Michelle Steps Into New Role As Operations Director

Constructing Excellence Manchester member Manchester & Cheshire Construction has appointed its first female board member after recruiting her to the newly-created role of operations director.

Michelle Richardson, 35, has joined Manchester & Cheshire Construction from Deloitte Real Estate, formerly Drivers Jonas, where she was a technical director.

She started at Drivers Jonas in 2008 as a senior project manager and won a series of promotions.

During her time at the firm she managed various multi-million pound projects for clients in the public and private sectors.

David Lowe, managing director of Manchester & Cheshire, said: “We have created the role of operations director to strengthen our structure as the business grows.

“Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the client and consultant side, and she shares our passion for construction and our drive.

“Her experience will enable us to deliver an increased number of larger projects as we continue our growth strategy with a goal to become a £20m turnover business by 2018.

“It’s a sign of what the company has achieved in the past few years that we can attract someone of such a high calibre.”

Michelle said she knew from an early age she wanted a career in construction.

“I’m a builder’s daughter and as a little girl I was always more interested in playing with Lego than Barbie,” she said.

“Having worked with Manchester & Cheshire in the past for a mutual client, it was clear we shared the same values and ethics in relation to the delivery of construction projects.

“I’m excited to join the company in this new role. Manchester & Cheshire has a strong history and I’m looking forward to being part of its future.”

Outside of work, Michelle is an ambassador for the Construction Industry Training Board and has been a mentor for Girls Out Loud, a social enterprise which seeks to raise the aspirations of teenage girls in the UK.