Pentland Brands has announced its partnership with mission-led startup, The People, to help young people from underrepresented communities break into the world of work.

We’ve partnered with The People to launch the Pentland Collective; a free mentoring programme to help young people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and underserved communities develop their skills, confidence and network. The programme is part of a broader project we’re working on with The People, which aims to address career barriers for young people from underrepresented backgrounds.

The Pentland Collective was developed as a response to research from the Trade Union Congress that shows unemployment for ethnic minority groups rose twice as fast as white workers during the pandemic.  

As a business, we’re committed to building diverse teams which drive performance, innovation and growth. The programme is an opportunity to diversify our search for fresh creative talent, as well as drive inclusion by supporting the careers of people from underrepresented groups.  

The initiative forms part of our 100-1-0 positive business strategy, which outlines three major goals to deliver by our business’ centenary year in 2032; helping 100 million consumers live positive, active, sustainable lifestyles, improving the lives of 1 million people in our communities and becoming a net zero business.  

Rochelle Livingstone, Programme Manager at The People, says: “We are proud to partner with Pentland Brands, a company that is engaged and willing to listen, learn and support a new generation of talent from underrepresented communities. I have had the privilege to be a mentee and mentor -and it has had a major impact on my personal and professional growth. The Pentland Collective expands on our mission to unleash creative potential. ”

Caroline Nankinga, Diversity & Inclusion Manager at Pentland Brands, says: “As a business, we’re working hard to incorporate diversity and inclusion into everything we do, from our brand campaigns to our recruitment processes. Our partnership with The People will bring fresh thinking that helps us better understand, reflect and celebrate the diversity of the consumers who see, buy and love our products.”