Walpole: What is your personal background in the luxury sector?
Daniel Peters [pictured above, right]: I would say that my introduction to the luxury sector was through a retail role at Selfridges in 2006, where I had the opportunity to work in what was then referred to as the 'Men's Superbrands Room'. I'd long-coveted the items in that space, but it was the first time that I had such close proximity to the product and to the customer. However, my big break came aged 19 when I was taken on for a short-term role at Burberry's headquarters in London, which went on to become a four-year career where I produced the global events, global showrooms and runway shows. As someone from a background that didn't allow for an introduction to luxury from a young age, this experience at Burberry made the industry and a career feel tangible. I had the opportunity to work on such a wide array of projects that are still, nearly 15 years later, highlights which make me feel excited for the sector.
Why did you set up Minority Report Group?
In the midst of the pandemic, I – like many others – had the opportunity to reflect on what was happening in the world, but my train of thought extended to what my experience as a minority in the workplace had been. My realisation led me to the stark realisation that whilst I had faced challenges, I had what I call professional privilege – and that privilege lends itself to supporting underrepresented people to thrive and better establish themselves through my community and network. That spark led me to launch the Minority Report Group as a way to create inclusive workplace culture for diverse voices. We all have the ability to create change, and this was my path to help businesses and their teams to foster a better culture of belonging.
What is your area of expertise and how can luxury brands benefit from working with you?
At the Minority Report Group, we work with organisations to help them shift the dial on creating robust and impactful Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategies. It's important that, foundationally, we are creating the right impact for people from diverse backgrounds to thrive across all levels of seniority. Outside of this, the (Fashion) Minority Report has successfully helped to support emerging talent to access the fashion industry through mentoring programmes, learning and development programmes and incubators.
Our work with a multitude of partners has allowed us to creating a lasting impact across their organisations. Quite often businesses either don't know what they can do in the space, or, after the great work that they've implemented, it feels as if the engagement has dwindled. We work with your business to create a solution that works to your needs and those of your team. It isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, nor is it a race, but we can help you to build lasting impact in DEI.
What luxury brands has Minority Report Group worked with?
Since launching in 2020, some of our clients and/or partners have included dunhill, Browns and Orlebar Brown – and we continue to welcome new clients from the luxury sector.
What has been your proudest achievement so far with the organisation?
Our proudest achievements for me generally centre around the people who we are able to support through our work. Whether a small or big change that we enable, any talent who we are able to advance, any shift in mindset, and any new opportunity that we are able to unlock for someone who is from a lower socioeconomic background or someone who identifies as being from an underrepresented community, it all feeds into the bigger picture. It was also wonderful to collaborate on developing The UK Fashion DEI Report with the British Fashion Council and The Outsiders Perspective. On a personal note, being recognised as one of the Vogue Business 100 Innovators in 2023 was a true highlight.
Why was it important for your organisation to be involved with Walpole?
Walpole is a driving force behind the British luxury sector, and as such, fuelling the collaborative conversation about many varying topics for the industry such as DEI. I see the industry as having a great opportunity to further leverage the opinions and voices of diverse communities within their organisations, in turn helping to boost the sector and the economy, and a partnership with Walpole helps to cement that opportunity to do so.
> Find out more about Minority Report Group on its Walpole partner profile
