Inclusive Innovation: Investing in Underrepresented Talent for Dynamic Growth.

Entrepreneurship thrives on fresh perspectives, resilience, and innovation, qualities often found in abundance within marginalised communities. Yet too often, these individuals face barriers to funding, mentorship, and networks. By addressing these gaps, Slough is creating a business ecosystem that is not only more equitable but also more dynamic and globally competitive.

Research consistently shows that diverse founding teams outperform their peers, delivering stronger returns on investment and unlocking new markets. Backing marginalised talent is not only the right thing to do, but also smart economics.

The Opportunity in Slough

Slough’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. With more than 150 languages spoken across the borough and a young, ambitious population, the local community represents a deep pool of untapped entrepreneurial potential. By channelling support into these communities, Slough has the chance to become a national leader in inclusive innovation.

The town celebrates its diversity with a multi-coloured mural, created as part of a project led by business group, Viva Slough. Located at the Queensmere Shopping Centre, there are 44 of the reported 150 different languages spoken in the borough represented by pictures of people who speak them. The project was led by the Slough Business Improvement District (BID).

Startups and Innovation

Slough is widely recognised as a hothouse for entrepreneurial startups and innovation, ranking fourth in the UK for productivity according to TechNation. The town’s robust economic environment not only attracts global corporations but also provides fertile ground for ambitious startups. This unique blend of established businesses and emerging enterprises creates a dynamic ecosystem where ideas can flourish and scale.

Pat Hayes, Executive Director of Housing, Property, and Regeneration at Slough Borough Council says: “Slough’s strength lies in its diversity, and our role is to ensure that every aspiring entrepreneur has the resources to achieve their potential. By investing in underrepresented talent and supporting inclusive innovation, we’re shaping a more equitable, dynamic, and globally competitive local economy.”

Support for Entrepreneurs

Slough’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is designed to open doors for those who might otherwise face barriers to business success. A wide range of programmes, spanning workshops, coaching sessions, and tailored support, ensure that founders from under-represented groups have access to the same tools, mentorship, and growth opportunities as their peers. By providing targeted guidance and practical resources, the town helps to level the playing field and create pathways for diverse entrepreneurs to thrive.

This commitment to inclusivity is strengthened by Slough’s business networks, such as the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, which actively connect entrepreneurs to valuable partnerships and collaborations. For marginalised founders, these connections are often the key to breaking into industries, building confidence, and unlocking long-term business sustainability.

Where Startups Meet Global Brands

One of Slough’s unique strengths is its ability to bring together ambitious young startups with some of the world’s most established multinational companies. From Mars and Lego to DHL, Telefonica, and McAfee, global corporations sit alongside innovative early-stage businesses across the town, many clustered within the Slough Trading Estate, one of the most developed business parks in the UK.

This coexistence creates an environment where knowledge, networks, and opportunities flow more freely. For underrepresented entrepreneurs, proximity to multinational firms can be transformative. It provides access to potential partnerships, supply chain opportunities, and exposure to industry-leading practices that might otherwise feel out of reach. By operating in the same ecosystem, smaller businesses founded by diverse talent are able to learn from, collaborate with, and sometimes supply into these major corporations.

The presence of such high-profile companies also amplifies the confidence of underrepresented groups to pursue entrepreneurship in Slough. Knowing that the town is home to some of the world’s biggest brands reinforces the sense that it is a place where ambition is rewarded, no matter your background. This blend of global scale and grassroots innovation makes Slough not only a competitive business hub but also a model of how inclusive economies can grow.

Rewarding Diversity in Startups

Slough is actively celebrating the diverse talent shaping its entrepreneurial future. At the borough’s first-ever Start-Up Festival, LaunchPad 2025, more than 100 entrepreneurs, investors, and residents came together to showcase innovation and ambition. Proudly supported by Slough Borough Council, the festival gave a platform to founders from a wide range of backgrounds, ensuring that underrepresented voices were at the heart of the event.

The competition highlighted businesses tackling challenges as varied as sustainability and financial inclusion, all reflecting the cultural and sectoral diversity that makes Slough unique.

As part of the Re-Imagine Slough initiative, the festival sent a clear message that innovation is driven by inclusion, and diverse founders are central to shaping the borough’s economic revival.

Boosting Local Accessibility in TV & Film

An example of inclusivity in practice is The British Film Institute (BFI) ‘Skills Cluster’, a partnership between Slough-based Resource Productions CIC, Shinfield Studios and the University of Reading. Awarded £600,000, over three years, the aim is to make the industry more accessible and help train and develop new and emerging film and TV production crew. 

The funding is part of a wider industry initiative to support skills training and development across the UK as the film and TV production industry faces a skills shortage. The scheme aims to create opportunities for new entrants to the workforce, those from under-represented backgrounds, individuals upskilling and over ‘50s jobseekers returning to work.  

Slough-based social enterprise Resource Productions CIC leads the initiative to help identify skills shortages and coordinate training opportunities for production crew in the local area. The aim is to build a larger local skills base and help people find viable routes into the screen industry, while also providing effective career development support. It has been recognised that diversity in the film industry is crucial for promoting new perspectives from underrepresented groups, creating a more authentic representation of the world.