30 | Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026 Structural Timber Business Leader of the Year 2026 (Hampshire): Emma Moss Standing as the largest UK stockist of Glulam beams, Glulam Ltd proudly supplies a wide range of clients across the construction industry, from small independent builders to large timber frame companies. At the helm of this leading business is Managing Director Emma Moss, who has earned applause for making significant strides in a typically male-dominated space. We caught up with Emma below to find out more, as she is named in the Influential Businesswoman Awards 2026. Contact: Emma Moss Company: Glulam Ltd Web Address: www.glulambeams.co.uk “Construction has always been seen as a man’s world, but women absolutely have a place in it.” Emma Moss has worked at Glulam Ltd for almost two decades, dedicating each year to delivering a higher standard of service than the last. Her journey through the company has been incredibly hands-on from the very start: first beginning with learning the tools and trade from the ground up, before progressing to obtain her HGV license and eventually stepping into her current position as Managing Director. This invaluable experience has shaped how Emma approaches her work at Glulam today. As Managing Director, she oversees the general operations of the company, but also remains very much involved in its dayto-day running. Rather than sitting behind a desk, Emma prefers to step in wherever her help is required, whether that is in the yard, supporting the team, or helping to solve problems as they arise. Having worked her way through different roles within the company, Emma has developed a nuanced understanding of the various demands impacting every level. This unrivalled perspective enables her to better serve clients and colleagues alike, allowing the Managing Director to lead her team by example and communicate with clients more effectively. Early on, stepping into both site and corporate settings required Emma to prove herself time and time again. She entered the industry with no formal education or qualifications, instead meeting situations head on with an unwavering sense of resilience and a meticulous attention to detail. “Everything I have achieved has come from working hard, being hands-on, and proving myself over time,” she told us. “That’s something I’m proud of. Qualifications can open doors, and I’d always encourage people to get them if they can, but they’re not the only route. A strong work ethic, reliability, and determination still count for a lot in this industry.” Of course, there were doubts along the way, as well as moments of working twice as hard just to be seen on the same level. Emma refused to shy away from the pressures, however, and met every situation head-on. Whether entering a workshop or a boardroom, she champions confidence, determination, and the mindset that she is just as capable as anyone else in the room. “When I first started, it was a very different environment,” she recalled. “I’d turn up on site in my pickup, fully loaded with timber, ready to get stuck in and show the lads how it was done. Being a young woman in that setting meant I was judged, and I mean really judged. It was intimidating at times, and definitely a bit scary in the beginning. “But at the same time, I thrived on it. I loved the banter, the energy on site, and proving myself through hard work. Over time, that respect wasn’t given; it was earned. And once it was, everything changed.” “It’s about creating a culture where women feel supported, capable, and confident in their role, and where they know they belong just as much as anyone else.” Now, Emma seeks to support other women entering the industry, understanding that construction can be a challenging environment to step into. She makes a conscious effort to back other women wherever she can: offering guidance, sharing her experiences, and simply becoming a supportive person they can talk to. Looking ahead, Emma plans to continue growing Glulam and pushing the business as far as it can go. The timber industry is constantly evolving, and she intends to have a strong hand in that growth, driving her own development and the success of her team along the way whilst never forgetting where her professional journey first began. “Although my role has changed over the years, my heart still lies in the workshop,” Emma concluded. “That’s where I started, and it’s a part of the business I’ll always stay connected to. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of what the work is really about: quality, craftsmanship, and getting the job done properly. “As the industry continues to grow and evolve, I remain focused on ensuring Glulam delivers a dependable, hands-on service that our customers can trust.”
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