The Big Construction Diversity Challenge: A Celebration of Teamwork, Inclusion and Industry Unity

On Friday 27 June, companies from across the UK construction sector gathered at Newark Showground to take part in the Big Construction Diversity Challenge, an action-packed day dedicated to championing diversity, equality, and inclusion (EDI) in the industry through the power of teamwork and shared experience.

CRASH was honoured to be named the Charity Partner for this year’s event, which brought together professionals from every corner of the construction world to compete, collaborate, and celebrate difference.

Delivered by Nimble Media, the Big Construction Diversity Challenge is the first of its kind in the sector, following successful editions in rail and logistics. The event saw teams engage in a variety of inclusive and entertaining challenges designed to break down barriers and build stronger, more diverse teams, from the high-energy Diversity Dance Off to the hilarious Golden Bungee Balls and the team-based Catwalk Challenge.

The day began with a welcome from CRASH Chief Executive Trisha Pickersgill, followed by a keynote from Alex Greenhalgh, Client Development Manager at headline sponsor Morson Group. As part of the day’s activities, CRASH hosted the ‘Walk the Plank’ challenge, a communication and trust-based task that showcased how people from different backgrounds and skillsets can work effectively together.

A heartfelt thank you and congratulations to the incredible team representing our Corporate Patrons in support of CRASH. Your enthusiasm and commitment are truly appreciated. Special recognition goes to Andrew Nightingale from 8build; James Angliss and Megan Baston-Steele from Arcadis; Sharon Turner and Natasha Balfour from NG Bailey; and Ash Sood, Natasha Anwar, Klara Nagy, Joseph Roberts, and Cody Reeves from Beale & Co.

CRASH also presented two of the day’s top awards:

• The CRASH Award: Presented to team ‘Together’ from AXIS Europe for exceptional teamwork in the ‘Walk the Plank’ challenge.
• The Collaborative Teamwork Award: Presented to ‘Diverse Heatwave’ from Worcester BOSCH for their brilliant effort and encouragement in It’s a Knockout – one of the day’s standout events.

The day was made possible thanks to the support of Morson Group (Headline Sponsor) and supporting organisations ABC&D Magazine, CIPHE, Mates in Mind, PSB, BWF, TICA & ACAD.

The high-scoring Team of the Year award went to ‘BAMBassadors’ from Royal BAM Group with a massive 229.5 points. Other winners included SIG plc (‘SIG-ly The Best’ for Best Team Name) and the Royal Air Force’s ‘Cap & Progs’ for the Mates in Mind challenge.

A Charity Tuck Shop and Hamper Raffle raised additional funds to support CRASH’s work creating safe, dignified environments for people experiencing homelessness and children and adults receiving hospice care.