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LEADING BY EXAMPLE
We sit down with Nicola Hodkinson of Seddon to discuss employment practices and women ’ s position in the industry
Despite progress in women ’ s employment , there are few companies in the construction sector with women at the helm . However , Nicola Hodkinson , Owner and Director at Seddon is breaking down stereotypical barriers in more ways than one .
Not only does Nicola hold a senior leadership position within the business , but she is working to transform Seddon ’ s culture and de-gender recruitment practices . Nicola is equally passionate about employment models across the industry , believing that direct employment is better for both workplaces and employees . We sit down with Nicola to delve further into her passions and experience .
“ Seddon is a 127-year-old , family owned and operated business led by me and my two brothers , and we took over from my father in 2015 ,” Nicola begins . “ To me , being a good leader means acknowledging where your strengths are and what skills or knowledge other people can bring to the table . One of my brothers is our CEO , and another is a Managing Director of our development business . Each of us has our own niche ; an area of expertise that plays to our individual passions .
“ As Owner and Director , I sit on the board and lead most of our work around PR and culture , although I previously headed up Seddon ’ s HR function for around ten years . I originally trained in beauty therapy , later occupying a teaching role , and although it wasn ’ t the right industry for me , I realised that I loved teaching side of it . I later married my husband and had children , but I was determined to regain my education while caring for my young family . I enrolled in night college and achieved my GCSEs , then A Levels , and I then studied for a degree in information communications .
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