Chrissi McCarthy founded Constructing Equality in 2007. Since then, the business has grown to employ seven full time and four part time members of staff, whilst remaining debt free.   Not surprisingly Chrissi’s success has put her in the limelight of the local economy as she has been shortlisted for Downtown Liverpool’s Women in Business Awards 2014, sponsored by The Women’s Organisation.
The business which is based at 54 St James Street, a new development in the thriving Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool,  takes a different approach to consultancy, creating centralised products with industry partners that are tailored to the needs of the construction sector.  Constructing Equality therefore allow companies to get one on one highly specialised consultancy expertise, at achievable costs.
Constructing Equality’s three main products are the creation and delivery of the CITB Be Fair framework, online equality training and the Community value project. All of these products have struck a chord with the sector and have received immense support. So much so, that major construction clients such as Crossrail and HS2 have independently contacted Constructing Equality after receiving outstanding response to the CITB Be Fair framework and training courses, from major contractors such as: Vinci, BAM, Murphy, ISG, Morgan Sindall and Wates.
Before starting Constructing Equality Ltd. Chrissi spent more than 10 years in the Construction Industry, firstly as a Setting-Out Engineer and then as a Site Manager. A Construction Management Graduate and Member of The Chartered Institute of Building she played an integral role in the delivery of numerous projects, including Peckham Library, Manchester Interchange, a range of BSF Schemes, and a school in Uganda for charity.  Together, these projects helped Chrissi to develop a deep understanding of the day-to-day practical challenges faced by teams on site and at head offices around the country.
Passionate about the social and emotional effects of the Construction Industry, Chrissi went on to complete a PGDip in Equality and Diversity, and is now studying for her PhD, which is sponsored by global construction organisation Vinci, in Mainstreaming Equality in the UK construction industry.  Considered one of the field’s leading exponents, she is part of the Fairness Inclusion and Respect Strategic Group that leads the Construction Industry on Diversity.  She imparts lectures on Equality and Diversity at Universities and Conferences, writes for leading Construction Publications, contributes to Government Papers, influences key Industry Figures, and has even spoken at the House of Lords.

Importantly, while her achievements are diverse, they share a common thread – to improve the reality of working within Construction and its reputation among the public. 
Delighted to be shortlisted for an award Chrissi said: “Thank you to everyone who voted for us and as always the brilliant support that we have received from The Women’s Organisation and 54 St James street, not only do they support and encourage us but they also provide the modern, professional and friendly roof over our head!”

The Downtown Liverpool Women in Business Awards take place on Friday 14th March at Hilton Liverpool when the overall winners will be announced.  We at 54 St James Street would like to wish Chrissi best of luck!

To find out more about Constructing Equality visit constructingequality.co.uk
If you would like to enjoy a stylish, professional office setting for your business please contact 54 St James Street via venue@thewo.org.uk or 0151 706 8100 to discuss availability of reasonably priced office space in L1, Liverpool City Centre.