Photo voltaic Gates UK’s depot supervisor, Rhian Adler, has been named Function Mannequin of the Yr on the prestigious Design & Construct UK Ladies in Building Awards 2025, recognising her resilience, arduous work and authenticity in an trade nonetheless striving for inclusion.
Rhian, who was additionally shortlisted for a second class on the night time, joined the Photo voltaic Gates staff from what she describes as an “unconventional background.” Her rise to changing into a extremely revered depot supervisor has been marked not solely by willpower but in addition by her willingness to talk truthfully in regards to the challenges confronted by girls in development and about her personal journey.
Reflecting on the win, Rhian mentioned: “I by no means imagined myself standing on a stage accepting an award like this. I’ve all the time simply tried to be me – trustworthy, hardworking, and prepared to roll my sleeves up. To be recognised for that feels overwhelming, but in addition a reminder to others that you just don’t have to suit a mould to make a distinction. If even one individual sees this and thinks ‘possibly I can do it too,’ then that’s the actual win for me.”
On the night time, Rhian’s grandmother joined her on the awards ceremony – a second that made the popularity much more particular. “Having my Nan there was unimaginable. She’s seen me undergo the highs and lows and has all the time believed in me, even once I didn’t consider in myself. To share that second along with her is one thing I’ll treasure endlessly.”
The stage was set for Rhian Adler
Neil Sampson, MD of Photo voltaic Gates, added: “Rhian is the heartbeat of our depot. She’s recognized throughout the trade for being straight-talking, dependable and endlessly supportive of her colleagues. This award isn’t just about Rhian’s function in our enterprise, however in regards to the affect she’s making throughout development. She is proof that totally different voices and totally different journeys make this trade stronger.”
The Design & Construct UK Ladies in Building Awards have fun the achievements of ladies throughout the sector, shining a light-weight on function fashions who’re serving to to interrupt down limitations.
Rhian’s win follows a yr of continued development for Photo voltaic Gates, the place her management at depot degree has performed an important function in supporting tasks nationwide from vital highways infrastructure to revolutionary solar-powered web site security options.
When requested what’s subsequent, Rhian was characteristically humble: “I’ll hold doing what I’ve all the time accomplished, working arduous, studying and attempting to be somebody my colleagues can depend on. If this award helps open the door for different girls to step into development, then it should imply much more.”
