Next up in our ‘Focus on’ series is our Sales and Marketing Manager, Lauren England-Shepherd.

Whilst Lauren’s job title naturally lends itself to being heavily involved in negotiating sales, managing reservations, and growing Blue Cedar Homes’ profile, if you know Lauren, you’ll know her role extends far and wide beyond this, stretching across every aspect of Blue Cedar Homes’ business operations.

On a day-to-day basis, you’ll probably find Lauren working across everything from reviewing layouts on future developments and assisting with the mechanical and electrical plans, to establishing the design specification for all plots, and dealing with the legalities attached to all sales (enquiries, instructions, reviewing contracts and transfers). With over 12 years’ experience in the sector, Lauren also takes control of arranging the impeccably presented show homes and approving the designs, liaising with all estate agents throughout the sales process, organising events and conducting regular viewings and site visits, just to name a few duties!

Lauren says: “With so much variety in my role, my favourite thing about working at Blue Cedar Homes is that no two days are ever the same. I love how dynamic my job is and whilst my title says Sales and Marketing Manager, I really am involved in every part of the business and can usually answer nearly every question someone asks about the Company.

“My second favourite thing would have to be the team I work with. We are a very busy company operated by a small core team, so we all really need to pull together. It’s great to work in environment where everyone is so hardworking and tries to help each other where they can. Overall, I feel very fortunate to be able to say that I love my job, and I often do say it.”

Lauren joined Blue Cedar Homes’ parent company, Eagle One, in May 2015 under a junior temporary contract. In just five days, she was offered a permanent full-time position, and in the next 18 months, she rapidly progressed from a junior position into a management role at Blue Cedar Homes. She now looks forward to continued progression at Blue Cedar Homes, working in her current role and beyond.

Reflecting back on the moment where it all started – when she first considered a career in the construction sector – Lauren told us: “My father was always involved in the property sector from when I was very young. I remember from when I was about 7 or 8 years old, he would often take me to view property development opportunities and would ask for my opinion (he even listened to it too!).

“I’ll always remember when I was 10 years old he took me to view an old Victorian property he had just purchased in Islington, London. It was a wreck internally; I couldn’t even go upstairs as the stairs were considered dangerous. But looking around inside on the ground floor, I remember asking what was behind a particular piece of wall as I could hear it was hollow behind when I tapped on it. He gave me a hammer and said I could, carefully, have a look. Lightly taking the hammer to the wall, I remember finding an original Victorian fireplace in beautiful condition. We found a number more after that, and then I was hooked. He still has that house, and it holds a pretty special place in my heart.”

Commenting on the successful career she’s had in the construction industry so far, Lauren highlights that: “Women make up just 13% of construction industry professionals overall, which means there’s still a huge gender gap in the sector across the UK.

“As a woman in the construction industry, I’ve seen first-hand how challenging it can be for females to excel in this sector, and especially in certain locations like Devon. So, my advice for any women looking to pursue a career in construction would be to find a company which shares your values and views, and not only supports your expansion, but genuinely wants to see you succeed and grow.

“You may feel like you want to give up at times, but it’s important to remember there are companies out there which understand that having senior women amongst their team brings balance and a different viewpoint – and this can only be a major advantage to the business as a whole.

“Finally, don’t be afraid to break the mould and push through those gender boundaries. If you want it enough and are willing to work for it, it will come.”

Lauren is currently leading the sales and marketing activity for two schemes in Exmouth, Devon, and Wedmore, Somerset, and looks forward to sharing exciting updates on forthcoming developments in Oxfordshire in the near future. Check out our forthcoming developments page for the latest updates.

If you’re thinking about buying a Blue Cedar Homes property, please do get in touch with Lauren on Lauren.England-Shepherd@bluecedarhomes.co.uk or call 07885 801 423 to learn more about Blue Cedar Homes’ current and forthcoming developments. You can also head to our website for further information: www.bluecedarhomes.co.uk.

Next up in our ‘Focus on’ series is our Sales and Marketing Manager, Lauren England-Shepherd.

Whilst Lauren’s job title naturally lends itself to being heavily involved in negotiating sales, managing reservations, and growing Blue Cedar Homes’ profile, if you know Lauren, you’ll know her role extends far and wide beyond this, stretching across every aspect of Blue Cedar Homes’ business operations.

On a day-to-day basis, you’ll probably find Lauren working across everything from reviewing layouts on future developments and assisting with the mechanical and electrical plans, to establishing the design specification for all plots, and dealing with the legalities attached to all sales (enquiries, instructions, reviewing contracts and transfers). With over 12 years’ experience in the sector, Lauren also takes control of arranging the impeccably presented show homes and approving the designs, liaising with all estate agents throughout the sales process, organising events and conducting regular viewings and site visits, just to name a few duties!

Lauren says: “With so much variety in my role, my favourite thing about working at Blue Cedar Homes is that no two days are ever the same. I love how dynamic my job is and whilst my title says Sales and Marketing Manager, I really am involved in every part of the business and can usually answer nearly every question someone asks about the Company.

“My second favourite thing would have to be the team I work with. We are a very busy company operated by a small core team, so we all really need to pull together. It’s great to work in environment where everyone is so hardworking and tries to help each other where they can. Overall, I feel very fortunate to be able to say that I love my job, and I often do say it.”

Lauren joined Blue Cedar Homes’ parent company, Eagle One, in May 2015 under a junior temporary contract. In just five days, she was offered a permanent full-time position, and in the next 18 months, she rapidly progressed from a junior position into a management role at Blue Cedar Homes. She now looks forward to continued progression at Blue Cedar Homes, working in her current role and beyond.

Reflecting back on the moment where it all started – when she first considered a career in the construction sector – Lauren told us: “My father was always involved in the property sector from when I was very young. I remember from when I was about 7 or 8 years old, he would often take me to view property development opportunities and would ask for my opinion (he even listened to it too!).

“I’ll always remember when I was 10 years old he took me to view an old Victorian property he had just purchased in Islington, London. It was a wreck internally; I couldn’t even go upstairs as the stairs were considered dangerous. But looking around inside on the ground floor, I remember asking what was behind a particular piece of wall as I could hear it was hollow behind when I tapped on it. He gave me a hammer and said I could, carefully, have a look. Lightly taking the hammer to the wall, I remember finding an original Victorian fireplace in beautiful condition. We found a number more after that, and then I was hooked. He still has that house, and it holds a pretty special place in my heart.”

Commenting on the successful career she’s had in the construction industry so far, Lauren highlights that: “Women make up just 13% of construction industry professionals overall, which means there’s still a huge gender gap in the sector across the UK.

“As a woman in the construction industry, I’ve seen first-hand how challenging it can be for females to excel in this sector, and especially in certain locations like Devon. So, my advice for any women looking to pursue a career in construction would be to find a company which shares your values and views, and not only supports your expansion, but genuinely wants to see you succeed and grow.

“You may feel like you want to give up at times, but it’s important to remember there are companies out there which understand that having senior women amongst their team brings balance and a different viewpoint – and this can only be a major advantage to the business as a whole.

“Finally, don’t be afraid to break the mould and push through those gender boundaries. If you want it enough and are willing to work for it, it will come.”

Lauren is currently leading the sales and marketing activity for two schemes in Exmouth, Devon, and Wedmore, Somerset, and looks forward to sharing exciting updates on forthcoming developments in Oxfordshire in the near future. Check out our forthcoming developments page for the latest updates.

If you’re thinking about buying a Blue Cedar Homes property, please do get in touch with Lauren on Lauren.England-Shepherd@bluecedarhomes.co.uk or call 07885 801 423 to learn more about Blue Cedar Homes’ current and forthcoming developments. You can also head to our website for further information: www.bluecedarhomes.co.uk.