SMEs support diversity as Close Brothers Asset Finance research reveals benefits

However, 33% of respondents said they found it difficult to fill existing vacancies while a further 25% don’t get enough interest from ‘minority’ candidates.

Neil Davies (pictured), chief executive officer at Close Brothers Asset Finance, said: “It is encouraging that companies are taking active steps to increase diversity in their businesses – we know from our own experience that a diverse workforce is more dynamic. While this is positive, our research confirms that there are a number of barriers to encouraging more diversity, including a lack of applications from ‘minority’ candidates.

“It appears that the first steps towards more diversity can be the most difficult, but over time it does become easier to attract talent from diverse backgrounds.”

Close Brothers Asset Finance is the asset finance arm of the Close Brothers Group, a UK-based merchant banking group that offers lending services, deposit taking, wealth management services, and securities trading.