1. Biz Network FEB 2025 1-42.qxp_Chamberlink 30/01/2025 10:52 Page 20
MEMBER NEWS
Time to make the workplace more inclusive By Dr Andri Georgiadou (pictured, inset) is an associate professor and director of equality, diversity and inclusion at Nottingham University Business School. She leads the school’s initiatives in workplace inclusion and is also the founder of the Equality Inclusion Diversity Centre (EQUIDY).
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hen we think about workplace inclusion, we often focus on visible adaptations – sensory-friendly environments, flexible hours, or remote working options. However, our research at Nottingham University Business School has uncovered a less obvious barrier – time itself has become a hidden instrument of exclusion in today’s workplaces. Through studying employees’ experiences, we’ve discovered that traditional approaches to time management and productivity metrics can accidentally exclude talented people. For East Midlands businesses striving to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive market, understanding this concept is crucial. Consider this scenario. A skilled
‘Creating truly inclusive workplaces requires leaders who understand both the challenge and the opportunity’ professional who processes information differently may take longer to complete certain tasks, but their work is of exceptional quality. When organisations rigidly prioritise speed over substance, they risk losing these valuable staff. As one research participant said: "The infrastructure supposedly designed for inclusion often reinforces exclusion." The pandemic has prompted many regional businesses to reassess their working practices. This presents an unprecedented
The Aspire artwork on the Jubilee Campus of the University of Nottingham
chance to rebuild organisational structures in a way that fully embraces the diverse potential of employees. For SMEs in particular, this could be a game-changer in accessing untapped talent and driving sustainable growth. For East Midlands businesses, embracing diverse working rhythms is about creating a sustainable, innovative, and highperforming workplace that works for everyone. Our studies show that companies that adapt their timebased expectations often report: • Enhanced problem-solving capabilities through diverse thinking styles • Improved employee retention • Stronger innovation driven • Better customer understanding and service delivery • Increased access to previously overlooked talent pools
Practical steps for regional businesses should start by examining your organisation’s relationship with time: • Review how you measure productivity and success • Question assumptions about when and how work must be done • Consider whether your current practices might be excluding individuals • Evaluate how different working rhythms can enhance your team Creating truly inclusive workplaces requires leaders who understand both the challenge and the opportunity. Our inclusive leadership executive programme helps leaders translate these insights into actionable strategies. To learn more, email executive education@nottingham.ac.uk
Brokers continue to grow... and improve Russell Scanlan is based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, and has 36 staff. Managing director Mike Dickinson (pictured) explains what they do. Russell Scanlan is one of the UK’s leading chartered insurance brokers and risk managers. For 144 years, we have helped all types of private clients and businesses, from SMEs to large corporations, align their risk with the right insurance policy for their needs. We have a large client portfolio across the UK. In recent years, we have undergone strong growth and in 2022 were acquired by Acrisure, a leading global fintech and insurance company. Russell Scanlan acquired Leicester-based specialist construction insurance firm Building & Land Guarantees (BLG) in 2024. The business has continued to grow, generating its most successful year to date in 2024 and growing by 6.4% in the last financial year. 20 business network February 2025
Having based ourselves in Nottingham for more than 140 years – we only recently left the city centre to move to new offices in West Bridgford – we’ve built a strong reputation with businesses across the East Midlands. We’re particularly skilled in supporting SMEs to find bespoke insurance policies to suit their needs – across sectors including property, manufacturing and the third sector. Our commitment to providing bespoke insurance solutions rather than off-the-shelf options is what sets us apart. I have been managing director since the summer of 2024, when our now chairman Bryan Banbury stepped down from the role. While my role involves overseeing the company’s operations and long-
term business strategy, I still take a hands-on role within the day-to-day running of the business, meeting with clients and our internal teams. Like any business, there have been many economic challenges for us, but we’ve been able to adapt and grow at Russell Scanlan over the last 12 months. It’s essential that we continue to invest in the future, and one of the ways we can do this is by looking at recruiting, training and retaining young talent in the business. We’re incredibly fortunate to have a team with such a wealth and variety of experience and need to consider how we can pass this on to the next generation of brokers, whether this be through a graduate trainee programme or apprentice scheme. We’re proud to be a longstanding member of the East Midlands Chamber and have built a strong partnership with the organisation and its members for more than 20 years.