Balfour Beatty Welcomes New Pre-Construction Chief, Embracing Diversity and Expertise

Balfour Beatty, a leading international infrastructure group, has announced a significant change in its leadership team. Louise Colley, previously the business development director, has been elevated to oversee the company's pre-construction and estimating functions. This strategic move comes as a progressive step for Balfour Beatty, aligning with its commitment to diversity and innovation in leadership.

A New Era of Leadership

Louise Colley's promotion follows the retirement of Steve Holmes, the former technical services director with a tenure of nearly two decades at Balfour Beatty. Holmes, a chartered engineer, had pre-construction and estimating among his responsibilities, and Colley's appointment marks a fresh perspective in these vital areas.

Diverse Background, Unified Vision

With a diverse educational background encompassing degrees in chemistry, advertising & marketing, and business administration, Louise Colley brings a unique blend of skills to the table. Her 15 years at Balfour Beatty, primarily as a bid manager, have been instrumental in securing major projects like HS2, Hinkley Point C, and Thames Tideway. Her rise through the ranks, including her roles as director of bids and proposals and new business director, highlights her exceptional capability in driving business growth.

Breaking Stereotypes, Championing Diversity

Louise Colley's journey is a testament to Balfour Beatty's embrace of diversity and meritocracy. She remarks, “I am proud to lead a highly skilled and inspiring team to deliver growth for Balfour Beatty. Although conscious of the stereotypes and in some cases the realities around gender in our industry, I believe that people should be measured on their merits and recognised for their hard work. Within construction, I’ve seen the power that a diverse team can hold to deliver results and challenge the status quo.”

Inspiring Future Generations

Colley's commitment to balancing her professional responsibilities with her family life serves as an inspiration. She hopes her journey encourages others to believe in their potential and achieve their goals, regardless of industry stereotypes or personal responsibilities.

The Role of Find A Start

In this context, platforms like Find A Start play a crucial role in supporting the construction industry's evolving landscape. As a facilitator connecting tradespeople with contractors, Find A Start aligns perfectly with Balfour Beatty's vision of innovation and diversity in the workforce. Our platform is a one-stop shop for tradespeople seeking job opportunities and contractors looking for skilled workers, making it an ideal partner for companies like Balfour Beatty.

Conclusion

Louise Colley's appointment is more than a leadership change; it's a statement of Balfour Beatty's commitment to diversity and innovation. As she steps into her new role, the industry watches with keen interest, anticipating the fresh perspectives she will bring to pre-construction and estimating. With the support of platforms like Find A Start, Balfour Beatty continues to lead the way in building a more inclusive and efficient construction sector.

At Find A Start, we resonate with Balfour Beatty's vision and applaud the appointment of Louise Colley. Her journey reinforces our belief in the power of diversity and the importance of recognizing individual merits. We are committed to fostering a similar ethos by connecting contractors with a diverse pool of talented tradespeople. Our platform ensures that each project, like the ones undertaken by Balfour Beatty, benefits from the best skills available in the industry.

In a rapidly evolving sector, where challenges like sustainability, technology integration, and workforce diversification are paramount, leaders like Louise Colley are pivotal. They not only drive progress and innovation within their organizations but also inspire the wider industry to embrace change and diversity.

For more information about how Find A Start is contributing to this dynamic industry and supporting companies like Balfour Beatty in their mission, visit our website at www.findastart.co.uk. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and successful future for the construction industry.