This week, we’re celebrating Women in Construction and the vital role diversity plays in driving success and growth—not just at Connect It Utility Services, but across the entire construction industry. We believe that bringing more women into our teams is key to broadening our skills, perspectives, and experience. We’re shining a spotlight on some of the incredible women in our team, celebrating their achievements and sharing their stories. By doing so, we hope to inspire and encourage more women to consider a career in construction.
We recently ran a Question-and-Answer session with members of our team—take a look at their stories below.
Lisa Cambridge-Taylor – Senior Warehouse Operative
First up, Lisa Cambridge-Taylor, Senior Warehouse Operative, shares her story about what a career in construction means to her.
Lisa has been with us for nearly two years and plays a key role in overseeing and managing jointers’ picks, deliveries, and drum loading, ensuring our teams are equipped with the right materials to get to site safely, efficiently, and on time. She works predominantly within the warehouse environment alongside the Warehouse Operative team, cable gangs, and jointers. However, her role also requires close collaboration with the wider Connect It teams, including Project Managers and Health & Safety.
What was your background before your career in construction?
Before joining Connect It, I worked at Southampton Airport for 15 years as a Line Manager in Security. Outside of work, I’ve been running a property renovation business with my son for the past few years. I enjoy being hands-on with renovation projects, learning new skills, and working alongside a range of trades. In 2024, I was contacted by a member of the CIUS recruitment team who had come across my CV. I took on the role of Warehouse Operative and haven’t looked back since—I’m thoroughly enjoying my career at Connect It.
Have you engaged in any progression opportunities?
I was promoted from Warehouse Operative to Senior Warehouse Operative in March. It’s been fantastic to step into this opportunity, take on greater responsibility, and support the growth and development of the team.
What do you love most about your role here at CIUS?
My role is incredibly varied, which I love—it keeps me on my toes! It’s completely different from what I did previously. I enjoy the warehouse environment and the camaraderie within the team. Everyone across the business is supportive and positive, and there’s a genuine family feel throughout the organisation.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
I take pride in knowing I play an important role in keeping operations running smoothly. It’s rewarding to see Connect It vans and materials out on site and know I played a part in that, while continuing to learn more about the business and the industry.
What are you most proud of?
I’ll always be most proud of my three children—family is the most important thing to me.
What opportunities in construction are you excited about?
I’m always excited to see what comes next at Connect It—whether that’s new contracts, new challenges, or additional responsibilities that allow me to further support the team and the wider business.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I wish I knew then what I know now—especially how much I’d enjoy working in construction. From my role at Connect It to property development, I would have started this journey much sooner.
What advice would you give to others considering a career in construction?
If there’s something you want to pursue, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and go for it. It’s fantastic to see the growing female presence across the business. The industry is evolving, and it truly benefits from more women joining and thriving within it.
Claire Figg – Contracts Admin Manager
We also caught up with Claire Figg, Contracts Admin Manager at Connect It.
Claire plays an important role in managing relationships with our framework partners, overseeing nine jointing teams, and leading the Ops Engagement Team. During her five years with Connect It, Claire has worked across a wide range of teams, contributing significantly to the success and growth of the business.
Tell us a bit about your career story
Before joining Connect It, I spent 14 years working in credit control. There was no particular plan to join construction—I simply fell into it! When I joined in 2021, I started working in the depots. As the company grew rapidly, I was transferred to set up the credit control function. I developed the system, built and trained the team, and later returned to the depots, where I was promoted to Depot Manager. I’ve since worked across many departments, including AV, Marketing, and Credit Control. I’ve genuinely been part of almost every office, which I’ve loved—it’s given me a strong understanding of the business and how different teams work together.
Tell us about any training or development opportunities you’ve engaged with
I’ve completed a range of training, including management courses, coaching development, and electrical awareness training. I now lead the Ops Engagement Team, managing a team of seven and ensuring feedback from our on-the-ground teams is heard, valued, and acted upon.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
Knowing that my role contributes to the growth of the business is hugely rewarding. I enjoy getting things done and building strong relationships, particularly with our framework partners.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of being diligent and committed in everything I do. I’m also incredibly proud to be a working mum to two children. Thanks to the support and flexibility at Connect It, I’ve been able to achieve a healthy work-life balance that works for both my family and my career.
Would you recommend a career in construction?
Absolutely. The industry has changed so much for the better and continues to become more inclusive. Construction offers endless opportunities for those willing to learn, work hard, and have the confidence to go for it.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Do a job that makes you happy—and if you’re not happy, have the confidence to make a change.
Jess Mudge – Civils Manager
Jess Mudge, Civils Manager at Connect It Utility Services, shares her journey in the construction industry.
Jess has been with Connect It for two and a half years and works closely with the Civils Team, Project Managers, and SHEQ team.
What is your role here at Connect It?
I pre-survey excavation sites, plan how works will be completed, apply for permits, book civils teams and equipment, and follow through with cabling and reinstatement to ensure areas are left as we found them.
Tell us a bit about your career to date
Before construction, I worked as a Personal Trainer. I started in construction at 19 as a Permit Administrator and have since achieved qualifications including SMSTS, Streetworks, SHEA Power and Gas, Temporary Works Co-ordinator, and Mental Health First Aider. This has allowed me to progress from office admin to supervisor and now Civils Manager.
What are you most proud of?
Having the confidence to train and succeed in a male-dominated industry, and managing teams with more experience than me while still earning their respect.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
Seeing a project through from start to finish, overcoming challenges, and receiving positive feedback from customers.
What do you love about your job?
Being trusted to manage jobs and people in my own way, without being restricted to set processes.
Why a career in construction?
It wasn’t planned—I had a family member in the industry, and one opportunity led to another. I’ve gained experience across telecoms and found real opportunities for progression.
What opportunities are you excited about?
There’s always more to learn, and I’m keen to develop my technical electrical knowledge.
What have you learned about the industry that others may not know?
I came in knowing nothing, but by working hard and taking every opportunity to learn, I’ve found construction to be incredibly supportive. People are always willing to help and share knowledge, and I’ve been lucky to work with some brilliant mentors at Connect It.