Founded during maternity leave in 2019, and starting out in the midst of a global pandemic, Alexandra and Richard have grown the business year on year. Epanding the team, increasing capacity, scaling projects and steadily growing Powell Design & Construction into what it is today.

Alongside running the company, Alexandra also lectures part-time at Staffordshire University, serves as Secretary of the North Staffordshire Society of Architects, and is currently planning a strategic acquisition to strengthen the business’s supply chain.

A key focus of her work has always been about skills development and giving back to the local community and industry. Through partnerships with local universities, schools, and colleges, she supports real-world learning opportunities in construction, careers advice, and design. She even ran a “Mini Architects” workshop for local primary school children.

Within the business, Alexandra also created the “Powell Academy”, offering structured placements and hands-on experience to students on live projects. Over the years this has included both short-term placements for school-aged students and year-long university placements, with plans to welcome new students again very soon.

She also works closely with the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), supporting efforts to raise standards across the construction industry and helping homeowners better understand how to choose and work with trusted professionals.

From everyone at Powell Design & Construction, we believe this recognition is thoroughly deserved. Alexandra continues to drive the business forward while also making a much wider positive impact across local education settings and the construction industry as a whole.

This year’s Entrepreneur of the Year category saw more than 320 nominations, making the shortlist highly competitive and the recognition especially meaningful.

The awards ceremony takes place on 9th July at Uttoxeter Racecourse – and we will all be crossing our fingers tightly for then!

You can find out more about the finalists and the awards ceremony here: https://daily-focus.co.uk/2026/05/entrepreneur-of-the-year-finalists-confirmed-for-2026-staffordshire-chambers-business-awards/

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