What We Do

G4C provides a unique environment whereby those who are new to industry can find camaraderie, share ideas and to use the network as a platform for getting their voices heard in industry. The G4C network is an opportunity to be at the forefront of innovative industry thinking and best practice in the sector.

Current Co-Chairs


Lydia McGuinness

G4C provides a platform for those in our industry who want to strive for change and improvement. We give them a voice to shout as loud as possible about the good, the bad and the ugly of our industry, so that they can shape their future. It’s a community where you can find allyship, share ideas, learn and build your network.

I first joined G4C 6 years ago as a trainee that was new to the industry.

Since joining G4C nearly 5 years ago, it has been a huge part of my professional development. It is a collaborative network, where you meet and learn from young professionals from so many different backgrounds. That’s the beauty of G4C, it brings young people in our industry together.

Jack Cook

I joined the industry straight from leaving school when I was 16 and undertook a joinery apprenticeship with F.Parkinson Ltd. After completing my joinery apprenticeship, I continued to work on site while undertaking an HNC in construction. After completing my HNC I was afforded the opportunity, to take on a new role working as a trainee estimator in the Manchester office. After completing an internal training plan, I was successfully promoted to my current role as construction estimator working for the same company I started with back when I was 16. What an journey!

I joined G4C because I feel our industry and especially the apprenticeship route is undervalued as a whole and I wanted to join the Generation For Change campaign to give the next generation a voice and showcase how wonderful our industry is. In my role as the chair I hope to try and engage with as many people as possible in the North West and across the country and hopefully showcase how important the next generation is to the future of our industry.

In my spare time I am a massive football and Bolton Wanderers fan and I enjoy attending the matches with my Dad. I also love engaging and socialising with friends and the G4C family.

Our Team

 

Dylan Stoppard

Position: Regional Chair, Yorkshire and Humber
Categories: Regional Chairs

I work in sustainability and environmental social governance for Genuit Group, a FTSE 250 construction products manufacturing Group. Working in the head office, I am involved in the sustainability strategy, decarbonisation, product specific environmental impact projects, and reporting across the 20 different companies that make up the Group. My passion for sustainability stems from a lifelong love for the outdoors and nature, coupled with a BSc Geography and an MSc Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Management from the University of York. I am involved in external organisations such as The British Plastics Federation (BPF), and The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA) in which I sit within their sustainability working groups. I joined the construction industry being aware that it accounts for around half of the worlds GHG emissions and is fundamental to us achieving net-zero as a nation, and species.

Being passionate about sustainability, and with the G4C representing the future of the construction industry, and I am keen to help broaden our generations understanding of sustainability, as well as to broaden my own skillset and knowledge within the other elements of construction. It is my aim to connect with more people within our industry and to show them the benefits of coming together as a collective within the G4C.

If you would like to get in touch, my virtual door is always open: [email protected]

Dylan Stoppard

Regional Chair, Yorkshire and Humber

I work in sustainability and environmental social governance for Genuit...

Elizabeth Painter

Position: Regional Chair, South West
Categories: Regional Chairs

Lizzy is an Associate at Royds Withy King, based in Bath. Lizzy specialises in non-contentious construction and engineering matters, and advises a range of clients across the entire supply chain (from procurement and risk management through to delivery and life use of a development).

As a long-time supporter of Constructing Excellence, Lizzy joined the committee of the Generation 4 Change South West in 2019 because she was keen to help encourage the younger generation understand the vast range of opportunities available in the industry.

Lizzy is also active in the local Bath community. She is a committee member for the CESW Bath Club (the local group for the Construction Excellence South West) and the Bath Young Professionals (a networking group who connects junior professionals across various industries and professions in Bath).

Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to get involved with G4C South West – @G4CSW

Elizabeth Painter

Regional Chair, South West

Lizzy is an Associate at Royds Withy King, based in...

Jack Cook

Position: National Co-Chair, North West
Categories: National Chairs

I joined the industry straight from leaving school when I was 16 and undertook a joinery apprenticeship with F.Parkinson Ltd. After completing my joinery apprenticeship, I continued to work on site while undertaking an HNC in construction. After completing my HNC I was afforded the opportunity, to take on a new role working as a trainee estimator in the Manchester office. After completing an internal training plan, I was successfully promoted to my current role as construction estimator working for the same company I started with back when I was 16. What a journey!

I joined G4C because I feel our industry and especially the apprenticeship route is undervalued as a whole and I wanted to join the Generation For Change campaign to give the next generation a voice and showcase how wonderful our industry is. In my role as the chair I hope to try and engage with as many people as possible in the North West and across the country and hopefully showcase how important the next generation is to the future of our industry.

In my spare time I am a massive football and Bolton Wanderers fan and I enjoy attending the matches with my Dad. I also love engaging and socialising with friends and the G4C family.

Please contact me anytime if you have any questions or if you would like to get involved with G4C – @G4CNW & @jcook95

Jack Cook

National Co-Chair, North West

I joined the industry straight from leaving school when I...

Lydia McGuinness

Position: National Co-Chair
Categories: National Chairs

G4C provides a platform for those in our industry who want to strive for change and improvement. We give them a voice to shout as loud as possible about the good, the bad and the ugly of our industry, so that they can shape their future. It’s a community where you can find allyship, share ideas, learn and build your network.

I first joined G4C 6 years ago as a trainee that was new to the industry.

Since joining G4C nearly 5 years ago, it has been a huge part of my professional development. It is a collaborative network, where you meet and learn from young professionals from so many different backgrounds. That’s the beauty of G4C, it brings young people in our industry together.

Lydia McGuinness

National Co-Chair

G4C provides a platform for those in our industry who...

Maria Fert

Position: Regional Chair, Yorkshire and Humber
Categories: Regional Chairs

Maria is an Associate at Bevan Brittan in the Leeds office. She advises developers, consultants, investors, and contractors on non-contentious matters across the public and commercial sectors on a wide range of projects, including retail, student accommodation, hotels, and care homes. Maria also provides support to clients on schemes that involve banks and investment funds, which often require security packages with respect to construction documents.

Maria joined the Generation 4 Change Yorkshire & Humber Committee in 2018. G4C helped her not only to understand how diverse the construction industry is but also to meet a lot of interesting people that share the same values and who want to make a change within the industry. Maria is hoping to change the way people see construction and encourage more women to enter the industry.

Maria Fert

Regional Chair, Yorkshire and Humber

Maria is an Associate at Bevan Brittan in the Leeds...

Olivia Morrey

Position: Regional Chair, South West
Categories: Regional Chairs

Livvy is a Project Manager at Coreus Group, based in the Exeter office. Her project experience spans across various different sectors, including commercial, conservation and refurbishment, health, public realm, and blue light.

Livvy is proud to be a member of the Generation 4 Change South West committee and is motivated to drive positive change in the industry through attracting young people to work in construction.

As someone who did not take a conventional route into project management, or the construction industry, I am keen to encourage others to consider a career in construction and show young people that it is an exciting and rewarding sector to be part of.

Olivia Morrey

Regional Chair, South West

Livvy is a Project Manager at Coreus Group, based in...

Ellie Carswell

Position: Regional Chair, Kent
Categories: Regional Chairs

Ellie is a chartered Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis, a global project and programme management consultancy, and delivers schemes predominantly across the public education and healthcare sectors. Ellie was named G4C South East Future Leader of the Year in 2022, having previously been shortlisted as a Finalist in the CIOB Rising Star Awards in 2021.

 

As a non-cognate, Ellie has a passion for promoting the diverse range of opportunities within the construction industry, on a mission to inspire the next generation of project professionals from different backgrounds. Ellie works with colleges, universities, and professional bodies to give career-focussed talks, mentor students considering a career in construction, and provide insight into her unconventional career journey. Ellie is an advocate for the Early Careers community, sitting on the Early Careers Leadership Team for her business region, being the Vice Chair of Constructing Excellence Kent Group, and now being the founding Chair of G4C Kent.

Ellie Carswell

Regional Chair, Kent

Ellie is a chartered Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis, a global...

Sesitwa Mohlala

Position: Regional Chair, London
Categories: Regional Chairs

Sesitwa is an Executive Quantity Surveyor at Gleeds and has experience spanning across 8 years in the infrastructure and natural resources sector, beginning his career in 2015 as a graduate with Turner & Townsend, Johannesburg (South Africa), working in the mining & metals sector for 2 years. He subsequently moved to London, England in 2017 and has since been working on key and major infrastructure projects, providing a full range of cost & commercial management services that span across the whole project lifecycle.

 

During the 6 years, Sesitwa has obtained multi-disciplinary sector experience having worked for various key clients such as Turner & Townsend, Constructing Excellence, Thames Water Utilities Limited, Heathrow Airport Limited, The Environment Agency, and Anglian Water to make a difference for them to achieve their project, portfolio and business objectives. As a custodian of the Construction Innovation Hub’s Value Toolkit, Sesitwa has been integral in the development of the industry wide Toolkit during its early phases and has led and supported on industry wide engagements through targeted workshops with the Supply Chain, Specialists, Manufacturers, Associations, and the insurance sector to ascertain value in procurement and delivery.

 

Sesitwa is interested in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) and is a member of the Mayor of London’s Young Professional Panel who are 10 young aspiring infrastructure leaders who have been chosen to provide expert advice on key challenges related to the planning and delivery of London’s infrastructure, acting as ambassadors for his infrastructure and sustainable development agenda.

Sesitwa Mohlala

Regional Chair, London

Sesitwa is an Executive Quantity Surveyor at Gleeds and has...

Priyanka Shah

Position: Regional Chair, Norfolk
Categories: Regional Chairs

Priyanka Shah is a Project Architect from Ingleton Wood. Working predominately in the Defence sector for the past 6 years on a range of architectural, engineering and project management schemes across the UK estates. She is a both a committee member of Norfolk Constructing Excellence and Chair of G4C Norfolk.

Working in multi-disciplinary, Pri advocates the importance of crossing paths and learning from people of all backgrounds and disciplines to ensure maximum benefit in projects at work and also knowledge of the industry. It’s always about the bigger picture and the wholistic approach. Pri’s ambition is to break down the barriers between all disciplines, genders and ages and help build a stronger community within the construction industry.

Priyanka Shah

Regional Chair, Norfolk

Priyanka Shah is a Project Architect from Ingleton Wood. Working...

Jessica Morgan

Position: Regional Chair, North East
Categories: Regional Chairs

Upon completing my A-Levels at Emmanuel College, I joined the PlanBEE Apprenticeship scheme where I was able to work with some of the key players within the industry, exploring the various roles available. I was fortunate enough to work with Sir Robert McAlpine, SHED Engineering, Ryder Architecture and Robertsons carrying out broad range of technical and professional roles. Whilst completing the apprenticeship I achieved my HND alongside a level 5 NVQ in project management, and also ultimately decided that Quantity Surveying was the route I wanted to follow.

Following the completion of this programme, I was able to secure myself a job with Gleeds, one of the world’s leading global property and construction consultancy companies, I have been with them for over 3 years now working as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor. I continued my degree apprenticeship at Northumbria University and graduated in July 2023 with a first-class honours in Quantity Surveying. Since joining Gleeds, I have made significant contributions to several major projects in a range of sectors, which has allowed me to gain a greater understanding around the role I am fulfilling. I am responsible for contributing to the cost and project management services throughout the project lifecycle to meet the clients’ requirements allowing me to build excellent, trusting working relationships with our clients.

I joined G4C in 2021 as a way to get to know more people within the industry but also as a path to promote the various routes which can be taken to secure work within the sector. G4C has allowed me to learn and grow within the industry, connecting with professionals from a variety of backgrounds whilst also forming some great friendships. Our North East committee is filled with like-minded and passionate individuals who are all striving to make a change and it is great to see everyone come together to try to achieve this goal.

Jessica Morgan

Regional Chair, North East

Upon completing my A-Levels at Emmanuel College, I joined the...

Matt Beattie

Position: Regional Chair, North East
Categories: Regional Chairs

I am currently working as a Site Engineer for Bam UK & Ireland who for almost 150 years, have been shaping the UK & Ireland’s vital infrastructure and creating many of the country’s most iconic buildings. Today they are part of the Royal BAM Group, one of the largest construction companies in Europe with a turnover of over €7 billion. I currently work up in the North East on a variety of large scale public and private sector projects including offices, schools and train stations.

Upon leaving sixth form, I joined Bam as a construction apprentice in 2018 embarking on a 5 year degree programme. Within 3 years I was promoted up to Assistant Site Engineer and a further 2 years from that, promoted again to Site Engineer. Alongside my day job I have also been studying Civil Engineering at Leeds as part of my apprenticeship. In 2022, I was also lucky enough to be put forward for the G4C Student of the Year award which I luckily went on to win. To be put forward and recognised by my senior management at work was such a great feeling and a real pivotal point in my career so far.

I joined G4C as I wanted to help promote how great the industry is to young professionals, and Generation for Change provides a great platform to do so. Working with my Co-Chair Jess, we hope to continue the legacy that has been left from previous Chairs within the area and industry.

Matt Beattie

Regional Chair, North East

I am currently working as a Site Engineer for Bam...

Sandra Janik

Position: Regional Chair, North West
Categories: Regional Chairs

Sandra is currently holding the role of a Project Manager (Real Estate) at Turner & Townsend, a global consultancy company that serves clients in real estate, infrastructure, and natural resources sectors. Her career journey commenced in the realm of architecture, leading to acquisition of a Bachelor’s degree from Manchester School of Architecture.

Sandra’s passion for shaping environments prompted her transition into project management. With a dedicated focus on the healthcare industry, Sandra is committed to reshaping the landscape of healthcare facilities in the UK. She firmly believes in the transformative power of well-designed spaces to enhance the quality of healthcare services.

Sandra was involved in a number of notable schemes in her architectural and project management endeavors, inclusive of the Greater Manchester Major Trauma Hospital, a new trauma hospital designed to ensure patients with life-threatening injuries receive a timely treatment. She is now involved in North-West portfolio programme delivery for the New Hospital Programme (NHP), a UK government initiative to rebuild and modernize hospitals across the country.

As an advocate for young professionals in the industry, Sandra invests time and energy in mentoring and providing guidance to the emerging talents in construction. She has been involved with the Save Construction Initiative ‘’Not Just Men in Muddy Boots’’ with the aim to support tackling skills shortage and promote careers in construction.

In recognition of her contributions and achievements, Sandra was awarded with the title of G4C New Professional of the Year (North West, 2023) and now will be holding the regional chair position.

Sandra Janik

Regional Chair, North West

Sandra is currently holding the role of a Project Manager...

Rohan Khosla-Stevens

Position: Regional Chair, Oxford
Categories: Regional Chairs

In 2020 I graduated from Coventry University with an IMechE accredited BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering. I spent a year working in the domestic heat pump and air handling unit industry before joining Hoare Lea in 2021. I am currently studying for an MSc in Building Services Management at Brunel University. I am also working towards chartership with the IMechE Working primarily within Oxfordshire, and some larger national/international projects, my focus is mainly on the state of the art Science and Research facilities Oxford is known for. Being an Oxford local, it’s great to see the impact we, as the construction industry, are continually having in shaping Oxford. Having attended G4C Oxford Club events previously as a guest, I’m keen to get involved in the organisational side and help move the club forwards.

Rohan Khosla-Stevens

Regional Chair, Oxford

In 2020 I graduated from Coventry University with an IMechE...

Harriet Wade

Position: Regional Chair, Wales
Categories: Regional Chairs

Harriet, through her ten years’ experience has successfully delivered social value initiatives across Wales. With a passion for transforming lives, Harriet has worked with multiple third sector organisations, striving to make a difference. She entered the industry through a work experience placement, successfully completing her apprenticeship with ISG, and earned a BA (Hons) in Inclusive Studies. With firsthand experience navigating the career ladder, she provides practical advice on advancement through apprenticeship routes. Additionally, as a Welsh speaker, Harriet effectively communicates bilingually with local communities, enhancing engagement.

Harriet is passionate about effecting meaningful social change in Welsh communities, leaving a lasting employment legacy. Harriet has experience with public and private sector clients always aiming to make a change within the local communities. Harriet has passion for encouraging the next generation into the industry and with her vast knowledge wants to bring her expertise to the growth of G4C Wales.

Harriet Wade

Regional Chair, Wales

Harriet, through her ten years’ experience has successfully delivered social...

Joe Butler

Position: Vice Chair, Midlands
Categories: Regional Chairs

I am an architectural design assistant at One Creative Environments, a multidisciplinary office, which has embedded the ethos of ‘teamwork’ into me. My role has focused on an array of projects including residential, commercial, and mostly healthcare. Following on from my University days as mental health champion for the Snowsports committee, I have helped build a great wellbeing team at One, where we organise events and CPD sessions to improve mental and physical health of staff.

My passion for construction stemmed from my interest in Victorian houses, with the intricate and well thought out details to the buildings. Throughout my path in architecture this has developed, and my interests widened to designing for ‘people’ and the involvement of urban design into the process, I then went on to write a dissertation that approached the idea of ‘walkable cities’ and its impact to the wellbeing of the citizens and it became apparent how important the 15-minute city is becoming, I therefore am eager in embedding these elements into the next generation of the construction industry.

Joe Butler

Vice Chair, Midlands

I am an architectural design assistant at One Creative Environments,...

Molly Shaw

Position: Regional Chair, Midlands
Categories: Regional Chairs

I work as a SHEQ Advisor for JN Bentley, with experience in environmental management, carbon reduction and social value.

My role primarily focuses on conducting environmental support visits across a range of projects to champion environmental initiatives, offer assistance and guidance where needed. On a day-to-day basis, every day is different as each project is unique or has its own set of different challenges too!

As part of the G4C Midlands committee, I support the committee in organising and hosting events, chairing meetings, and working with the wider Constructing Excellence group.

I hope to use my skills to continue the successful work achieved by the current committee but also expand our events to individuals in higher education; explore opportunities to operate outside of Birmingham and secure sponsorship so that the group can continue to deliver events for our members free of charge.

Molly Shaw

Regional Chair, Midlands

I work as a SHEQ Advisor for JN Bentley, with...

Adrienne Turner

Position: Regional Chair, Hampshire
Categories: Regional Chairs

Over the last four years, Adrienne has been a Framework Manager at Southern Construction Frameworks (SCF), a major construction procurement route managed by the public sector and based in the south of the UK and London. During her time in the team, Adrienne has led on the collection and sharing of market intelligence and supply chain engagement on behalf of the framework, as well as guiding users and suppliers with framework use. Adrienne’s latest role includes the national representation of the G4C network in the Constructing Excellence Gold Standard Task force. Her primary focus includes the sharing of best practice and lessons learnt from the community of framework providers and users with young professionals and new entrants to the construction industry.

Adrienne Turner

Regional Chair, Hampshire

Over the last four years, Adrienne has been a Framework...