Raise the Roof
Newly formed equality, diversity and inclusion group, named Raise the Roof, held their inaugural in-person meeting at UK Construction Week on Wednesday 5th October.
Inviting anyone interested in finding out more about Raise the Roof’s aims to their stand at the construction trade show held at the NEC, Birmingham, the organisers were delighted with the response they received.
Kate Whatley, Commercial Manager of flat roofing and cladding specialists Phoenix Consortia in Walsall explained the ideas behind the formation of Raise the Roof. She said, “We want to build collaboration in the UK roofing industry, offering support and encouraging networking to all those in the group.
“We think it’s important to share ideas, contacts and for new entrants into our sector to know there’s someone out there to help connect and support them in the industry and help them to advance their career.”
Raise the Roof is promoting inclusion across all sector stakeholders and the group sees its role as creating a friendly, supportive space which helps to retain roofing and cladding talent in the industry. The group will be driven by its members and it aims to be responsive to their requirements.
Kate added: “We have contacted a variety of sector stakeholders, including contractors, manufacturers, trade bodies and training providers.
“We have been delighted to welcome so many representatives of these sectors today at the UKCW Raise the Roof stand and have been inspired by the numbers of people coming to see us. We had some fantastic brainstorming and discussions on future events and planning.
“I think it reflects how our organisation can help to support business’s workforce strategies, helping them to keep individuals in the industry. We hope Raise the Roof will promote the welfare and progress of individuals in their careers as well encourage the forging of positive connections with each other.”
The group is hoping to gain sponsorship from companies in the roofing sector to support its aims and build on the momentum gained at UKCW.
