Expo pushes the boundaries in discussing diversity and inclusion

[LONDON BUILD is not just another construction expo. It is the mission of organisers Oliver Kinross to address pressing issues in the industry – and they don’t come any more pressing than diversity and the role of women in construction. To that end those issues are brought to the fore at London Build.

New to this year’s show is the dedicated Diversity and Inclusion stage. Visitors can hear from leaders who are driving change across the industry, as they explore what can be done to make the UK’s built environment more diverse and inclusive, with two days of interactive panel discussions and an open Q&A. Topics include Improving the Image of Construction – Challenging Stereotypes; Hear from Leaders Driving Change in LGBTQ+; The Future Workforce – Fast Forward to a Completely Diverse Industry; The Importance of Mentoring and Leadership; and Attracting and Retaining Diverse Talent.

The organisers asked Building People founder Rebecca Lovelace: What do you think is the most important thing when it comes to bringing about change?

She replied: “We need to move out of silos and adopt a holistic approach that is founded upon collaboration. Enough of talking, round tables, reports and promises that focus on only one part of industry, or – even worse – on only one trade or profession; now is the time to come together and to share knowledge, events and vacancies in a way that enables equality of opportunity for all. To bring about effective and long-lasting change we have to look at the bigger picture and take a joined-up and truly collaborative approach – together.”

Another speaker at the summit, Angela Brady OBE, director of Brady Mallalieu Architects, explained what excites her about the industry and the positive changes made.

“As architects we appreciate and listen to all voices, from everyone who makes up our teams,” she said. “I have championed diversity all of my professional career, including when we started the Architects for Change group at RIBA, and I continued this as president of RIBA. The BLM [Black Lives Matter] has showcased the importance of more diversity in our profession and our gender balance has improved over the years – but it needs monitoring, with more role models and ambassadors standing up to challenges and promoting what a great profession architecture is.”

London Build is also very proud to announce that this year’s show will have a 50/50 split of men and women across the conference agenda – a first-ever for any construction show.

A diverse and wide range of industry leaders from across the sector includes speakers from major contractors, clients and professional institutes.

According to organisers Oliver Kinross: “Take part in the UK’s largest networking event for women in construction. Talk to and feel inspired by fellow architects, contractors, engineers, designers and other diversity champions from all sectors that make up the construction industry.

“In partnership with NAWIC, this event is free-to-attend and gives visitors the chance to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. From graduates to heads of departments and CEOs to government officials, this is the place to build connections and hear about what is being done to make lasting change.”

When asked how far the industry has come and how much further it has to go, Sally Sudworth, Global Head for Sustainability and Climate Change at Mott MacDonald, said: “The esteemed Women’s Engineering Society was formed in 1919 with the aim of supporting women in engineering and increasing their number. I wonder what they would think about the progress that we’ve made in the last 100 years?”

Once again this year, London Build is working with a large team of inspiring Diversity and Women in Construction Ambassadors. They are passionate about driving equality, diversity and change and have helped shape discussions at the show. Visitors can also network with them at the event to exchange ideas and milestones. q