Driving greater diversity and gender equality

Aggregate Industries further commit to promoting diversity with annual Women in Construction event

AGGREGATE Industries have continued to lead the march in helping to drive greater diversity and gender equality in the construction industry by hosting its annual Women in Construction networking and personal development conference.

The one-day event, which was held on 24 October at Loughborough University, saw more than 60 female employees from within the business come together to share experiences and best practice, to enable career development.

Delivered by personal brand expert and author Jennifer Holloway, the event’s overarching purpose was to help attendees better understand the importance of personal brand. Key areas covered included making a good first impression and confidence building, along with separate career coaching activities and networking breakouts.

Jennifer Holloway explained: ‘Personal branding concerns defining the best version of who you are and shining a spotlight on what you bring to the table that others don’t. It then becomes about sharing that with others, so they understand and appreciate the benefits you bring. In that way, anyone with something to offer – of any gender – can be matched with the opportunities within the business and diversity can flourish.’

The event forms part of the business’ wider Diversity & Inclusion strategy, led by a taskforce, which employs a number of tactics and initiatives designed to ensure equal opportunity for all within the business.

Commenting on the event, Guy Edwards, chief executive officer of Aggregate Industries UK, said: ‘As a progressive, future-focused company, this event is part of a suite of initiatives designed to unite women working in our business, giving an opportunity to learn from one another and feel empowered as they move forward in their careers.’

Aggregate Industries’ HR director, James Roberts, added: ‘Despite the huge progress that has been made in recent years, being a woman in our still inherently male-dominated industry can sometimes be a challenge. Some female workers at Aggregate Industries, for example, may be the only woman in their team, so events like this offer a unique platform for them to talk to someone they can relate to and share experiences and learnings.

‘It was a fantastic day which was thoroughly enjoyed by all and we look forward to planning another event next year.’