A STRONGER, MORE INCLUSIVE INDUSTRY BENEFITS US ALL
This year’s Women in Construction Week coincides with a landmark moment for Bluebay – the appointment of our first female Managing Director, Lucy Furnival, who is leading our growth across the UK.
In this article, Lucy reflects on the changes needed to encourage more women into construction and the building trade – helping to tackle the industry's widening skills shortage in the process.
Women have been at the forefront of industry conversations this week. Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day this Saturday present a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in our sector.
But celebration alone isn’t enough. Women remain hugely underrepresented in construction, making up just 0.9% of the skilled trades workforce. Informal hiring practices, outdated stereotypes, and a lack of visible role models all contribute to the barriers women face when entering the industry.
This needs to change. We must rethink recruitment models, invest in mentorship, celebrate female leaders, and challenge the ingrained biases that continue to hold women back. Doing so will not only create a fairer industry but will also help address the critical skills shortage threatening the future of construction.
Having worked in this sector for three decades, I know first-hand that challenges remain, but I also see more women carving a path forward, paving the way for future generations.
Awareness weeks like this are a great starting point, and it’s been inspiring to see so many organisations championing and uplifting women in our sector. My hope is that this year’s efforts drive real, lasting change, because a stronger, more inclusive industry benefits us all.
BLUEBAY APPOINTS LUCY FURNIVAL AS MANAGING DIRECTOR
Bluebay Building Products – a leading UK independent distributor of specialist civil engineering and construction products – has announced the appointment of Lucy Furnival as Managing Director – a timely announcement during Women in Construction Week.
Lucy will oversee operations across the country, steering the business into its next phase of growth. Her appointment follows a significant milestone for Bluebay, which was acquired by the Wolseley Group in January. Now part of Wolseley’s infrastructure division, Bluebay is set to strengthen its position in the market, delivering enhanced service levels from its bases in Cardiff, Warrington, Gateshead, and Luton, where it distributes a portfolio of over 2,000 specialist building products.
Bringing a wealth of industry experience, Furnival joins Bluebay from ACS Stainless Steel and has also held senior roles at Hilti, SIG PLC, and Speedy Hire. She will play a pivotal role in driving growth, expanding Bluebay’s market presence, and championing diversity within the industry.
Speaking of her appointment, Lucy said: "I’m delighted to be joining Bluebay at such a transformational time. With a two-decade legacy and the backing of Wolseley Group, we’re entering a new era of growth, and it’s an honour to lead the business forward.
“We have a fantastic team of 50 dedicated professionals across our depots, all eager to embrace this next chapter. As a woman in construction, I am particularly passionate about fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the evolving industry. There’s a huge opportunity ahead, and we’re excited to build on our strong foundations, expand our offering, and bring innovative new products to market.”
In addition to her role as MD, Lucy is also a judge for the Women in Construction Awards, where she actively champions greater female representation in the industry. She added: "There are still too few women in construction, and increasing representation is vital for the sector’s future. I’m proud to step into this leadership role and hope to inspire and empower everyone at Bluebay, both men and women, to reach their full potential."
Bluebay Building Products is headquartered in Cardiff, with depots in Luton, Gateshead, and Warrington.