A WOMAN in a man’s world has been shortlisted for a top award.
Sue Wimpenny, who has worked alongside husband James in the Shepley-based Wimpenny construction business, is among the five finalists in the Women in Property and Construction category of the International Aspiring Women Awards 2012.
She will compete with the other nominees at an awards ceremony to be held in early November at Villa Park in Birmingham.
The Aspiring Women Awards celebrate the achievements of women throughout the world and inspires those to achieve at all levels in business and corporate life.
The Wimpenny Group, a family business, traces its origins to 1884 and is synonymous with landmark buildings around Yorkshire and the North of England.
Sue has set up her own brand, The Lady Builder, which works mainly in central London and specialises in project managing house renovations and extensions for women who are busy balancing careers with family life.
Said Sue: "Running The Lady Builder is exhilarating. Every job is different and I enjoy working very closely with my clients.
"If they want a Sex in the City-style walk-in wardrobe or a garden that becomes part of the day-to-day living space then that’s what I strive to achieve.
"I love designing and creating and I appreciate I’m extremely lucky to love my work."
She said: "Women have a keen eye for detail and can multitask; yet every week I meet men who are curious as to why I work in the construction field.
"I’m constantly enquiring how many women are employed within certain sectors of our business and it does make some of the males sit up and think that they ought to widen their horizons and attitudes.
"It's a huge honour to have been nominated in the first place but I'm overwhelmed at becoming a finalist.
"If you want to do something you can and will. Don’t let gender stereotypes in any industry make you doubt your ability to reach the top."
