What Pride Month means to me - Martin Rimmer

working for us

As Pride Month 2020 nears its end, our Chief People Officer Martin Rimmer shares his own thoughts and experiences. Read the personal insights of Amber Denman, Chris Yates and Eleanor Taig which we also shared during June.

I am who I am

By Martin Rimmer
Chief People Officer, Cadent

It’s fantastic to see so much happening during Pride Month.

We live in a world that’s very different to the one I lived in 35 years ago, leaving school and looking for a career.

I made a decision to be ‘who I am’ and not be influenced by prejudice or opinions which may have tried to influence my life.

If a person decided not to speak to me, be friends with me or be tolerant of me, purely due to sexuality, it would be their loss, not mine.

It wasn’t always easy to stick to my principles, but I did and have, until this day.

I may have missed out on things, social events, inclusion, opportunities - but I believe it has been worth it.

Today I cannot pretend to have been a ‘campaigner’ for LGBT rights, but I can say, I have benefited from those who have.

We should all be grateful for the outcomes of those activities, that now result in a ‘freedom of expression’ which would certainly not be as prevalent if they had not pursued those beliefs.

At Cadent we are continuing to work on our Diversity and Inclusion goals.

We want everyone to be part of everything we do, feel safe, supported and be given the maximum opportunity to progress and flourish as individuals.

‘I am who I am’ and will continue to be that person. Enjoy Pride Month. Be yourself.

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy.  We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change.  Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency.   Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing. 

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*

Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

Media contacts

Kevin Hegarty

kevin.hegarty@cadentgas.com

07970 694897