The UK’s largest event
for the built environment, UK
Construction Week (UKCW) (which includes Surface & Materials Show) has
released a new guide for its 600+ exhibitors to promote greater equality,
diversity and inclusion in their marketing at the show.
The moves comes after criticism of some stands last year, including one which has Las Vegas showgirls handing out information.
It is thought to be
the first time that any major trade show has set standards on diversity,
including the use of promotional staff on exhibition stands.
Work on discussing
diversity standards at UKCW and in construction marketing generally was started
by the show organisers, Media 10, more than two years ago. Its new guide has
been created with the help of a new steering committee, made up of representatives
from all parts of the industry who attend the show, including Balfour Beatty’s
senior planner and LGBT Network co-chair, the Group HR and diversity manager at
Willmott Dixon, and diversity and inclusion director at RICS.
Nathan Garnett, director of UK Construction Week says: “We want the show to
be lively, fun and engaging, and these measures should not be interpreted as
restrictions upon that. Promoting a more diverse and inclusive image of
construction is a joyful thing.
“But the fear of
getting it wrong is holding the construction industry back from a frank
conversation about diversity, equality and inclusion.
“We got it wrong last
year, and faced criticism on social media. So we’re still learning too. We have
benefitted enormously from the input of many diversity champions and leaders
within the construction industry over the last couple of years, and have published
the videos
from our Diversity in Construction panel discussions so that others can
hear their advice as well.
“No-one can deny that
the construction sector has more work to do in this area than most. The
business case is clear, the moral case undeniable, so now is the time. It is
for this reason UK Construction Week has made a commitment to change and to
promote the benefits of diversity for the advantage of the whole construction
sector.
“We have always
promoted a very strong and diverse conference platform, but now we’re looking
at the exhibition too. I think UK Construction Week can play a pivotal role in
highlighting those who are making great strides in balancing out inequality in
our industry, to demonstrate best practice and to inspire others. We should use
this event as a celebration and an opportunity to challenge ourselves to make
that commitment to achieving minimum requirements and demonstrating on-going
progression.”
Aaron
Reid, head of sustainable procurement at Balfour Beatty says:
“The work
that we are undertaking alongside UK Construction Week represents a vital shift
change in accelerating cultural transformation in the industry and addressing
the skills shortage which will affect all major infrastructure and construction
projects over the coming years.
“It is
essential that the industry joins together to ensure that a career is
construction is considered an attractive option, and that we grow to become
representative of the communities in which we operate.”
The new guide from
UKCW sets out an exhibitor
code of conduct, including on stand design and themes, and the staffing of
stands. Exhibitors are encouraged to “Consider the mix of staff you have on the
stand (gender, age, ethnicity etc). Do they represent the diversity of your
company, and if not, be prepared to explain why not”. Standards also cover
issues such as clothing worn by promotional staff and the activities on stands.
It also warns that if
an exhibitor’s stand theme is deemed inappropriate or non-compliant with the
UKCW equality, diversity and inclusion policy, they may not be permitted to
open their stand at the event. The show also has a diversity section on its Construction Matters blog.
Taking place at the
Birmingham NEC from 9-11 October, UK Construction Week combines nine shows in
one location. With over 35,000 trade visitors last year, the show boasts over
670 exhibitors. Visitors are able to attend the Build Show, Civils Expo, Timber
Expo, the Surface & Materials Show, Energy 2018, Plant & Machinery
Live, HVAC 2018, Building Tech Live and Grand Designs Live.
