Westminster named as finalist for Best Business to Demonstrate Diversity in Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster Awards

Sponsored by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, City of Westminster, Grosvenor Casinos and many more, the annual KCW Awards celebrate the successes and milestones of a variety of businesses across all sectors in the two London boroughs.

The shortlist of finalists for this year’s awards was revealed on 29 July, with the University of Westminster standing among six other nominees for the Best Business to Demonstrate Diversity Award. These nominees are Americana London, Cafe de Nata, Everyone Active Westway Sports & Fitness Centre, Mooboo Bubble Tea, Raisa’s Barbers and Smilepod Ltd.

Westminster holds inclusivity at the heart of everything it does and has committed to supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) through organisational practices, inclusive education and impactful initiatives. Westminster’s 2022/2029 Being Westminster strategy has placed inclusion as one of the University’s key priorities and has transformed the way the University works together.

Throughout the year EDI committees meet quarterly and EDI has been introduced as a standing item for all Committee Agendas. Each academic school and professional services department has a designated EDI Lead and have supported the development of several colleague networks, including the BME Network, the Women of Westminster (WOW) Network, the Q+ Network and the Faith, Spirituality and Belief Network. Along with these networks, Westminster colleagues have worked hard to bring together initiatives to support diversity, not just within the University, but across the UK. Westminster’s Black History Year Programme developed BHY Create, a bespoke coaching programme designed to empower Black students, as well as the BHY Researchers Network, which brings academics together to address the underrepresentation of Black researchers in academia.

Westminster also has introduced a range of approaches to widen participation in higher education. These include delivering general and subject-specific aspiration raising activities both on and off campus with schools to build awareness of potential study routes, address barriers that may prevent students from going to university and build confidence and a sense of belonging to the university environment. The University also runs the Westminster Summer School, which gives 16–18-year-old students from underrepresented groups the chance to have a residential experience at university and experience taster activities in subject areas which have lower levels of participation from students from particular groups.

The Awards Ceremony will take place at Porchester Hall in Bayswater, London, on 17 October. Linsey Cole, Director of Business Engagement at the University, and Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability and Co-chair of Westminster’s EDI Committee and SDG Coordination Group, will bring two student representatives with them to conjointly attend the Awards to represent the University.

Jason Window, Co-Chair at the KCW Chamber of Commerce, said: “The 2024 Business Awards will represent some of the finest and most innovative businesses within our boroughs of Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster. Such a fantastic way to gain recognition and we know that these types of accolades have a profound effect when companies are sourcing new business and making decisions. This year we are excited to unveil some exciting new additions to our category lineup. These categories celebrate the diversity and dynamism of our local businesses, highlighting their contributions to our vibrant communities.

"Recognising the vibrant and diverse array of businesses within our boroughs is not only a privilege but also a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that thrives within our community. From small startups to established enterprises, each contributes uniquely to the economic vitality and cultural fabric of our neighbourhoods. By shining a spotlight on these businesses, we celebrate their achievements, resilience and commitment to excellence. It's a joy to witness the impact they make, not just locally, but often on a broader scale, inspiring others and fostering growth and prosperity for all.”

He added: “We are honoured to have the support of our 2024 headline sponsors Westminster City Council and The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.”

This Award directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Find out more about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Westminster.