UKCW Birmingham

29 Sept - 1 Oct 2026

NEC

UKCW London

11 - 13 May 2027

Excel London

UKCW Birmingham

29 Sept - 1 Oct 2026

NEC

UKCW London

11 - 13 May 2027

Excel London

UKCW Role Models

Who are the Role Models?

The Role Models initiative at UK Construction Week celebrates the people who are reshaping what it means to work in the construction industry today. Across every corner of the built environment, individuals are stepping up to meet complex challenges with creativity, resilience, and a commitment to doing things better. These are the people driving progress when it matters most.

Our Role Models are the innovators introducing new ideas and technologies, the problem-solvers pushing projects forward in smarter ways, and the advocates for sustainability who are helping to build a greener, more responsible future. They include established leaders whose influence is felt across the sector, as well as rising talent bringing fresh energy and perspective.

By sharing their stories, we aim to inspire others to think bigger, aim higher, and play their part in shaping a stronger, more inclusive industry for all.

UKCW Role models group photo

To recognise the diversity of impact across the industry, the Role Models are celebrated across three categories:

Rising Star

The next generation of talent making waves early in their careers. These individuals bring fresh ideas, energy, and ambition to the built environment, proving that the future of construction is in good hands. 

Pioneer

The forward-thinkers pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and challenging the status quo. Pioneers are the driving force behind progress, setting new standards for excellence and inspiring others to follow their lead. 

Icon

The visionaries whose influence and leadership have left a lasting mark on the industry. Icons embody the best of construction: experience, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to driving positive change. 

Discover the 2026 shortlist

Rising Star

Dolly Akinde

Dolly Akinde
Quantity Surveyor,
Ardmore Construction Group Ltd

 

Janika Niemela

Janika Niemela
Planning Manager,
Avison Young

 

Alice Black

Alice Black
Commercial Photographer, 
Blacks Productions 

 

Faye Lake

Faye Lake
Customer Service Director, Highview Group 

 

Farooq Ahmed

Farooq Ahmed
Trainee Solicitor
(first year - Construction),

Teacher Stern LLP 

 

Faizal Khan

Faizal Khan
Founder & CEO,
Designmatix Ltd

Shannon Walker

Shannon Walker 
Operations Director,
Crawford & Co Surveyors Ltd 

 

Lee Lindley

Lee Lindley
Managing Director,
LJM Solutions Ltd 

 

Tobi Owoeye

Tobi Owoeye
Student Employability Champion, Construction Project Manager,
University of Greater Manchester 

Clare Posser

Clare Prosser
Senior Engineer,
Jomas Engineering Group

Fatima Saidykhan

Fatima Saidykhan
Apprentice Site Manager, Morgan Sindall 

 

Chandana Kola

Chandana Kola
Lecturer in the Built Environment,
The Sheffield College 

 

Yuliya Kaizer

Yuliya Kaizer
Junior Architectural Designer,
Sustainable Conservation Trust 

Pioneer

Darren Barden

Darren Barden
CEO, 
iTalk MH Ltd

Nicholas Lane

Nicholas Lane
Head of Design & Technical, TaperedPlus

 

Joe Chandler

Joe Chandler
Operations Director, Constructionarium Ltd

 

Ele George

Ele George
Founder,
Elevate

Renee Preston

Renee Preston
CEO,
Gallaway / Construction for Women 

Kayleigh Rhodes

Kayleigh Rhodes
Professional Support Lawyer, Beale & Co 

 

Jools Black

Jools Black
Managing Director, 
Just Jools Coaching 

 

Adelina Skirth

Adelina Skirth
Course Director
Architectural Engineering,
Coventry University 

Diane Abrams

Diane Abrams
Archaeology Lead,
Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal DA 

Jack C

Jack Calveley
Registered Building Inspector, Sweco Building control; Founder of Behind the Regs Podcast 

Nader Hassan

Nader Hassan
Founder, 
Plan Checker

 

Ashley Crawford

Ashley Crawford
Managing Director,
Crawford & Co Surveyors Ltd 

Yanmo Adetula

Yanmo Adetula
Director, 
Chayil Consulting 

Chris Bridgman

Chris Bridgman
Director,
Bridgman and Bridgman

 

Icon

Lauren Holland

Lauren Holland
Business manager - Education sector,
Leica Geosystems

Danielle Haskings

Danielle Haskings
ESG, Marketing and People Director,
MCS

 

Mina Hasman

Mina Hasman
Sustainability Director, Skidmore,
Owings & Merrill (SOM) 

 

Mirka Valovicova

Mirka Valovicova
Technical Director,
fischer fixings UK 

 

Phil Neale

Phil Neale
Technical Asset Manager, Ecosafe Group

 

Robert Beales

Robert Beales
Director,
Meinhardt 

 

Myles Scrancher

Myles Scrancher
Director,
SHARP Contract & Surveying Ltd 

 

Adrian McLean

Adrian McLean
President,
Institute of Demolition Engineers 

 

Dominic Hudson

Dominic Hudson
Lead Mentor,
Volunteer It Yourself 

 

Varsha Patel

Varsha Patel
Marketing and Communications Lead,
OCL Facades Limited

 

Congratulations to all of our UK Construction Week Role Models 2026 shortlisted nominees.

We look forward to celebrating with you at UK Construction Week Birmingham, taking place at the NEC from 29 September to 1 October 2026, where the winners of the Rising Star, Pioneer and Icon categories will be announced.

Thank you for helping to shape the future of construction, and best of luck to all of this year's shortlisted Role Models.

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