Constructing Excellence: supporting sector-wide growth

If you’ve known and followed Hawes Construction Group for a little while, you’ll no doubt have often heard us talk about the societies and groups we’re involved with. That’s because self-improvement and supporting others are hugely important values for our team – particularly our Director, Sarra, with the work she does to grow her own knowledge while giving back to the community and wider construction industry. 

One way Sarra supports the sector is in her role as Chairperson of Constructing Excellence Sussex Club, which is part of the wider Constructing Excellence UK organisation: “a platform from which to stimulate, debate and drive much needed change in the construction sector”.  

How does Sarra’s Chairperson role make a difference to those we work with? 

Sharing knowledge with others at key conferences 

The Constructing Excellence platform hosts an annual conference, which took place a few short weeks ago in January 2024. Though Sarra wasn’t able to attend, the conference theme – Delivering Tomorrow Today: Act Now for a Better Future – aligned perfectly to her values. It encompassed everything from the climate actions we can take for a better future planet to the ways we support and shape our sector by addressing skills shortages. 

Tackling our industry’s eco impact 

The first panel session at the conference was a real reflection of some of the issues everyone at Hawes is aware of, and wants to see change. Future Climate looked at what leading organisations are doing today to minimise their carbon footprint, exploring the role the construction industry plays and how we can all do better. You’ll see those eco-aware values reflected in some of Hawes’s most recent project case studies.  

Looking to the future for the next generation 

Of course, Sarra spends a great deal of time championing the next generation of construction professionals. With that, the Future Society panel session at the conference spoke loudly to Sarra, where the group of panellists asked how we could improve our industry for those who work in it. For Sarra, that includes connecting with educators to speak with young people, especially women, looking to work in the construction sector.  

Exploring opportunities in the local area 

Sarra brings the wider Constructing Excellence knowledge to her position as Chairperson of Constructing Excellence Sussex Club. This regional role gives Sarra a way to share broad sector knowledge on a local level, looking at ways to change how Sussex-based businesses work for the better.  

We mentioned just last month how Sarra and her team raised £490.00 for construction mental health charities at the Constructing Excellence Christmas Quiz, as well as Hawes’s attendance the club’s annual breakfast on 26th January (a time for networking and voting on key issues).  

With Sarra’s prominent chairperson role, and her enthusiasm for excellence in construction in itself, she’s always sharing what she’s learned to support others. Follow her on LinkedIn for the latest updates about the things she’s doing that can help you and others in our industry.