The natural choice for urban greening
MMA Architectural are the sole UK distributor for the renowned Jakob Range of high-quality stainless steel wire ropes and assembles, stainless steel wire mesh, tie rods and fittings for over 25 years. Their work supports a myriad of construction needs including the trellis used for living walls/green facades, fencing for animal enclosures, and the fences that keep car parks and bridges safe.
As a UK installation partner for MMA Architectural living walls and fencing structures, Pritchard & Pritchard are delighted to bring you our third profile for Women in Construction Week, with the boss of MMA Nikki Errington, as she shares her experiences working in the construction industry, her route into construction and encouragement for the future generation of women who would like a career in this industry.
Q. When did you start MMA and what was your motivation?
I started working at MMA in March 2003, later going on to buy the business together with my brother in October 2007. I had left university with a science and engineering PhD and didn’t really know what I wanted to do for a career. Then this opportunity with MMA arose and I took the plunge. I didn’t think it would be a long-term choice, but here I am 18 years later!
Q. Did you have experience in construction before?
No, I had been in the science and research industry, but knew that I didn’t want to carry on along this path.
Q. What are the best things about the urban greening industry?
I love the living wall side of our products; installing a green wall can totally change the look and feel of a building while also providing benefits to people and nature.
Q. What qualifications or experience do you need to work in the industry, or have you learnt your skills with training whilst working?
I have a science and engineering back-ground, so learning the technical side for this job was fairly easy. Learning how to run a business has been on the job training and I have learnt a lot in the last 13 years!
Q. Does it ever concern you that there are generally more men than women working in construction?
It did frustrate me when I first started in this job that I was in contact with very few women in this industry. I was also frustrated at the way I was seen as a female in a technical role in construction. However, I have seen a great increase in the amount of women in this industry and that we are much more accepted and catered for. I am hoping that this continues and more women will choose this industry as a career.
Q. If yes how do you think we can change this?
We need to continue to promote the construction industry to women as a great opportunity for a career. And to let them know what the different options are for working with in the industry.
Q. How would you persuade a young woman that a job in urban greening and construction is a great opportunity?
This industry is never dull, it’s amazing to see the concepts that clients and architects come up with and to work towards bringing them to life. It’s very satisfying to be part of a successful project.
Thank you Nikki!
Pritchard & Pritchard is an equal opportunities employer, very proud of our diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all to work for our living roof, living walls and landscaping businesses from everyone. The only criteria is that you are passionate about urban greening and bring a great attitude and team spirit to the Pritchard & Pritchard family.
As the UK’s only female owned living wall and roof installation business in the UK – P&P is passionate about attracting more young women into construction. If you are interested in working in the design, installation or maintenance of living walls, living roofs, rooftop gardens or landscaped podiums, including traineeships, and would like to chat to Charlotte Pritchard – our owner – or one of the other female members of P&P, please contact us.
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