The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North West has appointed a new Regional Director, Emma Antrobus, who brings with her a high level of expertise within the transport infrastructure sector, having successfully lobbied to bring greater rail investment to the region.
Emma has built a career on engaging and managing stakeholders across a variety of engineering projects and initiatives, including HS2 and the Northern Hub rail project.
As Regional Director of ICE North West she will champion the vital role civil engineers play in the region’s continued economic success to both Government and business.
Emma joins during ICE’s bicentenary year, during which a programme of events is underway to celebrate the important contribution that civil engineers make to society.
Furthermore, she is passionate about education and encouraging the next generation of engineers, particularly women, to join the profession.
Speaking about her appointment, Emma said: “The industry is changing as the pace of digital transformation increases and this offers a range of interesting and challenging roles. We are highlighting the many and varied opportunities available and at the same time, need to improve diversity levels in both gender and background within the profession. I want to focus on attracting young people into engineering, especially women, at all levels. It’s not all about hard hats and hi-vis jackets!”
Wendy Blundell, ICE Director of UK Regions, said: “Emma brings a wealth of relevant experience and I have no doubt that she will help put ICE North West, and its members, at the forefront of regional issues and beyond.”
Prior to her appointment, Emma spent 18 years as Regional Manager of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, including a secondment to spearhead the North West Rail Campaign to lobby for Northern Hub rail project – designed to stimulate economic growth by improving rail connectivity. During this time she worked closely with the rail industry and other stakeholders across the engineering and infrastructure sector.
She also worked with railway infrastructure specialist Alstom UK, in the development of its Widnes train modernisation facility and training academy.
Emma is a trustee of six schools in Manchester, combining her business experience with a passion for education to help improve pupils’ life chances.