Starbucks has been named as the first brand to make use of a Havas Media marketplace which aims to provide an easier way for advertisers to support underrepresented groups with their digital paid media investments.

The UK launch of the s­ocial equity marketplace follows the launch of a similar marketplace in the US. The UK marketplace focuses on Black, Asian, minority ethnic, women, and LGBTQ+-owned and operated media partners, while the US one focuses on Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, and LGBTQ+-owned media businesses.

UK publishers currently onboard include The Source, Gay Times, Pink News, and Woman Alive, as well as publishers across the UK’s Asian communities.

“At a time where consumer and business sentiment are focused on social action in many forms, Havas Media Group felt it was important to offer our clients a way to make a positive and meaningful impact on society,” said Simon Bevan, Chief Investment Officer at Havas Media Group. “We are uniquely placed to be the first market outside of the US to launch an offering like this, and we’re hugely proud to be able to give our clients the opportunity to support underrepresented groups with their media investment.”