The Co-op launched a new fund earlier this year, which aimed to close the “opportunity gap” across the UK and create thousands of apprenticeship opportunities for people from underrepresented parts of society, including BAME and low socio-economic groups. 

Murrells says that businesses who genuinely “embrace” and “encourage” diversity and inclusion and drive social mobility “will be more successful as a consequence”. 

No Limits logo

Murrells was speaking to Retail Week as part of our No Limits campaign, which aims to drive social mobility across the sector following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Retail Week has partnered with Lifetime Training to offer 5,000 new apprentices over the next 12 months through a new Ecommerce Excellence Programme, designed to provide learners from underprivileged backgrounds with the skills they require to work in the digital economy.

To find out how you can get involved in the No Limits campaign, or for more information on the apprenticeship courses on offer, contact Retail Week editor Luke Tugby on luke.tugby@retail-week.com.  

Register to attend the Be Inspired virtual conference on June 8

As individuals, our day-to-day lives have altered beyond recognition; as a collective, we have had our eyes opened to the privileges some hold and the unconscious biases that impact others; and as an industry we are navigating obstacles at every turn.

Join us for the Retail Week Be Inspired Virtual Conference 2021 on June 8 to prepare for retail’s exciting new chapter and take the first step towards invoking real change in yourself, your business and the world around you.

Speakers include:

  • Mandeep Singh, founder, Trouva
  • Clodagh Moriarty, retail and digital director, Sainsbury’s
  • Lucy Aylen, founder and chief executive, Neverfullydressed
  • Sally-Anne Newson, chief digital officer, Reiss
  • Albert Larter, co-founder, Wakuda
  • Chidera Eggerue, blogger and author, The Slumflower