11 minute read
Inclusion and the fear of ‘getting it wrong’
Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership Inclusion: A continuous process of improvement
MKBLP chair Nicholas Mann explains the significance of choosing diversity as the theme for this year’s Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards
Diversity and inclusion are closely intertwined, with businesses increasingly keen to demonstrate the values of their brand, employees, partners, and customers, through a clearly defined journey from awareness through to action and allyship.
Implementing inclusive strategies and working with employees and stakeholders to ensure these behaviours and actions are ingrained within the very fabric of an organisation requires a huge amount of intent and a commitment to deliver. It is a continuous process of improvement, not a one-off initiative.
Consequently to choose Celebrating Diversity as the theme for the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards 2023 was not a decision taken lightly. However, we knew, as an organisation which works to support and represent businesses across our region, the huge amount of work, time and effort that organisations place on become increasingly diverse. We were also mindful that there was a fair amount of nervousness from many that these important issues were tackled sensitively. Put simply, there is a fear of ‘getting it wrong.’
As a young and vibrant city, Milton Keynes is leading the way in many areas and for many years we have celebrated the technological prowess and innovative nature of the businesses within our midst. But we also live within one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the UK and for some time businesses have been working to bridge the gap between these different groups of people, creating opportunities while harnessing the best talent each community has to offer.
Most organisations do not have the budget to invest in whole new departments tasked with implementing DE&I strategies but what is apparent is the small incremental changes, which are making a significant difference. These actions should be recognised and celebrated.
Additionally, we should not be scared or worried about speaking about and/ or challenging practices that discriminate any minority. This should be a two-way process. Only by communicating with each other can understanding and sensitivity be developed. This will lead to greater inclusion and access to opportunity for all.
The number of companies entering MKBAA this year has been overwhelming and their ongoing achievements to cultivate a more diverse and inclusive workforce has come through loud and clear. Businesses should feel proud yet continue to push for even greater fairness within our community .
We know that implementing DE&I strategies alone is not enough. We are on a journey to create a diverse working environment today by applying changes and working with employees and stakeholders to shape behaviours and attitudes that will benefit future generations.
It is our new incoming talent who will benefit from the foundations that we put in place today, which is why creating more equal opportunities for young people in order to attract and retain talent is so important.
Across the city, many initiatives have been created to inspire and equip young people with relevant skills, such as The Inspiration Programme, developed by the charity Action4Youth (see page 11), with investment and support from MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District. Run in schools, the course enables students to develop essential life skills including teamworking and selfdevelopment, as well as giving insights into careers they might never encounter otherwise.
Programmes such as these go a long way to helping young people prepare and develop their abilities to work in a team and communicate with others. But this generation - the so-called ‘Gen-Z’ - which will make up a third of the workforce by the end of the decade, will bring their own set of skills to the table. From their digital capabilities to their instinctive and inclusive-first expectations, incorporating them into a multigenerational workforce will be integral for businesses in the coming years.
MKBAA’s coveted Lifetime Achievement award, which we hope will go to an individual who has had a sustained, active, and deep involvement in the communities of Milton Keynes, is demonstrative of how MKBLP is going full circle to build a better, more inclusive future for the next generation.
Nicholas Mann
Infrastructure group hails support by Chancellor for East West Rail project
The body overseeing the region’s transport strategy has welcomed the government’s decision to back the East West Rail project.
The opening of the line linking Oxford and Cambridge via Milton Keynes and Bedford is a key part of plans to grow sectors including life sciences, advanced manufacturing and digital - all areas in which this region excels on the global stage, says England’s Economic Heartland, which is planning and promoting the transport infrastructure and policy framework required to realise the economic potential.
EEH will continue to raise the importance of investment in the region’s infrastructure priorities to support economic growth, unlock opportunities for businesses and residents and work towards net zero.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt stressed the government commitment to EWR in his Autumn Statement. EEH chair Cllr Richard Wenham said: “With our global presence in advanced manufacturing, life sciences and digital services, this region is pivotal to the Chancellor’s ambitions for the UK to be the next Silicon Valley.”
EEH is working with partners to maximise the benefits of the government’s investment. This includes ensuring that stations are well served by public and othe rtransport links. “Clearly and as expected, the public sector will have additional budgetary challenges,” Cllr Wenham said. “A focus for England’s Economic Heartland is supporting local authorities with their capabilities to deliver the infrastructure required to support economic growth in the region while working towards net zero.”
EEH is a body of political and business leaders working to realise the region’s economic potential. It is one of seven sub-national transport bodies, jointly funded by the Department for Transport and local authorities.
Cllr Steven Broadbent, Chair of the East West Main Line Partnership which is working to deliver a rail link from East Anglia to South Wales, said: “The Chancellor’s announcement on the future of East West Rail is a huge boost for the region’s residents and businesses, alongside the wider UK economy. East West Rail, delivered in full, will be a catalyst for economic growth and boost collaboration and innovation in our worldclass science and technology sectors.
“Communities will be more sustainable, while East West Rail will support the regeneration of town centres.” n There is still time to submit your nomination for the Lifetime Achievement Award 2023, which closes on February 14. Nominate online at www.mkbaa.co.uk or email lifetimeachievement@mkbaa.co.uk.
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Appointments
Growth in employment work prompts expansion of law firm’s department
An increase in new instructions has led regional law firm Howes Percival to expand its employment team in Milton Keynes and Northampton.
James Pitts joins the team as a newly qualified associate, having completed his training contract with Howes Percival, while Lydia Mills has been recruited from fellow law firm Spratt Endicott as an associate. Both will work across the firm’s offices in Milton Keynes and Northampton.
The employment department has seen a steady increase in work over the last couple of years due to the rapid expansion of Howes Percival’s corporate commercial and banking division, particularly in merger and acquisition work and additional employment enquiries from CCB clients.
The increase in instructions is also as a result of the economic climate, with clients seeking advice on restructuring, changing terms and conditions, trade union negotiations and redundancy. Howes Percival has also welcomed new clients in the automotive, healthcare, food & beverage and transport & logistics sectors, a reflection of the firm’s reputation and level of expertise, said employment law partner Simon deMaid.
“We are delighted for James,” Mr deMaid said. “Training and retaining ‘home grown’ talent in this way has always been hugely important to us as a firm. Equally, we continue to attract the best talent at every level and Lydia is a fantastic addition to the team.
“We have seen an increased number of new matters for quite some time now and it is not showing any sign of slowing down.”
Howes Percival has grown its offices in Milton Keynes at Knowlhill and the employment department has seen particular growth in employment tribunal cases and in complex disability discrimination and mental health cases due to the ongoing aftereffects of lockdown and the pandemic.
“We expect this to continue throughout 2023,” said Mr deMaid.
Simon deMaid (second from left) and the employment law team at Howes Percival
Help feed MK
Can you and your business help?
With Milton Keynes recently being awarded City status, there is much to celebrate about living and working in this City. However, the reality is there are tens of thousands of people living in poverty in Milton Keynes. With steep rises in the cost of living, the number of struggling individuals and families living within our community will only continue to increase.
More support needed
There are a number of Food Banks and local charities who support families living in poverty with food and every day essentials. However, demand for these services is increasing and there are fewer people in a position to help, due to the wider impact of the cost of living crisis. This is where you and local businesses can help. MK Food Reach exists so that vital funds can be raised by the business community so that pallets of food can be distributed in Milton Keynes. Every time £10,000 is raised - enough to fill an artic lorry with 26 pallets of food (retail value of approximately £52,000) a lorry will bring the much needed food to the City for distribution. Naveel Leer
Manager wins advisory role to meetings group’s board
Naveen Leer, commercial manager business to business and head of business performance reporting at Whittlebury Park near Towcester, has joined meetings industry body IACC as a new board associate for 2023/24.
Mr Leer, who has worked in conference and events at Whittlebury Park for five years, will focus on identifying and advising the IACC board on emerging trends, particularly around the millennial market, and contribute to the annual conference planning group.
“IACC is a prestigious organisation dedicated to representing the best meeting venues globally,” says Mr Leer. “This will be an exciting new challenge for me, which will further my knowledge of the meetings and events industry, expand my network, and allow me to learn from some of the most talented and passionate people in our industry.”
He will be in post as board associate until the end of November 2024.
“This is an important role for both the organisation and the leadership development of the board associate,” says IACC chief executive Mark Cooper. “IACC is a European community of industry trendsetters and bringing the views of the incoming generation into IACC initiatives is incredibly important.”
Who are HIS Church Charity?
HIS Church is an established redistribution charity, focused on providing food and supplies to those who need it most and preventing many products from going to landfill. They have helped over 15,000 charities nationwide and work with many of the leading food brands and supermarkets including Kellogg’s, Mars, Heinz, Lidl, Asda, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. MK Food Reach is partnering with His Church Charity to ensure the City continues to provide support to its citizens.
Get involved!
MK Food Reach needs your support. You can help by: • Sponsoring a pallet • Fundraise or donate online at: justgiving.com/fundraising/ mk-food-reach Contact us: mkfoodreach@outlook.com
MkFoodReach
Academy Trust names new CEO
Areshuffle at the head of the Denbigh Alliance Multi Academy Trust in Milton Keynes has led to the appointment of a new chief executive.
Sue Collings, inset, has moved from a similar position in Hertfordshire, replacing Ian Joyce who has moved to a new senior position within the organisation.
“The focus of the trust has always been on care, education and opportunity for students and staff and we are confident that Sue and Ian will continue to drive this with an innovative and dynamic approach,” says John Cove, chair of the Denbigh Alliance MAT board of trustees.
Ms Collings has worked in education for more than 30 years. Denbigh Alliance MAT is comprised of Denbigh School, Watling Academy and, when it opens in September, Watling Primary School.
