British Land has today signed up to The Valuable 500, a global movement working to get 500 of the world’s largest businesses to commit to placing disability inclusion on their business leadership agendas.

The Valuable 500 is the only global CEO community dedicated to radically transforming the business system across the whole supply chain for the benefit of all those with a disability. Launched on the main stage at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in January 2019, the movement has now secured the commitment of 326 companies.

British Land joins these companies in committing to disability inclusion, supporting The Valuable 500 in unlocking the business, social and economic value of the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities around the world.

Simon Carter, Chief Financial Officer and CEO designate of British Land said: “Diversity and inclusion is central to driving innovation, understanding our customers and ultimately the success of our business. We work very hard to ensure that British Land is an organisation where people feel free to bring their whole selves to work and I am delighted that we are joining The Valuable 500’s campaign focusing on disability inclusion.”

Caroline Casey, Founder of The Valuable 500, said: “We are delighted to see the momentum of the sign up to The Valuable 500 continuing throughout the global pandemic, demonstrating that businesses are listening and taking action to create a more inclusive society globally. We wholeheartedly welcome the latest members joining, at this critical tipping point as business is presented with a unique opportunity to remould and remake itself.”

British Land is committed to creating a culture that encourages diversity and inclusion and supports associations such as Stonewall, Real Estate Balance, 30% Club, EW Inclusive Culture and OUTstanding. In 2017, British Land became the first listed property company to achieve the National Equality Standard and in 2019 The Social Mobility Foundation ranked British Land 41st in the Social Mobility Employer Index.

Notes to Editors

About British Land

Our portfolio of high quality UK commercial property is focused on London Offices and Retail around the UK. We own or manage a portfolio valued at £14.8bn (British Land share: £11.2bn) as at 31 March 2020 making us one of Europe’s largest listed real estate investment companies.

Our strategy is to provide places which meet the needs of our customers and respond to changing lifestyles - Places People Prefer. We do this by creating great environments both inside and outside our buildings and use our scale and placemaking skills to enhance and enliven them. This expands their appeal to a broader range of occupiers, creating enduring demand and driving sustainable, long term performance.

Our Offices portfolio comprises three office-led campuses in central London as well as high quality standalone buildings and accounts for 60% of our portfolio. Our Retail portfolio is focused on retail parks and shopping centres, and accounts for 35% of our portfolio. Increasingly our focus is on providing a mix of uses and this is most evident at Canada Water, our 53 acre redevelopment opportunity where we have plans to create a new neighbourhood for London.

Sustainability is embedded throughout our business. Our places, which are designed to meet high sustainability standards, become part of local communities, provide opportunities for skills development and employment and promote wellbeing. In April 2016 British Land received the Queen's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development, the UK's highest accolade for business success for economic, social and environmental achievements over a period of five years.

Further details can be found on the British Land website at www.britishland.com

About The Valuable 500 Campaign

Launched by social entrepreneur and activist Caroline Casey at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in January 2019, The Valuable 500 aims to put disability on the global business leadership agenda.

The Valuable 500 was created by Binc, the organisation founded by Caroline Casey in 2015, with a mission to ignite a historic global movement for a new age of business inclusion - capitalising on Caroline Casey’s 18-year track record of success engaging over 450 organisations. The campaign has won three awards: a Cannes Lion, D&AD, and a BIMA.

Our goal is to persuade 500 multinational companies that have at least 1,000 employees to make a public commitment to advance disability inclusion in their organisation. By engaging the most influential business leaders and brands, we want to create a tipping point within business that unlocks the business, social and economic value of the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities around the world, and the millions of us who will become disabled over time

We believe that if business takes a lead, society and government will follow, truly inclusive businesses can build truly inclusive societies.