Built By Her | Building Together: Real Talk with Women in Construction

📅 Thursday 23rd October 2025
🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 The Site, Cheltenham

Construction is an industry built on collaboration but what does it really take to bring a project to life from start to finish?

In this lively, informal panel session, we’re bringing together four inspiring women from across construction and property to share their stories, expertise, and real talk about what it’s like to work in the industry.

From property development and planning to surveying and on-site delivery, each panellist offers a unique perspective. Together, they’ll explore the highs, challenges, and opportunities facing women in construction today.

Expect straight-talking insights, practical advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of building and delivering successful projects. Whether you’re already in the industry, just starting out, or simply curious, this session will leave you inspired, informed, and connected.

The session will be hosted by Georgie McDonald, Founder of G R Design Studio and Built By Her, who will guide the conversation and open up space for interactive Q&A.

✔ Real talk from women leading in property, planning, surveying, and construction
✔ Honest insights into industry challenges and opportunities
✔ Inspiration for women at all stages of their careers
✔ Practical advice, Q&A, and networking with like-minded professionals

This session is for you if you’re:
Women already working in construction, property, or related industries
Students, apprentices, or early-career professionals exploring career options
Entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners curious about the construction and property landscape
Anyone who wants to hear real stories, challenges, and wins from women building better results together

Ruth Hunter — Director, Veredus Property Ltd
Ruth Hunter is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in interior architecture, event design, and management. As Director of Veredus Property Ltd, she partners with investors and registered providers to create sustainable, accessible homes that support community living and wellbeing.

Her projects range from supported housing for vulnerable people to beautifully designed co-living spaces for young professionals, with a strong focus on mental health and biophilic design. Ruth believes in a “Return on Impact” — property investment that delivers social value as well as financial return. Alongside property, she also runs an award-winning event design company and co-owns Japes, a deep-dish pizza restaurant in Cheltenham.

Sophie Perkins — Associate Chartered Building Surveyor, AtkinsRéalis
Sophie Perkins is an Associate Chartered Building Surveyor at AtkinsRéalis with over 17 years’ experience delivering projects across housing, education, commercial, and infrastructure. She is both a Chartered Building Surveyor (RICS) and a Chartered Building Engineer (CABE).

Her career began as an apprentice in Building Control, progressing through contract management and surveying roles to managing multi-disciplinary projects from concept to completion. Sophie’s accolades include Best Woman Building Surveyor at the European Women in Construction and Engineering Awards 2018, the G4C Future Leader Award 2018, and being named one of the WES Top 50 Female Engineers in 2019.

Passionate about inclusivity, she collaborated with Amblers Safety to launch The Sophie Collection, a pioneering range of women’s safety footwear now widely used across the industry.

Melissa Potente — Managing Director, Inndecs

Melissa Potente is the Managing Director of Inndecs, a commercial building company with a proven track record of working with some of the biggest names in the hospitality sector. Known for exceptional workmanship and a commitment to safety, Melissa balances high industry standards with the personal service and reliability of a family-run business.

At Inndecs, she oversees every stage of project delivery, from the first client briefing to the final, snag-free handover. Melissa has built a reputation for completing projects on time and on budget, while remaining hands-on to ensure excellence at every step. Alongside large-scale contracts with leading UK pub companies, she is equally passionate about supporting independent businesses in bringing their unique design visions to life.

Beyond construction, Melissa is also an experienced property investor. Specialising in strategies such as BRRR (Buy, Refurbish, Rent, Refinance), she has built a portfolio that generates long-term wealth and passive income. Drawing on this expertise, she now mentors and coaches other business owners, showing them how to reinvest profits into property to create financial freedom and buy back their time. Her mentorship programmes simplify the process, reduce risks, and give clients the confidence to act.

Before joining Inndecs, Melissa worked as an Insight Planner and Advertising Revenue Analyst at News UK. She holds a BA (Hons) in Business & Fashion Marketing from the University of East London.

Hannah Rose — Principal Planning Consultant, Zesta Planning
Hannah Rose is a Principal Planning Consultant at Zesta Planning, based at The Site in Cheltenham. With over 10 years’ experience across both local government and private practice, she specialises in making the planning system clear, accessible, and manageable for clients.

Her work spans everything from small home extensions to major multi-unit developments. At Zesta, her mission is simple: to give clients confidence and clarity at every stage of the planning process.

Hannah’s technical expertise and approachable style make her a trusted partner for developers, homeowners, and investors alike. She is particularly passionate about unlocking potential in challenging sites and helping clients find workable solutions within an often complex system.

✨ Save your spot now and join us for an evening of insight, inspiration, and real talk from women shaping the future of construction.

Info: Grab a drink, enjoy some nibbles, and meet fellow women in construction, property & business.

Info: Construction is one of the most collaborative industries, but what does it really take to make projects happen from the first idea through to completion?

In this panel session, we’re bringing together four incredible women from across the property and construction world:

Ruth Hunter — Director, Veredus Property Ltd
Sophie Perkins — Associate Chartered Building Surveyor, AtkinsRéalis
Melissa Potente Porter — Director, Inndecs
Hannah Rose — Principal Planning Consultant, Zesta Planning

Each brings a unique perspective, from property development and planning to surveying and construction, and together they’ll share their stories, insights, and straight-talking advice about working in the industry.

Expect real talk about the highs, the challenges, and the opportunities for women in construction today, plus a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to deliver successful projects.

The session will be hosted by Georgie McDonald, Founder of G R Design Studio, who will guide the convers

Info: We’ll round off the evening with time to connect, chat, and share takeaways.

Host or Publisher Georgie, Antonia & Hazel