Elspeth Duxbury architect image, Atkins director projects design, Award news

Elspeth Duxbury, Atkins – Award

Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year: Information + Images

post updated 17 August 2023

Atkins youngest director streets ahead of the competition

Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year

Elspeth Duxbury, youngest director at Atkins

6 Nov 2008

Elspeth Duxbury, Atkins director

One of the FTSE 250’s youngest directors was named Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year last night (November 6) for her pioneering work making streets work better for pedestrians.

Elspeth Duxbury, 32, is the youngest director at Atkins, one of the world’s leading engineering and design consultancies. She co-founded ‘Intelligent Space’ in 2000 after graduating university with a degree in Chemistry. Elspeth Duxbury used her knowledge of scientific systems to identify a way of analysing how people interact with the street environment. Her work caught the eye of Atkins, which bought Intelligent Space in 2007.

The judges said: “Elspeth is a real visionary. She is not only an entrepreneur but now an ‘intrapreneur’ – driving entrepreneurial thinking across a much larger organisation and applying those same skills to a new challenge. She is a great example of the ‘power of passion’ – her enthusiasm for her subject has helped her take a niche and become an undisputed authority on it.”

The awards – founded two years ago to identify female role models under the age of 35 – celebrate rising stars in the business, public and creative world. They are hosted by Real Business magazine in association with Shell.

Elspeth Duxbury is responsible for the operational performance of Intelligent Space which specializes in mapping pedestrian movements, and works to help improve public space, minimize social risks and maximize economic benefits. The practice uses science-based methods to turn pedestrian movement from an undervalued resource into a tangible and manageable asset. Since its foundation in 2000, the business has worked for renowned clients among government bodies, property owners, developers and consultants. Elspeth’s blend of entrepreneurial spirit, enthusiasm and technical excellence marks her out as a key player in Atkins vision to become the best infrastructure consultancy in the world.

Elspeth Duxbury is joined by eight other individuals singled out as the next generation of female leaders and role models. These include BT’s 32-year-old group director of strategy, Olivia Garfield, and Dr Prudence Mutowo, a cancer post-doctoral research fellow committed to mentoring young women scientists.

Lord Kirkham CVO, chairman of DFS and judging panel, said: “Diversity often slips down the agenda when the economy hardens. My message to businesses is, let it slip at your peril. This year’s shortlist provides a compelling argument for championing female leaders in your organisation. These, quite simply, are women in business who mean business.”

Andy Southern, managing director of transport planning and management for Atkins, said, “Elspeth’s achievements in her career to date have been outstanding. Her energy, enthusiasm, intellect and business acumen have contributed greatly to her success as an entrepreneur, a business leader and a key player in Atkins future growth. She is a fantastic role model for other young aspiring leaders committed to improving our built environment.”

Location: London, south east England, UK

Atkins Practice Information

Atkins is a multinational engineering and design consultancy, providing expertise to help resolve complex challenges presented by the built and natural environment. Atkins is the largest multidisciplinary consultancy in Europe, the largest engineering consultancy in both the UK and the Middle East, and the UK’s second largest architecture firm.

Atkins’ current projects include:

· Major infrastructure works, such as design and programme management of the civil works for the Dubai Metro red and green lines;
· In the defence sector, the MoD’s Future Rapid Effects System (FRES) programme – overseeing the development of the next generation of medium weight armoured vehicles for the military;
· Significant road contracts, such as a £150 million, five-year integrated contract for Gloucestershire County Council, delivering highway maintenance, design, emergency response, winter maintenance, re-surfacing and recycling;
· Key rail projects, including a £65 million, three-year resignalling contract in Basingstoke; and
· High profile designs, such as Durrat Al Bahrain, a spectacular 20 sq km resort for 45,000 people on the south coast of Bahrain, comprising 13 man-made islands.

Atkins won Engineering Consultant of the Year 2008 at the prestigious Building Awards. The company was named among the “20 Best Big Companies to Work For 2008’ by The Sunday Times; The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2008; and The Times Top 50 Companies Where Women Want to Work 2008. The company was construction sector winner for the third consecutive year in the Target National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2008.

Atkins : Building Images + Information