Our business is built around people. From the teams delivering traffic management on the roads to the colleagues supporting projects behind the scenes, every individual plays a role in keeping operations safe, organised and moving forward.
International Women’s Day provides a valuable opportunity to recognise the contribution of women across our business and the wider infrastructure industry. While traffic management and construction environments have traditionally been male dominated, the industry is evolving, and more women are building successful and influential careers across a wide range of roles.
For us recognising and supporting women in the workplace is not just about one day of the year, it forms part of our wider commitment to social value, inclusivity and building a supportive working environment where people can grow and thrive.
Rebecca Warne – HR Manager
Rebecca Warne has spent the past decade building her career in human resources, progressing from HR Administrator to HR Manager while completing both her CIPD Level 5 and Level 7 qualifications. After developing her experience within the manufacturing sector, she joined Paragon Traffic Management three years ago.
During her time with the business, Rebecca has played a key role in supporting employees and helping shape a positive and forward-thinking workplace culture.
Rebecca’s journey into HR began during a period in her life where she needed to rebuild and stand independently. That experience taught her resilience, self-belief and the importance of strong support systems — values that now shape her leadership style.
For Rebecca, HR goes far beyond policies and procedures.
“For me, HR isn’t just about policies — it’s about people, growth and creating an environment where everyone feels heard, supported and able to succeed.”
International Women’s Day is an important moment for Rebecca to reflect on the strength women demonstrate every day and the importance of continuing to open doors for the next generation.
Debbie Cook – Operations Administrator
Debbie Cook plays a key role within Paragon’s operational team, supporting day-to-day coordination and bringing positivity to the workplace, something colleagues know her well for.
Debbie describes her role simply as helping keep things running smoothly while making sure the people around her feel supported.
When reflecting on her career so far, Debbie is proud of the journey she has taken and the obstacles she has overcome through determination and hard work.
What Debbie enjoys most about working at Paragon is the people, both the colleagues she works alongside and the clients she supports.
International Women’s Day is particularly meaningful to Debbie as it reminds her of the strong women who have influenced her life.
“It makes me reflect on all the strong women in my life who helped shape who I am today by pushing me and supporting me.”
One of her greatest inspirations is her mother, who Debbie describes as someone who shows strength and compassion every day.
Kacey Peach – HR Apprentice
Kacey Peach joined Paragon Traffic Management a year ago and is currently developing her career within the HR team as an apprentice.
Before joining Paragon, Kacey gained experience across a variety of sectors including insurance and legal services. She had also previously worked within HR for another traffic management company, which gave her valuable insight into the industry.
At Paragon, Kacey supports a wide range of HR functions including onboarding new staff, assisting with training, managing employee holidays and responding to HR queries.
Alongside her role, she is currently studying towards her HR Support Level 3 qualification, helping her build knowledge and confidence within the profession.
Kacey credits much of her development to the support she receives from Rebecca.
“Becky inspires me greatly. I’ve learnt so much from her and she’s always supportive of my progress and development.”
Kacey also highlights the positive culture within Paragon, noting that it is refreshing to work in an environment where everyone genuinely works together as one team.
Shirley Young – Head of Talent and Social Value
As Head of Talent and Social Value, Shirley Young leads Paragon’s recruitment strategy while also driving the company’s social value initiatives.
Her role focuses on attracting the right people to the business, supporting career opportunities and ensuring Paragon contributes positively to the communities it operates within.
Throughout her career, Shirley is most proud of the development of the teams she has led and the recognition they have achieved together through industry awards for talent acquisition.
For Shirley, what makes Paragon special is simple, the people.
“The people and my role. I love it all.”
When asked what advice she would give to women starting their careers, Shirley’s message is clear:
“Be strong, be yourself and stand up for what you believe in.”
Working within a sector that remains heavily male dominated makes International Women’s Day particularly important to Shirley.
“It’s a chance to celebrate the small percentage of women working in traffic management and recognise those who are doing incredible things within the industry.”
Shirley also takes inspiration from Joanna Lumley, whose confidence, composure and courage to stand up for what she believes in reflects the values Shirley admires.
Supporting Women in Infrastructure
Paragon Traffic Management recognises that improving representation and opportunity within industries like infrastructure and traffic management takes ongoing commitment.
By supporting development opportunities, encouraging career progression and creating an inclusive workplace culture, the business aims to ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed regardless of background or gender.
Celebrating the women across the organisation is also an important part of Paragon’s wider social value commitment, recognising the people who contribute to both the business and the communities it serves.
As Shirley summarises:
“We have some amazing women in Paragon who are committed, strong and brave, and I would like to celebrate every single one of them.”
People are at the heart of everything we do and International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the women who help drive the business forward every day.
Safety By Choice, Not By Chance.