WISH London: Fresh Shoots of Opportunity for Young Women in Construction

At its heart, WISH is about creating meaningful opportunities for women across the housing and construction industry. It is about opening doors, building networks and offering support where it matters most. For one young woman, a chance encounter at a WISH event has marked the beginning of a promising new career.

Saffron first met members of the Kinovo Group at a WISH networking event in October. She approached them with genuine curiosity and asked thoughtful questions about their roles and day-to-day work. Her interest in the sector was clear, as was her enthusiasm for learning more. The team was so impressed by her attitude that they followed up with an offer of work experience, which Saffron gladly accepted.

Over the course of her week with Purdy Contracts, part of the Kinovo Group, Saffron was immersed in different parts of the business. She shadowed staff, joined site visits and contributed to meaningful community initiatives. Among the highlights was helping to deliver new tablets to pupils at a local primary school and visiting a youth centre project in Wandsworth. These experiences gave her a powerful insight into the role that social value plays in the housing and construction industry. She spoke movingly about how much it meant to see organisations giving back in ways that are practical, lasting and heartfelt.

Although she was only with the team for a short time, Saffron left a lasting impression. Her willingness to learn, her professional approach and her clear passion for the work led Spokemead, another part of the Kinovo Group, to offer her a permanent role. She will begin her new position as Office Administrator in December.

Saffron commented "Recently, I attended a WISH event where I met Fay, Pippa, and Charelle. Talking with them about their roles and experiences was truly inspiring, and it sparked a real interest in the social value sector of the industry. Their insights opened my eyes to how impactful this work can be, and it’s given me a deeper appreciation for the positive changes we can create through local communities. I am happy to be given the opportunity to attend Mott Street for works experience this week and I'm enjoying the experience so far.

Saffron’s story is a powerful example of what WISH strives to achieve. It shows how the connections made at our events can create real-life impact. It also highlights the importance of investing in future talent, recognising potential and giving young women the chance to see where they might belong in our industry.

We are delighted to have played a small part in Saffron’s journey and are excited to see what lies ahead for her. Her story is not only inspiring, it is a reminder that with the right support, women of all ages and backgrounds can thrive in housing and construction.