Kelly Cartwright has just been named in the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction – winning an award in the process. Here, the owner of Core Recruiter shares her inspiring story
I wouldn’t change the last thirty years whatsoever. I’ve seized every opportunity that has been put my way, took many risks – some paid off, some definitely didn’t! But I learnt some valuable lessons along the way and I believe I am where I should be today, right now. I am told I have an inspirational story, and I want to ensure I share my story, so that people aren’t afraid of who they want to be, that if they want to ‘break the mould’ that they should and they will be supported to do so!
When did you first realise that a career involving the construction industry was for you, and why?
My plan was never to go into construction recruitment. After passing my A Levels I had a job lined up in advertising and marketing, but things all changed when I got an administrator job within a national multi-sector recruitment business. Construction was a bit of me, I have never been a ‘girly girl’, I’ve always enjoyed making things from a young age and construction always fascinated me, how things are constructed, all the components that go in to it and what is created at the end. That’s why I wanted to set up my specialist recruitment business, just for construction. My vision was and still is to provide a decent service and be a true ‘specialist’.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how have you overcome them?
Without stating the obvious, my two biggest challenges have been my age and my gender. Starting my business at 23 years old being a female business owner in a very male dominated industry was a huge challenge. For me, I always felt like I was on the back foot as such. The reality is that you don’t get many young females in senior business positions striding on to building sites in their hard hats and hi-vis jackets. So, I totally understand that there’s an element of trailblazing, hopefully for other young women to feel they can do the same as me. I’ll be honest, I have always been a troublemaker, a risk-taker and someone who doesn’t want to conform to the status quo, I’m one of these people that if they are told they cannot do something, I will do everything in my power to do it, and I’ll probably send a photo to the person who told me I couldn’t! This is what fuels me.
When did you set up Core Recruiter and how has it evolved?
I started my business in 2016, aged 23 years old! It was tough. It’s not all glitz and glam. What people don’t see is the long road to success, what goes on behind the scenes, the early alarms, the late finishes, the phone ringing at all hours, the sleepless nights – and the constant battle to always achieve more.
You have to ask yourself whether you are ready for that. For me, the passion for my business and my industry makes it all worth it. You do it because you love it, because it is an obsession and is why you are prepared to put life on hold to make it work.
Over the years we have embraced a rebrand, to focus on our brand message, strategy and ethos, and have gone from strength to strength. Yes, we are a recruitment business, and ultimately that is how we make money, but it isn’t ‘just’ about the recruitment. It’s about the industry as a whole and, as our tagline says, Construction. Core to us. Core to you. We invest in the industry, work with training providers to encourage people into our industry, raise awareness around mental health, recently partnering with Band of Builders and supporting the launch of their 24/7 text helpline BoB, showcasing the industry, the opportunities there are within it, whether that’s through integration with schools and colleges, participating in ‘on-site’ experiences, social media campaigns, networking – the list is endless.
How was everything looking for you at the start of the pandemic and how have the past couple of years been for you?
Scary! I think everyone was in the same boat, no one had navigated through this thing called Covid before, but I have a team who depended on me, clients who needed support and workers who needed jobs! I wasn’t going to fail.
I adapted. I worked hard, every hour I possibly could, but I also gave back. In a time of need, I volunteered to conduct face fit testing for the NHS to doctors and nurses, so they could ensure they were wearing their protective masks safely. I knew I could make a difference.
Covid made everyone appreciate the little things, we missed the commute to work, the office banter, the face-to-face contact with people, the stuff we regularly moan about, and since Covid we have gone from strength to strength just like the construction industry.
What does it mean to you, to win the ”Ally’ award this week – and to be named in the Top 100 of most influential women in construction?
I always saying winning an award is a complete honour, because it is but this one is completely mind blowing for me. Everyone knows I live and breathe construction, and I will do all I can to encourage, empower and inspire others. I’ve certainly allowed my passion to become my purpose
To be named one of the most influential women in construction is just out of this world. It does mean that all the challenges I have faced throughout my career have been worth it. I always say, ‘you can’t be, what you can’t see’. So, I endeavour to be the person everyone can see.
What would you say to anyone considering a career in construction?
Go for it! Construction is a phenomenal industry to be in. There are new and unique opportunities each day and the industry is constantly challenging the status quo not only with equality, diversity and inclusion but technological advancements. There is something for everyone.
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