Her career spans over 33 years in the industry and saw her play a key role in the management buyout of RLB from Citex.

She was also a prominent member of both the Construction Leadership Council and Construction Industry Council for many years.

Bentley was among a small handful of people from within construction to receive honours for services to construction.

Also getting an CBE is Professor Muhammed Basheer, chair of structural engineering at the University of Leeds, for services to civil engineering.

He was recognised for his pioneering research into the performance and durability of concrete.

Among the other high profile awards Nicholas Baveystock, former director general of Institution of Civil Engineers, received an OBE. Jacqueline O’Donovan, managing director of O’Donovan Waste Disposal was also awarded an OBE.

Among the MBE honours, Ian Henry, corporate responsibility director at Northern Ireland-based contractor Henry Brothers received recognition for services to business, while engineering consultant Professor David Cooper received an award for services to lift and escalator engineering.