Ad
Thursday, October 23, 2025

TRAD UK shines spotlight on diversity and inclusivity

ADVERTISEMENT

A UK scaffolding group has hosted an industry seminar with guest speaker Katie Piper to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusivity in scaffolding and wider construction.

TRAD Scaffolding, part of TRAD UK, has highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusivity within the scaffolding and wider construction industries by hosting a seminar for clients, staff and some of its workforce. 

The seminar, called ‘All Walks of Life Welcome’ focused on TRAD’s already-positive record for bringing a diverse range of employees into the industry, and highlighted the ways the company is intending to do more in the immediate future, including encouraging socially-marginalised groups like ex-offenders into the industry, giving people a second chance and welcoming anyone into the business.

Building on the theme, the seminar also covered the importance of looking after general wellbeing and mental health in the workplace.

“We’re certainly not jumping on a popular bandwagon,” said TRAD UK CEO Des Moore as part of his opening speech. “I’ve been with TRAD for almost three decades now and it has always been one of my objectives to balance the workforce in the business and ensure that everyone that wants to work here can – in any capacity and in any of the businesses, irrespective of background, academic ability, social situation, ethnicity, religion, race or gender.”

TRAD welcomed Katie Piper as the keynote speaker at the event. Ms Piper, an actress, television presenter and model, was the victim of an acid attack in 2008, which caused major injuries to her face and blinded her in one eye. She told the audience about her attack, her experiences of multiple surgeries and recovery and how she dealt with the attitudes and expectations of people around her, which changed significantly after the attack. 

Explaining how she eliminated negative energy from her life, and how the attack completely changed her perception of what was important and what was not, Ms Piper inspired the audience with her positive and open attitude, and the overall feedback was that they had left uplifted by hearing her story in person.

“Katie has overcome so many obstacles and has had a hard journey to get where she is today – which is a very good and positive place. I know everyone has gone away with huge respect for her determination, resilience and can-do attitude,” said Des Moore. “It’s important for everyone to see how hard it is for people who are seen as ‘different’ to fit into the workplace – and it’s our job as employers to break down those barriers and make sure that absolutely everyone gets a fair chance to show what they are capable of.”

TRAD Scaffolding, which celebrates its 50th birthday in 2021, is doubling its efforts to welcome all workers into the business. It is planning to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in the near future, and wants to increase representation by women in the industry – something that Des has been championing not just within TRAD UK, but during his term as President of the NASC.

ADVERTISEMENT

Popular Categories

Latest news

HSE launches major construction site safety inspections in Manchester

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is carrying out a series of unannounced inspections at construction sites across Manchester city centre this week. Twelve inspectors...

JR Scaffold honoured with Ministry of Defence Silver Award

Paisley-based JR Scaffold has been recognised among a select group of leading Scottish businesses to receive the prestigious Silver Award from the Ministry of...

Brogan Group acquires Sunbelt Rentals UK hoist division

Brogan Group has announced the acquisition of Sunbelt Rentals UK’s hoist division in a deal that significantly expands its operations and fleet across the...

Scaffolding firm hits back at €9.2 million lawsuit claims

The CEO of Global Scaffolders UAB has defended the company’s labour practices after Sweden’s construction union Byggnads filed a €9.2 million lawsuit alleging wage...

Brand Access renames HQ to honour scaffolding pioneer Daniel Palmer-Jones

Brand Access Solutions has paid tribute to one of the scaffolding industry’s true pioneers by renaming its Birmingham headquarters Daniel House, honouring Daniel Palmer-Jones,...

Parking fines cost UK tradespeople more than £119m a year

New research reveals the ongoing struggle for tradespeople to find legal parking near job sites, forcing some to turn down work and absorb rising...

Government strengthens Planning Bill with powers to fast-track major projects

The government has announced new measures to “break through planning barriers” by giving ministers expanded powers to intervene in major projects delayed or rejected...

ScaffFloat innovation takes floating access to new depths in Africa

ScaffFloat has once again pushed the boundaries of marine access engineering with a bespoke hoistable pontoon system designed to support pile maintenance on a...

CISRS appoints academic leader to steer quality and standards

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has appointed Professor David Wooff JP as the first chair of its newly established Quality Assurance Committee...

Onboard weighing systems help scaffolding firms stay safe and compliant

Scaffolding firms across the UK are being encouraged to take a fresh look at onboard weighing systems as the industry works to cut down...

Latest news

ADVERTISEMENT

The magazine

Issue 27 | Past issues >>

Popular

ScaffChamp 2025: Teams Gather in Vilnius for Opening Day

The international scaffolding competition ScaffChamp 2025 has officially begun,...

Brogan Group acquires Sunbelt Rentals UK hoist division

Brogan Group has announced the acquisition of Sunbelt Rentals...

Brand Access renames HQ to honour scaffolding pioneer Daniel Palmer-Jones

Brand Access Solutions has paid tribute to one of...

HSE launches major construction site safety inspections in Manchester

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is carrying out...

Construction leaders unite against government plan to shorten apprenticeships

More than 20 construction organisations, including the NASC, have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer warning that plans to cut apprenticeships to eight months risk undermining skills, safety, and confidence in training.

Related articles

New software aims to transform scaffolding business management

A new digital platform designed specifically for the scaffolding sector is being launched, with its backers claiming it could transform the way contractors run their operations. Baton, a scaffolding management system, has been in...
ADVERTISEMENTS

Latest topics

Construction leaders unite against government plan to shorten apprenticeships

More than 20 construction organisations, including the NASC, have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer warning that plans to cut apprenticeships to eight months risk undermining skills, safety, and confidence in training.

HSE launches major construction site safety inspections in Manchester

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is carrying out...

JR Scaffold honoured with Ministry of Defence Silver Award

Paisley-based JR Scaffold has been recognised among a select...

Brogan Group acquires Sunbelt Rentals UK hoist division

Brogan Group has announced the acquisition of Sunbelt Rentals...
ADVERTISEMENTS