Nicola is experienced in the following key sectors:
Experience:
Nicola Bird is an award-winning business leader, educator and changemaker who is redefining what it means to build a career, and a community in construction.
As Chief Operating Officer of K W Bell Group and Founder of AccXel Construction School, Nicola represents the third generation of a proud family legacy that has been building in the South West for over half a century. Her journey is one of courage, reinvention and purpose: from becoming a college lecturer in Beauty Therapy at just 18- the youngest on campus, to completing her Master’s in Safety, Health & Environmental Management and founding the UK’s first industry-led construction school.
In 2021, Nicola launched AccXel, a £3 million co-funded project born from her belief that education and industry must work together to inspire the next generation. Securing £1.96 million in capital funding through the Government’s Getting Building Fund, Nicola brought to life a first-of-its-kind training facility that bridges the gap between education and employment.
As COO, Nicola oversees five core businesses across construction, development, plant hire, education and hospitality; Bell Contracting, Bell Homes, Bell Plant, AccXel and The Belfry Hotel – accumulating in a diverse £80 million portfolio of companies united by shared values, family ethos and community purpose.
Alongside her leadership roles, Nicola serves on the CITB National Construction Colleges & Apprenticeships Board, chairs the Forest Economic Partnership, and sits on Gloucestershire County Council’s
Got a great idea? Begin your journey with expert advice and guidance.
START HERE
You’re up and running – discover new opportunities and how to unlock them.
START HERE
Grow further, add value and enhance capabilities with our help.
START HERE
It’s our mission to make free business support accessible for every Gloucestershire business.
Talk to our navigators, attend training or events and work with our team to grow your business.
Unlock your productivity with the co-working office spaces we have available across our hubs, bookable by anyone.
