Leaders in the construction industry were told their sector needs to change its image at a conference attended by hundreds of people.

They were told firms need to employ a more diverse range of people if they want to attract new blood, as they gathered for the Kent Construction Expo.

The event brought together more than 90 exhibitors at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel on Wednesday.

The message came from Construction News editor Rebecca Evans, who was among speakers including Kent County Council leader Paul Carter and Paramount Park project leader Tony Sefton.

She said: “Firms are employing more diverse people at the bottom rung but as you climb higher up the tree, it is just white middle-aged suits. That is something we need to change.

“You can see how that can be very off-putting for young people looking to join the industry.”

Another speaker, construction expert Sandi Rhys Jones, added that more needs to be done to take a risk on employing British women in the boardroom.

She said: “Companies say they need women with FTSE100 experience but there are no construction industry companies on the FTSE100, so they end up employing people from abroad.”

As well as listening to speakers, companies took part in speed networking and showed off their expertise.

After the main expo, key figures stayed for a charity dinner and auction hosted by weather girl Kaddy Lee-Preston, raising more than £4,000 for the Pilgrims Hospice.