FLIC has been named a finalist in the Women’s Network of the Year category at the Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Awards 2026, a national awards programme that celebrates organisations and individuals driving change and making outstanding contributions to gender diversity within the sector.

The shortlist recognition comes after a period of significant growth for the network, which was established in 2024 to address the under-representation of women at senior levels within construction and the wider built environment.

Since launch, FLIC has more than doubled its membership, with more than 120 senior women now on its active database spanning construction, housebuilding, architecture, planning, engineering, social housing and consultancy. Its LinkedIn community has also grown rapidly.

FLIC was co-founded by Liana Canavan and Julie Moulsdale. Liana is founder and director at The Firefly Consultancy, providing tailored sales and marketing support for the house building sector, and Julie is founder and MD at specialist built environment communications consultancy, Perceptive Communicators.  

Established to provide a dedicated network for women with significant industry experience who are already operating at senior leadership level, FLIC focuses on increasing the visibility, capability and connectivity of senior women across the sector.

The network has also established an influential Advisory Board comprising senior leaders from across construction, housebuilding, legal and professional services, helping to shape its strategic direction and providing visible role models for the next generation of industry leaders.

Liana Canavan, FLIC co-founder, commented: “To be recognised on a UK-wide stage is a tremendous achievement for everyone involved in FLIC and a reflection of the appetite for change across our industry.

“When we launched in 2024, we identified a significant gap in support for women who had already reached senior leadership positions. While there are many excellent initiatives supporting early-career talent, there was very little specifically focused on helping experienced women continue progressing, building influence and supporting one another. There is still a lot of work to be done to make changes in the industry but this shortlist recognises the momentum we have built together and demonstrates that Scotland is leading the way in championing senior female talent.”

The construction industry continues to face significant workforce and productivity challenges, with industry leaders increasingly recognising the importance of attracting, retaining and developing diverse talent. FLIC’s mission is based on evidence showing that gender-balanced leadership teams deliver stronger business performance, while creating more visible role models for future generations.

Julie Moulsdale, co-founder of FLIC, added: “We are incredibly proud that a Scottish-founded network is being recognised alongside organisations from across the UK. This shortlist is validation of the impact our members, supporters and advisory board have helped create in a relatively short period of time.

“Construction remains heavily male dominated, particularly at senior levels. By supporting and championing experienced women already working within the sector, we’re helping unlock talent that can strengthen businesses, improve decision-making and ultimately contribute to a more productive and innovative industry.

“Our members regularly tell us how valuable it is to have access to a trusted peer network of women facing similar leadership challenges. This recognition belongs to all of them.”

Winners will be announced at the Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Awards which will take place on Wednesday 16 September 2026 at London Hilton on Park Lane.