Celebrating the Women Driving Change at Cappagh Browne: International Women in Engineering Day 2025

Meet Kyla Howieson, Vicky Wakely, and Naomi Forse — three women with very different backgrounds, but one shared purpose: helping deliver essential services to our communities through collaboration, planning and operational excellence.

Kyla Howieson – Kent Civils Planner

Kyla plays a central role in the planning and delivery of all reactive civils works across Kent. In her role, she manages the allocation of teams, ensures permits and scheduling align, and works directly with both clients and customers to coordinate works in the field.

With a degree in Construction Management and previous experience as a Design Manager on large-scale housing, education and healthcare projects, Kyla brings strategic thinking and real-world experience to her work every day. After a two-year solo travel break that took her through South America, Asia, and Australia, she returned to the UK with fresh perspective and energy — and quickly became a cornerstone of the Cappagh Browne Kent operations.

“No two days are ever the same,” Kyla says. “I love the challenge of thinking on my feet and solving problems. But what really makes it worthwhile is the team — we look out for each other, and every role is respected. It’s one team, one goal.”

Her advice to future engineers? “Get on site, ask questions, be passionate. There’s no substitute for experience and curiosity.”

 Vicky Wakely – Compliance Manager

Vicky has been part of the water and wastewater industry for more than 18 years, supporting the Southern Water contract across different roles. Today, she’s a key member of Cappagh Browne’s Health and Safety team, managing training schedules, reporting systems, and monthly data analysis that informs leadership decisions.

Vicky recently completed her NEBOSH Health and Safety Certificate — while also planning a wedding and raising her daughter. “That’s definitely a personal highlight,” she says. “Juggling work, life, and study isn’t easy, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”

What Vicky enjoys most about her job is the people. “We’re a community,” she says. “There’s always something new to learn, and the team is always there to support you.”

She also has a quirky side: Vicky’s a member of the Sussex Chelonian Society and has four pet tortoises named after the Ninja Turtles. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her doing pottery, making candles, or creating something crafty.

Naomi Forse – Senior Planner, Isle of Wight

Naomi’s path into the water industry was, in her own words, “totally accidental.” After moving back to the Isle of Wight, she applied for a role with what was then Dyno-Rod — and has never looked back.

Now a key member of Cappagh Browne’s operational planning team, Naomi is involved in scheduling civils works, organising customer access, coordinating with third parties, and ensuring paperwork is complete for billing and compliance. She’s also a go-to contact for the team — someone who balances logistics with genuine care and communication.

“I didn’t plan to be here,” she says, “but I’m glad I am. There’s real job security in this industry and loads of opportunity to grow — plus, we have a great laugh together, even on the hardest days.”

Naomi’s passion for the sea fuels her life outside of work. She enjoys open-water swimming, coastal hikes, and spending time on the beach — or, when the sun’s out, in a good beer garden.

Why It Matters

These women show that there’s no single path into engineering and infrastructure — but there is space for everyone. From project planning and safety reporting to field support and coordination, they help keep Cappagh Browne moving forward every day.

We’re proud to support and promote women across all areas of our business. Their drive, resilience and creativity are a vital part of who we are and how we work.