26th July 2023

We are excited to announce our collaboration with Creative Access, the leading diversity and inclusion social enterprise, to mark Lee & Thompson’s 40th anniversary.

Creative Access works to build a creative economy that reflects and represents the society it exists to serve. The organisation works to open up access to careers for those from groups under-represented in the creative industries and ensuring they thrive once working in the sector.

Lee & Thompson’s new three-year partnership with Creative Access will specifically focus on addressing the barriers to progression often faced by many mid to senior level individuals from under-represented groups.  Research shows that there are significant disparities in progression in the creative industries for those from under-represented backgrounds and that talent is getting ‘stuck in the middle’.  Creative Access’s latest research shows over a third of individuals from under-represented groups do not have the career related know-how nor the networks they believe are needed to advance in their careers, and 81% would like access to bespoke career support, mentoring and training.

Lee & Thompson will fund 10 places per year on the Creative Access Career Development Programme designed to address these barriers to progression, through a combination of mentoring, training and network building.   The firm will be taking a hands on role by supporting Creative Access with the development of the programme, hosting training and networking events, providing mentoring to participants and delivering legal fundamentals training sessions.

Bibi Hilton, CEO of Creative Access said:

“It was clear from our first meeting with the Lee & Thompson team that they share our values and determination to build a creative economy that reflects the society it exists to serve. Increasing the pace of progression for those at mid to senior levels from under-represented groups has a doubly positive impact on the sector. Individuals in these roles have the power and influence to expedite further change. They can also act as critical role models and advocates for the next generation, who are more likely to stay in the industry if they can see individuals who look like them, share their lived experience and can advise and mentor them.”

Reno Antoniades, Managing Partner of Lee & Thompson said:

“We wanted to commit to a meaningful partnership with an organisation working at the heart of the industries that have played such a significant role in Lee & Thompson’s journey over the past 40 years. We chose Creative Access because their mission to support those from under-represented groups trying to access and thrive in the creative sectors is absolutely critical.

For forty years, Lee & Thompson has worked with clients at the forefront of the creative industries and we understand the intrinsic link between diversity and creativity.  That is why we are backing this collaboration, not only financially, but also with our time, expertise, networks and knowhow.

We are excited to be working with the Creative Access team and look forward to seeing the impact of our collaboration.”