Become a Strategic Partner

Joint research into the level of East Midlands businesses’ engagement with equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) has been conducted by the Chamber and emh group. 

A study published in March 2022 found 48% of companies had a dedicated EDI policy, with more than two-thirds (68%) considering this can contribute to the success of business plans and 55% agreeing it is an important part of their leadership strategy. 

The research has been used as a starting point for understanding the benefits businesses experience by adopting EDI strategies and how business support can be evolved to increase engagement. 

Findings informed a key policy theme in the Chamber’s Business Manifesto for Growth, which was launched at a special reception in Westminster. Titled “Growing our competitiveness the right way”, it showcased how businesses were already committed to EDI as part of their wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy so it is important that Government continues to issue the appropriate messaging to get more organisations on board.  

Ideas on changes businesses can make to promote EDI were presented on this at a roundtable event at emh group’s headquarters in July 2022, which was attended by a range of business leaders from across the region.

One of the most popular events in the Chamber calendar, Celebration of Culture and Communities, is run in partnership with emh group, Morningside Pharmaceuticals and HSBC UK. 

The event, which welcomed 350 guests to Leicester Tigers’ Mattioli Woods Welford Road stadium in March 2022, told the East Midlands’ diversity and inclusion story via the medium of dance, music and food. 

It featured three performances by Nupur Arts, a Leicester-based dance group whose members featured in Marvel Studios’ Eternals movie, in Kathak, Bollywood and Bhangra dance styles.

Each of the three partners also sponsored a special award recognising the difference organisations are making to the region, with emh presenting Autism East Midlands with the Excellence in Inclusion award. 

Since 2020, emh and the Chamber have ran a joint social media campaign during Black History Month, which is held annually in October. 

“Time for Change: Actions not Words” was the theme in 2022 and the campaign featured commentary from business leaders about EDI, with the aim of fostering discussion while engaging businesses and communities across the region.