Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Foundry: x+why Birmingham

Birmingham holds the accolade for being one of the most diverse cities in the UK. It is also home to x+why’s newest opening in Brindleyplace. Foundry is a tech-forward base for creative and innovative entrepreneurs, conveniently located in the heart of the city, with Diversity, Inclusion and Equity at its core.

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Challenging discrimination, addressing inequalities, and promoting greater understanding continues to be one of the key challenges we face as part of a globalised society. As part of the Triple Bottom Line - which champions stakeholder primacy over shareholder supremacy, we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive learning and working environment where discrimination is not tolerated, where all members of the community can flourish and reach their full potential; where we engage with and learn from each-other and where we affect positive change within society. We see this as integral to our shared mission and vision to change the way the world works for good.

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Why Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DEI) Matters

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Our communities represent a wide range of cultural, gender, ethnic, religious, racial and social backgrounds, comprising diverse voices, experiences, needs and contributions. Embracing diverse perspectives and voices is critical to ensuring a vibrant, inviting community. Our goal is not to reduce the complexity of who we are but to foster an increased awareness and appreciation of our diversity and differences.

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This means making everyone feel welcome, empowering people to raise the issues they feel important to them, learning from every day conversations and relationships, and collectively being part of a movement that creates positive change. Looking at our past and present, it is clear that some groups in our community have been disadvantaged along lines of race, gender, class, geography, sexual orientation, ideology, religion, ability, and more. However moving forwards, we can unite to actively work to change the inequitable systems and structures that still exist today, and witness the ripple effect that causes transformational change.

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How Do x+why Promote DEI Within The Community?

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As a mission-lead co-working space that houses start-ups who share our vision to change the way the world works for good, we unite, inspire and amplify the message of our network - in order to take us into a new paradigm of purposeful capitalism that is sustainable, socially responsible and equitable.

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The Friedman model of Capitalism was built on the notion that the sole aim of industry is to increase shareholder return through maximising profits. This view sees business as disconnected from the rest of society, but we know that economies are built through enterprises, as interconnected and interdependent systems.

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We therefore believe in the transformational impact that shifting towards an Elkington model of Capitalism can have. The Elkington model of Capitalism understands that without a healthy society, there is no space for business. It therefore seeks to measure ‘success’ differently - and instead of focusing solely on profit, also takes workers, the community, governance and the environment into consideration; Understanding that these things are not a finite resource to be exploited, but part of a circular economy - where what goes around, comes around. Addressing these issues requires:

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• Developing public awareness, dialogue and action: looking at the barriers that underserved communities face and addressing the root causes of the issue, instead of plastering over the symptoms. Nothing can be done about the problems, if the issues have not been correctly identified. Reaching the right people can be difficult if these people already struggle to find the right platforms for their voices to be heard. x+why actively seek to engage with the local community and foster relationships that are authentic and meaningful. Awareness, dialogue and action are about more than taking a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, they also require deeper levels of understanding and emotional connection, in order to truly engage wider audiences in the problems that we all face as a society. Working with local artists, cultural events, and programmes that challenge our perceptions and biases are all part of our greater initiative.
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• Increasing self-efficacy, agency and systems of support: this takes deep community involvement, making sure that all voices are heard and given access to the tools and resources that can create lasting change. Local residents need to be empowered to build leadership capacities and become more autonomous in their learning and development. This helps those with lived experience to gain the capacity to organise and advocate for the key issues that they face in their region. x+why host a wide variety of workshops and impact-driven sessions; We take feedback seriously and continuously seek to improve on what we offer, by co-creating our programmes with both members and people from the local cities in which we operate.
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• Promoting opportunities for people to interact and relate to people from marginalised backgrounds: this applies to both social and professional settings, engaging people in cultural conversations and educational events. Communities can often become segregated without actively providing more space and opportunity for cross-cultural interaction. Having additional programmes and support for those that are underrepresented can open the doors to inclusion, but should always be part of a wider programme that seeks to integrate in order to promote true diversity and equity.
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Culturally Connected

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At Foundry, our wonderful community manager, Rebecca Dobie is always on site to make sure that our spaces are open and accessible to those seeking to create change, that members have all the tools and supplies they need, and most importantly - to ensure that everyone has a good time.

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With an extensive background of experience, our site teams focus on the social side as much as the business side, and make it easy for meaningful relationships to be fostered, whether that’s through an event, a spontaneous water cooler moment, over a members breakfast, or through a community outreach programme. We make sure the companies here are able to focus on work when they need to, while also catering to greater human needs on a personal level.

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As one of only two B Corporation certified companies in the area, we walk the walk when it comes to promoting responsible business that looks at its impact on the wider community, and not just the bottom line. On a day to day basis within the space, this translates to things like a greater focus on holistic wellbeing and mental health. For example we have one plant per person in the office, relaxing bird tunes and access to plenty of natural light. Rebecca will also be getting in touch with charity Mind, to host some of their talk and paint sessions.

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Pre-launch, Foundry has also been in touch with two charities in Birmingham, who will start using our site for their business get togethers - one of them will be working towards helping the homeless in the area. They’ll also be able to support young businesses with their fundraising and space-use.

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Locally we’ve also collaborated with Birmingham artist Lucy M who’s injected some life into the space with her artistic inspiration. Internationally, x+why are proud to host members such as Forgotten Women, who transform the lives of vulnerable women through aid, opportunity and voice. We share their vision for a world where every woman is given the opportunity to live a life free from humiliation, poverty and abuse, and are free to preserve their dignity, health, well-being and economic independence.

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When it comes to protecting the environment, all our spaces are designed and managed to be as sustainable and ‘green’ as possible – from the chair you sit on, to the living roofs, and energy efficient lighting, and as a community our members are proud to be working towards 13 of the 17 UN sustainability Development Goals. We’re also working towards the coveted SKA Gold rating. From waste management, encouraging use of up-cycled materials and supply chain diligence, to ensuring fixtures and fittings meet the highest of environmental standards, the SKA is a great way of making sure that any fit out is performed as well as possible.

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Change happens when bold leadership meets opportunity. By bringing together the dedication of community members and the generosity of our external partners, x+why work to be a hub for progress and a catalyst for change. Individually, we drive our community forward, but collectively, we have the power to change it forever.

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