A new diversity guide has been unveiled for exhibitors at the UK's largest event for the built environment, UK Construction Week (UKCW).

Organisers Media 10 have released a guide for its 600+ exhibitors to promote greater equality, diversity and inclusion in their marketing at the show.

Concerns were raised at last year's event after the sight of lightly clad 'promo girls' prompted widespread criticism on social media.

The new guide has been created with the help of a new steering committee, made up of representatives from all parts of the industry who attend the show, including Balfour Beatty's senior planner and LGBT Network co-chair, the Group HR and diversity manager at Willmott Dixon, and diversity and inclusion director at RICS.

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Nathan Garnett, Director of UK Construction Week, said: "We want the show to be lively, fun and engaging, and these measures should not be interpreted as restrictions upon that. Promoting a more diverse and inclusive image of construction is a joyful thing.

"But the fear of getting it wrong is holding the construction industry back from a frank conversation about diversity, equality and inclusion.

"We got it wrong last year, and faced criticism on social media. So we're still learning too. We have benefitted enormously from the input of many diversity champions and leaders within the construction industry over the last couple of years, and have published the videos from our Diversity in Construction panel discussions so that others can hear their advice as well."

To view the new code of conduct, visit here.

(LM/MH)