According to the findings, while there is some consensus in the steps taken to create more diverse and inclusive environments in the fashion and creative industries, there is still some way to go.

Almost half (45%) of respondents reveal they have had to leave their current role to achieve a promotion. Of these, 52% are now at the management and mid-senior level.

The study assessed representation and the employee lifecycle for underrepresented groups within the fashion and creative industries, specifically exploring how companies draw in applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, their ability to retain underrepresented employees and whether they are enabling underrepresented progression within organisations and the wider industry relative to non-minority employees.

As part of the research, Blurred applied its expertise in ESGP (ESG + Purpose) to explore the gaps between intention and performance when it comes to underrepresented representation and the implications for sustainability more widely.

Through the research, Blurred x FMA found that the fashion and beauty industries are still facing three critical challenges related to equity and inclusion in the employee lifecycle, namely:

• Difficulty in creating a sense of inclusion and belonging consistently across corporate culture and business practices
• Attrition of staff from underrepresented backgrounds at the mid-level linked to lack of progression or promotion prospects
• Lack of preparation and education to avert crises related to representation – both internally and externally – that demonstrate performative commitment to inclusive practices.

The report builds on these findings with targeted, actionable recommendations for brands and businesses.

Alexis Williams, chairman at Fashion Minority Alliance said: “Fashion Minority Alliance is proud to have partnered with Blurred in this endeavour. The work will help give a deeper understanding of the status of inclusion and belonging in the fashion and beauty sectors. Providing pathway support for individuals from underrepresented communities together with inclusion and belonging strategies to fashion and beauty businesses as a whole are central to our work at Fashion Minority Alliance and this research will help us to strengthen our efforts.”

Nik Govier, founder and CEO of Blurred said: “The Fashion Minority Alliance is a truly impactful organisation that is raising the standards of representation and diversity in the fashion industry. Diversity, equity and inclusion are core to our values at Blurred, so we’re excited to be launching this much needed research with the Fashion Minority Alliance, and looking forward to delivering insights that can drive change.”