A panel of CIC Strategic Partners held a discussion at the Bathroom Association stand at InstallerSHOW, held on 26th June 2025, on the importance of inclusion within the industry and why ‘Inclusion starts with Us’.
Emily Johnson from Norcros Group, Jen Cassidy from Bristan, Katherine Ramsden from Baxi and Maxine Cornelius from Highborne Group joined Anthea Marris, CIC Project Director, to highlight that without broadening our horizons, our industry is in danger of not using all the resources at its disposal.
The panel discussed practical action that their own organisations were taking and the lessons that could be picked up by others in the sector. This discussion covered actions such as improving flexible working policies, taking another look at recruitment practices and new approaches to statutory requirements such as maternity policy.
But this is not just about looking inward: Without broadening our horizons, our industry is in danger of not using all the resources at its disposal and losing the opportunity that lies in front of us.
To conclude, the panellists were asked to set out what inclusion starts with:
Jen Cassidy said, “Renewal of job ads so they are more inclusive.”
Katherine Ramsden said, “Using your platform to talk about what a wonderful industry we are in – create a ripple effect”
Emily Johnson said, “Not seeing Inclusivity as a ‘side project’. Inclusion needs to be the new Health and Safety, treated with importance and seriousness”
Finally, Maxine Cornelius summed up the key points of the discussion as “Inclusion should be who we are”.
Thanks to Tom Reynolds at the Bathroom Association for hosting our discussion.
