December 6, 2023, by aczht

D2N2 partners with the University of Nottingham on the Charter for Inclusive Entrepreneurship

D2N2 joined the Charter for Inclusive Entrepreneurship to reduce obstacles for under-represented groups in business. Being a signatory aligns with D2N2’s values, shaping a vision for a diverse and thriving business community. This commitment reflects their dedication to a future where diversity is not just celebrated, but essential for the success of their entrepreneurial environment, guiding their decision-making.

D2N2 is the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, one of 36 LEPs across England. LEPs are business-led partnerships which bring together the private sector, local authorities and academic and voluntary institutions to promote economic development.

D2N2 has partnered with the University of Nottingham to develop the Charter for Inclusive Entrepreneurship. The Charter aims to minimise barriers to entrepreneurship for under-represented groups by creating a more inclusive enterprise ecosystem.

The Charter was devised by Dr Lorna Treanor, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Nottingham, and developed through her collaborative work with D2N2 and in consultation with other regional stakeholders including the Federation of Small Businesses, Nottingham Trent University and the Chambers of Commerce.

Why the Charter is important to the future of D2N2?

Nicola Swaney, Head of External Affairs and Lead for Inclusion at D2N2 LEP, is passionate about this agenda and why the charter is important to developing new workstreams on Women in STEM and digital inclusion:

“D2N2’s purpose is to convene and coordinate a wide range of stakeholders across businesses, local authorities, universities and colleges to promote economic growth. In our region, we have a diverse mix of businesses, ranging from global corporates to small, medium and micro businesses, with many more in the pipeline. None of these businesses would exist without the dynamism of entrepreneurs, and we wanted to help develop the Charter to support a more inclusive ecosystem for entrepreneurship, building a framework to enable more appropriate policy, education, training and advisory support for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.

“Entrepreneurs bring vital skills for innovation, job creation, and economic growth. We believe the partnership underpinning the Charter is crucial, with organisations like the University of Nottingham and D2N2 committing to work together to promote inclusive support for all entrepreneurs, particularly those that are under-represented, at every stage of their journey. That’s why we’re proud to have partnered with the University of Nottingham to support and sign the Charter for Inclusive Entrepreneurship.

“The principles of the Charter will help inform our policy, procurement and service delivery. As a signatory to the Charter, we are developing new workstreams on Women in STEM and digital inclusion. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we are focused on supporting inclusive programmes, for example, through our D2N2 Careers Hub we have programmes aimed at addressing barriers to work faced by young people with a learning disability.”

Find out more about D2N2:

D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership

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