Our original aims were clear:

To champion understanding of cross-cultural challenges.

To promote a more inclusive culture within the UK.

To create opportunity by embracing diversity.

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So we’re delighted to report that the Celebrating Cultural and Language Diversity campaign has had real impact with people across the UK.

Originally launched by Iwona Lebiedowicz in March 2019, the campaign has produced a whole range of stimulating conversations. To date, over 500 people have heard how to overcome language and cultural barriers, while at the same time discovered the opportunities diversity can bring.

With over 10,000 social media engagements – revealed through social media analytics – we raised awareness about the importance and benefits of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

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In particular, we:

· Were asked to participate in school talks and promote diverse languages and cultures with young people. We signed up for the local Chamber Schools initiative to become volunteers within schools to speak with students about diversity, working life, and sharing experiences. In addition, we are supporting a secondary school with their Year 8 pupils’ progression into studying languages in years 9, 10 and 11 and those taking GCSEs in foreign languages.

· Were invited to record podcasts, and have since entered a partnership with Leicester-based Workplace Diversity Solutions. This is an award-winning leading diversity consultancy, established to promote a culture of inclusion where everyone feels respected, valued and can reach their full potential, at the heart of everything we do. Our podcasts will include success stories as well as the key steps to take for organisations to improve both diversity and inclusion.

·  Are currently working towards launching a YouTube channel to increase understanding of, and celebrate, equality, diversity, and inclusion themes. We believe that good understanding of various cultures and abilities across all levels supports more effective teamwork, provide wider perspectives, better decisions, better results of collaboration and, ultimately, stronger leadership and society.

And it’s gratifying to see that our efforts have not gone unnoticed. Our events have been featured in over 40 independent online and paper publications, including Boston Standard, Love Business East Midlands, Opportunity Peterborough, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Essex Chambers of Commerce.

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