Scotland’s largest construction trade association, SELECT has announced the appointment of a new Managing Director Designate, who will become the first woman to hold the crucial post in the organisation’s 125-year history.

Sharon Miller (pictured above), who has broad experience across government and a strong reputation for delivery, will take up her position in December, shadowing current association MD Alan Wilson until he leaves next summer.

Sharon, who has worked in both the UK and Scottish governments since 1988, was instrumental in the creation of the Construction Leadership Forum (CLF), a unique collaboration of industry, government policy, academia, trades unions and professional representatives.

She also has extensive experience of the challenges faced by SMEs in the construction sector, which is particularly relevant to SELECT as around 65 % of its membership is comprised of small and medium-sized companies.

Ms Miller said: “It is a great privilege to have been asked to lead the team at SELECT, which has a proud 125-year history of providing excellent services to its member companies and is working hard to ensure the long-term health of our industry.

During my work with the CLF and the Construction Accord team, we achieved levels of collaboration not seen in the sector before. I want to continue this partnership approach in my new role to deliver progress for our members on the issues that matter to them.”

She added: “My years working with the construction sector and my family background in small businesses have given me a keen understanding of the challenges that SMEs in construction are facing.”

Mr Wilson, who has been SELECT MD since 2019, said: “SELECT could not have chosen a better successor than Sharon to my time in office. She has an impressive depth of experience and a strong reputation for delivery through partnership and collaboration.

I know she will take forward the campaign for the professional recognition of electricians and will guide SELECT and its members into an exciting future as we all become increasingly dependent on the use of electricity.”

Mike Stark, President of SELECT, added: “On behalf of the SELECT Central Board, I would like to welcome Sharon to Scotland’s largest construction trade association and we look forward to working with her.

In our 125th year, we have spent a lot of time reflecting on the past, but it is also important to look to the future and plot the path ahead for the electrotechnical industry. We know Sharon’s experience will help the association and its members write the next chapter in their history.”

Sharon holds a Masters degree in Business Administration. Her personal interests are global cuisine, gym, aquafit, travel and theatre. She has carried out a variety of voluntary work over the years, most recently with Riding for the Disabled.