A MAJOR employer in Northamptonshire has shown its commitment to diversity and inclusion by sponsoring the Pride Northampton parade.
Travis Perkins plc employs 20,000 people at home and abroad, and 1,600 people just in Northamptonshire. They will be supporting the Pride Parade while highlighting what they do to support members of the LGBTQ+ community they employ and serve.
The Pride Parade, on June 26, is organised by the Northampton Pride Committee and West Northamptonshire Council’s LGBTQ+ and Allies Forum.
All 20,000 Travis Perkins plc colleagues are being encouraged to use Pride to educate themselves on what it means to become good allies to lesbian, gay, bi, trans and questioning and will mark the celebrations by taking part in a range of activities, including training, talks and debates.
They will also be encouraged to mark the occasion by wearing rainbow laces or dress brightly during June to show their support.
Robin Miller pictured, general counsel and company secretary for Travis Perkins plc and sponsor of the group’s LGBTQ+ network, said: “As one of the biggest employers in this area, we are delighted to sponsor this year’s Northampton Pride parade, which provides a great opportunity to celebrate diversity and support our colleagues and everyone from the local LGBTQ+ community.
“We are committed to become a more inclusive business that attracts a more diverse range of talents and people, so we provide a work environment that better reflects the diversity of the communities where we live and work.”
As well as financial and marketing support for the parade, Travis Perkins plc will also be recruiting during the event.
Performers, food vendors, stallholders, volunteers, and community groups are all lined up to take part in this year’s Northampton Pride which starts at the Market Square at 11am, with festivities continuing until 4pm.
Travis Perkins’ involvement has drawn praise from West Northamptonshire Council leader Cllr André González De Savage.
“When we use the word community, we do not just mean neighbours, sports clubs and churches,” he said. “We also mean businesses, especially those who employ thousands of people and pay salaries which are spent within the area.
“It makes me very proud to see not only a household name based in Northampton stepping forward to support its community but also to see an historic business demolish old norms, to break new ground and open doorways to the LGBTQ+ community.”
