ING Media launches Elevate
ING Media launches pro bono accelerator for start-up leaders from ethnically diverse backgrounds
ING Media, the leading communications agency for the built environment, has launched Elevate, an accelerator for emerging businesses run by leaders from ethnically diverse backgrounds in order to promote better representation in the built environment industry. Elevate will provide PR consultancy on a pro bono basis to support business development and communications for the participants.
The ING Elevate programme is open to companies in the built environment sector run by at least one leader from a diverse ethnic background, and up to 15 employees. The accelerator will offer an intensive and completely bespoke package of communications consultancy through a workshop session with ING consultants.
The programme will be dedicated to ‘elevating’ the businesses, with all those involved becoming part of a dedicated network, and joining ING’s wider network of clients and opinion leaders across the built environment.
A survey by the RICS and consultancy EY published in May 2022 found that several groups like Black-Caribbean, African, Asian Indian, Chinese and other ethnicities were underrepresented within the built environment, collectively accounting for just 1.2% of the workforce, compared to 14% of the overall UK population.
In architecture, the latest data from the Architects Registration Board (from 5 December) shows that just 1 per cent of registered architects are black.
Roxane McMeeken, director at ING, said: “We are launching Elevate to improve the opportunities available to a cohort of leaders who face more systemic challenges than most. We intend for the programme to create industry role models while making a tangible difference to the firms involved. This includes improving their visibility, enhancing their network of contacts and providing actionable advice on how to get the right messages to the right people.”
Damian Wild, managing director at ING, said: “ING has a long history of commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our initiatives in this area range from providing long-term pro bono PR support to charities such as Blueprint for All (formerly the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust) through to our internship programme, which provides paid placements for candidates of whom 50% are from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Now, with Elevate, we want to expand and deepen the purpose of our non-profit work with a unique programme that we believe can drive meaningful change, in both the built environment and PR sectors.”
“With Elevate, we want to expand and deepen the purpose of our non-profit work with a unique programme that we believe can drive meaningful change, in both the built environment and PR sectors”
To join Elevate, email elevate@ing-media.com with a couple of sentences on your company, your ambitions, and why you would like to take part. Please apply by 17th February. ING will review applications and appoint the first cohort in the first quarter of 2023.