Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS), a provider of business management software for the distribution industry, has announced its commitment to the Construction Industry Coalition (CIC). By joining the CIC, KCS says it’s firmly aligned itself with the coalition’s mission to foster collaboration and establish a network to share knowledge and resources across the industry.
Launched at the BMF annual conference on the 21st of September, the CIC has been established by the chief executives of nine major product manufacturers and building suppliers, along with two trade bodies. These include leaders such as Baxi and Travis Perkins, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) and the National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS).
Disparities in representation have historically been a challenge in the construction industry.
For example, recent studies show that only 15% of employees in the sector are women, and only 6% are from ethnic minority backgrounds. The CIC aims to reshape this narrative and ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, race, disability, or background, is welcomed and represented in the industry. By joining this coalition, KCS stands in solidarity with other organisations, pushing for a more inclusive and fair construction industry.
“Inclusivity is not just an aspiration,” says James Mitchell, managing director of KCS in the UK and Ireland. It’s an imperative. We have led the way in embracing diversity, equality and inclusion within the business software and IT industry. Joining the CIC not only reaffirms our dedication to these principles, it allows us to help drive tangible and positive change within the construction industry, which we are proud to serve.”
The CIC launched alongside research which shows that out of over 2,000 adults, only 36% of British people would feel confident that their female family or friends would be safe and respected if they joined the construction industry.
Angela Rushforth, CIC chairperson and Toolstation managing director, said: “There’s no doubt that the future of our industry is at risk if we don’t create an environment where all our colleagues feel safe, empowered and confident.”
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