The business benefits of accessibility and inclusion

As Brighton Chamber’s representative for EQuIP, the city’s Equality and Inclusion Partnership, Diversity and Ability represent the needs and interests of Brighton’s businesses in all diversity, equity and inclusion actions that are happening in our city. At the most recent meeting, the discussion focused on introducing the very first stages of a city-wide accessibility strategy, reviewing Brighton’s anti-racism strategy, and a consultation on our local transportation plan.

And while we await further information about the city’s accessibility strategy, there’s something vital we can already take away from the way it’s being shaped, placing the experiences and interests of disabled people at the very foundation of the process.

What can businesses learn from this?

That making structures, systems and spaces accessible isn’t about accommodating specific people. It’s about creating a pathway to greater, and more diverse, success.

Here’s why:

1) Direct business benefits

Research shows that more diverse businesses outperform their less diverse peers, with organisations with more gender, ethnic and cultural diversity reporting greater profits. We’ve moved on from a world in which diversity and inclusion was a tickbox exercise; it’s essential that it’s done, and done right, to ensure business success.

2) Access to a new, captive, market

By not making spaces that are inherently inclusive, you’re blocking off whole markets from accessing your business. As a social enterprise led by and for disabled people, we often highlight the purple pound; the largely under-served market of disabled people ready to buy your product or interact with your service. It’s estimated that the spending power of disabled households is £274 billion per year, and yet 75% of disabled people have walked away from a business due to poor accessibility or customer service. Make sure your business isn’t limiting itself by excluding this vital market.

3) Happier, more engaged, employees

If you anticipate that your team will have diverse interests, drives and needs, you’ll create an environment in which they feel safe and comfortable to bring themselves to work however works best for them. Employees that feel happy at work doesn’t just mean an increase in productivity but also leads to higher employee retention, saving you time and money.

4) Diversity fosters innovation

We’ve already shown that diverse markets promise so much value to your businesses, if only you cater to them. Those markets will be impossible to tap into if your teams are not equally diverse. But diversity also means diversity of thought, and that paves the way for new ideas and creative opportunities even within your existing markets. As Emma from D&A points out: “if you employ the same-old, same-old, you’ll end up with the same-old ideas”.

5) Inclusion affects reputation

Even people who aren’t directly impacted by non-inclusive practices know how important inclusion is, and reward businesses who demonstrate their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 61% of UK consumers spend more money with socially responsible brands that they respect compared to brands that they consider as falling short on social responsibility. And it affects your recruitment directly, too, especially amongst the younger workforce; 64% of Millennials consider a business’ social responsibility when choosing where to work, and it’s predicted that this will only rise further in the Gen-Z workforce.

The lesson is clear; include everyone, and you’ll reap the rewards!

Share your thoughts and concerns with EQuIP

The best way for us to accurately represent the needs and interests of the business community is to have your input! The next quarterly meeting will take place in January 2022, and we’d love to hear from you about the diversity and inclusion issues affecting your business. Get in touch with us by emailing Emma Turner at workplace@diversityandability.com!

Diversity and Ability is an award-winning disabled-led social enterprise working to create inclusive cultures where diversity is valued and people can thrive.

We support individuals, organisations and social-justice projects to embrace and advocate for diversity through 1:1 support, training and workshops that are supportive and inclusive for all. Find out more about how we could work with you at diversityandability.com.

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk