WOMEN IN FENESTRATION

Every career has a story and every success helps pave the way for those who follow. Across the fenestration and construction industries, women continue to break barriers, driving innovation and redefining what leadership looks like. Their talent, resilience and determination are helping to shape a stronger, more inclusive future for our sector. In this special Women in Fenestration Glass News Series, we celebrate the voices, journeys and achievements of the inspiring women making a lasting impact across our sector.

THIS MONTH

Sarah Ball

PiGs AKA People in Glazing Society

AT WORK

Tell us about your career journey. What led you into the fenestration industry?

I think I’m probably best known in the industry for PiGs, which I took over organising in 2014, but until two years ago that was a second job. I kicked off my career in the industry in 2004 as a Senior Account Manager with Michael Rigby Associates, then went in-house at system house Synseal as Communications Manager, before setting up Balls2 Marketing, a specialist marketing agency within the glazing industry with my husband, Andy Ball. When we sold the agency two years ago, I focused on growing PiGs AKA People in Glazing Society and this year I set up Women in Fenestration Network.

What does your current role involve, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I think my PiGs and WFN ‘jobs’ are the best in the world! Because they are both people-focused, I get to talk to a lot of interesting people. The industry is renowned as being people-first and the relationships often become friendships. What helps this is that I meet up with people at their most stress-free – PiGs networking evenings are designed to be relaxed.

Adding WFN into the mix has given me a renewed perspective on women in the industry. Together with Sioned, who I first met on an industry charity challenge, Paddle to Pedal, in 2017, we have been impressed by the take-up by women in the industry who value what we have set out to achieve. What’s surprised us both is the strength of support from the men.

What achievement in your career are you most proud of, and why?

I had always loved going to PiGs events, so having the baton passed to me as the organiser was very special. It’s given me the chance to meet so many people in the industry. We have even taken PiGs to GlassBuild America three times, on top of the UK events. Plus, we climbed Kilimanjaro under the PiGs banner two years ago and raised £100,000. We are off again in October to tackle the Inca Trail in Peru. There’s a team of 14 people, and we are set to raise a huge amount of money for our Charity of the Year, Harry’s Pals.

How have you seen opportunities for women in the fenestration sector evolve during your career?

Over the last 20 years, I have seen a huge increase in the number of women taking leadership roles within the industry, with many of them willing to share their experiences. There’s still an imbalance in numbers, and that’s reflected across all jobs. A lot of the positions taken by women are in support roles, so remain hidden, and there are pockets where the imbalance is really noticeable, for example, within technical roles, on the factory floor, in installation and in senior management positions. However, there are some companies and organisations that are ahead of the curve, and it’s these we are able to use as exemplars for the rest of the industry.

There’s a massive shortage of labour in the industry, and making it more visible to women can only help with attracting new talent. Part of the reason for setting up Women in Fenestration Network was to promote women already working within the glazing supply chain to attract more women into the industry.

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in fenestration or construction-related industries?

There are masses of opportunities within this amazing industry at every level. It’s a people-first industry and talent is recognised. There’s still a massive entrepreneurial spirit in the industry, so if you’re good – you’ll be noticed!

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of the industry?

The people – firstly, that the face-to-face events of PiGs will continue to grow as more people find it a good way to build business relationships. Plus, I see that WFN will help increase the number of women coming into the industry, which will make it stronger.

AT REST

How do you switch off after a busy day at work?

I find cooking really relaxing and now I work from home, I find it a great way to separate work and home life. Apart from that, walking our dog Lily, the Labradoodle, and watching crime series on TV, but never true crime though, as that’s way too stressful.

What does the perfect weekend look like for you?

We are very lucky to have a little getaway in Woodhall Spa, and spending the weekend there is pretty perfect. There’s so much to do, including a superb cinema that hasn’t changed much since its opening in 1922, plus a great choice of pubs and cafes.

Is there a book, film, podcast or TV series you’ve enjoyed recently that you’d recommend?

The latest book that really grabbed me was Raising Hare, beautifully written by a journalist who rescued a hare during lockdown.

AT PLAY

If you weren’t working in fenestration, what career do you think you would have pursued?

I really wish that I had had better career advice at school. Looking back, I think I would have enjoyed being more practical. One of my daughters is an electrician and I think that would have suited me too.

Do you have a favourite holiday destination or dream place you’d love to visit?

I love a road trip and I have been fortunate to do a few in the US. But my dream is to drive across more European countries and take the dog!

What hobby or activity brings you the most joy when you’re away from work?

Walking! It’s something I like to do every day locally in Derbyshire, but many of the most memorable days of my life have been the walks I have done. They are not all long, but all spectacular. Included in my favourites are Samaria Gorge – Crete; the Walk of the Gods – Amalfi Coast; Inca Trail – Peru; Moro Rock – Sequoia National Park; Gros Piton – St Lucia; Golden Cap – Dorset; and, of course, Kilimanjaro – Tanzania.

Finally, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received – whether for work or life?

Say ‘yes’ and work out how to deliver it afterwards!