Leyland SDM took part in the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration, in what was the company’s first-ever appearance at such an event.

Leyland SDM has organised a series of activities marking Pride Month, which culminated with staff attending stand in Trafalgar Square at Pride in London on Saturday.

On 30 June, Leyland SDM arranged a talk for its staff by award-winning author, commentator and lawyer Mohsin Zaidi. An advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, BAME representation and social mobility, Zaidi was named by Attitude magazine 'a trailblazer changing the world'.

Leyland SDM also encouraged colleagues to design a T-shirt with the chance to win theatre tickets, and produced a party pack to help colleagues and customers get in the Pride party mood. 

The highlight of the celebrations came on 2 July, when the company broke new ground by having representation at Pride in London 2022, the UK’s biggest Pride event, which attracting around 1.5 million people to the capital.

The Parade, which this year commemorated the 50th anniversary of the first Gay Pride march in the UK, was opened by a group of veterans of that original protest, and included a walking group of members of the construction industry, and one bringing together architects accompanied by a rainbow-coloured digger.

The Leyland SDM stand featured painting competitions, a photo booth and the opportunity for visitors to dress up as their favourite tradesperson.

Richard Kendrick, Marketing Director, said: “We are very excited to be involved in London Pride for the first time, which is such a significant occasion for the communities we serve.”

Cliff Rendell, HR Director, added: “We were delighted to be involved in Pride in a more significant way than ever before and, in particular, to support our growing community in London.

“We believe that having an inclusive workforce brings not only diversity of thought, but also drives innovation, creativity and progress, which is key to everything we do.”