Liza Parry, chief executive of Housing People, Building Communities, shortlisted for Outstanding Woman in Construction
THE CHIEF executive of a Liverpool housing charity is in the running to be named 2014 Outstanding Woman in Construction.
Liza Parry (pictured), who has led construction of 32 low-cost houses in the Granby-Toxteth district of Liverpool since July 2011, is one of seven women vying for the supreme award at the seventh annual Women in Construction awards, which will be announced in Manchester on March 26th.
She was nominated for the title by Canon Dr Shannon Ledbetter, chair of the Housing People, Building Communities charity, who said:
“Liza has been the driving force behind our charity for almost three years, leading us through some difficult challenges and forging strong relationships with diverse organisations including Liverpool City Council, the Sanctuary Group, building products manufacturer Wienerberger and even the British Army, all of which have helped to ensure we go forward in a position of strength.
“Liza works tirelessly to promote our charity within the self-build and social housing sector and to harness the support of our corporate benefactors. She is also a strong motivational force on site for our staff, our home partners and our volunteers. She is truly deserving of this award.”
Under Liza’s leadership the charity’s Kingsley Road project has already won two major awards in 2013 – the ‘Best Community Initiative’ at the Housebuilder Awards and ‘Judges’ Favourite Project’ at the Your Move awards; it has also been shortlisted for three more, which will be decided between now and April 29th:
First Time Buyers Readers Awards: Best Housing Alliance
UK Housing Awards: Best Community Led Initiative
Excellence In Social Enterprise Awards: Excellence in Partnership
Liza has nearly 30 years’ experience of developing, managing and marketing a range of projects for socially excluded people within the not for profit sector. Prior to joining HPBC she was responsible for developing and delivering a range of services for socially excluded adults and youths in Merseyside and the surrounding area.
She was also chair of East Liverpool Community Trust Ltd (ELECT), an award winning social enterprise which helped establish over 500 new business, set up 30 social enterprises and get 800 people into full time sustainable employment. Earlier in her career she worked as a residential social worker and substance misuse counsellor. She is also a qualified plumber!
The Housing People, Building Communities charity combines self-build, volunteering and corporate philanthropy in a unique way. Future home owners help to build the new homes in return for a £10,000 reduction in the cost of their home and they work alongside volunteers who come from all over the world to learn new skills, gain valuable experience and / or give something back to society.
The remaining 23 homes are being completed in partnership with national care and housing provider The Sanctuary Group.