Chrissie Parkes appointed to the Women in Construction Anglia Industry Management Board

Holmes & Hills is proud to announce that Chrissie Parkes, specialist construction solicitor, has been appointed to the Industry Management Board for Women in Construction Anglia (WiCA), strengthening the firm’s involvement in the regional construction sector.

Women in Construction Anglia is an industry‑led network dedicated to promoting diversity, supporting career development and encouraging new talent across the construction sector in the East of England.

Founded to help bridge the gap between education and industry, WiCA brings together construction professionals, educators and businesses to support long‑term improvements across the sector, particularly around skills shortages, workforce sustainability and the education-to-industry gap affecting delivery risk.

Strengthening Holmes & Hills’ links with the construction industry

Chrissie’s role on the WiCA Industry Management Board further strengthens Holmes & Hills’ engagement with the construction sector, ensuring that the firm’s construction solicitors’ advice reflects current industry practice. Through this position, Chrissie will contribute legal insight and industry experience to discussions shaping future initiatives, events and the strategic direction for Women in Construction Anglia.

What this means for Holmes & Hills construction clients

Chrissie’s appointment delivers practical benefits for Holmes & Hills’ construction clients:

• Closer alignment with industry issues:
  Sitting on the Industry Management Board gives Chrissie greater visibility of emerging trends, skills challenges and commercial pressures affecting contractors and consultants. This insight helps ensure client advice remains timely, pragmatic and aligned with real‑world industry conditions.
• Stronger advocacy for the construction sector:
  Chrissie’s involvement strengthens Holmes & Hills’ role in wider industry conversations that matter to clients operating in an increasingly complex regulatory and commercial environment – examples such as payment regimes, procurement policies and skills shortages.
• Access to broader industry networks:
  Clients benefit from a legal advisor who is well connected within regional construction networks, supporting early problem-solving and a more informed dispute strategy. This enhances collaboration opportunities, knowledge‑sharing and access to established industry contacts beyond legal support alone.
• Reinforcing Holmes & Hills’ construction specialism:
  Chrissie’s appointment builds on Holmes & Hills’ established reputation as a go‑to firm for construction law advice across the East of England, and nationwide. It demonstrates the firm’s commitment to staying closely connected to the people, projects and pressures shaping the sector today building client confidence.

Commitment to progress and professionalism

From being named a Top 100 Most Influential Woman in Construction in October 2025 to her board appointment in Spring 2026, Chrissie’s continued involvement at industry level ensures Holmes & Hills’ construction clients benefit from advice that evolves alongside the sector - anticipating risk, responding to change and supporting robust decision‑making over the long term.

Sam Bawden, Partner in Holmes & Hills Construction Department commented: “Chrissie’s appointment reflects her growing influence within the construction industry. Being directly involved with Women in Construction Anglia gives her - and by extension our clients - valuable visibility of emerging industry trends, skills challenges and commercial pressures. It further strengthens the practical, real‑world advice our construction clients rely on.”

Chrissie’s active participation at industry level enables her to provide advice that is not only legally robust, but commercially informed and grounded in current industry practice, helping clients make informed decisions and manage risk effectively.