Introduction
Puig–a global leader in fragrance, fashion, make up and skin care––recognised the need to take a stand on critical social issues and find sustainable ways to engage with their local communities. Being part of the luxury sector, Puig recognised that their industry could feel distant or unreachable to individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Committed to breaking down these barriers and fostering inclusion, Puig partnered with Ladder Consulting to address the challenge head-on, aiming to redefine professional access within the industry.
The Concept
In partnership with Puig, Ladder Consulting brought this vision to life, creating two Community Impact initiatives that reimagined how Puig could provide professional support, exposure and employability opportunities to individuals who faced barriers to professional access. The Retail Discovery Programme immersed participants in the world of beauty through workplace shadowing, industry-recognised training, and tailored workshops – unlocking skills and confidence for the future. Alongside this, the EMEA Mentoring Programme paired Puig employees with young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, providing invaluable guidance, inspiration, and the tools to overcome barriers.
The Programmes
Retail Discovery Programme
This four-week programme was designed to immerse participants in the world of beauty retail through a combination of hands-on and structured learning experiences. Participants shadowed professionals at Penhaligon’s, completed industry-recognised beauty courses to develop practical skills, and attended HR-led workshops at Puig’s London office. These sessions focused on professional growth, offering insights into career pathways and the skills needed to thrive in the industry. The programme created a clear bridge between aspiration and opportunity for individuals who otherwise faced significant barriers to access.
EMEA Mentoring Programme
Spanning four months, this mentoring initiative paired 50 Puig employees with young people aged 18-25 from low socioeconomic backgrounds across the UK, Spain, Italy, and DACH. Each mentor-mentee pairing followed a structured curriculum designed to build confidence, enhance employability, and provide guidance on navigating career challenges. The programme’s regional scope highlighted Puig’s commitment to social mobility across its key markets, while fostering meaningful, one-on-one connections that inspired both mentors and mentees.
The Impact
The Beauty Retail Discovery Programme delivered significant outcomes, with participants reporting increased confidence in professional environments and readiness to pursue careers in beauty retail. Five out of six participants expressed a desire for full-time roles in the industry, and three specifically identified Puig as their ideal employer. These results highlighted the programme’s ability to break down barriers and inspire ambition among individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
The EMEA Mentoring Programme also created lasting change, connecting Puig employees with young people across the UK, Spain, Italy, and DACH regions. Among mentees, 100% reported feeling better prepared to make career decisions, while 93% felt more excited about their futures. Mentors, too, reflected on the programme’s impact, with 96% gaining a stronger understanding of Puig’s role in advancing social mobility.
What's Next
Building on the success of these initiatives, Puig and Ladder Consulting are planning to expand their impact in 2025. Proposed developments include increasing the reach of the EMEA Mentoring Programme by introducing additional regions and scaling participation, as well as enhancing the Beauty Retail Discovery Programme to include new locations and a more streamlined structure. By continuing to align social mobility goals with business objectives, Puig aims to solidify its role as a leader in fostering equity and opportunity within the luxury sector.
