The British Institute of KBB Installation (BiKBBI) has appointed a new ambassador to address the topics of diversity and inclusion in the installation industry.
Dr Stuart Lawrence will be the BiKBBI’s inaugural diversity ambassador. Lawrence has dedicated his life to educating the public about the need for diversity and inclusion through his work as a youth engagement specialist, public speaker and writer, following the murder of his brother in 1993.
The new role was created following the recent launch of BiKBBI’s Education Steering Committee, which aims to assemble stakeholders, advisors and sector specialists to determine the direction of education and development within the KBB installation sector.
In his new role, Lawrence will work closely with the newly-established education committee to raise the profile of inclusion and diversity within the industry.
Through initiatives such as delivering speeches and collaborating with industry leaders, Lawrence will work to encourage the industry to embrace diversity in all its forms, including ethnicity, gender, age, and socioeconomic background.
Lawrence said: “I am truly honoured and excited to join forces with the British Institute of KBB Installation as their diversity ambassador. It is crucial for all industries to recognise the importance of diversity, not only as a matter of social inclusivity but also as a driver for innovation and success. I look forward to working with BiKBBI and its stakeholders to create a more inclusive and diverse KBB installation industry.”
Chair of BiKBBI’s education steering committee Hannah Hockley added: “The announcement of Dr Stuart Lawrence as diversity ambassador is great news for the education committee, the installation sector and the whole KBB sector. We look forward to working closely with Stuart as we tackle the challenges facing the sector and work towards solutions that deliver positive reform and shape a sustainable future workforce for the KBB installation sector.”
The announcement of the new diversity ambassador role follows news last year that BiKBBI had appointed Paul da Silva to serve as its new brand ambassador. Earlier this year, the government-backed institute also launched a paper calling on installers within the KBB industry to tackle the key issues that threaten the reputation and viability of the sector.