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Europe Helps Women in Building Business

TRADESWOMEN NI is a unique directory of skilled tradeswomen in the building sector. The European Union (EU) and the North Belfast Partnership (NBP) supports TRADESWOMEN NI.

Just under £100 000 has been provided under the Urban II programme, through NBP, which brings the community and statutory sectors together. North Belfast is Urban II's only operation in Northern Ireland, with £12.4 million committed between 2002-2007.

TRADESWOMEN NI's parent organisation, WOMEN'STEC is the premier women's building-trade training organisation in Northern Ireland. WOMEN'STEC Chief Executive, Anne Mc Vicker explained that since 1993 they have trained approximately 1 200 women. Many of them, she said, find it hard to get work. At the same time, Mc Vicker says, "reliable, friendly and competitive services delivered mainly by women" are becoming increasingly popular.

TRADESWOMEN NI is spearheaded by New Zealander Louise Anson, a furniture maker, and electrician - plumber, Jackie Hamilton. Jackie recently returned home to Northern Ireland after a successful career in England.

According to Jackie: "This is a chance for women to enjoy the benefits of self-employment but without the need to keep seeking new work. TRADESWOMEN NI generates business for its directory members who are sub-contracted and paid for their work."

Stressing "reliability, quality and competitiveness," TRADESWOMEN NI provides services from "refurbishment, maintenance and construction work in both residential and commercial premises, to contracts with housing associations and local authorities".

As a social economy business, all profits are ploughed back into WOMEN'STEC allowing it to train mainly women and provide quality and affordable services to the local community.

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