Midlands businesswoman becomes chair of Build UK
One of UK construction’s leading female voices has become the chair of a major organisation which represents and supports the industry.
Julie White, the managing director of D-Drill & Sawing – which is based just outside Coventry and has offices across the country, specialising in diamond drilling and concrete sawing services – is the new chair of Build UK, succeeding Paul Cossell from ISG Ltd.
Over the past decade-and-a-half, Julie has become one of the most recognised faces and voices in the sector, speaking up on issues such as skills, apprenticeships and the profile of the industry.
She is already chair of the Drilling and Sawing Association and has been a regular in Downing Street, representing construction on the former Prime Minister’s Business Council.
Julie took over D-Drill & Sawing in 2008 when she completed a management buy-out of the family firm and has grown the business over the last 15 years.
She was an inaugural board member of Build UK when it was established in 2015 to help bring specialist sub-contractors and main contractors together within the industry.
Now, the organisation consists of businesses across the whole construction supply chain – including clients, main contractors, specialist contractors, other trade associations and professional services – helping the sector to speak with one voice.
It also offers information and support to members and is committed to driving forward the delivery of construction projects for the benefit of the industry, its clients and the economy.
Julie was appointed at the organisation’s AGM and will serve as chair for two years.
She said: “I’ve grown up in the industry and continue to live and breathe it every single day.
“That is why I’m absolutely delighted to be appointed as chair of Build UK for the next two years. Having been on the board since its inception in 2015, I truly believe in the value of having the whole supply chain around the table to develop solutions and provide a strong collective voice for the sector.
“I can’t wait to get started and use my time and energy to make a difference for this fantastic industry of ours.
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“I want to ensure that we ‘talk-up’ construction. It is a massive driver of economic growth and brings huge social value to the UK and it’s important that the industry is valued from that point of view.”
Build UK chief executive Suzannah Nichol MBE said: “I would like to thank Paul Cossell for his leadership and support as chair during a challenging two years for our industry. We will continue our drive to transform the sector, working collaboratively to improve business performance, increase productivity, and recruit, train and retain talent.
“I’m delighted to welcome Julie White as our new chair and look forward to working with her to capitalise on the depth and breadth of our membership and provide a strong collective voice for construction.”
