A TOUR of Dyson's new £6 million campus roundhouse was popular with members of the Association of Women in Property (WiP) on a recent visit to Malmesbury.

Contractors Beard and technology company Dyson hosted the visitors as they viewed the construction of the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology’s new circular two-storey complex.

The development, which Beard is due to complete in early spring, will house a library, café, bar, screening room and communal work and relaxation space for Dyson’s undergraduate engineers and on-site staff.

Dyson's new institute was designed to nurture engineers of the future and support the company’s business growth and expansion, with an investment of over £31 million over the next five years.

The Malmesbury campus will teach a bespoke engineering undergraduate syllabus, and students will split their time between working towards their bachelor of engineering degree and working on projects for Dyson.

“We were thrilled to give WiP members a tour of the institute’s fabulous student roundhouse which will be stunning when it’s completed,” said Amanda Cassar, Beard business development advisor.

“Beard is a big supporter of the valuable work WiP does to promote and encourage more women into construction and engineering careers. Women are woefully under-represented in both sectors and we desperately need more joining these professions and a more gender-balanced workforce to help address a chronic skills shortage and boost economic growth.”

Established in 1987, WiP is committed to increasing the number of women in the property and construction industry and to ensuring that there are no glass ceilings impeding the progress of those already working in the sector.

Women still account for only 15 per cent of the workforce in construction and 12.5 per cent (one in eight) in engineering.

Rebecca Ross, WiP South West, said: “We would like to extend our thanks to Beard and Dyson for their hospitality and for organising what was a well-attended site visit. This is the second site visit Beard has organised for us this year and we appreciate their continuing support of Women in Property. This particular event was very popular and sold out within days.”