An Ipswich business owner has been named among the most influential women working in STEM and construction at a gala award ceremony at the House of Lords.
Clare Friel, owner of local marketing agency Friel, was among the recipients of an Inspirational Businesswomen in STEM and Construction Award on Friday, March 7.
The event, hosted on the eve of International Women’s Day, looked to highlight the incredible work of women in the traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Judges highlighted Clare’s role as a marketing and business development specialist in the construction industry – working to smash gender inequality through her Women in Construction Anglia (WICA) initiative.
Clare invited a group of young female construction students from West Suffolk College who have benefitted from the initiative and their tutor Averil Young as her guests for the evening.
She said: “I am delighted to have received such a prestigious award.
“Sharing the stage with these amazing students was the icing on the cake. They are the inspiration behind everything we’re doing.
“I’ve been working in the construction industry for more than a decade now and so much has changed for the better – but we know there is more to be done.
“This award shows us we’re on the right track – and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Founded in late 2024, the aim of WICA is to inspire more young women to join the sector, while providing a platform for new role models for the next generation.
More than 300 guests have already attended WICA events – from students to industry experts – with further events planned for the near future.
Ms Young said: “Taking my incredible female students to the House of Lords for the awards ceremony was more than just a trip – it’s about showing them what’s possible.
“Representation matters, and by stepping into these spaces, they’ll see that their future in construction and engineering is limitless.”
The event was hosted by Dr Roni Savage, CEO and founder of Jomas Associates and the founder of the awards.
Other special guests at the ceremony included Tim Balcon, CEO of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Peaches Golding OBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol.
Dr Savage added: “Bringing together inspirational women in STEM and construction at the House of Lords on the eve of International Women’s Day was a dream realised.
“The energy was electric, and the phenomenal feedback only reaffirms our mission: to accelerate action and inspire the next generation.
“To everyone who brought a young person along, thank you for lighting the path forward.”
The next WICA event, the Student Takeover Lunch, is taking place at West Suffolk College on Friday, March 14.
To learn more about WICA, visit www.womeninconstructionanglia.com.