To mark International Women’s Day, PHPD finds out a little more about Millwood Designer Homes’ first female site manager, Charlotte Cox.
In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8th March, luxury property developer Millwood Designer Homes is paving the way for women carving successful careers across the house building sector by paying special recognition to its female employees. The company’s first female site manager, Charlotte Cox (27), is currently working at The Old Orchard in Sutton Valence, Maidstone, which launches on 25th and 26th March and is part of ‘The Kent Collection’.
House building has dominated Charlotte’s career since she left school. After deciding to study a Construction Management course at Westminster University, she started off as a trainee site manager. Joining Millwood in 2015 as an assistant site manager on current development Woodlands View in Hastings, Charlotte has since been promoted to site manager at The Old Orchard, which comprises an exclusive collection of 5 homes; three bedroom semi-detached and four and five bedroom detached homes.
Charlotte comments: “My dad has always worked in construction, so growing up I saw him working with the local community on lots of different projects. I did my first work experience when I was 15 in his department at the council and whilst I was at university, I also went back and did an apprenticeship with them.”
Charlotte continues: “While studying construction management at university, I was one of three ladies on my course. There were a lot more on the architecture and design and art courses, but that side never particularly appealed to me. People are often surprised about my chosen career and shocked when they walk in the office to meet me, but generally they are just as pleased as they would be if a man was working on the project.”
“I definitely think jobs in construction should be introduced more to younger girls as a potential career option. Unfortunately, I did nothing at school more than basic engineering in Physics lessons. The house-building industry does not seem to be discussed in education for girls, but for those who work and think logically like me, it is ideal.”
“I think you definitely see a lot more women branching into the construction industry today, usually the Health and Safety side but not many at all out on site. Most of the staff I work with are male, so when I don’t know something, I would rather ask for their advice than pretend and I think they really respect that. I believe in some situations and without generalising, I can be a little bit more level-headed and understanding when I’m on-site. I have had a great amount of support from the team at Millwood, who encourage progression based on merit and strongly believe in promoting from within the company wherever possible.”
John Elliott, Managing Director at Millwood Designer Homes comments: “At Millwood, we are very passionate about all of our staff. We are extremely lucky to have an incredibly talented and diverse team that is committed to creating beautiful new homes. International Women’s Day is the ideal opportunity for us to celebrate the significant contribution our female employees make to our business. We will continue to encourage, motivate and support all our staff, including Charlotte, to ensure that they enjoy a rewarding career in the house building industry.”
The Old Orchard is an exclusive collection of 5 homes comprising a pair of 3 bedroom semi-detached homes and 4 and 5 bedroom detached homes, ideal for family living. Sutton Valence is a quintessential village that stands tall over The Weald of Kent.
