As Women in Construction Week shines a spotlight on the vital role women play across the industry, members of the Swansea Bay Construction Support Group (SBCSG) are proud to highlight the contribution of women working on the Margam Connection project in Margam and Port Talbot.
Delivered by Laing O’Rourke for its client National Grid, the major infrastructure project is helping strengthen the electricity network in South Wales while showcasing the wide variety of careers available to women in construction and infrastructure.
The project is also particularly significant for Laing O’Rourke, marking the company’s first major project in Wales for five years, following its work on The Grange University Hospital. The company also has a long history in the region, having delivered the iconic Principality Stadium more than 25 years ago.
A diverse team driving delivery
Women across both National Grid and Laing O’Rourke are playing key roles in delivering the Margam Connection project, bringing decades of experience across land management, engineering, health and safety, project management and community engagement.
National Grid team
Amy Hemus – Lands Rights Manager
Amy brings more than 20 years’ experience in utilities and infrastructure, helping manage the complex land agreements required for major infrastructure projects.
Rachel Price – Lands Surveyor
With 10 years working in the electricity industry, Rachel plays an essential role in surveying land and ensuring the project is delivered accurately and efficiently.
Charlotte Jennings – Project Supervisor
Charlotte focuses on health, safety and quality, drawing on her previous experience overseeing facilities management across rail depots.
Charlotte Windram – Document Controller & Senior Admin Assistant
With over 18 years’ experience in construction, Charlotte ensures the smooth management of project documentation and administrative coordination.
Laing O’Rourke team
Lesa Owen – Office Manager
Lesa has more than 20 years’ experience across a wide range of major projects, including the construction of Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station.
Jade White – Regional Workforce Manager
Jade has spent over 24 years with Laing O’Rourke, supporting workforce planning and development across multiple construction projects.
Michelle Martin-Boon – Admin Manager
Michelle has more than 21 years’ experience in construction, including 17 years with Laing O’Rourke, supporting project delivery through strong administrative leadership.
Joanne Crecraft – DE & IM Project Information Manager
Jo brings three decades of experience, including a long career at Tata Steel, and more recently in strategy and planning for the Invictus Programme. Although new to construction, her expertise in information management and planning is proving invaluable to the project.
Paula Lunnon – Senior Social Value Advisor
After a career in community regeneration and development, Paula has spent the past 10 years applying her community engagement expertise across construction projects, ensuring infrastructure delivers meaningful benefits for local communities.
Supporting the next generation
The project is also helping nurture the next generation of female talent in construction.
Alice Day, an Apprentice Civil Engineer, is part of Laing O’Rourke’s Expanded Special Business Trading Group and is currently in her third year studying civil engineering at the University of Exeter. By combining university study with practical experience on live projects, Alice is gaining valuable hands-on skills that will support her future career in the industry.
The Margam Connection project demonstrates that modern construction offers opportunities far beyond traditional site roles. From engineering and surveying to administration, information management, workforce planning and community engagement, the sector provides a diverse range of rewarding career paths.
By celebrating the achievements of the women working on this project during Women in Construction Week, SBCSG hopes to inspire more women and girls across South Wales to consider a future in construction and infrastructure.
Thank you for sharing some of our stories. We really want to inspire more girls and women to consider careers in construction … and of course celebrate those who have worked for many years in the sector… and those just entering the sector