Siemens Mobility has played a major role in Goole’s first ever Pride event, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to the local community.
Goole Pride was kick-started by about 200 people, including members of the Siemens Mobility team, taking part in a 5km Parkrun before the official event opening in Goole Precinct.
A packed and colourful programme of music, entertainment and performances filled the day, finishing off with the Goole Pride Big Night Out in local pubs and bars.
Siemens Mobility staff handed out wristbands to Pride attendees as they enjoyed the sunshine-filled event and the company’s Goole site flew rainbow flags to further demonstrate the company’s support.
The company supported Goole Pride alongside GMI Construction, the main contractor for Siemens Mobility’s rail manufacturing facility in the town, and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Sambit Banerjee, Managing Director of Rolling Stock and Customer Services for Siemens Mobility Limited, said: “We’re proud to have supported Goole’s first Pride event and delighted the day was such a success.
“It’s a great demonstration of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and our support for the local community in Goole.
“As we continue to develop our rail village in the town where we will create up to 700 jobs, we want to create a lasting legacy in the region in terms of skills, culture and local partnerships, by supporting important events such as this that are so in tune with our inclusive values.”
Natalie Thornton, Senior Project Coordinator for Siemens Mobility in Goole, said: “We’re thrilled to support the very first Goole Pride alongside our contractors GMI Construction and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
“We embrace diversity, equality and inclusion and we encourage every employee to be able to bring their whole selves to work, so they can be authentic and reach their full potential, because diverse teams work.
“We wholeheartedly support this wonderful event and the important message it sends out about diversity and inclusivity. Some of us took part in Parkrun, we had volunteers helping throughout the day and we enjoyed the wonderful performances and celebrations.”
Tyler Gilley, Commercial Project Manager for Siemens Mobility in Goole, who was among the company volunteers supporting the event, said: “I’ve recently moved to Goole and events like this make the town feel like a safe community where everyone is included and welcome. I’m really impressed by Goole Pride, I’m proud to be part of Siemens and proud to be here.”
The event, primarily organised by Goole’s LGBTQIA+ youth groups, was officially opened by Councillor John Whittle, and Councillor Anne Handley, Chairman and Deputy Leader of East Riding of Council respectively.
Cllr Handley said: “Since Siemens Mobility arrived in Goole and invested in the town, there has been a very noticeable buzz. Their support has been amazing.
“The young people of the town who organised Goole Pride have conducted themselves so professionally and their attitudes have been outstanding. I’m so proud of them and to be here.”
Siemens Mobility’s involvement in Goole Pride is the latest demonstration of the company’s ongoing commitment to the local community, which is also supported by GMI Construction.
GMI Construction Divisional Managing Director Andy Hurcomb said: “Sponsoring Goole’s first ever Pride celebration is something that the GMI team are incredibly proud of.
“Promoting inclusivity, diversity, respect and ensuring people are free to be who they are, wherever they are, is something that GMI is wholeheartedly committed to.“
