chain, Specialists, Manufacturers, Associations, and the insurance sector to ascertain value in procurement and delivery.

Sesitwa is interested in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and is a member of the Mayor of London’s Young Professional Panel who are 10 young aspiring infrastructure leaders who have been chosen to provide expert advice on key challenges related to the planning and delivery of London’s infrastructure, acting as ambassadors for his infrastructure and sustainable development agenda.

Priyanka Shah is a Project Architect from Ingleton Wood. Working predominately in the Defence sector for the past 6 years on a range of architectural, engineering and project management schemes across the UK estates. She is a both a committee member of Norfolk Constructing Excellence and Chair of G4C Norfolk.

Working in multi-disciplinary, Pri advocates the importance of crossing paths and learning from people of all backgrounds and disciplines to ensure maximum benefit in projects at work and also knowledge of the industry. It’s always about the bigger picture and the wholistic approach. Pri’s ambition is to break down the barriers between all disciplines, genders and ages and help build a stronger community within the construction industry.

Upon completing my A-Levels at Emmanuel College, I joined the PlanBEE Apprenticeship scheme where I was able to work with some of the key players within the industry, exploring the various roles available. I was fortunate enough to work with Sir Robert McAlpine, SHED Engineering, Ryder Architecture and Robertsons carrying out broad range of technical and professional roles. Whilst completing the apprenticeship I achieved my HND alongside a level 5 NVQ in project management, and also ultimately decided that Quantity Surveying was the route I wanted to follow.

Following the completion of this programme, I was able to secure myself a job with Gleeds, one of the world’s leading global property and construction consultancy companies, I have been with them for over 3 years now, working first as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, now as a Cost Manager. I continued my degree apprenticeship at Northumbria University and graduated in July 2023 with a first-class honours in Quantity Surveying. Since joining Gleeds, I have made significant contributions to several major projects in a range of sectors, which has allowed me to gain a greater understanding around the role I am fulfilling. I am responsible for contributing to the cost and project management services throughout the project lifecycle to meet the clients’ requirements allowing me to build excellent, trusting working relationships with our clients.

I joined G4C in 2021 as a way to get to know more people within the industry but also as a path to promote the various routes which can be taken to secure work within the sector. G4C has allowed me to learn and grow within the industry, connecting with professionals from a variety of backgrounds whilst also forming some great friendships. Our North East committee is filled with like-minded and passionate individuals who are all striving to make a change and it is great to see everyone come together to try to achieve this goal.

I am currently working as a Site Engineer for Bam UK & Ireland who for almost 150 years, have been shaping the UK & Ireland’s vital infrastructure and creating many of the country’s most iconic buildings. Today they are part of the Royal BAM Group, one of the largest construction companies in Europe with a turnover of over €7 billion. I currently work up in the North East on a variety of large scale public and private sector projects including offices, schools and train stations.

Upon leaving sixth form, I joined Bam as a construction apprentice in 2018 embarking on a 5 year degree programme. Within 3 years I was promoted up to Assistant Site Engineer and a further 2 years from that, promoted again to Site Engineer. Alongside my day job I have also been studying Civil Engineering at Leeds as part of my apprenticeship. In 2022, I was also lucky enough to be put forward for the G4C Student of the Year award which I luckily went on to win. To be put forward and recognised by my senior management at work was such a great feeling and a real pivotal point in my career so far.

I joined G4C as I wanted to help promote how great the industry is to young professionals, and Generation for Change provides a great platform to do so. Working with my Co-Chair Jess, we hope to continue the legacy that has been left from previous Chairs within the area and industry.

Sandra is currently holding the role of a Project Manager (Real Estate) at Turner & Townsend, a global consultancy company that serves clients in real estate, infrastructure, and natural resources sectors. Her career journey commenced in the realm of architecture, leading to acquisition of a Bachelor’s degree from Manchester School of Architecture.

Sandra’s passion for shaping environments prompted her transition into project management. With a dedicated focus on the healthcare industry, Sandra is committed to reshaping the landscape of healthcare facilities in the UK. She firmly believes in the transformative power of well-designed spaces to enhance the quality of healthcare services.

Sandra was involved in a number of notable schemes in her architectural and project management endeavours, inclusive of the Greater Manchester Major Trauma Hospital, a new trauma hospital designed to ensure patients with life-threatening injuries receive a timely treatment. She is now involved in North-West portfolio programme delivery for the New Hospital Programme (NHP), a UK government initiative to rebuild and modernize hospitals across the country.

As an advocate for young professionals in the industry, Sandra invests time and energy in mentoring and providing guidance to the emerging talents in construction. She has been involved with the Save Construction Initiative ‘’Not Just Men in Muddy Boots’’ with the aim to support tackling skills shortage and promote careers in construction.

In recognition of her contributions and achievements, Sandra was awarded with the title of G4C New Professional of the Year (North West, 2023) and now will be holding the regional chair position.

In 2020 I graduated from Coventry University with an IMechE accredited BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering. I spent a year working in the domestic heat pump and air handling unit industry before joining Hoare Lea in 2021. I am currently studying for an MSc in Building Services Management at Brunel University. I am also working towards chartership with the IMechE Working primarily within Oxfordshire, and some larger national/international projects, my focus is mainly on the state of the art Science and Research facilities Oxford is known for. Being an Oxford local, it’s great to see the impact we, as the construction industry, are continually having in shaping Oxford. Having attended G4C Oxford Club events previously as a guest, I’m keen to get involved in the organisational side and help move the club forwards.

Lizzy is a Senior Associate Lawyer at RWKG Goodman LLP, based in Bath and Bristol. Lizzy specialises in non-contentious construction and engineering matters, and advises a range of clients across the entire supply chain (from procurement and risk management through to delivery and life use of a development).

As a long-time supporter of Constructing Excellence, Lizzy joined the committee of the Generation 4 Change South West in 2019 because she was keen to help encourage the younger generation understand the vast range of opportunities available in the industry. She was also excited to network with her fellow peers.

Lizzy is also a committee member for the CESW Bath Club (the local group for the Construction Excellence South West), and is active in this area.

Harriet, through her ten years’ experience has successfully delivered social value initiatives across Wales. With a passion for transforming lives, Harriet has worked with multiple third sector organisations, striving to make a difference. She entered the industry through a work experience placement, successfully completing her apprenticeship with ISG, and earned a BA (Hons) in Inclusive Studies. With firsthand experience navigating the career ladder, she provides practical advice on advancement through apprenticeship routes. Additionally, as a Welsh speaker, Harriet effectively communicates bilingually with local communities, enhancing engagement.

Harriet is passionate about effecting meaningful social change in Welsh communities, leaving a lasting employment legacy. Harriet has experience with public and private sector clients always aiming to make a change within the local communities. Harriet has passion for encouraging the next generation into the industry and with her vast knowledge wants to bring her expertise to the growth of G4C Wales.

Sophie is an Associate, at Blake Morgan LLP, who specialises in Construction Law.

Sophie deals with contentious and non-contentious construction matters across a variety sectors including regeneration, healthcare, infrastructure, transportation, education, manufacturing and leisure to name a few. Sophie has experience working with NEC, JCT and bespoke construction contracts. Sophie works with developers, local authorities, public sector teams, housing associations, private sector clients and contractors in relation to all aspects of construction and engineering projects from tender, through the build phase and additionally in dispute resolution. She has been involved in a large number of public procurement exercises and specialises in drafting NEC suites of construction contracts for both the public and private sector, including providing training to clients and the supply chain on NEC.

Sophie joined the committee of the G4C Wales in 2022 with the aims of improving construction focused networking in the area, driving positive change and showcasing the vast range of opportunities available in the industry.

Sophie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2017, Law with Study Abroad (Japan) (LLB Hons.) and has completed a Legal Practice Course. Sophie joined Blake Morgan as a Trainee in September 2019 and qualified in 2021.

I work as a SHEQ Advisor for JN Bentley, with experience in environmental management, carbon reduction and social value.

My role primarily focuses on conducting environmental support visits across a range of projects to champion environmental initiatives, offer assistance and guidance where needed. On a day-to-day basis, every day is different as each project is unique or has its own set of different challenges too!

As part of the G4C Midlands committee, I support the committee in organising and hosting events, chairing meetings, and working with the wider Constructing Excellence group.

I hope to use my skills to continue the successful work achieved by the current committee but also expand our events to individuals in higher education; explore opportunities to operate outside of Birmingham and secure sponsorship so that the group can continue to deliver events for our members free of charge.

I have been working in the construction industry for 5 years in various roles, facilitating geo-environmental consultancy projects and assisting with property management and development. I also have background in interior architecture and design.

I am passionate about fostering diversity and inclusion in the construction sector and I am hoping that being part of G4C can help to reshape industry norms: creating spaces where diversity is not just embraced but celebrated to help build a better future for everyone.

I am an architectural design assistant at One Creative Environments, a multidisciplinary office, which has embedded the ethos of ‘teamwork’ into me. My role has focused on an array of projects including residential, commercial, and mostly healthcare. Following on from my University days as mental health champion for the Snowsports committee, I have helped build a great wellbeing team at One, where we organise events and CPD sessions to improve mental and physical health of staff.

My passion for construction stemmed from my interest in Victorian houses, with the intricate and well thought out details to the buildings. Throughout my path in architecture this has developed, and my interests widened to designing for ‘people’ and the involvement of urban design into the process, I then went on to write a dissertation that approached the idea of ‘walkable cities’ and its impact to the wellbeing of the citizens and it became apparent how important the 15-minute city is becoming, I therefore am eager in embedding these elements into the next generation of the construction industry.

Over the last four years, Adrienne has been a Framework Manager at Southern Construction Frameworks (SCF), a major construction procurement route managed by the public sector and based in the south of the UK and London. During her time in the team, Adrienne has led on the collection and sharing of market intelligence and supply chain engagement on behalf of the framework, as well as guiding users and suppliers with framework use. Adrienne’s latest role includes the national representation of the G4C network in the Constructing Excellence Gold Standard Task force. Her primary focus includes the sharing of best practice and lessons learnt from the community of framework providers and users with young professionals and new entrants to the construction industry.

James works as a Business Development Manager for Morgan Sindall Construction in Cambridge having joined them in 2019. He has a background in economics and has spent time on the Cambridge Ahead Young Advisory Committee and Economic Planning and Housing Committee.

Outside of work he fulfils a 20’s male stereotype by having a podcast about Craft Beer and a pizza oven, is a competitive sailor and a less competitive triathlete.