The Inclusion Update
WiHTL & Diversity in Retail
Supporting companies across the HTL and Retail industry to create diverse and inclusive environments
Welcome to the April edition of our Inclusion Update.
Amit Popat joins the WiHTL & DiR Team
We are very pleased to have welcomed Amit Popat to our team. Amit brings a wealth of inclusion experience and will be working lots with our Collaboration Community this year.
He most recently worked with the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) as Strategic Lead and has delivered EDI advisory services to organisations including Paramount Films, LEGO and the NHS. Amit is currently completing his CMI Level 7 Certificate in Leadership Coaching & Mentoring.
New WiHTL & DiR babies born
Last month we had the very exciting arrivals of two new WiHTL & DiR baby boys! Please join us in congratulating Leanne Evans-Harknett and Heather Edwards from our team on their new family members.
Our Inclusion Maturity Curve Assessment has reopened for 2025
Our Inclusion Maturity Curve has reopened for submissions! Last year, over 75 organisations across the Hospitality, Travel, Leisure, and Retail sectors participated; will yours be taking part in 2025? Don't miss the opportunity to:
Find out more using the link below.
The 2025 Women to Watch Index Launch Event
In March we launched our 2025 Women to Watch Index, recognising the accomplishments of almost 90 inspirational women across our industry. The uplifting launch event was filled with insightful panel discussions and keynote speeches. Hosted by AlixPartners, the afternoon really brought to life the importance of having visible women role models.
Use the link below to find out more about the event, and to request your copy of the Index, produced in partnership with The MBS Group.
Team Domenica: our chosen charity for 2025
We are delighted to announce that our chosen charity for 2025 is Team Domenica, an incredible organisation dedicated to empowering young people with learning disabilities. Team Domenica provide employment programmes to support these young candidates in readiness for paid work.
We were privileged to team up with Team Domenica at the 2024 Inclusion Summit, and we’re thrilled to continue supporting their mission throughout the coming year.
Together, we aim to make a meaningful impact and champion the power of inclusion and opportunity for all.
UK Government announces Race Equality Engagement Group to break down barriers to racial equality
The views of ethnic minority people are being placed at the heart of government decision making following the establishment of the Race Equality Engagement Group (REEG).
Chaired by Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, the group will work with equalities ministers to better understand ethnic minority people’s lived experiences and will partner with ethnic minority communities, stakeholders and delivery partners. To read more about the REEG, use the link below.
Grow your business' eCommerce capabilities with IRX 2025
We are delighted to announce that we have partnered with IRX 2025, which will bring together over 3,500+ retailers, brands, wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers, all focused on advancing their online strategies.
Taking place on the 13th and 14th May at the NEC, Birmingham, this free event offers invaluable insights for businesses looking to excel in eCommerce and digital marketing. Attendees will hear from leading brands, explore cutting-edge technology, and gain real-world strategies to drive online growth.
Make sure your team doesn’t miss out - use the button below to register.
Maximising Intergenerational Teams
The subject of ‘Maximising Intergenerational Teams’ is a hot topic for organisations and HR teams, and was the focus of a recent inclusion in webinar.
Amit Popat, EDI Project Lead at WiHTL & DiR, was joined by a superb panel comprising Tracy Riddell (Senior Programme Manager at the Centre for Ageing Better ), Steve Whear (Customer Insights Manager at John Lewis & Partners ) and Ben Jackson (Head of Inclusion & Diversity at Wickes ). Learn more at the link below.
April Events
7th April - inclusion in Bitesize Masterclass: Stress Awareness Month Masterclass: Supporting your Team with their Mental Health: 1 - 1:30pm BST: register here
10th April - WiHTL & DiR webinar: Understanding Your Workforce: Best Practices for Collecting Colleague Demographic Data: 1 - 2pm BST: register here
Vision Boarding Workshop with Tea Colaianni
Join Tea Colaianni , WiHTL & DiR Founder and Chair, for another exclusive Vision Boarding Workshop.
Vision boarding is a powerful tool for helping you achieve your goals, and it promises to be an afternoon of inspiration, self-reflection, manifestation and more.
Date: Tuesday 3rd June, 1:30pm - 5:30pm BST
Location: Sky Lounge, 15th Floor Beechmore House, 5 Electric BLVD, Nine Elms, London, SW11 8BR
Workshop Fee: We’re offering an Early Bird rate of £390 + VAT for anyone who registers before the end of April
Limited places available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information and to book please contact: laura@wihtlanddir.com
Aspiring CEO Masterclass
Don't miss out on the chance to nominate talented individuals from your organisation for our exclusive Aspiring CEO Masterclass!
This session is designed for divisional CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite executives who aspire to become Group CEOs.
Date: Thursday 3rd July, 10am - 4am BST
Location: Central London
Workshop Fee: £1,000 + VAT per Delegate for WiHTL & DiR Members and £1,200 + VAT for non-members
We are offering 3 bursary places for women working in small and medium sized enterprises.
Please share your nominations or discuss eligibility with Silvia at silvia@whitlanddir.com as soon as possible. Use the buttons below to nominate individuals, or find out more by reading the event brochure.