Camilla Willows - Harker Construction (From York Press)

Camilla Willows - Harker Construction

10:30am Thursday 27th August 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

FOR two years, Camilla Willows’ role as an Inward Investor executive for York and North Yorkshire was to support and encourage new and existing companies to grow and develop in the region.

Now she is applying all her expertise in marketing, business support and development to Harker Construction, which arrived in York in May with high hopes of generating 38 permanent jobs over the next year.

Camilla is business development manager for the 40-year-old, £1.5 million turnover family firm in Goole, which set up the branch at Westminster Business Centre, in Nether Poppleton. She is spearheading the modernisation of the company – and pitching for the Women In Enterprise title in The Press Business Awards 2009.

Since joining Harker Construction a year ago, Camilla has created a modern image, with new branding, uniform and corporate identity. She also designed a new website, while stoically refusing to compromise on strengthening customer services and subcontractor relations.

Camilla is no stranger to the construction industry. Her husband, Stephen, was formerly with the ill-fated Linton’s of York (while heading up the York venture is Linton’s former regional construction manager, Andrew Hudson, and another former Linton’s man, Dave Reeve).

Camilla says she has felt no negative or unhelpful attitudes in this man’s world.

She says: “My numerous dealings with clients, subcontractors and colleagues are always professionally conducted and invariably result in lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.

“Contacts from the property industry in and around York have been very supportive and helpful, which is really encouraging and greatly appreciated.”