MORE than100 business from across the North-East will gather in Gateshead tomorrow to share ideas on how to boost workplace diversity and inclusion in the region.

The CBI’s North East Inclusion Conference will hear from industry leaders – including Virgin Money, Northumbrian Water and AON – who are striving to create fairer and inclusive workplaces.

Through a mixture of keynote, panel and interactive breakout sessions, companies will hear practical advice on topics including recruitment, how to handle demographic changes in the workforce and how to promote fairness, diversity and inclusion.

The conference will also concentrate on health and wellbeing, following the recent CBI launch of “Front of Mind” – a report helping firms better understand what steps they can take to improve workplace health and wellbeing.

The report offers practical guidance, such as making health and wellbeing a leadership priority, creating a culture where physical and mental health have equal focus, and prioritising prevention, not just the cure.

Sarah Glendinning, CBI North East director, said: “Regularly, members tell us they’re looking at innovative ways to create workplaces that enable their employees to fulfil their potential, as well as generate opportunities for their organisations to thrive. Evidence shows diverse workplaces bring both commercial and personal success. Having heard many of the speakers before, I know attendees will leave inspired and able to take ideas straight back to their businesses. I’m thoroughly looking forward to the event.”