Calfordseaden: Sharing Reflections and Building Connections

Nikki Hamilton joined calfordseaden in August 2020 and recently celebrated her five-year anniversary with the Practice. During her time here, Nikki has become an integral part of the Bid Team, bringing energy, hard work, and commitment to every submission she supports. Nikki reflects on her year and provides advice to women looking to progress in their careers.

Tell us a bit about your role as a Senior Bid Coordinator

As a Senior Bid Coordinator, I get to be right in the middle of bringing our bids to life. I manage, develop and pull together high-quality submissions, working closely with our technical teams, partners, and project leads to shape strong and compelling responses. The job definitely keeps me on my toes, it mixes organisation, creativity, and teamwork and I love being part of something that brings the whole business together.

What are some of the wins you’ve had this year?

This year has been a particularly rewarding one. My biggest milestone was being promoted to Senior Bid Coordinator, which has given me the chance to take on more responsibility and contribute to the team at a higher level.

A further highlight has been my involvement in securing successful outcomes on multiple tenders, including winning places on two major fire-related frameworks. These achievements strengthen the foundations of our newly developed fire team and open significant future opportunities for both the team and the wider business.

I’ve also gained much more external exposure by attending events such as the SEC and Brighton Conferences and various networking events that inspire women into the construction industry. These events have given me the platform to network, promote calfordseaden, and build new relationships that could lead to future collaborations or bid opportunities. It’s been great to represent the Practice and contribute to raising our visibility in the sector.

What impact have your wins had on you both professionally and personally?

Professionally, these achievements have really strengthened my confidence and broadened my skill set. The promotion and the extra responsibility will really help me develop my leadership skills and push me to get more involved at a strategic level. Seeing the tenders and frameworks we secured come through was also motivating as it’s rewarding to see the results of all the hard work.

On a personal level, these wins have given me a renewed sense of motivation and pride in the direction my career is heading. Having the chance to attend conferences and network has pushed me out of my comfort zone in a positive way, helping me grow my communication skills and build meaningful industry connections. Overall, it’s made me feel more inspired about the future and more driven to continue developing.

What advice would you give to fellow women looking to progress in their careers?

My biggest piece of advice is to back yourself, even when you feel unsure. So many opportunities come from taking a step forward before you feel completely ready. Don’t underestimate the value of your voice, speak up in meetings, ask questions, share ideas, and make your ambitions known.

It’s also important to surround yourself with people who support you. Seek mentors, build connections, and don’t be afraid to learn from others. Finally, invest in your own development - whether that’s through training, industry events, or simply putting your hand up for new challenges. Every experience contributes to your growth!

Jack Darkins & Nikki Hamilton, calfordseadon (WISH National Sponsor)