Purpol founder named as Inspirational Business Woman in STEM and Construction
Construction Bid writing and Marketing expert Denise O’Leary, founder of Purpol Marketing was honoured at the House of Lords on Thursday 22nd June as one of the 30 Inspirational Women in STEM & Construction.
The awards organised by Roni Savage of Jomas Associates and Baroness Sandy Verma celebrated Inspirational Business Women in STEM (Science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and construction and the campaign aims to identify women who can act as role models for the future generation, which is key for inspiring more children from all backgrounds to go into STEM.
From a nomination list of 70, the final 30 awarded were presented by Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe, DBE CMG Minister of State at the Cabinet Office. The event took place in the Peer’s Dining Room at the House of Lords – an impressive historic location.
A video message of celebration was received from Dame Alison Rose CEO of NatWest Group. The Alison Rose Review has identified and quantified the economic potential of more equitable representation of women in business. They estimate that £250 billion could be added to the British economy if women’s business input and support could match that of men. The Rose Review found that 30% UK businesses are female-founded, but only 2% of those are STEM & Construction businesses
Panellists Russ Shaw CBE, Rt Hon Caroline Nokes, Chi Onwurah MP, Jordan Marie Brompton and Alysse Brooks also provided an insightful debate on Barriers and Opportunities for female entrepreneurs in STEM & Construction.
Denise was awarded an MBE for services to the Construction sector and Entrepreneurs in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List. She received the honour for the work she has done to demystify the world of construction and marketing. As construction specialist, Denise is trusted with confidential company information and company survival can depend on the winning outcome; Denise’s marketing and bid writing skills have saved companies.
On her recent recognition, she stated: “What an incredible, inspirational event and what an honour and a surprise to be selected from the nominations. I was so shocked that I did not pass my phone to anyone to capture a photo of me being presented by Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe, DBE CMG Minister of State at the Cabinet Office. however thanks to Social Media a lovely attendee did manage to capture me on stage.
Baroness Neville-Rolfe said some lovely words of encouragement and the whole event was uplifting, encouraging all involved to become mentors to encourage more Women into STEM and Construction.