The Forest of Dean are hosts to many fantastic businesses, including the UK's first female led construction school - AccXel.
Founded by Nicola Bird, 3rd generation member of the KW Bell family, after she recognised a worrying rising problem - that there were not enough people and skills to meet the needs of the family business and ensure it's continued growth. Such a huge problem needed real action, so for the next 4 years Nicola and sister Natalie King created a bespoke apprenticeship model to improve the construction industry of the future. That idea became AccXel, now a leading construction school breaking down barriers and increasing diversity every step of the way. Hugely passionate about encouraging more women and minorities into construction, the team at AccXel work closely with local schools to promote opportunities to girls and show them something different - "if you can't see it, you can't be it".
Nicola and Natalie have recently been featured in the The Times with Lloyds Bank recognising the groundbreaking work they are doing not only in the Forest of Dean, but for the wider construction industry and for young women. Read more here https://www.thetimes.co.uk/static/kw-bell-nicola-bird-natalie-king-lloyds-bank/.
The Forest Economic Partnership are also pleased to share that, subject to the usual observer period, AccXel's Natalie King will be joining the FEP as a Director in 2024. We are hugely excited for Natalie to join the Board and the unique skillset and background that she will bring to the FEP.