The APPG for Ethnic Minority Business Owners is delighted to be celebrating its third year anniversary since it was founded in 2019 with an event at the House of Commons. The event also provided us with an opportunity to celebrate the enormous contribution of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Entrepreneurs who are estimated to contribute approximately £25bn to the UK’s economy
Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake
The event was attended by over 100 Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic business owners from across the UK for a special speaker reception. MP Kevin Hollinrake Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business gave a keynote speech in which he acknowledged the important contribution of ethnic minority business owners. The Minister also outlined the Government’s support for inclusive growth and the range of support options available including: HelpToGrow and Small Business Start Up Loan scheme. The Minister also explained that 20% of the start up loans were given to ethnic minority business owners. This equates to more than 11,000 businesses being able to start up as a result of the scheme since it was started in 2012.
The Black Farmer
Special guest, successful businessman Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones AKA 'The Black Farmer', gave a rousing address in which he charted his inspirational journey from a school boy allotment hobbyist in Birmingham to successful Devon farmer and household brand name. Wilfred also outlined his role as chair of the APPG’s planned Business Ethnicity Finance Review which aims to create a cross industry forum to seeks solutions to the barriers that diverse founders face in accessing the finance that they need for their businesses to thrive.
APPG Chair & Co-Chairs
Speakers APPG chair Sir Peter Bottomley MP, and co-chairs Sarah Olney MP and Abena Oppong Asare MP, were also joined by a range of MPs and Peers from across political parties to acknowledge the work of the APPG and the vital role that diverse founders play in contributing to the growth and prosperity of the UK’s economy. MP Sarah Olney also announced the launch of the APPG’s #Manifesto for Ethnic Minority Business Owners. The Manifesto calls for a coherent programme of change to overcome the barriers that ethnic minority founders face and provide more opportunities for business success and economic growth
APPG Supporters
Business owners and APPG supporters Lola Owolabi founder of women and girls charity Proudtobeme and Moslek Uddin founder of UK Curry Connect were joined by eminent ethnic minority entrepreneurship Professor Monder Ram as speakers. They each explained why they think that the work of the APPG is important to ensuring that the voice of ethnic minority business owners from diverse ethnic backgrounds, regions and business sectors across the UK is represented in order to enable policy makers to better understand and address their needs.
Awareness & Influence
A key aim of the event and the wider work of the APPG is to raise awareness and enlist support from grassroots business owners. The APPG also aims to continue to grow its influence and involvement with policy makers to ensure that barriers are addressed and that more economic opportunities are provided to maximise the potential for inclusive growth and prosperity for the benefit of diverse communities and the overall UK economy.
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Also see our photo gallery from the event below
With grateful thanks to our Sponsors for their kind support of the APPG’s third year anniversary event
Shakeel Ali founder of Desi Gap Shap Mental Health support for ethnic minority people.
SLS - Sponsor License Specialists who support business growth through sponsoring skilled staff from overseas,
Tea Exchange who specialise in fine teas from across the world and the Black Farmer and his 'New Faces in Farming' project which supports young people from non-traditional backgrounds to help them to enter the farming industry.
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