Equality matters in business

Helping to create a more profitable business environment

A diverse workforce can make a real, sustainable difference to your business. Many companies throughout the UK have already implemented successful diversity programmes and are enjoying dramatic improvements in performance and productivity. They are reaping the benefits of an expanded recruitment base and exploring the wealth of new markets.

What diversity means to your business

Implementing equality and diversity policies throughout your enterprise makes sound commercial sense. They can help you to increase profitability, deliver high standards of customer service and improve all-round performance.

The business case for diversity is all about making the most of the opportunities it offers. These include:

• A wider choice of potential employees;
• Access to a broader resource of skills and creativity;
• Better understanding of your customers to help shape your marketing strategy;
• An improved business reputation;
• A proactive approach to legislative compliance.

Managing diversity, both as an employer and as a provider of goods and services, will let you respond effectively to the varying needs of your staff and customers.

Equality Matters in Business (EMB) is a pioneering two-year pilot project, aimed at working with Scottish businesses to highlight the benefits of equality and diversity. This is a Scottish Government-funded project being delivered through Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The EMB project aims to raise awareness of these business benefits and offer support to companies on an individual basis. If you would like to speak with someone from the project please contact  emb-enquiries@scotent.co.uk or alternatively speak to one of our representatives through our helpdesk.

Helpline - tel 0845 607 87 87

(Lines are open Monday – Friday 9 am to 5 pm).

This service offers support on all aspects of embedding to implementing to updating policies and practices in addition to discussing any business growth opportunities Scottish businesses can gain from equality and diversity.

If you would like more advice in relation to legislation, employment issues, public sector procurement, delivery of goods and services into the equality market then speak with one of the helpdesk advisers. Once you have logged your enquiry you will be passed onto an ACAS adviser to provide you with additional support either as a business adviser or directly to the business.

The helpline gives free confidential and impartial information.

Invest in diversity – and help to create a bright and profitable future for your business