Lee Cairns, operations director at Thistle Trade Group Ltd, and Theresa Gallagher, operations manager/director at Young Wilson & Cunningham Ltd, were elected on Friday, October 26 at the FMB Scotland AGM in Glasgow.

Currently only 2% of tradespeople are women and female role models in construction are therefore important to help inspire more women to enter into the sector.

Gordon Nelson, director of FMB Scotland, said: “Lee Cairns’ and Theresa Brown’s business experience as well as their fresh perspective will boost what is already a strong FMB Scotland Board. I am looking forward to working with all of our board members as we shape our plans for 2019 and beyond.

“As the FMB continues to grow, we look forward to more female members entering leadership roles. At the National Conference in September, Janet Etchells was voted in as the first female National Vice President.”

Scottish Construction Now had a chat with both Lee and Theresa to understand what they’re planning on bringing to their new roles.

Lee Cairns, operations director at Thistle Trade Group Ltd

How do you feel about being appointed?

“I am honoured to have been voted in as a FMB Scotland Board Member. It is a positive step in the right direction that we now have two female Board members here in Scotland.”

What will you contribute to the FMB Scotland Board?

“In an industry that is predominately male, I will be able to add a female’s perspective. I will add a creative contribution to the Board but I also bring a breadth of experience and specialist knowledge about “access to finance” for SME’s. I have relevant experience both within finance for SME’s but also as a Director to a SME. I also own my own property rental business.

“My appointment shares a positive message that the FMB supports diversification and promote females coming into the industry.”

What do you think are the key challenges SME builders in Scotland are currently facing?

“Small building firms are used to jumping over hurdles but the next six months are filled with particularly big challenges. A key challenge is Brexit. Tied to this is the skills shortage and finding candidates with the right quality of talent and candidates with new skills needed for the demands of a growing business. We also need to be aware of GDPR and how to make sure your firm is compliant.

“Managing growth and accessing funding is a huge challenge for SME builders in Scotland. How can a firm grow without any capital or cash? There are too many hurdles for SMEs within the construction industry to clear in order for them to get access to the relevant funding requirements. This needs to be addressed.”

Now that you’re appointed, what will your focus be?

“I am passionate that we encourage more young people to join the construction industry.  The collapse of Carillon may have put new entrants off from joining, but we need to spread the word that construction is a brilliant industry to work in. Parents and teachers too-often favour academic education over vocational studies and we need to encourage the next generation to consider an apprenticeship over A levels or a degree.”

Theresa Brown, operations manager/director at Young Wilson & Cunningham Ltd

How do you feel about being appointed?

“I am very proud that I have been appointed as one of two females on the FMB Scotland Board for the first time ever. I look forward to adding a fresh perspective to the Board.”

What will you contribute to the FMB Scotland Board?

“I have been working in the building industry for over 20 years so I have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. I have recently taken over the company as Operations Manager/Director.”

What do you think are the key challenges SME builders in Scotland are currently facing?

“As an owner of a SME I can say that banking, borrowing and red tape are the issues we face. Procurement companies have been set up to squeeze out small and local businesses. We are a multi trade contractor based in the east end of Glasgow and have not been given any opportunity in the re-development in the legacy resulting from the Commonwealth Games in the city. We feel that all the opportunities have gone to large companies who in turn undercut SMEs or exploit them.”

Now that you’re appointed, what will your focus be?

“I hope that the FMB Scotland looks into addressing the issues SME building firms face accessing finance. Recent FMB research shows that nearly half of small house builders say access to finance is a major barrier to their ability to build more new homes and so more needs to be done to address this barrier.”