becg, the UK’s largest specialist communications agency for the Built Environment, was proud to sponsor the launch of a new BAME in Property group focusing on increasing ethnic diversity across the sector.
becg supported and sponsored the launch event in conjunction with Osborne Richardson and K&L Gates. The event was held on March 22, 2018 at the Building Centre in London.
BAME in Property was founded by Priya Shah, account manager at becg in response to a perceived lack of progress in driving inclusivity in the Built Environment. The group brings together and encourages both BAME and non-BAME people to promote diversity by championing their own professional activity and achievements. In doing so, it aims to help break down barriers and attract new talent to the sector by making it more attainable for people from diverse backgrounds.
Commenting on the launch of BAME in Property at the event, becg managing director Andrew Howard said: “We are delighted to support and sponsor BAME in Property. We need a shared vision that is diverse and inclusive for our built environment as a sector, and for all those that work within it. And we can only deliver on that vision by supporting our current BAME talent and attracting future generations of fresh talent to join us.”
Speaking at the launch event, Priya talked of the importance of the Built Environment profession reflecting the many and varied communities that it serves: “If the role of planning is to deliver diverse and inclusive communities, it is ironic that the profession itself is not equally so. We should be reflecting the people that we serve to ensure that the decisions we make are appropriate to the needs of different people,” she commented.
Priya added: “I want to look at our industry and see someone from a BAME background in that higher position and think, if they can do it, so can I.”
Guest speaker at the launch was Homes England’s senior diversity manager Jerome Williams. He said: “The housing sector has not achieved BAME equality of representation. We need actions not words. If we all pull together, support each other and learn from each other, we will see a step change and create an ethnically diverse industry.”
Osborne Richardson’s CJ Obi, UK head – town planning and real estate, added: “Although as individuals we should be directly responsible for our own progression, there is no doubt that seeing people like yourself do well can inspire you and give you the confidence that you too can prosper within the sector.”