Empowering Innovation: Naidex and Lloyds Banking Group announce new partnership
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Naidex, the UK’s leading disability event, is proud to announce Lloyds Banking Group as the headline partner for its upcoming event, taking place on March 19th-20th, 2025, at the NEC Birmingham. This partnership will empower the disabled community, allies, and organisations by showcasing innovative solutions and driving progress toward a more inclusive economy and society.
Lloyds Banking Group is committed to championing disability inclusion for its colleagues, customers, and communities. Recognised as a leading employer for people with disabilities by the Business Disability Forum, they were awarded their Gold Standard Benchmark in 2023, as well as their Disability Confident Leader status by the Department for Work and Pensions. They have recently launched a groundbreaking Group-wide disability and neurodiversity upskill programme, which has also been made publicly available to individuals, businesses, and organisations. Lloyds Banking Group also proudly sponsor the Disability Power 100 list, celebrating the contributions and achievements of influential disabled individuals across the UK.
As a founding signatory of the Disability Finance Code for Entrepreneurship, Lloyds Banking Group is helping drive systemic change by collaborating with industry and government to increase access to finance for disabled entrepreneurs, unlocking the potential of this often-overlooked community. The work is underpinned by disability inclusion and representation within their colleague population, inclusive design of products and services, and tailored support to help disabled entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Lloyds Banking Group are dedicated to listening, learning, and responding to the unique challenges faced by disabled entrepreneurs. Their commitment is exemplified through partnerships such as the Disability and Entrepreneurship Report with Small Business Britain, and their active involvement with the Lilac Review, a government-backed initiative tackling inequalities faced by disabled-led businesses.
Josh Waddell, Group Commercial Director at Naidex, shared his excitement about the partnership:
“We are thrilled to announce Lloyds Banking Group as our headline sponsor for Naidex 2025. Their pioneering support for colleagues, customers, and communities complements our mission to empower, break down barriers and shine a light on more role models for the community."
Rachel Osikoya, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Lloyds Banking Group says:
“At Lloyds Banking Group, we are committed to being a leader in disability and neuro-inclusion, driving a more inclusive society for everyone. We are proud to support Naidex, a flagship event that elevates this vital agenda. Events like this are essential to champion role models, showcase successful initiatives, and highlight areas where progress is needed. When our customers, colleagues and communities are given equal access to opportunities it fosters innovation, builds diverse workplaces, and powers economic growth that benefits us all. Getting this right is at the heart of helping Britain prosper – a more inclusive society is a more prosperous society, and a diverse business is a better business.”
As part of this partnership, Naidex and Lloyds Banking Group are also launching ‘Elevate – Disabled Founders Pitch’ - an exciting new initiative aimed at supporting and scaling disabled-led businesses. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their business to a panel of industry experts and the Naidex audience, with the chance to win a range of support to help them grow. To apply for this opportunity, please submit your application by the 11th February at https://www.naidex.co.uk/elevate-disabled-founders-pitch.
Naidex takes place on 19th- 20th March at the NEC Birmingham and is free to attend. If you would like to meet with the Lloyds Banking Group team at the event you can visit them on their stand BWB-J190. Register your free tickets at www.naidex.co.uk.