‘Our job is to inspire women on the way up,’ says director at building supplies firm

A director at MKM building supplies, who was last year named an inspirational woman in business in Yorkshire, has spoken about inspiring the next  generation to rise to the top.

Linda Clarke, a founding member at MKM and the firm’s marketing and digital director – a building supplies firm with a £320m turnover and expectations this will double – last year received the Barclays Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year award.

At the launch of this year’s awards, Clarke, who will be on the judging panel this time, said: “In the building industry, men rule. That is the way it is – or was. But things are changing. Women moving into male roles and what great job they are doing of it too.

“We have a responsibility to put ourselves out there, to inspire women on the way up to move out of their comfort zones. It can be fun and life would be boring if we didn’t take risks.”

Barclays is again looking for the region’s top female business talent as it launches the fourth Celebrating Women in Business Awards. The awards will recognise women and businesses that have made an outstanding contribution to business in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Award categories include: Woman of the Year SME Business; Woman of the Year Medium Business; Rising Star and Most Supportive Business or individual Promoting Diversity and Citizenship.

Debbie Mullen, head of corporate bank for Barclays in Yorkshire, said: “Women from all sectors across Yorkshire are securing key roles in larger companies and we want to recognise exceptional achievements for the contribution they are making. We are seeking entries from women at director level in any sector or industry and this is a fantastic opportunity to bring together business ladies from across the region to share knowledge and ideas, helping to grow the Yorkshire economy.”

The awards ceremony will take place later in the year.