Why we build: Matt Crookes

At BAM, we are incredibly proud of all the women who work with us, and we therefore consider it particularly important to mark International Women’s Day. In these inspiring interviews BAM-colleagues tell on how they experience diversity and inclusion in the workplace, what they do to promote it, and which values they stand for. They explain why International Women’s Day is not only very important to them, but also indispensable to the world.?

‘I have a lovely partner, Joanna, a son, Conor, and a daughter, Ciara. Having a daughter changes your outlook a little bit in terms of gender and gender equality, you start thinking: what will the world be like for Ciara when she’s older? As a construction manager I work on projects at Southampton Hospital, from operating theatres to intensive care projects. Often, when we hand over the healthcare facilities that we’ve built, the hospital staff are so grateful. That really is a team effort. I’m trying to help the younger members of my team the way I was helped when I was young. It makes me proud to see them grow in their roles. I am probably mentoring more young people than I should, but they are the next generation, so it’s important to me.?

‘Inclusion to me means: everyone is welcome. It’s about recognising that we are different. We’re not robots, we’re humans. It’s our differences that make us unique. If we can celebrate that then we’re really going places. I’m not an expert in diversity and inclusion, however, at the same time, I’m trying to make sure we all are inclusive and respectful. I think it’s really important that we welcome people into our business and community, and that they are listened to. One way I actively try to do that, is by challenging people in my work environment when I hear things that are not appropriate and using language that is potentially offensive. I hope one day we all dare to speak up and say: hang on a minute, you can’t say that. I think if everyone could do that, we’re going to evolve and get to a better place.?

‘A woman I admire is Amelia Earhart, I am petrol head, love engines, motorsport and exploration. It’s amazing that already in the 1920’s she said: “I am going to fly around the world and be the first one to do it.” A more recent example would be the Finnish Prime Minister, Sanna Marin. The courage that she’s shown in standing up against Russia and the way they have behaved towards Ukraine, that’s really impressive. And then my daughter as well: definitely a powerful woman. I learn a lot from her. She really is the inspiration for me to try and do my bit for the diversity and inclusion topic. On-site I often reflect on whether I’d be happy with my daughter working on construction projects, and I’d be lying if I said the answer is always yes. It’s these insights that motivate me to speak up. It’s an uncomfortable statement, but I think it’s important to recognise that it’s harder for a woman to be successful in our industry than a man. But I’m glad that we are past window dressing and box ticking. I genuinely feel like the business and the leaders in our business now take things seriously in all aspects of diversity and inclusion.’?