International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Observed annually on 8^th March, this day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the work still ahead in achieving a world where women everywhere can thrive without barriers.

But it’s not all serious business! International Women’s Day is also a chance to have a little fun, celebrate the diverse voices and talents of women, and highlight those who inspire change in both big and small ways. From trailblazing pioneers to everyday heroes, this day invites us to lift each other up, share stories, and have meaningful conversations about how we can continue to create a more inclusive and empowered world for women of all backgrounds.

In industries like construction, where women have historically been underrepresented, today also serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the incredible strides being made by women in the field. With more women taking on leadership roles and excelling in traditionally male-dominated spaces, the construction industry is becoming more inclusive and dynamic. These women are breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and showing that the future of construction is not just built by men, but by women too.

And here at Actiform, we’re especially proud of the incredible women who make our team stronger and more dynamic every day. From leadership to innovation to collaboration, our women are shaping the future of our work and inspiring us all to reach new heights. Take a moment today to meet the brilliant women behind our success—they’re the ones leading the charge, and their impact is felt every day!

#IWD2025 #AccelerateAction

Shellie O’Connor is our Chief Operating Officer, bringing a wealth of experience from her diverse and colourful career. Before joining Actiform, Shellie spent time working on a cruise ship, traveling the world and embracing new cultures. She has a memorable (and somewhat amusing!) story from that time—once losing track of time while enjoying a bit too much vodka, she ended up missing the ship as it set sail for New York! As well as her maritime adventures, Shellie spent 20 years in the police force, where she developed her leadership, problem-solving, and organisational skills. Her unique background and vibrant experiences make her a dynamic leader, driving Actiform’s success with a steady hand and a sense of adventure and humour!

Kat Collington is our Head of Projects, and she has been an essential part of the Actiform team for the past five years. With her wealth of experience and exceptional project management skills, Kat ensures that each project runs smoothly and efficiently. Before joining Actiform, Kat owned a vegetarian café, where she honed her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for providing quality service. Outside of work, Kat is someone who could happily spend her days either exploring the hidden treasures of charity shops or getting her hands dirty in the garden, both of which allow her to unwind and tap into her creativity. Her unique combination of business acumen and personal interests makes her a dynamic leader and a valued member of our team.

Dr Nwakaego Onyenokporo is our Net-Zero Research and Design Associate, with a deep passion for sustainable architecture. Specialising in climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, sustainable building materials, and building performance modelling, Nwakaego is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of the building industry. Outside of work, she enjoys watching animations and movies, reading, playing tennis, and portrait painting. She’s also a big fan of pasta! Nwakaego’s commitment to both research and education makes her a driving force behind our efforts to create a more sustainable built environment.

Liz Ingham is our Finance and Payroll Assistant, and her journey with Actiform began as a temp—since then, she’s become an invaluable part of our team. Liz’s attention to detail and dedication to ensuring smooth financial operations makes her a key player in our day-to-day activities. Outside of work, Liz has a love for singing, and you’ll often find her blasting out a song on karaoke, bringing her vibrant energy to the stage. She also enjoys expressing her creativity through arts and crafts, always eager to dive into new projects. Liz’s upbeat personality and diverse talents make her a true asset to both our team and the wider company culture.

Bev Fox is our dedicated Office Manager, and she has been a vital part of the Actiform team for over 30 years. With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the company, Bev’s expertise and leadership are integral to our operations. Outside of work, Bev enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, taking long walks in the countryside with Belle, her adorable little diva schnoodle dog. She cherishes catching up with her friends and loves meeting up with her daughter in Manchester for some quality time. Bev also has a passion for pizza, red wine, and music, often attending gigs to unwind and enjoy the vibrant energy of live performances. Her zest for life and balanced approach to work and leisure make her an invaluable member of the team.

Nicola Sharpe is our Finance and Payroll Manager, and she’s practically been a part of the Actiform family for half her life! With her mix of strength, patience, and dedication, Nicola keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, ensuring our finances are in top shape. While she jokingly claims to be “not very interesting,” anyone who works with her knows just how much of an impact she makes. When she’s not crunching numbers, Nicola loves spending time with her family and enjoys being outdoors, whether it’s a peaceful walk or a bit of fresh air. She’s also a huge fan of crime documentaries—there’s nothing like a good mystery to get her hooked! Nicola’s a steady rock in our team, but with a fun side that always shines through.

Joanne Wainwright is one of our fantastic General Operatives, and although she’s been with Actiform for just three months, she’s already become an integral part of the team. Outside of work, Joanne is a true lover of the great outdoors—whether it’s weekends away exploring new places or simply spending quality time with her family, she’s always finding ways to enjoy life outside the office. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic have made her a great fit here at Actiform, and we’re excited to see the impact she’ll continue to make!

Sarah Weavill is our newest Project Support team member, and she’s loving the change after spending over 20 years in recruitment. She’s quickly settled in and is already making a great impact. When she’s not at work, Sarah’s either hitting the gym or hanging out at home with her family. She’s also a big fan of cooking and loves trying out new recipes in the kitchen. Oh, and if you’re a ‘Friends’ fan, you’ll definitely want Sarah on your team—she can probably recite every line from every episode! Her energy and positive vibe make her a great fit here at Actiform.

Amber Beck is our Project Support Administrator for MOD contracts, a role she’s recently taken on at Actiform. Although new to the company, Amber has already shown incredible dedication and skill in supporting our projects. Outside of work, Amber is passionate about rugby. Not only does she play, but she also coaches an under-11 girls’ team, where she shares her love for the sport and mentors the next generation of female athletes. Her commitment both on and off the field reflects her teamwork abilities, which are invaluable to our team here at Actiform.