Blog
A Night of Connection and Conversation at Drummonds
As the golden evening light filtered through the grand windows of Drummonds Bank in Charing Cross, something special was unfolding on Wednesday, June 25th. A handpicked group of women leaders in STEM and construction gathered not just to share a meal, but to engage in deep, meaningful conversation about the future of these industries—and their place in it.
This dinner followed the recent success of the Inspirational Women in STEM & Construction Awards, and was designed to keep the momentum going. The idea? To create space for authentic dialogue around the challenges we face, the progress we’ve made, and the possibilities ahead.
The setting couldn’t have been more perfect—Drummonds, with its timeless charm and quiet elegance, offered a beautiful backdrop for thoughtful reflection and honest conversation.
Around the table, stories were shared, challenges unpacked, and ideas exchanged. Topics ranged from everyday workplace experiences to systemic barriers and what real change could look like. What made it powerful wasn’t just the depth of the conversation, but the sense of unity in the room—a shared understanding that, while each journey is unique, the goal is collective.
“It felt like a safe, inspiring space to say the things we don’t always get to say—and to be heard,” one attendee remarked.
As the evening drew to a close, there was a sense that something important had started—or perhaps continued. New connections were made. Old ones were strengthened. And the commitment to driving change, both personally and collectively, was reaffirmed.
To everyone who attended: thank you for your open participation, your honesty, and your presence.
Let’s keep the conversation going—and keep building a future where women in STEM and construction not only belong, but lead.
Dr. Roni Savage on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Construction: A Sustainable Solution
At the recent ACEI Conference 2024, Dr. Roni Savage delivered a compelling speech on the significance of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the construction industry. As an engineering geologist and a prominent figure in civil engineering, her insights were not only based on her extensive career but also her lived experience as the only black woman in the UK to run an engineering company of considerable size.
Equity Over Equality
Dr. Roni Savage emphasized the importance of equity over equality. She argued that while equality provides a level playing field, equity recognizes that individuals come from diverse backgrounds and need additional support to reach the same starting line. This distinction is crucial in creating a truly inclusive environment where everyone can succeed.
The Power of Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity is about embracing different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. However, Dr. Roni Savage pointed out that diversity often becomes a box-ticking exercise for organizations. True progress lies in inclusion—creating an environment where everyone feels valued and psychologically safe. She used the analogy of hosting a community party to explain the difference between diversity and inclusion. It isn’t just about inviting a diverse group of people but ensuring they feel welcome and included in the festivities.
Ireland’s EDI Performance
Dr. Roni Savage highlighted that only 9% of Ireland’s construction workforce is female, reflecting a significant gender gap in the industry. She challenged the audience to be intentional about increasing diversity and inclusion, not just for the sake of representation but as a solution to the industry’s challenges.
The Business Case for EDI
Citing a report by McKinsey & Company, Dr. Roni Savage noted that companies with diverse teams perform significantly better financially. Gender diversity leads to a 25% increase in performance, while ethnic minority diversity results in a 36% boost. These statistics underscore the economic benefits of fostering an inclusive workplace.
Addressing Ireland’s Challenges Through EDI
Dr. Roni Savage connected EDI to Ireland’s broader challenges, such as climate change, infrastructure, and housing. She argued that diverse perspectives are essential in finding innovative solutions to these issues. With a looming workforce shortage in construction, attracting underrepresented groups to the industry is not only equitable but necessary for meeting future demands.
Best Practices for EDI
Dr. Roni Savage concluded with actionable steps for improving EDI in the construction industry:
– Data Transparency: Accessible data on EDI is crucial for setting baselines and measuring progress.
– Inclusive Procurement: EDI should be at the core of procurement practices, encouraging a diverse supply chain.
– Community Engagement: Understanding the needs of diverse communities leads to more inclusive design and decision-making.
– Setting Targets: Just as there are climate targets, there should be EDI targets to hold the industry accountable.
Dr. Roni Savage’s speech at the ACEI Conference 2024 served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of EDI in construction. By prioritizing equity, embracing diversity, and ensuring inclusion, the industry can not only address its current challenges but also pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Construction Engineering Business, Jomas Associates’ CEO, Dr Roni Savage named, as UK Government unveils new SME Council members.
The membership of the new Government led SME Business Council was unveiled this morning, as their first meeting was held at No10 Downing Street, Westminster.
The Council, chaired by Small Business Minister, Kevin Hollinrake MP, has been set up by the Government to reaffirm its commitment to the UK’s 5.6 million SMEs. The Council will serve as a forum for action orientated engagement between small businesses, representative organizations, and HMG, providing an opportunity for small businesses to shape actions in agreed priority areas, and give feedback on Government policy ambitions for UK small businesses.
The Council will be a powerful voice for small businesses within Government and has been tasked with overseeing three key areas – Access to finance, skills and support as well as, removing barriers (including access to procurement).
Jomas Associates, a business at the forefront of providing Engineering and Environmental solutions to the Construction Industry across the UK, are delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to shaping policy decisions that will empower SMEs, and drive growth in the economy.
Jomas’ CEO, Dr Roni Savage said “I am honoured to be invited to join the government led SME business council during this crucial juncture for many SMEs who are navigating various challenges, whilst aiming for growth. I aspire to amplify the voice of SMEs at various intersections, and to contribute to a movement that will deliver tangle results. Construction related businesses make up approximately 20% of all SMEs in the UK – It is important that barriers are removed to enable sustainable growth for these businesses, and for the economy.
Almost every business in the country is a small business (99.9%) who in turn support 27million jobs across the UK, accounting for £4.5 trillion of annual turnover. Almost every billion-pound company, tech giant or multinational corporation started off as small business, which is why this Council has been formed, to help support and nurture the next generation of small firms to thrive and grow.
With firms representing all corners of the UK, covering sectors including engineering, manufacturing, construction, food and drink, the new council aims to truly represent the makeup of UK industry.
Members of the council include;
• Michelle Ovens CBE Founder/CEO – Small Business Britain
• Neil Davy CEO – Family Business UK
• Tina McKenzie Policy Chair – Federation of Small Businesses
• Roni Savage CEO & Founder – Jomas Associates (Engineering) Ltd
• Andrew Bissell CEO – Sunamp
• Alan Lowry CEO – Environmental Street Furniture
• Debbie Williams Co-founder – John Williams Heating Servies Ltd
• Emma Heal MD – Lucky Saint
• Thomas Robson Kanu Founder – Turmeric Co
• Julianne Ponan MBE CEO – Creative Nature Superfoods
• Peter Davies MD – James Lister and Sons
• Gary Parlett Co-founder – Answer Digital
• Tania Boler Founder – Elvie
• Richard Marshall Founder – Pall Mall Barbers
• Elizabeth Vega CEO – Informed Solutions
• Tessa Clarke Co-founder – Olio
• Jordan Schwarzenberger Co-founder – Arcade Media
• Julie White MD- D-Drill
• Mike Bristow CEO – Crowd Property Ltd
Reference link – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sme-council-membership-revealed-ahead-of-first-meeting
Build Build Build
On 02 July 2020, Jomas Associates CEO, Roni Savage joined the Prime Minister - Boris Johnson, along with 7 other Infrastructure industry leaders, to discuss government support to enable sector recovery following the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Calling All Businesswomen Working in STEM
Jomas Associates CEO, Roni Savage was on BBC Worklife recently as part of a new campaign to identify and celebrate female business owners in STEM (Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering). Along with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Natwest, Roni is calling all female entrepreneurs and inspirational business women working in STEM to nominate themselves, and celebrate their achievements with the new Inspirational Business Women in STEM. In 2019 the findings of the Alison Rose review of female entrepreneurship identified that women entrepreneurs are underrepresented in the most productive sectors of the UK economy. As it currently stands only 24% of STEM roles are held by women and the country has the lowest percentage of female engineers in Europe. By changing this imbalance it is anticipated that a further £250bn could be added to the economy. Following the findings of the Alison Rose review a range of initiatives have started to be launched to start to tackle this. RBS CEO Alison Rose has put aside a £1 billion fund to help women launch their own businesses, prompted by findings in the review that businesses led by women receive less funding than those headed by men at every stage of their journey. The government has also announced an ambition to increase the number of female entrepreneurs by half by 2030, the equivalent to nearly 600,000 additional female entrepreneurs. The review recommends that encouraging young women to study STEM subjects is key to increasing female start-up rates in those sectors, and the Inspirational Business Women in STEM will play an important role in making this happen. This is an opportunity for female business owners and leaders working in STEM to be recognised for their achievements. The Inspirational Business Women in STEM event will be held on 11th March to not only celebrate the achievements of women in STEM, but to showcase them. It is an event designed to share success stories, and create role models to inspire other women and girls looking to follow a career in STEM. Visit http://businesswomeninstem.com for more details You can watch Roni discussing this in more detail on BBC iplayer on the programme Worklife from 27th January 2020.
BBC The Apprentice
Roni joined an esteemed panel advising Lord Alan Sugar during the nail-biting decision-making process for 2019 BBC The Apprentice.