Tarmac Blue Circle, in partnership with Band of Builders, has been making its way across Travis Perkins branches throughout the UK as part of The Big Brew Tour.
The initiative is providing tradespeople with a space to connect, share experiences, and talk openly about mental health in the construction industry over a cup of tea and a friendly chat.
So far, the tour is expected to have reached more than 600 individuals, making a meaningful impact across the construction community. Central to the Big Brew is a simple yet powerful idea: creating space for support. Whether its sharing experiences, discussing challenges, or taking the time for a short break, the tour offers a welcoming environment that promotes wellbeing and breaks down the stigma around mental health in construction.
Band of Builders, the charity behind The Big Brew, is well-known in the UK construction sector for delivering projects that enhance the lives of tradespeople and for promoting wellbeing across the industry. Through compassion and community, the charity fosters vital conversations that this tour aims to build on.
Garry Gregory, Packed Products Director at Tarmac, said: “Being part of the Big Brew Tour with Band of Builders and Travis Perkins has been a truly humbling experience. It’s clear that talking about mental health is something our industry needs and these events are really opening the door for so many people who are struggling.
“To see individuals share their personal stories, often for the first time, was incredibly powerful. What struck me the most was how much valuable information people took away – tools and support that can help remind them that they’re not alone. If we can keep these conversations going, then together we can make a real difference to the wellbeing of people across our sector.”
Gavin Crane, CEO of Band of Builders, added: “The Big Brew Tour with Blue Circle and Travis Perkins have been incredibly worthwhile, with around 40–50 customers joining each event, plus branch colleagues. What’s really stood out is the quality of conversations and the range of people we’ve reached so far, like small contractors or housing association operatives who often work alone and we don’t often get the opportunity to meet. Some of the most moving discussions have been with individuals sharing personal experiences of loss or distress.
“It has also been encouraging to see how these mornings have sparked conversations between branch teams and managers themselves, breaking down barriers and creating space to talk openly about mental health.”
The Big Brew Tour is still ongoing, with more branch visits planned until mid-October. Customers are encouraged to attend when the tour reaches their local branch. Take a look at the remaining dates and locations via tarmac-bluecircle.co.uk/big-brew.
Or if you missed The Big Brew Tour but want to talk, please contact the Band of Builders Construction Industry by texting BOB to 85258.
