“Prior to starting SRM, Sam had always worked with heavy plant and equipment, both running and repairing it,” says Rosie.  

“While we were away on honeymoon in Devon we talked about putting his knowledge, skill and admirable work ethic to good use and set up our own construction company. Our main driving force was creating a business that could benefit the environment and act upon government sustainability targets, creating a solution for both the aggregate and construction industries.”

So, while she was on maternity leave from her job as a PA, Rosie decided to set up the business to make the most of their combined talents. “I created a detailed business plan and then started designing the brand, getting the insurances in place and tendering for work.

“I put myself through vigorous training to successfully oversee the health and safety elements of the business, ensuring we could confidently apply for relevant accreditations to enable us to gain contracts with leading construction firms. We put a lot of time into training our staff to ensure we can provide a safe and solid service.” 

The team was successful in winning its first significant aggregate crushing contract in 2017, meaning Sam could start working for the business full-time. “He had actually just left to start work on the first contract up in the Peak District when I gave birth to our son Joseph – he turned around but missed the birth by 10 minutes!” And so ‘SRM’ – originally named after Sam, Rosie and their daughter Molly – became SRM Carver and Son.

Rosie says 2020 was a “hugely challenging time” for the business, with most of their larger contracts being put on hold for the first few months of the pandemic. “With large overheads to cover, in April 2020 we diversified and set up an additional arm to the business, SRM Aggregates, to sell gravel, stone and other quarried products to the public,” she explains.

“We incorporated an online ordering system to our website and safely delivered aggregates to our local community, builders and landscape gardeners. This taught us the need to be flexible and adaptable to challenging circumstances.”

Rosie now has her sights set on further growth, with ambitions to turn their family-run business into a respected production contractor for clients across the South West region. “We want to create lasting and stable employment opportunities for local people, after what has been a hugely turbulent few years for many,” she says.

Another ongoing project is the launch of the company’s community fund, where the business helps to invest in and support local initiatives and projects.

Rosie’s advice to other women thinking of starting their own business is to “be fearless – and believe in yourself. Don’t ever give up, keep focused on one idea and don’t be scared to take the risks you need to make it work”.

She says it was “such an honour” to be selected to feature in the bank and Getty Images’ “vital” Female Focus #BeTheRoleModel initiative. “Entrepreneurship is not gender specific. It’s about taking risks, challenging the stereotype and presenting great ideas, irrespective of gender. It’s great to see the bank and Getty going above and beyond to help close the gender gap.”

Learn more about the winners in the experimental Metaverse virtual gallery.