DEVELOPERS Willmott Dixon are transforming the face of the construction industry.

By 2030 the firm, which has undertaken some of Bolton's biggest and most ambitious projects, wants to see a 50:50 gender split in its workforce.

And to inspire more women to enter the construction industry, managers invited them backstage at the Octagon to see the new-look theatre taking shape.

The first tour sold out in record time, prompting the company to organise another visit.

Among those showing visitors around was Loretta Lipworth, Management Trainee- Design, who is working on the Octagon project.

The tours were organised in partnership with the National Association of Women in Construction.

The Octagon development is the largest transformation of the building in its 50 year history and the latest in a list of projects undertaken by Willmott Dixon in Bolton, including the multi award-winning Bolton Albert Halls, Bolton Museum and Bolton Market.

The theatre is a part new-build, part refurbishment project currently at the ground works stage, including CFA piling, drainage, and concrete beams and pile capping.

Willmott Dixon was placed fourth in this year's Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to work for list.

The Best Companies list is based mainly on employee feedback and judges highlighted data from Willmott Dixon people showing “employees have no wish to leave this family-run outfit".

Feedback also showed that Willmott Dixon people value the chance to learn and grow with the company, which has a training programme.

Roddy Gauld chief executive of the Octagon said: “It’s fantastic that Willmott Dixon have a commitment to bringing more women into the construction industry and have chosen to celebrate this alongside their work at the Octagon Theatre. We are thrilled to be working with such a dedicated team at Willmott Dixon and it is great to see our vision taking shape to create a more accessible Octagon fit for the next 50 years.”