Specialist Driver Resourcing (SDR), the temporary driver agency dedicated exclusively to the builders’ merchant and building materials sector, has officially joined the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) as a strategic partner.
The move reinforces SDR’s commitment to championing equity, diversity, and inclusion across a section of the construction industry where women and minority groups remain significantly underrepresented, namely HGV driving.
By taking a leadership role within the CIC, Specialist Driver Resourcing hopes to demonstrate that a more inclusive merchant driver workforce is not only possible, but essential for the future of construction.
“Driving is seriously lagging behind other parts of the sector when it comes to diversity,” said Simon Pritchard, Managing Director of Specialist Driver Resourcing. “That’s something we need to change. For me, joining the CIC isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about tackling the practical barriers that stop people considering driving in this industry, and showing that it can in fact offer a stable, skilled and rewarding career.”
Pritchard added: “If we continue fishing in the same talent pool, we’ll all struggle to meet demand. But if we can open doors for women and people from diverse backgrounds – including those who already hold HGV licences but may have been put off from considering this sector, or simply have never considered it before – then we strengthen not just our workforce, but the entire supply chain our customers rely on.”
CIC Chair Angela Rushforth said: “We’re delighted to welcome Specialist Driver Resourcing as a strategic partner. The merchant driver workforce is vital to keeping construction moving, yet it remains one of the least diverse parts of our sector.
“SDR’s leadership, experience, and commitment to practical solutions will help us show that driving can be an inclusive, rewarding and family-friendly career. By working together, we can tackle the skills gap while making our industry stronger, fairer and more representative of the communities it serves.”
