Small and medium-sized businesses in the City of London have been urged to remove barriers and unlock the benefits of accessibility, while tapping into the estimated £446 billion in annual spending power of disabled people and their households, known as the ‘Purple Pound’.

The call came at the City of London Corporation’s Accessibility in the City event, hosted at the Old Bailey by its Sheriff of London, Deputy Keith Bottomley. The event brought together business leaders, accessibility experts and people with lived experience of disability to give SMEs practical advice on making their workplaces and services more accessible.

Removing barriers in the workplace can help businesses access a wider pool of disabled talent, retain valuable skills and experience, and create an environment where more employees can contribute fully and productively.

Around 200 attendees heard how improving accessibility can also help businesses reach new customers, improve products and services, and strengthen their reputation.

The City of London Corporation’s Sheriff of London, Deputy Keith Bottomley, said:

“Accessibility and inclusion are no longer peripheral issues. They are business issues and issues of opportunity and whether people feel that a place, organisation, product or service is genuinely open to them.

“With £446 billion in annual spending power among disabled people and their households in the UK, businesses that make their products, services and workplaces accessible can reach more customers, attract more talent and create better experiences for everyone.

“The Accessibility in the City event was about giving SMEs the practical tools, knowledge and connections they need to turn good intentions into action – and show what is possible when businesses design with everyone in mind.”

The event is part of the City Corporation’s City Belonging Project, which aims to create a Square Mile where everyone can belong, thrive, and succeed.

Supporting businesses to become more accessible and inclusive is a key part of this work, helping to widen employment opportunities, improve customer experiences and ensure the City is welcoming to residents, workers, visitors and businesses.

The event provided practical guidance on areas including workplace adjustments, flexible working, communication, inclusive meetings, digital accessibility and customer service, helping businesses identify changes they can make in their own organisations.