Consider scholarships, training schemes or grants

Often the disadvantages faced by Black, Asian and ethnic minority people begin long before the point of securing employment, with much more deeply rooted social and economic factors affecting access to education and support from an early age. This is a much wider and systemic issue, but employers in charge of their corner of the industry should look at how they might be able to encourage and support Black and ethnic minorities to pursue a role within their industry and overcome any disadvantages that might have hampered their progression.

This could include grants, scholarships, mentorships or trainee schemes. For example, earlier this year US drinks firm Constellation Brands, producer of Svedka vodka, announced it would invest US$100 million in Black and minority-owned alcohol businesses over the next 10 years as part of a new programme.

The new Focus on Minority Founders programme will see the firm’s venture capital group, Constellation Brands Ventures (CBV), invest in Black and minority-owned businesses in the industry by 2030.