Softcat proudly supports the Women and Diversity in Channel Awards 2026

The VAR says diverse teams, inclusive cultures and visible role models are critical to building a stronger technology industry

For Softcat, this partnership reflects a long-held belief that diverse teams, inclusive cultures and visible role models are essential to building a progressive, resilient, and more innovative industry.

As a leading UK IT infrastructure provider, Softcat has built its success around people. Its award-winning, employee-first culture sits at the heart of how the organisation supports customers, develops talent, and creates opportunities for people to thrive.

Supporting the Women and Diversity in the Channel Awards is a natural extension of that commitment, helping to recognise the individuals, allies and organisations driving meaningful change across the sector.

These awards do more than celebrate achievement. They create a platform for wider industry progress, by showcasing success stories, sharing best practices, and elevating underrepresented voices that help turn conversation into action.

Softcat’s involvement is about contributing to that momentum: championing representation, encouraging inclusive leadership and supporting a channel where opportunity is open to all.

The company also believes that meaningful industry change starts with action inside organisations as well as across the wider channel.

That focus is reflected in Softcat’s own journey. The business continues to make measurable progress, underpinned by sustained investment in its people, communities, and social impact agenda.

Softcat continues to strengthen its approach to inclusion and sustainability, with representation being the main marker of progress. Women now make up 38 per cent of Softcat’s workforce, compared with 37 per cent in the previous year, and ethnic minority representation has increased to 22 per cent, compared with 18 per cent one year ago.

While Softcat is proud of this progress, the business recognises that inclusion is an ongoing commitment, not a destination.

Through employee networks, leadership accountability, community partnerships, and targeted initiatives, the company is working to create an environment where people feel they belong and can build successful, fulfilling careers in tech.

By supporting the Women and Diversity in the Channel Awards, Softcat hopes to help raise the profile of the people leading change while inspiring others across the industry to keep pushing forward.

Because when more people can see themselves represented, supported and celebrated in the channel, the whole industry benefits. This commitment is reinforced by leaders across the business, including Rachel Cowell, head of diversity, inclusion and talent acquisition.

“Allyship is about what happens when D&I isn’t in the room, understanding different perspectives, challenging assumptions and using your influence to champion others," said Cowell.

"That’s when it becomes genuine, rather than something we do because we’re being asked to."

This article is sponsored by Softcat