The founders of a Birmingham digital marketing agency met with high street banking giant NatWest to discuss unconscious bias at an entrepreneur panel.
Alex Davis and Jason Jackson, the team behind Get-Found, shared their perspective on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion and its impact on sustainable growth for businesses.
The pair discussed their story of their company with the bank and how they were working to highlight the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion as a business practice.
Mr Davis said: "Having missed out on GCSEs due to dyslexia and entering the workforce at a young age, I earned my sales and digital marketing expertise directly through job experiences.
"I've done everything from door-to-door sales to managing digital marketing accounts at one of the leading UK agencies. I understand the impact of unconscious bias and stereotypes.
"I also recognise how important it is to work with allies to break down barriers and unlock professional opportunities.
"We're committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential."
According to research published by Statista on the ethnic background of marketing professionals in the UK, in 2021 only 2.7 per cent of digital marketing professionals were identified as black, 5.1 per cent as mixed race and 12.2 per cent as Asian.
Since it was founded in 2019, Get-Found said it had dedicated extra efforts to providing young professionals with accessible entry points into the market via apprenticeship and education programs.
Mr Jackson added: "I come from a multidisciplinary background combining education, training and development, sales and digital marketing so currently I lead educational and training programs of Get-Found.
"In addition to working directly with trainees and apprentices who join our team for experience, we also partner with other organisations and institutions, such as Birmingham City University, creating practical training to enrich student curriculum."