Teams from across the construction industry have come together to complete Race for Change; a first-of-its-kind charity challenge created to champion inclusion in the sector, while raising funds for charity partner The Cycle.
Inspired by the TV programme Race Across the World, the four-day challenge saw teams of three participants being tasked with navigating their way back from an undisclosed European location (Budapest, Hungary) to the UK without phones, flights and on a strictly limited budget. The race concluded at the Bristan stand at InstallerSHOW 2026, thanks to support from Lyrical Communications.
Across four days, participating teams demonstrated resilience, creativity and collaboration as they navigated unfamiliar locations, completed awareness-raising challenges and worked together to reach the finish line. Together, the teams raised over £60,000 to be divided between The Cycle and each team's chosen corporate charities.
Race for Change was designed to place inclusion at the heart of the challenge. Each team included at least two members representing diverse characteristics, whether related to gender, ethnicity, neurodivergence, disability or sexuality, helping to spotlight the importance of broader representation across the construction industry.
Throughout the race, participants shared their experiences and took part in challenges designed to raise awareness of water scarcity, supported by Waterwise, and inclusion, in partnership with the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC). The event offered a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people with different experiences, perspectives and strengths work together towards a shared goal.
The challenge brought together teams from across the construction sector, including teams from Bristan Group, SIG, IBMG, Huws Gray, B&Q, BMF, Baxi and Nineteen Group. The winning team, NavigateHERs, completed the challenge as a duo and demonstrated outstanding resilience, teamwork, determination, and spirit every step of the way.
The funds raised will support The Cycle's work with communities in India, strengthening water security, sanitation, menstrual dignity and climate resilience through long-term, community-led programmes. Each team also raised money for its own chosen corporate charity, extending the impact of the challenge across a wider range of causes.
The Cycle has been working with communities in need for more than 25 years, with a joined-up approach focused on water, women and the world. It works on sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene services, menstrual health education, gender equality and climate-resilient livelihoods.
Jen Cassidy, CEO of Bristan Group, commented: "Race for Change 2026 is the proudest achievement of my career. It shows what can be done when people come together around a random, slightly crazy idea. And beyond what we've raised for some amazing charities, we've highlighted two really important issues for both our industry and our world - inclusion and water scarcity and helped create friendships and memories that we hope will last a lifetime."
Adrian Wallington, CCO at Huws Gray, said: "The Huws Gray Wave Makers were proud to play our part in raising awareness of inclusion and water scarcity throughout Race for Change. The event was brilliantly organised, bringing everyone together in the true spirit of the challenge while still keeping the competitive energy high. We're already looking forward to seeing what the next Race for Change adventure has in store."
Georgina Harding, CEO of The Cycle, added: "The day all the racers reached the finish line was one of the most heart-warming days of my year. It was so inspiring to hear the stories of their journeys, and to see the hard work everyone put into organising this event.
"But most importantly is the impact this will have on the ground – bringing clean water back to the communities that need it most, creating opportunity for women and girls, and supporting climate-smart solutions. That impact is going to be huge, and we can't wait to keep everyone updated on it. Thank you so much to everyone involved."
Following the success of the event, Race for Change will return for 2028 with industry professionals and businesses encouraged to register interest now.
