Colliers International Manchester staff support Muslim colleagues during Ramadan by fasting for 24 hours

Staff at the Manchester office of real estate advisors Colliers International supported the Muslim community by undertaking a 24-hour fast to acknowledge and observe Ramadan.

Jonathan Stirzaker-Philips, Stephen Chadwick and Alan Wales all completed the ‘Ramadan Fast With Me Initiative’ as part of Colliers’ Balance in Business programme of diversity and inclusion initiatives while continuing to work including joining ‘virtual’ meetings with colleagues and clients.

Jonathan, senior surveyor, project and building consultancy at Colliers’ office in Manchester, said: “As a member of the Colliers’ Balance in Business initiative and Lead of the Awareness campaign, celebrating diversity in all its forms is extremely important to me.  In solidarity with my Muslim colleagues, I participated in the Fast with Me initiative to acknowledge the sacred month of Ramadan and to understand the challenge and sacrifice they face.

“Whilst certainly challenging, the support and camaraderie of my colleagues also participating in the fast was crucial in completing this personal test.  I now appreciate the commitment to faith that Muslims demonstrate through fasting for a whole month and I will look to support my fasting colleagues during this time.  I look forward to acknowledging and celebrating Eid as part of our next event.”

Alan, also a senior surveyor, project and building consultancy, explained: “As part of our drive for inclusivity at Colliers, I wanted to experience fasting as a personal challenge and to understand what my Muslim colleagues undertake during the period of Ramadan. Fasting proved to be very testing even for one day, and I have admiration for anyone who’s committed to this as part of their faith or religious beliefs.”

The trio joined colleagues from Colliers’ network of offices throughout the UK, including HR Director Lydia Ings, who explained: “It was not only a great distraction to speak with colleagues also completing their fast, but it gave me an extra push to continue and reminded me that I was not alone with what I was experiencing I found the fast hugely satisfying; it gave me a greater understanding of Ramadan and why the fasting is so important