NMBS partners with leading organisations across construction industry to launch new coalition to tackle lack of diversity

NMBS has partnered with ten other major organisations across the construction sector to establish the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) to improve equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the sector
New polling shows nearly half of Brits (46%) say they’d be more likely to actively seek out employment opportunities in the construction industry if it demonstrated a stronger commitment to diversity and inclusion

New coalition will initially focus on increasing collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing across the sector

London, September 2023 – NMBS has united with ten leading organisations in the construction industry, representing over two hundred and fifty thousand workers, to launch a new coalition that aims to tackle a lack of diversity across the industry.

The Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) has been established by CEOs at leading organisations including Aliaxis, Baxi, Bradfords, Highbourne Group, Ibstock PLC, Knauf, Travis Perkins PLC, Wavin, Wolseley, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) and the National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS), to raise sector standards on equity, diversity and inclusion, with an immediate focus on gender representation in its first year.

The Coalition is being launched alongside new polling which shows that only one third (36%) of British people would feel confident that their female family or friends would be safe and respected if they joined the construction industry. The research of over 2,000 adults also outlines the opportunity for the sector, with nearly half of people (46%) saying they’d be more likely to actively seek out employment opportunities in the construction industry if it demonstrated a stronger commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Chris Hayward, CEO, NMBS says:

“NMBS is pleased to support the launch of the Construction Inclusion Coalition, and is already taking positive steps to foster an environment that encourages more of those under-represented groups to consider a worthwhile career in construction. Our primary focus is to ensure we have a workforce that reflects a wider gender base, whilst at the same time embracing those from ethnic minority backgrounds. In particular, we genuinely believe that we can offer a real purpose to young people who aspire towards making a difference and what better way of creating an enduring legacy, than a career in the built environment”.

Construction Inclusion Coalition Chairperson and Toolstation Managing Director, Angela Rushforth says:

“There is no doubt that the future of our industry is at risk if we don’t create an environment where all our colleagues feel safe, empowered and confident. I want all young women to see the construction sector as I do – full of opportunity.”

“We aren’t attracting and retaining from a diverse pool of talent, because many think the construction sector is not for them. These are industry-wide challenges that require industry-wide solutions, which is why the Construction Inclusion Coalition has been set up to improve equity, diversity and inclusion. We are calling on businesses across the sector – no matter how big or small – to join our Coalition and commit to taking action in their organisations”.

The construction sector has one of the most rapidly aging workforces in the UK, with research showing that close to a million construction workers – around a third of the UK’s total workforce – are set to retire in the next ten years. Despite this, the industry is currently only made up of 15% women and 6% from ethnic minority backgrounds, and faces challenges attracting and recruiting from a diverse pool of talent.

Alongside Coalition Partners, NMBS is urging businesses across the industry to join the initiative and take the Built on Better Pledge. The pledge covers seven areas members commit to working on.

NMBS will work alongside other Coalition Partners to enhance the impact of their individual equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, by fostering collaboration and establishing a network to share knowledge and resources across the industry, and co-creating solutions that will make a difference. Progress will be tracked annually and shared in a public report.

The Coalition has been endorsed by the Construction Leadership Council, the leading body which draws together business leaders from across the construction sector and links them with the UK government.

Construction Leadership Council Co-Chair and CEO of Mace, Mark Reynolds says:

“The Construction Leadership Council has long been advocating for businesses and organisations in our sector to collaborate to make our industry more welcoming and inclusive. It is clear that ensuring a consistent approach to equity, diversity and inclusion will be vital for the future of construction, which is why we’re pleased to support the Construction Inclusion Coalition. There is much work to be done, however I am confident that sharing knowledge and raising standards, we can make a meaningful impact across the sector.”