Nicola and Natalie talk about Smashing the perceived barriers of Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion within the Construction Sector and how they have built AccXel, a revolutionary centre of excellence within the construction sector.
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Nicola Bird and Natalie Bell, Founders and Directors of AccXel
Nicola Bird and Natalie Bell have been smashing all perceived barriers of culture, diversity and inclusion. Having established themselves as leaders within the typically male-dominated environment of construction, Nicola and Natalie have gone on to found, build and lead the UK’s first industry-led construction school. With a majority of female employees and ambitious goals targeting culture, diversity and inclusion within construction, Nicola and Natalie shared their journey so far and told us how they have achieved their mammoth goals at AccXel.
About Nicola Bird
Nicola is AccXel’s Founder and Managing Director, as well as Safety & Business Development Director for Bell Contracting and K W Bell Group which specialises in contracting, civil engineering and groundwork operations to the major housebuilders, whilst constructing their own developments with Bell Homes.
Nicola has a Master’s Degree in Construction Safety Management from the University of South Wales, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Leading Business from the University of Gloucestershire. As an avid champion for local government and early careers strategy, Nicola is a Board Member of GFirst LEP, committee member for the GFirst Careers Hub (part of the Careers & Enterprise Company) and co-Chair of the Future Skills Group within Constructing Excellence South West.
About Natalie Bell
Natalie is the other half of the sister-duo who have built the UK’s first construction school, AccXel Ltd, and is the Growth & Partnership Director.
Natalie has used her legal skills as a qualified Barrister in her construction career to date. Having built a new development region in South Wales with a GDV of £250m as Senior Management within Kier Living, Natalie has expertise in construction within both national and regional contractors and housebuilders. Natalie is an advocate for women in construction, especially at Board and Senior Management level, and was the Chair of Women in Property South Wales in 2019.
As a Director of AccXel, Natalie is passionate about their huge industry goals to solve the skills crisis and is Co-Chair of the Future Skills Group within Constructing Excellence South West as well as a committee member for Constructing Excellence Gloucester Club.
About AccXel and K W Bell Group
AccXel is a state-of-the-art centre of excellence to inspire, train and connect people entering and advancing within the UK construction industry. Developed by the industry, for the industry, AccXel will accelerate learning and equip men and women with knowledge and practical experience of the latest technological advances in sustainability and digital construction.
Located in Cinderford, Gloucestershire, the pioneering centre is co-funded by K W Bell Group and the Government’s Getting Building Funding awarded by Gloucestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership (GFirst LEP).
