Inclusion and neurodiversity took centre stage at this morning’s City Breakfast, hosted by Mercer & Hole and held at YMCA Milton Keynes.
Business leaders heard how the Umbrella Project — which saw more than 400 colourful umbrellas suspended in Midsummer Place earlier this year — has left a lasting impact beyond the striking display. The initiative, led by Jane Lambert, aimed to raise awareness of neurodiversity and to create a city that celebrates diversity long after the installation was gone.
Sarah Sweet-Rowley explained how the project also established an information hub in a vacant retail unit, helping visitors to educate, celebrate and advocate. The space connected people to support services and boosted city centre footfall by 26% during the installation — the largest of its kind in the UK.
John Manning, founder of wellbeing organisation Arthur Ellis, shared how small, practical adjustments can transform lives. He described working with a young man with autism and ADHD whose life turned around through simple changes to his daily routine. “Supporting people doesn’t have to cost a lot — simple changes can help someone thrive,” he said, urging businesses to sign up to the city’s Inclusion Charter.
Diversity strategist Gamiel Yafai emphasised the wider business benefits, pointing out that 15–20% of the global population is neurodivergent. “Neurodivergent individuals bring creativity, spot inefficiencies, and can strengthen brand reputation. Inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do — it makes business sense,” he said.
Sarah Sweet-Rowley added that the charter is designed to guide organisations towards progress rather than perfection. Already, 22 Milton Keynes organisations have signed up to the movement.
City Breakfast Club, hosted by Mercer & Hole, continues to bring together business leaders to share ideas and build connections across Milton Keynes.
Find out more about the City Breakfast Club: www.citybreakfastclub.co.uk
Learn about the Inclusion Charter: www.mkumbrellaproject.org
