shocked by the gender bias in this sector. Over the years, working on site on a daily basis and managing only male peers has allowed me to grow in confidence, develop an outspoken personality and establish an inclusive and respectful environment.” The COVID-19 effect While DBR has achieved a great deal this past year with its various projects, the pandemic has posed some problems for the construction industry as a whole, and the Liberty London renovations project was no exception. Although this is one sector that has to actively continue to work, the safety and wellbeing of the team and operatives is key. Both short-term and long term-measures had to be very quickly assessed and implemented to ensure both people’s wellbeing and the vital flow of work for the business. DBR’s procurement team was hands-on in ensuring enough stock of PPE and disinfecting materials for all operatives was provided. Its site management team constantly monitors the cleanliness of the site and assigns operatives, specifically with disinfecting duties ,for all the sites at least twice per day and a few of the other project managers were providing great support in the weeks of the first lockdown when this was the only site running at DBR. On the building site the team also implemented quite a few social distancing measures such as one way system on the scaffolding, reducing the day shift workforce and carrying out works also during night time or staggering operatives lunches to ensure that the canteen occupancy is kept at a minimum.
In terms of the pandemic’s effect on women in the industry, it generally has
“I’m lucky as a construction industry professional, as I’ve had the opportunity to work with several women who are all amazing at what they do and who inspired me to continue on this path to at least crack—if not break—the glass ceiling,” said Buretea. “Unfortunately,
ABOVE Miniature glass paintings in Liberty London windows
“I’ve received great support when required both from upper management as well as from all subcontractors and the skilled workers on site. It’s great to work in an environment where people are passionate about their craft and want to share their knowledge.” A Liberty London gargoyle
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not everyone has had as positive an experience, and the pandemic seems to have only made things that much harder.” Leaders in conservation construction While the works are not yet complete, good headway has been made on the project thanks to Bianca’s leadership, the dedication of her team and the processes DBR has put in place. The company’s workforce of skilled craftspeople and a skill set that covers all the historic trades, from stonemasons, restorers, lead workers and conservation specialist, allows it to take on any heritage project, large or small, and successfully deliver the renovations through to completion. Further commenting on her contribution to the project, Buretea said, “I’m a big supporter of innovation and always try to empower my team to create an environment for success and combine logical and technical thinking with creative ideas. I strive to empower the whole team to be self-organised and I actively participate in most of the decision making on site, as quite often the specialised operatives who are doing the actual work come up with very clever solutions to the issues. “I’ve received great support when required both from upper management as well as from all subcontractors and the skilled workers on site. It’s great to work in an environment where people are passionate about their craft and want to share their knowledge.” DBR’s management structure is progressively changing, with more women taking on leadership and strategic roles within the company. This, in addition to the knowledge and expertise that the company brings to its conservation projects, is what sets DBR apart, and ensures not only fantastic final results but a smooth and pleasant experience for all those involved.
For more information about DBR and its projects, visit: www.dbrlimited.com.
RRNews - Issue 47
DBR’s team at Liberty London also embraced new software and technology which not only helped to reduce the number of physical site visits, but allowed the team to maintain the project’s level of progress via virtual site walk arounds, as well as videos and images to update all stakeholders.
had an increased negative impact. A recent study published by McKinsey & Company found that women in all industries are more likely to have been laid off or furloughed during the COVID-19 crisis, in turn stalling their careers, jeopardising their financial security and intensifying the challenges they already faced. This is particularly concerning when it comes to the construction industry, where the shortage of strong female role models already discourages women from choosing a career in this sector or advancing in their current fields.
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