A Dynamic Session in Ace2
CCR Energy hosted a dynamic and inspiring Women in Property event recently at Ace2 in Aberthaw, bringing together industry professionals for an afternoon of insight, experience-sharing, and a firsthand look at large-scale demolition in action.
The event featured a strong lineup of speakers from across the construction and demolition sectors. Andy Dyson and Laverne Fawthrop of Erith Contractors Ltd were joined by Leah Lewis from Omega and Cormac McLean of PDC Explosives, each offering a unique perspective on their area of expertise.
Donna Griffiths, member of Women in Property, commented:
“The Aberthaw project has been one of Wales’s most significant demolition challenges, earlier this month I was privileged to co-host our third Women in Property site visit and it was brilliant.
Hearing from the incredible range of industry leaders on site an their unique career journeys really brought home why inclusive leadership matters so much to our future, what became apparent was the diverse expertise and genuine collaboration in action, these are the moments that can inspire the next generation and showcase the real talent across our industry.”
Andy Dyson opened the session with an in-depth presentation on the Aberthaw demolition project. He provided attendees with a detailed overview of the scale and complexity of the works, highlighting the planning, safety considerations, and engineering challenges involved in dismantling such a significant industrial site. His talk set the scene for understanding the magnitude of the transformation currently underway.
Laverne Fawthrop followed with a personal and engaging account of her career journey. She spoke candidly about her progression within the industry, the challenges she has faced, and the importance of resilience and representation for women in construction. Her story resonated strongly with attendees, offering both encouragement and practical insight for those at various stages of their careers.
Leah Lewis then delivered a technical presentation focused on asbestos removal at Aberthaw. She outlined the stringent regulations, safety protocols, and meticulous processes required to manage hazardous materials safely. Her talk underscored the critical role of environmental and health considerations in demolition projects.
Closing the speaker session, Cormac McLean captivated the audience with an exciting overview of explosive demolition. Drawing on his experience from projects around the world, he shared examples of complex demolitions and explained the precision and expertise required in controlled explosions. His presentation offered a fascinating glimpse into one of the most dramatic aspects of the industry.
Donna Griffiths added,
“Being a member of Women in Property means accessing extraordinary projects and working alongside genuinely talented people across a range of professional disciplines, the South Wales branch is proud to support initiatives that celebrate women in construction and engineering leadership and inspire future generations.
I look forward to further collaborations and seeing how the site develops in the future.”
The event concluded with a guided walk outside, where attendees had the opportunity to observe the demolition works at Aberthaw firsthand. Seeing the project in action provided a powerful and tangible connection to the topics discussed throughout the session.
To learn more and keep up to date with the project, or any events we will be hosting at the site, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter at: www.ccrenergy.com