Travis Perkins, which is based in Lodge Farm, Northampton, will be sponsoring the local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT+) Pride event; the first time the firm has taken the step.

The Pride Parade, due to take place on Sunday 26 June, is organised by the Northampton Pride Committee and West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) LGBT+ and Allies Forum. It aims to celebrate the LGBT+ community and encourages acceptance and equality for all.

Travis Perkins employs 20,000 people in the UK and abroad, and 1,600 people in Northamptonshire alone. The company will be supporting the Pride event, while highlighting what it does to support members of the LGBT+ community it employs and serves.

Cllr André González De Savage, Chairman of WNC, said: “When we use the word community, we don’t just mean neighbours, sports clubs and churches. We also mean businesses, especially those who employ thousands of people and pay salaries which are spent within the area.

“It makes me very proud to see not only a household name based in Northampton stepping forward to support its community, but also to see an historic business demolish old norms, to break new ground and open doorways to the LGBTQ+ community.”

All 20,000 Travis Perkins employees are being encouraged to take the opportunity of Pride Month (June) to educate themselves on what it means to become good allies to LGBT+ people.

June has been designated Pride Month to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York, which are considered to be the catalyst of the modern-day gay liberation movement. Pride parades around the world take their origin in the event. 

Although the first demonstration for gay rights in UK took place on 27 November 1970 in London's Highbury, the first Gay Pride parade took place two years later in central London, making 2022 the 50th anniversary of the protest. 

During the month, Travis Perkins staff will be able to take part in a range of activities, including training, talks and debates. They will also be encouraged to wear rainbow laces or dress brightly during June to show their support. The six-strand rainbow has been a rallying symbol of the LGBT+ community since the late 70s.

Robin Miller, General Counsel and Company Secretary for Travis Perkins, and sponsor of the Group’s LGBT+ network, said: “As one of the biggest employers in this area, we are delighted to sponsor this year’s Northampton Pride parade, which provides a great opportunity to celebrate diversity and support our colleagues and everyone from the local LGBT+ community.

“We are committed to become a more inclusive business that attracts a more diverse range of talents and people, so we provide a work environment that better reflects the diversity of the communities where we live and work.”

As well as financial and marketing support for the Northampton Gay Pride event, Travis Perkins will be recruiting during the event.

Performers, food vendors, stallholders, volunteers, and community groups are all lined up to take part in this year’s Northampton Pride, which starts at the Market Square at 11am, with festivities continuing until 4pm.