Major construction companies will march alongside a rainbow-painted JCB at Manchester’s Pride Festival this weekend to promote LGBT+ inclusion in the industry.
Balfour Beatty, Mace and Willmott Dixon are among the contractors involved in the event.
The alliance, called Building Equality, says its numbers have doubled in size since 2017, with more than 100 representatives from 18 different organisations taking part.
Building Equality members will be joined by sponsors Flannery, A-Plant and Hays for Saturday’s march alongside the rainbow JCB.
The organisation also includes representatives from construction consultants, engineers and developers.
Luke Ives, chair of Manchester Building Equality and co-chair of the Balfour Beatty LGBT+ & Allies Network, said: “Building Equality is paving the way for an open and inclusive industry, which promotes discussion on equality, diversity and inclusion – opening channels for issues and opportunities to be acted upon. Allowing all in the construction industry to be their true selves benefits everyone – not only to attract and retain the best talent but by providing access to a wide range of perspectives, encouraging creativity and improving performance.”