Higgins wins Most Inspiring Contractor award

Posted 20/07/2021

Higgins Partnerships has been awarded the Most Inspiring Contractor award at this year’s Inspire Awards 2021. The awards celebrate diversity and inclusion in the UK construction, engineering and housing sector.

Steve Leakey, Managing Director for Higgins comments, “We are thrilled to have won this award and be recognised for the work we do to actively promote diversity and inclusion within the construction industry. People are what makes us successful and we recognise that diversity and inclusivity is better not only for business, but for employees, partners, customers and clients.

“We work closely with schools, colleges and social enterprises to promote the wealth of careers opportunities in the industry and partner with organisations such as Novus, Mind the Gap and Bounceback to support offenders, ex-offenders and homeless people into employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

“As part of our strategic alliance with Black Professionals in Construction we also actively strive to increase diversity and inclusion within the construction industry and make sure that opportunities are available to everyone, irrespective of gender or ethnicity.”

The judges commented, “This was a great all-round application showing lots of community engagement and collaboration. It was great to read that Higgins Partnerships are working with so many diverse organisations and supporting ex-offenders and homeless people. The stories included in the entry were incredibly inspiring.”

Higgins has also been part of the Women Into Construction trailblazer Moving on Up programme which offers training, coaching and mentoring for women in the business, and at a leadership level to look at breaking down barriers to women progressing in construction careers.

Former beautician and single mum Keneza joined Higgins as a Customer Services Apprenticeship. “Initially I was a bit worried and nervous about the role and being a woman in construction, but everyone has been extremely friendly and 100% supportive of my development.”

Maria started as a Welfare Cleaner but her hard work was recognised and she started a Customer Service Apprenticeship. “I would like to continue to develop my skills and become a Trainee Site Manager in the future.”

For 60 years, Higgins has built a reputation as one of the leading employers in the construction industry, delivering sustainable mixed tenure communities, with complete resident engagement, working collaboratively with clients, supply chain and partners, to build thriving, safe communities that residents can enjoy and is accessible to all.