Celebrating Women at Chandler Materials for International Women’s Day

Lauren Penney, Katie Choppen and Sara Day discuss their experiences working within the construction and builders merchant industry.

As we mark International Women’s Day on 8th March, we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate some of the talented women across Chandler Materials who help drive our business forward every day.

The construction and building materials industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but this continues to evolve as more women build successful careers across the sector. From marketing and finance to HR and leadership roles, women are making an important impact across the industry.

To recognise this, we spoke with three members of our team – Lauren Penney, Katie Choppen and Sara Day – about their experiences working within the construction and builders merchant industry.

Lauren Penney – Marketing & Operations Manager

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in the construction or builders merchant industry?
   I was inspired to join the building materials industry because my mum was in the industry. She set such a good example of how a woman can be successful in our industry & still have a family.
2. How has working in this industry helped you grow personally or professionally?
   Working in this industry has really helped me. I’ve grown in confidence & my sense of self-worth is much higher than previously. I credit this to the numerous networking opportunities in our industry to meet genuine, and real people who all want to work together for the industry as a whole.
3. Have you seen the industry become more inclusive over time?
   The industry is definitely more inclusive, even only over the 10 years I’ve been in the industry. When I first started out there would be only a handful of women or minorities at industry events. And although it is not a 50/50 split, there are definitely more women in the room & taking on more senior roles in our industry.

Katie Choppen – Finance Manager

What has your experience been like working in a traditionally male-dominated environment?
Overall my experience has been good. I have been treated as an equal, been made to feel like my opinion matters and have been given the opportunity to progress in my role.
My dad worked in the Building Industry for over 40 years and it’s great that the industry has come a long way to be more inclusive of women so I can now do the same.

What do you enjoy most about working in the construction/builders merchant sector?
No two days are the same and the variety of my role means there is never a dull moment. That and the many conversations about football in the office.

What achievement in your role are you most proud of?
I have two:
In 2024 I won the BMN Merchant Achiever of the Year award. Winning was amazing but being nominated by those I work with and for was even better!
I am one of three women that hold a managerial position at Chandlers. Whilst the management team is not a 50/50 split just yet it’s great that three of us hold these positions and can bring a different perspective on a subject sometimes.

Sara Day – HR Manager

1. How can businesses better support women entering the industry?
   By making their business an attractive place for women to work. We have recently reviewed our family friendly policies. We offer enhanced maternity and other family friendly benefits. We provide mentors for our new joiners and the women in the company regularly meet to support each other. We promote diversity and inclusion, strive to make our advertising attractive to women, our company attractive to women and support them so they want to stay and develop their career with us.
2. How does working in the construction and building materials industry differ from the industries you’ve worked in previously?
   I previously worked in Corporate Law firms in London so working for an independent family run merchant is completely different. I am made to feel like part of the family, as are all staff and am completely invested in wanting the company to succeed. Decisions are made collectively, there is a fantastic team spirit and I feel I can make a real difference.
3. What skills do you think are most important for succeeding in this industry?
   Excellent communication skills are essential. To deliver first class customer service, to communicate effectively with colleagues, ensuring an efficient, joined up service. Teamworking skills are also important and the ability to adapt.

Celebrating Women in the Construction and Building Materials Industry

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the achievements and contributions of women across every industry, including the construction and building materials sector.

At Chandler Materials, we are proud of the talented women across our teams who support our customers, strengthen our business and contribute to the wider construction industry.

As the industry continues to evolve, it is encouraging to see more women entering the sector, developing their careers and taking on leadership roles.

We’re proud to celebrate the women of Chandler Materials and the important role they play in our business every day.