Top 100 Women in Construction: Wendy McFarlane

The Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards showcase the influential women that work in the sector, making female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible. Across five categories, including Local Hero, Influencer, Allies, Woman on the Tools, and One to Watch, we celebrate the women that work at every level within the sector and their phenomenal achievements, while also highlighting how the industry supports and values equality.

Wendy McFarlane

Wendy McFarlane is Finance Director at CPI Mortars, a market leader in Dry Silo Mortar technology, supplying many of the largest residential housebuilders in the UK. Wendy oversees all financial operations at the business and plays a pivotal role in promoting diversity, equality and inclusion as the Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Network.

With a background in Professional Services and Global Finance in Food Manufacturing, Wendy transitioned to the construction industry, drawn by its dynamic nature and deep influence on the world around us.

"The move to construction felt like a great decision as it was an industry that was always in the news, always topical, and very intriguing in terms of the impact it had on society," she shares. “It was certainly a change from Edible Collagen Sausage Skins which was what my previous company manufactured!”

Journey and achievements

Wendy has been nominated for the Local Hero award, which celebrates exceptional women from across the country who are currently working at an operational or site level role in construction.

“I was honoured to be nominated for this award in recognition of the efforts we are making to highlight and improve the diversity within our group of companies as well as the wider industry,” she says. “I view this award as recognition for everything CPI and our parent company, Grafton Group plc, are working on and prioritising.”

One of the proudest moments in Wendy’s construction career has been the feedback and support received from colleagues and industry peers about the positive changes she has been instrumental in bringing about.

Alongside her Head of HR, Steven Giles, and Group Head of HR, Paula Harvey, she spearheaded the creation of an external industry network aimed at sharing ideas and collaborating to enhance diversity across the construction sector.

Reflecting on their first meeting, Wendy shares, "The day we held our first meeting, surrounded by extremely influential, passionate individuals from some of the country’s leading companies and brand names, I realised we were doing something hugely positive for the industry."

Challenges and advocacy

While Wendy has been fortunate to have strong support from both male and female allies in her career, including their CEO, Tony O'Sullivan (a fellow nominee in the Allies category), she has also faced challenges. "Where I have felt any challenges as a woman in construction, I have felt comfortable raising them, challenging them, and calling them out – thanks to the supporters that I have around me," she notes.

Additionally, she says some outdated stereotypes can persist. "I am often surprised by how many people question or seem shocked by the fact that there is a female CFO helping to run a construction company," she reflects. To address these challenges, Wendy believes in the importance of having senior female role models in the industry, supported by male allies who are visible in their support.

She advocates for making the construction industry more attractive to young women, encouraging them to consider construction as a viable career path and showcasing the diverse opportunities available. “I believe we need to be more attractive at a grass roots level, encouraging young females to consider construction as a career path and opening their eyes to all of the options whilst highlighting people working in those roles in real life.”

She also stresses the need for more flexible and hybrid working arrangements, female leadership programmes, and improved policies to support male caregiving, which can help create a more inclusive environment that nurtures talent at all stages of their careers.

Future vision

For Wendy, the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards are crucial for the industry today. "The awards are so important to spotlight and bring together passionate and energetic individuals who are giving their time to make this industry better and more diverse," she says. These awards not only recognise those making a difference but also inspire others to join in and continue the work.

To women considering a career in construction, Wendy offers this advice: "Absolutely give it a chance. There are so many wild and wonderful roles, stakeholders, and ideas that you can’t help but get caught up in it all, and it’s an industry that is extremely important in our society and one in which you can make and feel a real difference!"