I am Vicki Clohessy the Branch Manager for Redditch Branch at Huws Gray. I have worked in the industry for 31 years and at Huws Gray for almost 23 years. A fun fact about me is that I am a massive Birmingham City football fan.
I was born into a family of builders and people in the trade but always wanted to be painter and decorator. My grandad was my idol, and he was a painter and decorator.
I left school at 16 and started working for my dad’s building company, he did everything, renovations, extensions and I was his painter and decorator. I did this alongside both of my grandads who also worked for my dad.
My dad and grandad inspired me. My dad ran a building company from our house so there would often be workers in the office at my home, and they would have tea and toast with us, it was like an extended family.
I was successful for the Branch Manager role at Redditch over a year ago. I thought I would always be an Assistant Branch Manager, I didn’t quite believe my own capabilities at the time.
It can be tough for women in the industry. When I first started my career within a builder’s merchant, there were very few women in the industry and certainly not in Branch Manager positions or higher, but I persisted and did whatever I could to prove myself.
In 2022, I won the Assistant Branch Manager of the Year award. The company held an award ceremony, and I was told I had received the most nominations, not just from my team but from colleagues at other branches and from support function colleagues.
During my time working within the industry, I have experienced a lot from customers. Comments such as “watch you don’t break a nail” and certain customers not wanting to be served by me because I am a woman. They have also asked male colleagues to check I have processed orders correctly or asked them if they can do a better price than what I have offered. I was also asked once who the Branch Manager was and when I said it was me, the customer couldn’t believe it.
I still feel there are challenges in the industry, I appointed a female salesperson a few years ago and a customer made a comment of “you women are taking over” but we have definitely come on in leaps and bounds. I can now say I feel there is no prejudice towards me as a woman whatsoever. I always stand my ground, be myself and do my job.
Being a woman in construction…I love it! After all of these years down the line, I am an equal, with my colleagues, customers, suppliers.
What advice would you give to other women or young people considering this career?
To other women considering this career and industry, I would tell them to go for it. It is so rewarding; I absolutely love my job. My partner says if you cut me in half ‘Huws Gray’ would be in the middle.
I love my job, my team, the customers and the relationships formed, we are a family and that includes customers not just colleagues. If you want to do it, go for it, stand your ground, be persistent and don’t give up.
For the industry to be more inclusive and attractive, it needs more flexibility. The industry asks for 7am – 5pm to cover trade counters and that doesn’t work around parenting. We advertise jobs as full time and it puts a lot of people off, particularly women who have family. I believe that all roles should be advertised with the option to consider full time or job share.
My favourite quote would be: Believe in yourself, you can achieve anything if you try
