Following the success of last year’s tour, Tarmac Blue Circle, in partnership with Band of Builders, is hitting the road once again with The Big Brew Tour, bringing mental health support to Travis Perkins branches nationwide.
This year, the tour has expanded to more than 75 stops, covering the country from Scotland to the South, offering tradespeople 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.
The tour begins in April and will continue throughout the UK, reaching thousands more people across the construction community. At its heart, The Big Brew is all about creating space for support – whether that’s sharing experiences, discussing challenges, or simply taking a moment for a short break. The initiative fosters a welcoming environment that promotes wellbeing and helps break down the stigma around mental health in construction.
Band of Builders, the charity behind The Big Brew, is well-known across the UK construction sector for its work enhancing the lives of tradespeople and promoting wellbeing. Through compassion and community, the charity encourages vital conversations, which this year’s expanded tour aims to grow even further.
Garry Gregory, Packed Products Director at Tarmac, said: ” Following the success of last year’s tour and the positive impact it had within the community, we’re proud to be supporting The Big Brew Tour once again. Mental health remains a hugely important issue across the construction industry, and initiatives like this help create the space for open and honest conversations.
“By working alongside our partners at Travis Perkins and Band of Builders, we’re able to reach an even wider audience this year and continue supporting tradespeople who may be facing mental health challenges.”
Carine Jessamine, Group Marketing Director for Travis Perkins, said: “We are proud to be at the heart of the Big Brew tour with Tarmac Blue Circle and Band of Builders once again this year.
“We hosted events in around 30 branches last year and received fantastic feedback so we wanted to reach even more people. We are delighted to be more than doubling the number of events compared to last year.
“The statistics around the mental health challenges facing construction workers and tradespeople are very concerning and we have a duty of care to ensure our customers – and our colleagues – are equipped with the information to assist them and their families as and when they need it.
“Band of Builders does a fantastic job in general, and specifically with the Big Brew, so we are thrilled to be able to support an event which is crucial to our industry and those operating within it.
“Lots of our branches will be getting involved and information will be provided on a branch-by-branch basis before the events they are hosting.”
Gavin Crane, CEO of Band of Builders, added: “The Big Brew Tour has grown tremendously this year, and it’s inspiring to see the difference it’s making across the UK. Each branch visit sparks important conversations, not just between customers but also within branch teams themselves. Tradespeople who often work alone are connecting with others, sharing stories of personal challenges, and leaving with practical support and reassurance. By continuing the tour for a second year, we’re able to build on that momentum, reach more people, and keep breaking down barriers around mental health in construction.”
The Big Brew Tour will continue throughout the year, with more than 75 stops scheduled across the UK. Customers and colleagues are encouraged to join their local branch visit to take part in these meaningful conversations. Check the remaining dates and locations here.
For those unable to attend but wanting to talk, Band of Builders is always available via text: text BOB to 85258.
