HSS ProService Colleague Stories: Josh Terry

Over 1.5 million people in the UK identify as LGBTQ+. And, in the building services industry, only 14% of queer employees believe that they could be open about their sexuality on site.

At HSS ProService, we’re proud to foster an inclusive environment for our LGBTQ+ colleagues. We aim to provide somewhere where, as Josh Terry, Make It Happen Team Manager states, creates “genuine inclusion, where people back you based on your ability, attitude, and how you show up for others”.

Although every workplace has untold stories, as part of Pride month, we’re proud to be sharing Josh’s. Not as allies, but as a company committed to inclusion every day of the year.

Interviewer (I): Tell us about your role at HSS ProService. What do you do and how long have you been with us?

Josh Terry (JT): I started at HSS ProService in mid-2021.

I began my journey as a Sales Consultant for the Make It Happen team, and then gradually took on more responsibility as I progressed. I’m now the Make It Happen Team Manager, leading a brilliant group of people.

We handle urgent, specialist requests, keep things moving under pressure, and help our sales teams, suppliers and customers get the right outcomes. Every day’s different, which is what I enjoy most.

I: Before joining HSS ProService, what were your expectations of the company and its culture?

JT: Before joining, in all honesty I was really intimidated.

Covid had put an end to my previous career and, from an outsider’s perspective, the hire industry can feel quite male-dominated. I wasn’t sure how I’d fit in or how accepted I’d feel, especially as someone in the LGBTQ+ community.

I hoped the company would be inclusive and people-focused, but I was also realistic with past experiences in mind — it’s hard to know what the culture is really like until you’re in it.

I: And now that you’re here – how has your experience matched up to those expectations?

JT: It’s honestly been nothing like I expected.

From early on, I felt like I could be myself. The culture here is supportive, and I’ve been able to grow into a leadership role while feeling accepted and respected. It’s not just about tolerance. It’s about genuine inclusion, where people back you based on your ability, your attitude, and how you show up for others. I’ve made some fantastic friends here and it is no exaggeration when I say the best part of my job is the people I work with.

I’ve become a bit of an honorary member of the recruitment team too. I’ve referred several people into the business, including my partner! I think that says a lot about how much I value the culture here and how confident I am in recommending it to people I care about.

I: What would you say to someone in the LGBTQ+ community who’s thinking about joining HSS ProService?

JT: I’d say: do it.

This is a place where you can grow, be yourself, and feel genuinely supported. You’re judged on your contribution, not your identity, and that creates space for you to thrive.

I’ve brought friends, and even my partner, into the business, which says a lot about the trust I have in the culture we’re building.

I: Moving on to your personal life, which LGBTQ+ role models have inspired you and why?

JT: Two people who’ve really inspired me are Alan Turing and Frank Ocean. Two very different people, but both powerful in their own way.

Alan Turing Was persecuted for being gay, despite all he did in helping the country end World War II. His legacy reminds me how many LGBTQ+ people shaped the world despite being silenced, and how vital it is to recognise that history.

Frank Ocean, on the other hand, made a huge impact just by being honest about who he loved. In an industry where masculinity is tightly policed, his openness in 2012 felt bold and freeing. His quiet confidence and refusal to be boxed in has helped shift culture and made space for others to be themselves.

Both show that living authentically, whether in the spotlight or against the odds, is an act of courage.

I: For you, what does it mean to be an ally? Who are your allies? Have you been an ally to someone else?

JT: Being an ally means listening, learning, and using your voice and privilege to stand up for others, even when it’s uncomfortable.

My allies are those who’ve shown up for me and others in meaningful ways, not just during Pride but throughout the year.

Personally I try to be an ally by educating myself, even though I myself am part of the community that doesn’t mean I am not ignorant to other parts of our community.

I: What do you think are the next steps for LGBTQ+ equality in the UK?

JT: The UK has made meaningful progress, but equality isn’t just about laws—it’s about lived experiences.

Next steps should focus on protecting trans rights, supporting LGBTQ+ youth, and making workplaces more inclusive beyond Pride Month. Education is key, especially around intersectionality, so we can understand the unique challenges different people face within the community.

Being proud of our people, every day.

Conversations like these with Josh remind us that representation isn’t just being visible. It’s about feeling seen, heard and safe all year round.

We’re grateful to Josh for sharing their story, and are proud to be learning together.

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