Inspirational construction innovator awarded Honorary Degree

Carol has been awarded the honorary degree in recognition of the leading role she plays in the creation, adoption and implementation of digital technology within the construction industry, and her continuous drive to promote equality and diversity in construction.

With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Carol has significantly shaped the landscape of construction - driving innovation and enhancing efficiency within the sector.

She has collaborated with some of the largest UK contractors, both domestically and internationally. By helping to transform business processes to improve data capture for high-value construction projects, Carol has been instrumental in advancing the industry towards a more data-driven future. Her strategic insights have not only optimised project delivery but also set new benchmarks for operational excellence.

An equality and diversity champion, Carol has dedicated a substantial part of her career to promoting inclusivity within the construction sector. Through her speaking engagements at prominent events and her thought-provoking written literature, Carol has become a leading voice in advocating for a more diverse and equitable construction workforce.

Carol has been a regular guest lecturer at Solent University for several years, providing staff and students with valuable insights on the changing landscape of the industry and the use of construction specific technologies. She also provides dissertation support by giving students access to her wider group of industry experts.

Her passion, commitment and innovation has been recognised with numerous awards, including Great British Businesswoman, Construction Businesswoman of the Year 2021, Industry Pioneer of the Year 2023, and Honorary Award for Black Professionals in Construction 2023. Carol became the UK's first black woman CEO to lead a construction software business, guiding EasyBuild, an ERP construction software that won ERP of the Year five times, and later overseeing its successful sale to the Access Group in 2020.

Carol provides support as a board advisor to start-ups and sits as a Board Member of the Hertfordshire Chambers of Commerce.

Carol’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring future generations to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in construction.