Northampton, UK (August 2014) - The Travis Perkins Group launches a Women's Community as part of its drive to 'build a workforce with a difference'.  The Community will create a network of successful women already working for the Group, whilst also aiming to inspire more women to join and develop fantastic careers with the builders' merchant and home improvement Group.

The first Women's Community event welcomed 170 women from across the Group's 1,900 branches, stores, and extensive distribution operation - areas where it has traditionally been more difficult to attract and retain women.

John Carter, Chief Executive of the Travis Perkins Group , said: "At the Travis Perkins Group, building a workforce with a difference means recruiting, developing and supporting people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, introducing fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking into our business.  We already have some great women working for the Group, all of whom are contributing to our strong commercial performance, and so we're creating an environment where they, and others like them, can become a positive force for  change.  We have many opportunities where successful people from all backgrounds can make a real difference, helping us deliver even stronger business performance."

John Carter was joined on stage by Carol Kavanagh, Travis Perkins Group HR Director , and an employee group from the City Plumbing Supplies business.  External guest speakers included senior leaders from Barclays and Ernst & Young , who shared their experiences of life in business.

Jane Galvin, Managing Director, Corporate Banking at Barclays, Eastern Region , said: "Throughout our working lives, we are all inspired and encouraged by people who help us to reach our potential.  By setting up the Women's Community, the Travis Perkins Group has put in place the foundations to make that happen and to help women across their Group understand and learn more about the range of opportunities and skills that will help them build their careers."

John Carter closed the event by seeking commitments from everyone in the room to take their first step, back in their respective businesses, towards building a workforce with a difference.

Ends

About the Travis Perkins Group

The Travis Perkins Group is the UK's leading company in the builders' merchant and home improvement market, and the UK's largest supplier to the building and construction market.  

 The Group operates 17 businesses from 1,900 sites across the UK, and employs nearly 24,000 people.  With a proud heritage that can be traced back over 200 years, our employees are continuing that tradition by helping to build Britain. For more information, please visit www.travisperkinsplc.co.uk

For press enquiries: telephone Ashma Paul or Christopher Smith at Lindsell Marketing on +44 (0)20 7402 0510 or email ashma@lindsellmarketing.comor christopher@lindsellmarketing.com

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