It was great this week to be a speaker at UK Construction Week, talking specifically about diversity in the sector. When I arrived at the Excel I was struck by just how many women were getting off the DLR, but then twigged they were all going to the "Grand Designs Live" and not troubling the construction sector at the end of the pavilion.
It was very obvious from the demographic of attendees that there is a way to go in encouraging women and people from different ethnic minorities to consider construction as a career. But there are some phenomenal advocates, like Roni Savage, Carol Massey and Michaela Wain, who never miss an opportunity to speak up about inclusion in construction.
On Tuesday the King and Queen Consort came to Parliament to meet MPs. I was asked to introduce a group of colleagues who have been real champions on combating domestic abuse to the Queen, who has herself been a great advocate for charities like SafeLives. The Queen spoke last year of the "pandemic" of domestic abuse and I know she will continue to be an effective voice to tackle the taboo that still surrounds this issue.
I know a great deal of work has gone in to the arrangements for the Coronation Street Party in The Hundred on Saturday. I very much hope the sun shines, but even if the weather is a bit iffy I know there will be a great atmosphere.
