The Voice Black Business Guide: May 2022

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2022-23

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2022-23

UK BLACK BUSINESS GUIDE

MAY ISSUE 6 UK B L A C K B U S I N E S S G U I D E

Tailoring your business space p8 20 years of designing inspiring workplaces

Entrepreneur who believes you can achieve p24

Changing the face of the jewellery trade p30

Multi-millionaire aspires to help other business owners

Working with young people to improve their lives

Black Pages Directory Connecting you with the Black and Caribbean Business Community

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CONTENTS

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Black business growth must be given greater support says new report

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HelloFresh signs with leading UK Caribbean food and drink supplier

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How a holiday inspired the launch of a business

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Ruddocks and Co. sign up to Living Wage mandate

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Young visionary motivates all

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Civil engineer Remi Osinowo teaches aspiring engineers

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As market awareness increases demand for fine wine grows

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Guide to help businesses achieve success

The Voice Media Group (GV Media Group Ltd) Telephone: 020 7510 0340 Website: www.voice-online.co.uk Facebook @voicenews DESIGNED BY: Thierry Lagrin Tel: 077 9906 8011

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Twitter @TheVoiceNews Instagram @thevoicenewspaper To advertise: 020 7510 0340 or email: advertising@thevoicemediagroup.co.uk To share your stories: newsdesk@thevoicemediagroup.co.uk Subscribe to the Voice newspaper and get your printed copy delivered to your door: subscriptions@thevoicemediagroup.co.uk

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POTENTIAL: The contribution of black and ethnic minority owned businesses could rise from £25 billion to £100 billion if they are given the right support

Black business growth must be given greater support says new report The Time to Change report from Aston University and NatWest calls for big changes in the way black and minority ethnic businesses are treated by the UK’s finance and business sectors

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LACK AND minority ethnic business owners must be supported in their efforts to grow, especially in light of the pandemic’s harmful effects on people from these communities, according to a new report.

Research conducted by Aston University’s Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) and NatWest is calling for significant improvements in the support that black and ethnic minority-owned firms receive from the business and

finance sectors in the UK. These businesses encounter several challenges in obtaining financing, access to markets, and high-quality business support, the report, called Time to Change, concluded.

It made 10 key recommendations and said

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“The entrepreneurial ambition of ethnic minorities can play a crucial role in the UK Government’s vision of ‘Levelling Up’ prosperity across regions and creating a more cohesive society.”

Monder Ram

REPORT: Monder Ram, director of CRÈME, Aston University

that if they are put into action, these companies’ annual contribution to the UK economy could rise from £25 billion to £100 billion.

“This major report sets out an ambitious yet practical agenda to realise the potential of UK’s ethnic minority businesses” said Monder Ram, director of CREME. “The entrepreneurial ambition of ethnic minorities can play a crucial role in the UK Government’s vision of ‘Levelling Up’ prosperity across regions, promoting trade opportunities of ‘Global Britain’ and creating a more cohesive society”.

Ram continued: “Drawing on the latest research and examples of international best practice, the report presents a comprehensive approach to tackling the barriers faced by firms owned by ethnic minority communities.

“We pinpoint key challenges and present recommendations – informed by extensive consultation with business support practitioners and entrepreneurs – that invite policy-makers, corporations and entrepreneurs to collaborate in a new partnership to advance entrepreneurial activities and the UK’s diverse communities.”

Among the report’s recommendations

are that the UK’s business and finance sectors should work together to ensure more sustainable and quality business support to help minority business owners realise their growth potential.

It also calls for the creation of local community hubs of business and finance organisations to better engage with Ethnic Minority Businesses (EMBs), and ease their access to finance and for the government to develop a UK-wide policy on inclusive entrepreneurship to set out a clear vision for achieving inclusive growth.

Dr Eva Kašperová, a research fellow at CREME, said: “To address the barriers faced by EMBs and help them realise their entrepreneurial potential will require commitment and leadership from the government as well as local business support ecosystem actors.

“The current lack of an explicit UK-wide policy on inclusive entrepreneurship could mean that some parts of the country are left behind in terms of tackling structural inequalities and enabling entrepreneurs from ethnic minority communities and other under-represented or disadvantaged groups to access finance, wider markets and quality

business support.

“If past experience is a guide, ensuring commitment from key stakeholders may be the biggest challenge.”

Andrew Harrison, head of Business Banking at NatWest Group, said: “As the UK’s biggest bank for business, we’re committed to championing small businesses and supporting growth, but we know that there are barriers which disproportionately affect ethnic minority businesses.

“This is why we aim for at least 20% of the places on our 13 nationwide accelerator hubs to be for ethnic minority entrepreneurs.

In 2021, 26% of businesses in our hubs were EMBs. “Only close collaboration can deliver meaningful change to ensure EMBs get the support they need to reach their full potential. Now is the time to accelerate action, and at NatWest we commit to playing an integral role in the change that is required.” n

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Black businesses are boosting the economy… and they need our support

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he British economy benefits greatly from the contributions of blackowned enterprises. Entrepreneurs from black and minority ethnic backgrounds contribute an estimated £25 billion to the economy, according to a recent study by the Federation of Small Businesses.

And these are innovative businesses – the last decade has seen black entrepreneurs expanding into industries such as technology, financial services and engineering; fields in which previously, there were few people of African Caribbean heritage.

These businesses had to demonstrate that same innovative spirit and resilience to successfully navigate the Covid 19 pandemic.

Minority-owned businesses, which often lack the same access to finance and business support than their white counterparts, were especially hit hard. Despite the restrictions of lockdown many continued to prosper, with many transferring their business online and developing new products and services.

This sixth edition of The Voice Black Business Guide includes stories of how black-owned firms have adapted to a changed business landscape.

There are inspiring accounts of entrepreneurs who rose from personal adversity to achieve success and others who have found ways to get round the lack of financial support from banks in order to grow their companies.

It also features stories about business owners who, through their accomplishments, are changing the way their industries work to make them more inclusive.

For many in the black community entrepreneurship represents much more than just owning a successful business.

Black-owned businesses are uniquely positioned to assist in creating wealth in the majority-black communities where they often reside. They have a deep understanding of the local communities they serve, and their success has a significant impact on creating jobs.

The Voice has a long history of championing black businesses as well as campaigning against the barriers they face such as discriminatory bank lending.

As we report in this edition of the guide, recent research from Aston University is calling for significant improvements in the support that black and minority-owned firms receive from the UK’s business and finance sectors. This call mirrors something The Voice has always highlighted - strengthening black businesses strengthens the economy, which in turn helps the UK to remain globally competitive.

As Aston University’s Monder Ram says the entrepreneurial ambition of ethnic minorities can play a crucial role in the government’s ‘Levelling Up’ agenda, helping to create prosperity and a more cohesive society. As with previous editions the Voice’s Black Business Guide provides these entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their products and services to a wider audience and enable potential customers to support their continued growth.

Businesses in a wide range of sectors – from hair and beauty, food tech, publishing, and property to name a few are featured in

this latest edition which is being published in print and online. It is also a resource that can be shared with business support organisations, policy-makers to facilitate collaboration with black business owners. The landmark Black Pound Report 2022, found that ‘multi-ethnic’ consumers, (the term it uses to describe people from black, Asian, and other ethnic groups) have an annual disposable income of £4.5 billion. The figure for African Caribbeans consumers is £1.1 billion.

Just think about that. This buying power is equivalent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), of a number of middle income countries. A significant proportion of that money that should be spent with black businesses.

Doing so helps these businesses grow and contribute to generational wealth in the communities in which they are based. n Please continue to support black-owned businesses. If you would like to advertise in the next edition, please contact us at: advertising@thevoicemediagroup.co.uk

Let’s build together

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How a holiday inspired the launch of a business Advice given to Patricia Monney in Ghana, that helped her daughter to walk properly, inspired her to start a new business

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ost people wouldn’t expect a holiday to inspire them to start a new business. But that’s what happened to Patricia Monney after she travelled to Ghana with her family to visit some relatives.

At the time, she was worried that her twoyear-old daughter had not starting walking yet. Her relatives also shared their concerns.

“My GP in the UK said she was ok, but when in Ghana, I decided to check it out” she recalls.

Monney visited a local doctor who then referred her to a bone specialist.

“The bone specialist looked at her ankle and asked me if I knew about shea butter” she says. “I was surprised and told him ‘Of course I do, I come from the region in Ghana where it is produced’.

“He then told me to massage her ankle in shea butter for two weeks before deciding if my daughter needed surgery or not.”

Monney was sceptical about the advice, thinking it was a waste of time, but she agreed to follow it.

However, just a few days later, she was amazed at what happened.

“All of a sudden, we just saw this little girl stand up and start walking. Nobody could believe it. Two weeks later I returned to see that specialist. I asked him how was shea butter able to help my daughter to walk. He said it looked like her ankle was very stiff so when she tried to walk she could feel a lot of pain. Because shea butter has a lot of vitamin

NATURAL: Aviela’s products use the highest grade shea butter to treat a range of dry skin conditions

BRAINWAVE: Patricia Monney (left) was inspired to launch her skincare company Aviela

A, minerals, and other anti-inflammatory properties it helped to soften the cartilage in the ankle.”

Monney decided to do some research into the health properties of shea butter.

In Ghana, it is known for its use in cooking. Typically the women of the household will gather up the shea nuts and turn them into butter in their kitchens.

butter to others despite having no business background.

Her company, Aviela Skincare, offers natural skincare products such as creams and lotions which use shea butter as their main ingredients.

From her kitchen table she researched a range of possible products, tested them and designed the packaging.

It was hard work on top of her day job but Monney was determined.

“Africa has something very good” she says.

“Something that the West can’t steal from us. We can make our own thing and sell it. I have no business background but I thought rather than sit down for some big foreign company to chance on this I will.”

The initial launch of the Aviela Skincare range was in 2008.

But after some rebranding and further product development it was re-launched in May 2021.

“We want to see our products in in the hands of everyone who is experiencing the kind of skin problems that shea butter can help with. Our big target is high street stores like Selfridges, Holland and Barret and a return to Whole Foods Market. It takes a lot of time and negotiation but we already also contacting stores in the US.” n

“Africa has something very good, something that the West can’t steal from us” However she soon discovered that the highest grade, unrefined shea butter contains several valuable minerals, proteins and essential fatty acids that not only helped her daughter but could also treat dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

It was then that Monney, an NHS IT specialist, decided to launch a business that would bring the health benefits of shea

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Tailoring your space

aniel Taylor MBE is the founder of MDC Group, an award-winning office design agency with over 20 years of experience in designing truly inspiring workplaces for some of the world’s leading brands.

The company takes a ‘cradle to grave’ approach to design and works with clients of all sizes and at different stages of their business. It’s therefore no surprise that MDC Group boasts an impressive client list that includes Facebook, Dolby, Harley Davison and JN Bank –the first Jamaican cashless bank to operate in the UK. Some of MDC’s award-winning projects include the South-Central ambulance call centre, which was given a silver award by the Home office.

Over the years the company has prided itself in creating modern working environments that encourage productivity, while providing a level of comfort that one would expect when at home.

“When I started the business, I wanted to

create a legacy business, not a lifestyle business” Daniel says.

With such an upstanding successful business, I couldn’t help but wonder when and how it all started for this entrepreneur.

Daniel started his design career at Westinghouse, currently known as TECO-Westinghouse and then moved on to Allsteel, a subsidiary of BTR Group. While at Allsteel, Daniel followed his mentor as he moved up in the organisation to the positions of CEO

for Europe and Middle East, a role that required a lot of travel. It took him to places like Czechoslovakia (before it became known as Czech Republic), Qatar and Moscow to name a few.However, travelling for work wasn’t as easy, flexible and sexy as it is nowadays.

“When I used to travel for work, I used to take a suitcase full of gadgets in order to stay connected. For example, I had a laptop, modem, satellite phone and so the whole process became exhausting”, the entrepreneur recalls.

When Allsteel was taken over by another company, he saw this as an opportunity to build the legacy he’d always dreamt of. “I am an unusual designer in that I am a very creative person but I am also financially driven and always wanted to own and run my own business”, he says.

With a degree in products for commercial offices and a successful career at globally recognised companies, he had built the contact list and expertise to start MDC Group. His talent of being able to articulate an interior

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“I wanted to work with family because no one has my back like my family does” design project has continued to win clients over the years.

“I always look at my clients as my friends, because people buy from people” ‘he says.

Because of this analogy, Daniel was able to start the business with a few clients he’d worked for on previous projects. However, after a number of successful months, through the help of his accountant, he realised that his business was reliant on two customers.

This was a high risk in an industry that can easily be impacted, especially by economic downturns.

As such, he decided to re-invest in the business and to make it a family business, because “I had identified earlier on that the UK government was not going to create a provision for me during retirement. Therefore, I had to make that provision for me and my wife of 30 years.”

Today, MDC-group is flying the flag for gender representation at board level, with 3 out 5 of its executive board members being black women. “I wanted to work with family because no one has my back like my family does.

It just happens that my family is predominantly female. When you work with people who are committed to the cause, especially black women, who are strong mentally and physically, they think more methodically and give you a clearer direction, which helps me a lot in the business.”

Unlike most businesses, the Covid-19 hasn’t slowed MDC- Group down. The business was “in a very strong financial position before it happened”. The company continued to win contracts during the period and has re-branded its self as a one stop shop for all property development needs required.

Therefore, it has increased its offerings to in-

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INSPIRING: Daniel Taylor MBE founder of MDC Group

clude design, construction development and interior design.

Some of MDC’s latest projects include the Dartford hill hub by Rehoboth, and a high design gym with a fight club theme (i.e., catering for sports such as Jiu Jitsu, kick boxing).

The gym is to be placed in a high-density area where it will be used by the surrounding local community.

If you are involved in the construction or property development business, make sure to reach out MDC Group. n

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www.portroyalpatties.com

BUSINESS CONTINUES FOR VAL Our collection showcases a wide range of individual and selected statement pieces specialising in inspiring and often unique artwork that celebrates Val’s Caribbean and African heritage and culture.

Founder, Val Smith started out making wedding and party favours for friends and family. She soon noticed a huge gap in the market for affordable AfroCaribbean art and goods and so ‘Touched by an Angel by Val’ was born.

Val’s father was an accomplished tailor and her mother was involved in craft for many years, both of which inspired her love for sewing and creating unique decorative items.

Val’s shop in Greater Manchester was opened in 2020 but was soon hit by the pandemic and government closures which affected visits to the shop. Undeterred Val is closing the shop and has returned to showcasing her goods at fairs and events all over the country. Look out for details on her social media pages of events in Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield and in a County near you.

Val believes that quality and affordability go hand in hand so we’re sure you’ll find that special uplifting and inspirational something for yourself, your family and your friends. Her mission is to provide inspirational pieces to people of colour and their families that reflect the beauty and diversity of Afro-Caribbean culture.

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Uplifting the Community

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awn Carter is a property investor with over 27 years’ experience in an extensive range of areas, from private rental, residential and commercial sales, social housing to corporate lettings.

Dawn is also a practicing solicitor specialising in family and housing litigation. Dawn is also the Director and Owner of Carter Mills Limited, an independent black owned, residential and commercial estate agent operating in Brixton Hill since 1999.

Dawn has been instrumental to the growth in Brixton and the surrounding areas over the years.

Utilising her comprehensive net-

“Teaching young people interested in property how to navigate the sector” Dawn Carter, Owner and Manager

work in property and related sectors to build awareness of market opportunities.

Carter Mills is a family orientated business, built on honesty and trust with a strong focus on the customer. They take pride in giving clients bespoke, personal, clear and informed advice, based on their deep knowledge of the market.

With local expertise and a tailor made approach Carter Mills has established positive and long lasting relationships within the community.

As a local black business, they are invested in bettering the communities in which they operate. This includes teaching young people interested in property how to navigate the sector. Their aim is to make a lasting difference to the lives of young people, through apprenticeships, work experiences, and mentorship. Carter Mills aims to inspire a new generation by passing on their collective years of property knowledge.n

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Young entrepreneur visionary dreams motivates all

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BRIGHT: Young entrepreneur Shane Peltier

hane Peltier is a 9-year-old boy who lives in Hackney. Shane started up his own business company at the age of 7, called SP Creations. He was himself inspired by a young girl on Instagram who he saw putting her drawings onto T-shirts.

Shane wants to encourage others to go for what they want in life, and he uses his “DREAM BIG” motto to inspire and motivate other young children to have big dreams and go for what they want in life through his clothing and merchandise. This is the mission statement for SP Creations.

In October 2020 for Black History Month Shane partially hand drew a T-Shirt to celebrate Garrett A Morgan. Shane donated 10% of his proceedings to the Sickle Cell Society while continuing to donate to the NSPCC from his own pocket money. Giving back and helping others in need is very important to Shane. Most recently he saved up his pocket money hid £5 in envelopes with a note to encourage people not to give up on their dreams in these hard times, then hid the envelopes in

baby products in his local supermarket.

Shane has been part of the Black Pound Day Community and has received ongoing support from them. This has led to him being featured on ITV London News.

Shane has also been featured in the CCocoa Boy Magazine as a role model and most recently won an award through the Cocoa Girl Film Awards for his video and contribution to the Stephen Lawrence Day April 2022. In June Shane will be doing a tag team talk with The Right Honourable Stuart Lawrence in a local Hackney primary school in Stoke Newington.

Shane does a motivational small talk video every Monday on his Instagram page www. instagram.com/shane_p22 to keep everyone “Dreaming Big” he has also included other children in his business for things like his “Dream Big” Thursday where other children including teenagers send him videos of their dreams and aspiration to share with the world. Shane has also included children in his photo shoot and a fashion show which took place at the Ultra Education event in Wembley Stadium recently. He is also now

including his friends and supporters in pictures on his website, all of this is part of his mission to encourage others that they too can shine bright and let their “Greatness Within Shine Through”, another one of Shane’s motivational sayings.

Shane truly is an inspiration to all and shows strength, courage, determination and leadership way beyond his years. www.spcreations.co.uk Instagram: www.instagram.co./shane-p22

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Dreams become a shining reality

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our bespoke jewellery design experience starts with an in-depth discussion with one of our dedicated jewellery consultants.

From re-modelling an existing design to creating something that is completely unique; our expert designers will happily create a design brief for you, so you can see how your ideas and dreams can become a shining reality. In conjunction with the design concept, we also help you choose from our beautiful collection of stunning stones.

Whether you are looking for a perfectly cut diamond, a captivating ceylon sapphire or a beautiful Zambian emerald, it will be our pleasure to explore the different appearances, beauty and prices to help you to find your perfect option.

For more complex designs, we develop a series of hand-drawn or CAD images (depending on design requirements) for you to review. This will help you to confidently choose the perfect final design. n For more information visit: www.golddiscountjewellery.co.uk

Gold Discount Jewellery OUR REPUTATION IS BUILT ON QUALITY WE SELL:

WE REPAIR THE FOLLOWING:

Items of Jewellery

• Rings • Earrings • Bracelets • Bangles • Pendants • Charms • Chains

Gold (9 & 18ct), Silver & Platinum • Earrings • Rings • Bracelets • • Necklaces • Bangles • Pendants

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Gold, Silver & Platinum

WE ALSO RESET ALL TYPES OF STONES:

Cubic Zirconia, Semi-precious & Diamond Claw set • Pave set • Channel set • Rub set All setting prices are dependant on the size of the stone.

WATCH REPAIRS: Glass • Straps • Pins • Dials Price quotes can be given after application.

We buy broken jewellery and scrap gold at the best prices CASH FOR SCRAP Handmade items to order Gold, Silver (9ct & 18ct) & Platinum Telephone: 020 7737 5074 Email: golddiscount@yahoo.co.uk 9 Brixton Station Road, Brixton SW9 8PA Open: Monday - Saturday 10.30am - 6.00pm

www.golddiscountjewellery.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

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This year we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Supermalt. Collaborating with this worldwide brand will bring the community together on West Green Road at the end of May.

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e It has been a very triumphant time for the family business and Ghanaian bakery, Uncle John’s bakery. There have been some great achievements throughout the pandemic we were able to carry on giving consistent supply to our customers, and for our NHS staff supplied free loaves for all their hard work and dedication to helping and supporting their nation.

Aside from the great achievements in the last few years, the business and family took a hard hit when the heart-breaking news was broken that the great and inspirational CEO Sam sadly passed away, at the start of 2021. This has devastated the family and loved ones of Sam but his achievements, drive and dedication to the family business left an undeniable legacy. Sam also implemented the national delivery service so that lovers of our goodies could make orders through our website, reaching customers wherever they are in all cor-

Uncle Johns Bakery Service options: Takeaway • Delivery • No dine-in Address: 76 W Green Rd, South Tottenham, London N15 5NS Hours: Monday: 9am–7pm Tuesday: 9am–7pm Wednesday: 9am–7pm

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ners of the UK by next day delivery.

Pushing through these trying times Sam’s younger siblings Ronnie (27) and his sister Lucinda (24) were passed the baton to carry on the legacy of the family business to continue running strong.

Since then more new and tasty products have been introduced.

Alongside the highly favoured and popular sweet bread the bakery now makes delicious cookies; chocolate chip, cinnamon and coconut. Ring Bofrot donuts, with a yummy Oreo, Crunchy or Iced Chocolate topping. A range of cinnamon buns and Churros!

Plenty more has been happening too, with a recent interview with The Guardian and Supermalt collaboration for a huge exciting giveaway!

Carrying on the great Legacy of Samuel Mensah, Uncle Johns Bakery has plenty more exciting new surprises coming up.’ n Lucinda Mensah secretary

Thursday: 9am–7pm Friday: 9am–7pm Saturday: 9am–7pm Sunday: Closed Menu: theunclejohnsbakery.com Phone: 020 8802 6883 Order: theunclejohnsbakery.com, deliveroo.co.uk, ubereats.com E: office@theunclejohnsbakery.com

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hrough exhibits, deep-dive workshops, interactive panels, and seminars, delivered by industry pioneers, this event will enable personal, professional and corporate development.

The show will highlight the achievements and contributions Black businesses have made to the economy. Attendees will gain cutting-edge insight and advice in entrepreneurship, leadership, soft skills and cultural development from some of the UK’s leading Black business owners.

WHY ATTEND Get advice, hints and guidance from the best Black entrepreneurs and business leaders in the UK MAIN STAGE Hear advice on how to grow your business from the greatest Black small business experts the UK has to offer. Meet Akala, Jamelia, Tru Powell, CJ Lloyd Webley, Justice Williams MBE and more!

SEMINARS Get the latest tips from our business and career experts. From building a sustainability strategy for your business, to getting guidance on how to win big bids.

For the business leaders of tomorrow, find out how to get a mentor or land your next big career move into tech.

SHOWING SUPPORT: Sammi Adegoke, CEO of Rehoboth Property and a UK Black Business Show attendee

The Birmingham Black Business Show has been created to inspire and connect black business owners and professionals NETWORKING LOUNGE Master the codes to success that have seen others excel with the power of networking. In the networking lounge you’ll get the black book of contacts to launch your own business, meet your next investor, co-founder, customer and more…

CAREERS ADVICE If you’re considering your options, meet with employers from all over the Midlands and the north that are looking for you!

EXPERT CLINICS We have teamed up with funding, export-

ing, marketing, branding and strategy experts to give you expert advice in a 1-2-1 setting.

SHOPPING The Birmingham Black Business Show will be the biggest Black-owned shopping experience outside of London with over 70 exhibitors you’re going to love to see!

From food and drink, hair and beauty, fashion, home and gift.

You’ll be inspired to buy Black-owned long after the show ends. Join us in supporting the future of Birmingham Black Business.

BUY TICKETS ON: birminghamblackbusinessshow.co.uk CONTACT: info@ukblackbusinessshow.co.uk for exhibiting and partnership opportunities JOIN THE CONVERSATION: #BirmBBS

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Unapologetically multicultural

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hen people ask Samantha from BookLove, what prompted her to start selling multicultural books and campaigning for more Black and Brown resources in schools, her list of reasons are long.

Was it the fact that she wasn’t allowed to be an angel in the school nativity play as a child, because teachers told her she wasn’t blond or blueeyed?

Was it because the small children in the playground where she dropped her children off at summer camp shouted “Bushy hair bushy hair” as she walked past?

Was it the huge build up of frustrations experienced during her 15 year career as a TV Producer, always being told her ideas celebrating Black and Brown communities were “too niche”?

BookLove, The Multicultural Travelling Book Carnival, came about because of all of the above and more. The constant attempts at dumbing

down the marvellously rich beauty of African and Caribbean culture drove me to want to create a platform, so unapologetically multicultural that put Black and Brown people and our experiences centre stage.

As a dual heritage woman educated in Barbados, it was really important for my children growing up here in England to have full access to their culture in the materials and resources around them and books were a great way to do this. My mum passed away before my children were born so having someone who looked like my mum in the books they were reading was very very important to me and I certainly could not rely on the school system for that!

So in 2016 BookLove was officially born! A Multicultural Travelling Book Carnival and online shop touring the country with discounted “BookLove Bundles” for schools, attending pop-ups, festivals, markets and offices

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with an amazing range of books and toys for adults and children - always focusing on the Black and Brown characters, so often underrepresented in “so-called” mainstream content.

As well as the bookshop, they also have a charitable arm and a gofund me page “BookLove & Beyond” https://gofund.me/195585c6 which is raising money to put free multicultural books in to educational settings across the county, from schools and colleges to nurseries and play centres - and 20 pence from every book they sell goes towards this fund as well.

The BookLove Carnival has a full schedule this Summer and they invite you to follow them on their website and social media to catch them at a market or festival near you soon. But if you can’t make the festivals, check out the vast selection of books on their website and Voice readers get a discount too. n

B L A C K B U S I N E S S G U I D E 2022-23

Enter BOOKLOVEFORTHEVOICE at checkout for 10% off from May - October. www.thisisbooklove.com @thisisbooklove_ Instagram (PLEASE INCLUDE THE UNDERSCORE) @bookloveandbeyond @thisisbooklove TWITTER (NO UNDERSCORE)

We donate 20p from every book sold to our GoFundme Bookloveandbeyond, which gives free books to children & adults

New Online Bookshop LONDON, SE25

Adults & Children

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£2 Flat Fee delivery SE25 BR3 CR0 CR7 SE19 SE26 SE27 SE20

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Free Multicultural Books Here Visit

https://gofund.me/195585c6

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Vision to develop top quality natural products “Leicala was built on a love for being natural”

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Leicala Natural Products T: 07809 706 495 E: sales@leicala.shop W: www.leicala.shop

ave you ever struggled to look for a natural deodorant? I have used antiperspirant for several years but didn’t realise it was doing more harm to my body than good. It was too strong, which leaves me with watery eyes, runny noses and sneezing. After researching the ingredients, acquiring them and beginning formulating; Leicala Natural Products was launched.

We are an award-winning brand. We won an award in October 2020 for our Mango Body Butter. We are a small family-run business specialising in taking care of the natural you. We have a wide range of hair care and skin care products to help our customers look and feel their best.

Our mission is to educate our customers about the benefits of using natural skin care products

whilst empowering them to look and feel their best.

Our vision is to create and develop skin and hair care products that are free from chemicals and parabens all while making our customers feel they are a part of not only looking beautiful but are also helping to make a difference.

The brand Leicala is enriching.

Our goal is to ensure a feeling of enrichment and empowerment is felt by our valued customers and all the communities we exist in.

Our team is committed to excellence and we are constantly researching natural ingredients to formulate products: we have added new products to our existing range.

Leicala was built on a love for being natural and we are devoted to continuing to push the boundaries in providing top quality products that you can depend on. n

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Supporting young mums 83% of those supported so far have had extra income identified

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MSN was set up by Fiona Small, in 2011. Fiona’s vision was to create a place where young mothers could find support and training through programs that would empower them to make informed decisions about their lives and relationships.

And, due to her understanding of the issues that they face gained through her tireless community work, Fiona has won numerous awards. Among these are the 2017 UK Community Award for Honouring Inspirational Mothers and the 2018 Mother of Magnificence Award from icare.

Fiona has also represented the voices of women and communities through a broad range of media, including the BBC and national radio networks. She has also attended top level forums at 10 Downing Street to raise awareness of the effects that modern society has on young mothers. She also collaborates with a wide range of agencies such as FareShare and The Trussell Trust as well as FTSE 100 corporations including Tesco and local London Authorities.

Since 2011, Fiona has demonstrated how commitment and hard work can reap rewards. She has a wealth of business experience which she is dedicated to sharing with like-minded corporations and individuals. The entrepreneur is available for public speaking, workshops, coaching and mentoring sessions.

Fiona Small is also a motivational speaker and entrepreneur. Today, YMSN is a Registered CIC that does just that.

YMSM have recently partnered up with IncomeMax to deliver its very first place-based community initiative ‘Mums and Money’, funded by British gas energy trust Enhancing Community Support programme.

Together, IncomeMax and YMSN are

providing on the ground financial support and advice to vulnerable families that can often be hard to reach.

83% of those supported so far have had extra income identified, which is estimated to result in an average of over £4,550 more per year per household.

The identified extra income comprises Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payments for disability, low-income water tariffs, Warm Home Discount energy bill support and charitable trust ENTREPRENEUR: Fiona Small, founder and director of the Young Mums Support Network applications. n

W: www.ymsn.co.uk T: 07874861923

FRIENDLY BENEFIT ENTITLEMENT ADVICE

☛ Confidential Money Advice ☛ Mums and Money

■ If you are a Father/Carer who is in receipt of your child’s benefits you’re welcome to get in contact

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Experience Our Award-Winning Fine Wine Service

Your Personal Sommelier We introduce you to wines of excellent quality from some of the smallest and finest vineyards around the globe.

Our services include: We personalize the wines to suit your palete Wines are delivered to your door We host wine tasting events

A selection of the best wine coolers, in-built or freestanding for you to choose from We give professional wine storage advice Beautiful wine gifts

We buy and sell vintage fine wine Under Bond www.oursommelier.com | sales@oursommelier.com | 0208 050 4601

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As market awareness increases demand for fine wine grows The company’s aim was to offer a personal sommelier service to clients who love to entertain, loves luxury and want a better understanding of fine wine. We also deliver directly to your door from the vineyards.

Our Sommelier now trades vintage fine wine on a global platform, offers personal sommelier services, as well advises our clients on how best to store their wines. We also host wine tasting events. n In 2021, Our Sommelier won Best Online Wine Merchant at the SME UK Enterprise Awards as well as I was awarded the French Wine Scholar scholarship from The Taylor’s Port Golden Vines.

SOPHISTICATED: Arlene King sharing her knowledge

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y love for wine began after my first vintage fine wine tasting experience in 1998. It was pure perfection in a glass which led me wanting to understand more about wine. How it is produced and what makes a good wine. I started my journey into the world of wine, studying at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and now currently with The Court of Master Sommeliers.

Prior to my studies in wine, I began my professional career in fashion by representing my country, Jamaica, as well, studying business, and immediately after I worked on new projects mainly for start-up companies.

It was first the love of fashion that brought me to the UK. Little did I know that fashion would have led me to a career in wine which became my new love.

It is incredible to learn about wine’s history, the terrain, and all the elements within the parameters of the vine that determine what we receive in a glass.

While I studied at WSET, I was offered a role as an office manager, and then I was promoted to wine buyer for a fine wine company. My main role was to liaise with leading wine merchants in the UK, as well as those in France and Switzerland. I also worked closely with private clients.

In 2005, the fine wine market started growing at a rapid rate.

It became more and more popular around the world. China, Hong Kong, and Singapore’s involvement changed the world of wine as we see today.

As market awareness increases, demand for fine wine grows and the palates are becoming more and more sophisticated.

In response to the industry’s growth, I saw a business opportunity and in 2013 Our Sommelier was formed.

“Little did I know that fashion would have led me to a career in wine”

EDUCATION: Students at a wine appreciation class

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The entrepreneur who believes you can achieve anything Multi-millionaire Roy Ledgister achieved success after discovering a self-help book when he was 12.

Now he aims to help other aspiring business owners

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t’s hard to find a successful entrepreneur who doesn’t believe in their own abilities.

Just take a look at Michael Jordan, Jay Z, Oprah Winfrey Daymond John for example – all people who have been hailed for the self-belief they exude.

Roy Ledgister, the multi-millionaire founder and CEO of innovative property and tech investment firm, Convivia Group, is another entrepreneur who embodies the ethos that “if you can believe it, you can achieve it”.

He founded Convivia, a company which has secured multi-million pound investments to revolutionise the delivery of sustainable affordable homes, after becoming the UK’s youngest senior law partner at the age of 24 and then later qualifying as a barrister.

The 48-year-old’s mother, Joyce, who moved to Britain from the Caribbean in the 1960s, worked hard to raise him and his older sister Tracey to believe that they could accomplish anything they set their minds to despite the tough circumstances the family faced.

Ledgister was just 12-years-old when his interest in business was first peaked by a self-help audiobook, The Magic of Thinking Big by David J THE POWER OF SELF-BELIEF: Entrepreneur Roy Ledgister Schwartz that had been given to his mother.

The series will give five selected young entrepreneurs an initial “My mum is not entrepreneurial in the slightest but I listened to it. And this tape was saying, ‘It doesn’t matter about £200,000 investment and regular mentorship to help hone their your age, you can achieve anything you want with the right princi- business knowledge and experience. ples’. I didn’t fully understand everything that was being said but I He says: “I was born into a black Caribbean single parent housewas hooked. While my friends were talking about Snoop Dogg, I’d be hold. However, the ‘self-help’ tools I discovered at the tender age of listening to these tapes every night before going to bed.”

12, made me realise that my background was a strength, and not an He quickly began to apply these new insights launching a car impediment. washing business at 14, a venture that made him “a decent amount of “I now want to share these lessons with individuals from deprived money”. backgrounds to show them that they too don’t need to be shaped by Continuing to apply these ideas to his own life enabled Ledgister to where they come from as long as they have the resolve to succeed.” n reach some impressive milestones.

Now he is aiming to give away £1 million as part of a YouTube show For further details about Millionaire Mentor, he has created called Millionaire Mentor. visit: www.millionaire-mentor.co.uk

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Representation of biracial children

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y name is Diana and I am the Creator of Mélange Dolls. My background is within the fashion industry as a fashion designer and technical designer.

I started this journey when I wanted to buy a doll for my Goddaughter who is mixed race/biracial and struggled to find one that was representative of her. Her parents expressed the same concerns in that they too had that problem and were also forced to buy dolls that were either Black or White. My research showed that very few manufactures made dolls that were representative of mixed race/biracial children. This for me was a problem which needed to be solved.

I believe it is very important to have dolls that are representative of all children and to as much as possible incorporate features that represents them. This to me is important as it will have an impact on the children’s confidence and self-esteem. Mélange means a blend or mixture of colours.

My current collection consists of four types of mixed race/biracial dolls.

Two of the dolls comes with black curly hair and two with dark brown curly hair. Two of the dolls also have freckles.

For me it is my dream that all children have toys that represents them. I believe that this creates building blocks which enables them to grow up to be confident, secure, positive but most importantly proud of their individuality and diversity to eventually blossom into beautiful, strong and successful people.

From the outset my focus was to produce a collection of dolls that are beautiful with realistic looking features; durable and also wearing stylish and high quality clothes. The fabrics and trims are personally sourced by myself. I also design and produce the clothes.

A limited amount of fabrics is sourced to

facilitate a regular and consistent change in styles and outfits. Therefore, all styles are designed, handmade and are a limited edition.

Mélange Dolls have been in operation for over three years and have been sold all over the world. Feedback on the quality of the dolls has been phenomenal, receiving 100% ‘five star’ reviews. This has encouraged me to expand on the brand and to make new introductions to the Mélange Dolls family. By summer 2022 we will introduce two boy dolls. These are currently in production and we are very excited about this new addition.

Mélange dolls represent the vibrancy and the multicultural aspects of children with mixed heritage. They inspire confidence in the child as well as send a positive message to their peers. We believe it is important for a child to have a range of dolls within their collection as it promotes inclusivity, diversity and acceptance. n

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Black Gifted Network celebrates National Lottery Funding

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he Black Gifted Network (BGN) based in South Norwood, celebrates after being awarded £9,975 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK. BGN are using their funding to launch the Black Mentoring Association, which provides a central web platform and network for Black and minority mentoring organisations, to highlight & provision their services to the community. Studies show that mentoring makes a large impact in assisting participants to achieve their goals. However, the impact of the pandemic has caused several mentoring organisations to suspend or close their operations.

The pilot project will provide support to over 100 Mentoring organisations, who in turn serves well over 12,000 mentees a year

through mentoring. The pilot includes a STEM initiative to mentor around 100 students to obtain a tech-certification in digital marketing, websites, or mobile applications, thereby increasing their job prospects.

The association website and selective project deliverables have already been completed. BGN now plan to seek further funding, sponsorship, and partners to scale up their operations. Their plan features a Mentoring Academy that serves the entire mentoring alumni, reporting on mentoring programs, interventions, and outcomes via a consolidated mentoring dashboard. The academy will deploy Mentees on charitable & commercial engagements: from R&D, digital marketing to websites & mobile applications, providing invaluable experience, all under professional mentoring supervision.

Paul Johnson - Founder of BGN says, “The response we’ve received from Men-

toring practitioners and the community has been so overwhelming, that we’re launching a campaign to encourage more volunteers, to Mentor within our member organisations”.

National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK. The National Lottery Community Fund distributes a share of this to projects to support people and communities to prosper and thrive.

Johnson says: “The National Lottery funders, only took a fortnight to approve the grant, so that our members can start to overcome the impact of covid and continue to make a big difference to people’s lives.”

During the pandemic, in 2020 alone, The National Lottery Community Fund distributed almost £1 billion to charities and community organisations across the UK. n

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The recent pandemic saw meal-kits meet the rise in demand for affordable and convenient home cooked meals

HelloFresh signs with leading UK Caribbean food and drink supplier Irie Eats, the new range from Grace Foods brings Caribbean cuisine to a new audience

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t’s likely that during the last few years you’ve heard about meal kits from relatives or friends who have used them or seen them advertised online.

Rising consumer demand for healthy, quick homemade food at a reasonable price has led to a considerable growth in the global meal kit market.

During the recent pandemic, cooking at home became a necessity, and meal kits have made it easier to experiment or develop one’s culinary talents.

According to figures from GlobalData, companies like market leader HelloFresh saw a 122.6% year on year revenue growth in the second quarter of 2020.

The pandemic also saw a rising demand from UK consumers for world foods. Figures from a 2021 Consumption at Home survey

by Mintel found that Caribbean cuisine was at the top of world cuisines outside of the established Chinese, Indian, Mexican and Thai that Britons haven’t tried, but would be most interested in eating at home.

And it’s a trend that Hello Fresh has rec-

Giuseppe Vello, Brand Manager for Irie Eats, said: “We are over the moon to have signed a distribution deal with HelloFresh. Their network is huge and Irie Eats complements their brands as the meal kits are NEW DEAL: Irie Eats meal-kits will be distributed by Hello Fresh, helping Grace Foods to capture a new and growing audience for Caribbean food ognised.

The company recently signed a deal with Irie Eats, the new Caribbean street-food range from Grace Foods UK. As part of the deal HelloFresh will put to 30,000 Irie Eats meal kits in its meal kit boxes which will be distributed across the UK. Irie Eats feature five different traditional Caribbean meals, from Caribbean Curry to Spicy Jerk Wrap Kits with different degrees of spiciness, as well as a side dish of Rice and Peas.

quick and easy to make with a meal packed full of Caribbean flava being dished up. It is also the perfect way to introduce Irie Eats to the family market.”

Vello continued: “Caribbean food is having such an appeal as consumers are looking to explore different world foods and make every-day mealtime more interesting.

“Also, it helps that this year being the 60th anniversary of Jamaican independence, the launch of Get Up Stand Up, the West End musical inspired by the life of Bob Marley and of course Grace’s 100th anniversary have all helped to put Caribbean food and culture firmly in the forefront of people’s minds.” n

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Ruddocks and Co. sign up to Living Wage mandate

COMMITTED ; Narda and Rohan Ruddock are managing directors of Ruddock & Co

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oodford Green-based firm, Ruddocks and Co. Chartered Certified Accountants has solidified its commitment to paying the Living Wage, by signing up to the foundation in April 2022.

The company is the only accounting firm in the London Borough of Woodford to have been recognised as an accredited Living Wage employer, marking it as one of only five businesses in the entire borough to have made that commitment.

It committed to demonstrating the powerful impact ethics in business can make and believes that this is an important step in creating a fairer society. Ruddocks and Co. join a growing number of businesses that are committed to ensuring their employees are paid a fair wage.

The Living Wage is an hourly rate set inde-

pendently and updated annually, calculated according to the real costs of living. It provides a voluntary benchmark for employers who wish to ensure their employees can live comfortably on their earnings.

Ruddocks and Co. Managing Director Rohan Ruddock said: “We want to be a force for good in society and paying the Living Wage is one important way we can do that. We want our employees to tangibly feel valued and supported, and we believe that no one should have to go without the essentials in life.”

Katherine Chapman, Director of the Living Wage Foundation stated in her March 2022- announcement “The global pandemic has shone a spotlight on decades of global inequality. Putting human dignity at the heart of business practice, including tackling poverty and providing decent living standards, will reduce

inequality and underpin social cohesion and sustainable economic growth. We are delighted to be joining BCTI to work together to drive change - now is the time for action.’‘ This announcement comes as part of a wider commitment from Ruddocks and Co. to tackling inequality and promoting social mobility. The company has also committed to increasing the proportion of employees from under-represented groups and is constantly dedicating resources for personal and professional growth through their training program for their staff. With this news Ruddocks and Co. is setting an example for businesses across the country, showing that ethical practices and paying a fair wage go hand-in-hand.

We hope that other companies will follow their lead and join the Living Wage movement in ensuring that all workers are valued and compensated fairly. n

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Strength through unity

stablished over two decades ago at its flagship Brixton Hill base, Pempamsie has developed a holistic haven specialising in an eclectic mix of natural health and beauty products, art & jewellery, books, gifts and much more.

The name signifies ‘strength through unity’ and the group prides itself on building ties with communities, supporting many small suppliers and other small businesses both locally and abroad.

With 4 branches of holistic health stores across London (the 5th soon opening in Harlesden), Pempamsie stores have on offer a wide selection of hand-picked natural health aids & supplements, hair, skin, and well-being products. Not to mention tailored services such as healthcare consultations and advice on all types of hair and skin care.

The team look forward to welcoming you in-store (and on-

line) to provide you with their full range of products and services including: • Health consultations • Herbal remedies • Holistic Body scans • Quality natural vitamins & minerals • Crystals & semi-precious gemstones • Sulphate & paraben free health & lifestyle products • Bespoke picture framing services • A wide selection of black interest books • Jewellery & gifts • Afrocentric arts, prints & crafts • Spiritual wellbeing products • Great customer service with knowledgeable and friendly staff

*new Pempamsie branch opening soon – HARLESDEN, NW LONDON*

BRIXTON 102 BRIXTON HILL, SW2 1AH MON- SAT 9AM- 7PM SUNDAY 11AM - 5PM 0208 671 0800

LEWISHAM

MITCHAM

1 GOLDCREST HOUSE, 32-64 LEE HIGH ROAD, SE13 5FH MON- SAT 9AM- 7PM/SUN 11AM -5PM 020 8852 9947

219 LONDON ROAD, CR4 2JD MON - SAT 9.30AM - 6.30PM SUNDAY - CLOSED 0208 648 4163

ORGANIC HEALTH & BEAUTY PRODUCTS

WWW.PEMPAMSIE.COM

WALTHAMSTOW 375B HOE STREET, E17 9AP MON - SAT 9.30AM - 7PM SUNDAY - 11AM - 5PM 020 8521 2118

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Banton-Murrain hard at work in her studio

INNOVATOR: Norma Jean Banton-Murrain

Changing the face of the jewellery trade After launching a successful business, entrepreneur Norma Jean Banton-Murrain created another to help diversify an industry

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he lack of diversity in the jewellery industry has long been an issue for acclaimed jeweller Norma Jean Banton-Murrain.

In 2002 Norma Jean Banton-Murrain followed a dream she’d always had and set up her

company The Silver Fish Jewellery Company, based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter despite having no background in silversmithing.

Since then Banton-Murrain won many plaudits for her faith-based jewellery.

She couldn’t help feeling that the industry

did not seem welcoming to people like her who were from a black and minority ethnic (BAME) background.

“I’ve been in business for twenty years and after all that time I’m the only black woman jeweller in the city’s Jewellery Quarter” she

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says. “When you’ve been in the trade as long as I have and you’re not seeing many other black people employed you realise that the barriers, though invisible, are very strong.”

It was these concerns that prompted Banton-Murrain to launch a second business in March 2021 called the MasterPeace Academy.

She describes it as the UK’s “first culturally relevant jewellery academy” with a mission to “celebrate, promote and pass on the legacy of African Caribbean culture in the British Trade”.

The academy teaches students of African Caribbean heritage, as well as students from other backgrounds traditional jewellery-making skills so they can launch their own businesses or find jobs in the industry.

Banton says: “Our tutors are all members of the Black Jewellery Quarter Guild, a group of around 12 mostly black jewellers boasting over 200 years of jewellery making experience between us. They will be great role models and mentors to the youth who train with us.”

The first intake of six students were enrolled on a City and Guilds accredited course and the academy achieved a 100% pass rate.

The MasterPeace Academy also runs a unique course called Ubuntu Gems.

“On this course we work with gemstones sourced with the help of small-scale mining operatives in Africa and we teach the students how to cut those stones. In work-

The entrepreneur with fellow black jewellers who teach at the academy

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ing with the students we draw inspiration from African heritage, culture and places.

There’s no recognised course in the UK liked it apart from the one we’ve designed.”

The academy has attracted support from the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), The Goldsmiths’ Company and De Beers.

“We’ve had we have had a lot of support but of course, we’ve also had some racism” says Banton-Murrain. “I think that’s based on fear because this is quite a closed industry. If there wasn’t any racism in the jewellery trade, there wouldn’t be any need for what we’re doing. But you learn that you have to keep going higher.”

The academy recently took on its first cohort of young people through the government’s Kickstart scheme, which provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.

“Under the scheme young people train with us for 25 hours a week” the entrepreneur explains. “It’s an amazing opportunity because these young people are actually getting paid. It’s giving them a job and getting them off the streets.

“I’d wanted to work directly with young black kids who are long-term unemployed, and help change their lives. It’s really important for me to take people who don’t know what they want to do in life and have faced a lot of rejection and give them a paid opportunity and a chance to grow and be mentored.” n

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hamps and Giggles are avid supporters of Black Businesses, Entertainment and Community.

We are building the infrastructure that will enable our community, our businesses and our entertainers to thrive.

We proactively look for ways to be supportive. We began at the beginning of the first lockdown to provide and outlet for people locked up in their homes due to the covid pandemic. Starting off as a comedy show with music to up-build our community, we

LIZZIE COVEY MURIUKI

EDDIE OTCHERE

CARLI LOVE

now have Black History discussions, Featured Guests from our community, Quiz and Games. Most importantly we ‘support each other’. We have grown and come to be providing Evenings of Black Entertainment. n Website: https://champsandgiggles.co.uk

DEGS PHLOW

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Engineering Surveying Training Centre

We are experts in training for Engineering Surveying and the construction industry.

We take on people at various levels of experience.

GAIN QUALIFICATIONS TO CLIMB THE LADDER IN ENGINEERING SURVEYING We are a training provider in the London region where you can obtain a formal qualification in Engineering Surveying. We are based in zone 2 with great transport links and a bright comfortable training studio.

• Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Surveying • Full Course

• Intermediate Course • Assessment Only

We are a training provider in the London region where you can obtain the formal ProQual Diploma Qualification, in Engineering Surveying.

We also offer workshops in gaining practical experience in using specialised equipment for upskilling. We are based in zone 2 with great transport links and a bright comfortable training studio in Finsbury Park.

But more than that, you will be trained by qualified engineers with years of on the job experience offering you not only their knowledge but also intrinsic skills using site language you understand.

MULTI-BOOKING DISCOUNTS! 1 person full price 2 people 10% OFF

3 people 15% OFF 5+ people 4 people 18% OFF 20% OFF

Website: www.engtec.uk

Telephone: 07871 667 521

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Osinowo’s company provides Engineering Surveying training for individuals who are already working in the Construction Industry as well as graduate Civil Engineers

Inspiring the next generation of engineers

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Civil engineer Remi Osinowo helps to improve the teaching of aspiring engineers

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lthough the engineering sector contributes significantly to the UK economy, there are growing concerns about a drop in the numbers of engineering graduates.

Engineering UK put the estimated annual shortfall of graduating engineers at 20,000 in its 2017 report.

Observers say lower numbers of young engineers mean that employers in the industry will face increasing difficulty in filling graduate level jobs.

Concerns have also been raised about the inability of today’s graduating engineers to apply the knowledge they have learned to solving real-world engineering problems.

These were among the issues that inspired entrepreneur and civil engineer Remi Osinowo to launch his company Engtec Solutions.

The London based company, launched in 2019, provides a range of courses for people in the engineering surveying and construction industry.

Engtec Solutions trains newly qualified graduates in these fields who need practical experience, as well as those with on the job experience, and those who are at the start of their career in the industry to use specialised equipment in a bid to support them in becoming the top civil engineers of tomorrow.

“We first noticed that three-year long engineering degrees were too loaded with unnecessary information that was not used in engineering surveying on construction sites” says Osinowo speaking about what led him to launch Engtec Solutions. “The other problem was that site engineering was not standardised, which meant that the ability and workmanship of one site engineer would vastly differ from another site engineer with the equivalent experience. Another problem was the “dumbing down” of engineering as a whole which created an army of one-dimensional, insular, freelance site engineers who, in reality were technicians, not engineers.

All these factors made it difficult for anyone competent and interested to gain entry to site engineering, so the modules that we offer are

EDUCATOR: Remi Osinowo the perfect solution.”

Osinowo’s own background and expertise played a key role in getting the company off the ground.

After graduating from the University of Leeds in 1990 with a degree in civil engineering Osinowo’s first job was with Tarmac Construction which specialised in building motorways. He went on to work on greenfield motorway projects all over the UK as well as flagship projects all over london before founding his own company.

Engtec Solutions is one of two companies that he runs. The other company provides site engineering services to the construction industry, and some of the engineers that work for him qualified through his course.

Osinowo continues: “One of the guys working with me suggested I should be teaching engineering as I was always showing the more junior engineers how to do things in the proper fashion. Eventually I teamed up with him and we formed Engtec Solutions. A big part of this was about training people so that we could trust them to work with us because standards

in the construction industry seem to be rapidly dropping.”

The company, launched in 2019, has won praise for its innovative approach for training the next generation of civil engineers.

And Osinowo says he counts “watching the students use what we’ve taught them in the real world” among his proudest moments”.

However, like many other businesses it was hit hard by the recent pandemic.

“Covid stopped us completely from functioning because we couldn’t enter our teaching studio” Osinowo recalls. “Also being a new business, we had no online presence so we couldn’t even take advantage of the new online way of meeting and conducting business. We were gaining leads on potential clients and we lost all these due to the pandemic.”

The entrepreneur says it added to the already existing challenges of running the new business.

“There aren’t many individuals who can deliver the separate modules because they’re fairly specialised” he says. “The logistics of getting the technical equipment to classes for practical sessions and getting people to understand exactly what the course is about and its value were among the problems to overcome.”

However the entrepreneur is focused on ensuring Engtec Solutions’ continued growth as well as his personal goals.

“We’re hoping to expand into delivering other courses like English for construction and AutoCAD (a computer-aided design and drafting software programme). Our goal is to provide a great opportunity for people, especially young people, to gain a valid qualification that can get them a strong foothold into the construction industry.

“Entrepreneurs don’t necessarily do business just to live nicely or get rich, as there might be plenty of easier ways to get rich.

Wealth can be a part of success, but the main part of success is to have a working business that provides the product or service that people demand whilst also generating enough income to employ staff to run the business smoothly.” n

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Salaam publishes a range of books for children and grown ups! www.salaampublishing.com

PRAISE FOR THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT

“This book is amazing.

It taught me more about what it is like to be an illegal immigrant in Britain than anything else I have read.

Everyone should read it. You won’t be able to put it down.”

Ken Livingstone, former Mayor of London

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Books in 110 languages

MULTILINGUAL: Mohammed Umar, the power behind Salaam Publishing

“In this story I want to highlight some the challenges people with disabilities face on a day to day basis”

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lthough the former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone endorsed his semi-autobiographical novel The Illegal Immigrant as ‘an amazing book’ that ‘everyone should read’, Nigerian-born writer Mohammed Umar wrote his first book AMINA in a hostel while studying Journalism at Moscow State University.

AMINA, a story about the condition of women in Islam was published by Africa World Press in 2005 and is now out in 38 languages.

“I was very lucky to get a job as a Foreign Rights Manager at ZED Books in Islington in 1996 and I learnt a lot about how publishing works.

After AMINA was published I got the inspiration to write more stories. I then set up my own publishing house in 2010 and through it published all my books.

“I have not benefited financially but the whole experience has given me unbelievable joy and sat-

isfaction,” said Mohammed who works as Teaching Assistant at an SEN college in Kentish Town.

Working with special needs children motivated him write a story about children with disabilities titled A Trip to the Zoo. “In this story I want to highlight some the challenges people with disabilities face on a day to day basis; things most of us take for granted.”

Mohammed ’s books have been translated into 65 African languages “To have 110 different languages on the shelf is amazing.”

His books are AMINA, The Illegal Immigrant, The Adventures of Jamil, The Hunter Becomes the Hunted, The Enemies Inside, Samad in the Forest, Samad in the Desert, A Trip to the Zoo and Sunset at Dawn.

All the books published by Salaam Publishing are available on Amazon. n For more information, visit his website: www.salaampublishing.com

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Science and Art collide

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y name is Carla Sealey. I was born and raised in South London after my parents came over from the Caribbean in the early 1950s. I started my professional life as a geologist and chemist and spent 14 years working as a scientist in environmental protection.

Twenty years ago, after a perfect storm of personal, domestic and work crises I decided to rebuild and refocus my life, using my savings to go back to university and graduate with an Art degree.

I set up as a self-employed designer maker, earning money selling what I made, teaching part time and doing Temp work eventually starting my tableware range in 2017. I wanted to make something that was meaningful, had value, and that people could use and enjoy every day.

Naked Clay Ceramics is a collection of minimal style handmade ceramic homeware. I make everything by hand in my studio in rural Bedfordshire. Each piece is finished with no glaze on the outside so you can connect with the natural feel of naked fired clay in your hands.

Rituals around eating and drinking are so important, they provide an opportunity for grounding and connecting with ourselves and with others, so easy in the hustle of life to forget that, and I want my tableware to be part of that. My customers are people who like to have functional items in their home, created with love and care, and who want to invest in something beautiful and useful that will last a lifetime.

Everything is handmade in small batches that I release 4 to 5 times a year through my online shop. In between making, I run workshops and this year I’ll be doing in-person design fairs again.

Running a creative business wasn’t an option as a career when I was younger, but it’s something I think more people should explore. It’s not easy but it is fulfilling. n Contact details Website: https://www.nakedclayceramics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakedclayceramics/ Email: info@nakedclayceramics.com

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Black Pound Day store to open in Westfield Black Pound Day (BPD) will open a permanent store following last year’s successful and landmark pop-up store dedicated to black businesses in Westfield London.

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NEW and permanent Black Pound Day (BPD) store will open in Westfield shopping centre. BPD made history last October by opening the first pop-up store dedicated to black businesses in Westfield London.

The initiative is the brainchild of founder Swiss, who is a member of the iconic UK music group So Solid Crew.

Over the weekend Swiss took to social media to announce he has signed a contract to open a permanent BPD store, in the Shepherd’s Bush branch of Europe’s biggest shopping centre.

During his social media announcement he said: “We have a permanent contract at Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush.

“I want you to witness me signing this contract so you know it is real.”

He added: “The biggest and most impactful Black-led economic movement in UK history, now has a permanent store in the biggest centre in Europe.”

Since launching BPD in June 2020, the grassroots movement which encourages the public to support black businesses every month, has grown into a nationwide phenomenon – which has been driven by its founder, his team and the black community.

“The biggest and most impactful Black-led economic movement in UK history” An official BPD statement shared on Instagram said: “Glancing back to when we launched our pop up store in 2021’s Black History Month, it was a momentous achievement. For those that participated, you could feel the energy shift, how we brought Black retail therapy to the high street, resulting in a mass feeling of reward, which was unprecedented.

“This allowed us to see how Black History Month could evolve in new ways. We had such a brilliant turn out during that month, we increased the centre’s footfall percentage, increased their online engagement and received confirmational feedback from team Westfield saying “You guys have a very strong community”.

“And of course that’s something we know, but it’s so important to be able to prove it with Stats!

“We really showed how impactful our spending power is, which totally exceeded our expectations. You left us with no choice but to go ahead and answer your calls to make the Black Pound Day Store a full time retail experience all year round.

“In just a few weeks we’ll have our own permanent spot open for trade, bringing you the best of Black British Retail, so please make sure you turn on your notifications and stay tuned for more announcements about our launch date coming really soon. It’s going be a historical celebration as we continue to make Black History in the Present.”

Last year, Swiss told The Voice, that opening the pop-up store during Black History Month was a “great achievement for myself, the brand, the team and also the community.”

BPD takes place on the first Saturday of every month, and encourages all communities to replace their usual purchases with products from Black-led businesses.

The enterprise is going from strength to strength, and currently has a directory with over 1,600 Black businesses registered on their website and an online market place for consumers to have the “black experience” at their convenience. n Congratulations to Swiss and the entire Black Pound Day Team!

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NOW BACK AYA R D CA N BE DELI V ER ED TO YOUR FRONT DOOR WWW.THEBLACKFARMER.COM

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Every child should reach their full potential

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reshSteps Independent School is one of Enfield’s leading specialist SEMH schools for young people who have an Education, Health and Care Plan with a primary need of SEMH (Social Emotional Mental Health).

We can offer placements from KS1 - KS5.

Young people who attend FreshSteps may also have co-occurring areas of need including; communication and interaction, cognition and learning and sensory needs.

We use an adapted curriculum based on the National Curriculum and pupil needs.

We accept pupils from a range of boroughs.

NEW for September 2022 - our SEND Sixth Form Hub! Contact our SENCO for visits and referrals.

Based in the heart of Enfield Island Village, the FreshSteps sixth form hub is set across two sites, boasting state of the art facilities that mirror real - life working environments and top of the range equipment.

“At FreshSteps we believe that every pupil deserves the opportunity to start afresh and obtain an excellent education” Our sixth form can host up to 40 pupils aged 16-19 and will offer a range of BTEC and NVQ pathways.

Our sixth from will continue to provide education in the core subjects of English and Maths.

Specialist staff are on hand to teach, support and develop our SEMH learners and support them onto their steps in the world of work . n FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.freshstepsindependentschool.org.uk Contact our SENCO for visits and referrals to the sixth form and the school.

Sixth form opened by Courtney Brown, CEO and Founder of Father2Father FRESH STEPS HEADTEACHER: Ms Anderson

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OUR FRESH STEPS TEAM: Senior Leadership and staff

Our Primary Area

CONTINUING TO DELIVER OUTSTANDING EDUCATION

Ofsted rated outstanding 2017, 2019 & 2021

YOU'RE INVITED FRESHSTEPS SEN SIXTH FORM HUB

OPEN EVENING FOR 16 - 19 YEAR OLDS WITH AN EHCP AND A PRIMARY NEED OF SEMH OFFERING CATERING, TEXTILES, FASHION, PERFORMING ARTS, ENGLISH, MATHS AND A RANGE OF VOCATIONAL PATHWAYS

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2022 , 3PM - 7PM WWW.FRESHSTEPSINDEPENDENTSCHOOL.ORG.UK

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0208 803 5827

36-38 ISLAND CENTRE WAY, ENFIELD, EN3 6GS

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Honouring our cultural history

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y name is Elizabeth Flanders, Founder at Event Connoisseurs. I started this business because I could not find any Caribbean focused events that remembered our culture and heritage whilst celebrating the positive contribution, we, the Caribbean and those of Caribbean descent, have made to society whilst also honouring our history.

Many Caribbean islands celebrate their individual history, yet I see the Caribbean as a community, and therefore all three of our events will focus on the Caribbean as one community with a shared heritage. I also feel that the Caribbean could be better represented as a stand-alone nation and, although there are strong links with Africa, we should not allow this to consume our unique identity born out of our own struggle.

Therefore, I am passionate about creating inspired, exceptional, and unforgettable events for you. I want to showcase the best of the Caribbean to a UK audience, to celebrate, preserve and grow our rich culture and heritage. To inspire UK based individuals from a Caribbean background to explore the richness of their culture, take pride in their heritage and discover (or rediscover) their cultural identity.

Why this is important to me.

To quote Marcus Garvey…. “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”.

Cultural events have a huge role to play in sharing knowledge and information and in promoting understanding, tolerance, and acceptance. These events also provide a better understanding of self, of identity and of belonging; cultural events build community. Let’s be proud to be Caribbean and let’s explore what this means together.

My events credential.

With over twenty years of event planning and management experience from the corporate world and private clients; I first entered the world of event planning as a Conference Administrator in the 1990s and soon worked my way up to become the Events Team Leader. Over the years I organised hundreds of events ranging in size and complexity travelling throughout the UK. My experience is varied and ranges from Staff Awards and AGMs, large-scale corporate conferences to birthday celebrations and Family Fun Days.

It is time for the Caribbean to be seen in a new light – we are so much more than sun, sea, music, food and rum! We have a culture worth preserving and at Event Connoisseurs, we plan to be at the front leading this change.

Event Connoisseurs in 2022 We are launching our first Spirit of the Caribbean Annual Ball & Black Honour Awards.

This exclusive ticket only event takes place Saturday 4 June 2022 at the ILEC Conference Centre, 47 Lillie Road, London SW6 1UD. Tickets are on sale now for £100 per person or £900 for a table of 10. Included in the price are welcome drinks, a 3-course sliver service meal with wine; front row seats to the Black Honour Awards – honouring the best of the Caribbean in the UK. To check out the Black Honour Awards 2022 Shortlist visit: https://eventconnois-

seurs.com/2022/04/2022-shortlist/#exceptional DJs on the night Studio One with Patrick Isaacs from Lighting FM and Buppy C from Vibes FM. Live entertainment from the Empress of Roots and Soul, Teshay Makeda; Merzy Soca and more. This is the must attend event of 2022! n For more about us and our events visit: https://eventconnoisseurs.com/ To join us on the night - book your tickets now by calling: 0730 659 1234 or email us on enquiries@eventconnoisseurs.com.

No ticket, no entry. This event will be recorded.

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Eman with Purpose

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mmanuel is a renowned, financial adviser, media personality, wealth building entrepreneur and international speaker.

Emmanuel grew up on a council estate in Tower Hamlets, East London and dreamed of working in one of the skyscrapers in Canary Wharf which he could see from his bedroom window. “My mum always used to tell me off if I left the lights on in the kitchen. That always got on my nerves. I thought ‘Why am I getting told off for leaving the lights on when I look out of my window at night time, see Canary Wharf and there are like 100 floors with the lights on?’

“That kind of motivated me to want to work in Canary Wharf because I thought ‘must be money over there.”

Coming from humble beginnings, Emmanuel held on to his deep care for the plight of everyday people and business owners. He’s driven to help people avoid the mistakes that often lead them into difficulty and frequent poverty cycles, culminating in the creation of his company The Eman Effect UK, dedicated to providing financial education to the young people and underrepresented members of society.

After getting a job as a cashier with Barclays he quickly became a financial advisor and worked his way up to becoming, at 22, one of the bank’s youngest financial advisors.

But following his success, he couldn’t resist the desire to start his own business.

“I realised that my job involved with me making rich people richer.

I wanted to help people that come from poorer backgrounds.”

Emmanuel’s passion, determination and heart for the people has led to him being featured in The Times, The Telegraph, The Sun, The I Newspaper, The Voice and The Express newspapers and invited to speak as an expert guest on BBC Radio and LBC on multiple occasions.

Emmanuel is a fully qualified financial adviser through the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), and also hold a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance from the University of Greenwich. He has over 15

years’ experience in this area.

His career highlights include: • Since inception of The Eman Effect UK, providing financial education to over 30,000 people • Television Presenter on Channel 4’s tv series Save Well, Spend Better (2019) & Secret Spenders (2021) • Finance expert appearances on BBC’s Watchdog, Rip Off Britain, Your Money & Your Life, Morning Live, ITV’s This Morning and Good Morning Britain • Holding financial education seminars at schools, colleges and universities including Cambridge University, Warwick University, Birmingham University and Hertfordshire University to name a few.

• Holding financial education seminars and workshops for corporates including Experian & Accenture • Leading corporate campaigns for clients such as Amazon, Compare The Market, Virgin. Asda & Aldi Emmanuel is also a School Governor for Rivermead Inclusive Trust, where his role entails overseeing the financial performance of 3 schools and 2 specialist provision centres. He makes sure school resources are well distributed and accounted for, while also improving the performance of the school and driving systemic change in how the schools operate.

Emmanuel has a passion for helping people, and his vision is to help people on a mass scale, providing a global source of motivation and education in financial independence. n EMMANUEL ASUQUO BIO Independent Financial Adviser • Founder of the Eman Effect • Mentor • School Governor https://emmanuelasuquo.com/

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“My vision is to help people on a mass scale, providing a global source of motivation and education in financial independence.”

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Funding for retailers

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aising working capital is important in any business growth plan. Since the banking crisis of 2008 and new rules being imposed, raising finance has become more difficult and more of a hassle.

Unlike banks or other finance companies, finance 2002 requires no personal guarantee or collateral – the funding is sales-based and approvals are based on an overall business performance review, rather than a credit score or assurance assets.

Finance 2002 offers ‘royalty investments’. The royalty is an agreed percentage of the business’s gross sales. In exchange for The company’s investment, the specific royalty percentage is directed out of

the business revenue back to finance 2002 until the agreed payback is fulfilled.

Finance 2002 does not limit the use of the funds – they can be used for any business purpose – but some of the typical uses include helping with low cash flow or an unexpected expense, expanding the business, and seizing unexpected opportunities.

We believe that a long-term personal relationship is a key factor in any business’s success.

Driven by a genuine commitment to each of our clients, we match every customer with an experienced account manager. n

Jacob

07938 603 940

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“I was in secondary school when my family started this business,”

Delicious Nigerian food

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he journey to creating AsoRock began decades ago, in the small town of Ikenne, Nigeria. It is in Ikenne that Felicia Ajibabi Adesina first began what would become a long family tradition of selling delicious food. Felicia was locally known by her nickname of Aya Mase, and as word of her food began to spread, crowds would gather for a taste of her delicious recipe.

In 1999 Rasidi Adesina, The third son of Aya Mase, planted his flag in Hackney.

Working alongside his wife Victoria, they founded Aso-Rock Restaurant. Today, AsoRock operates under the stewardship of the children of Mr and Mrs Adesina – ensuring that the legacy of those before them is kept alive. We invite you all to come along and be a part of our journey. Nigerian food delivery available across London.

They are another big part of the African

community and if you asked any Nigerian, there is a very high chance they’ll know it.

Speaking to Olu Adesina, who was 11 when he first remembers the business starting.

“I was in secondary school when my family started this business,” he said. “I’ve been helping out wherever I could but as I’ve got older, I’ve taken on more responsibility in the business.”

They also receive rave reviews, with one person even saying: “One of best African restaurants in the heart of Hackney.”

Olu has witnessed a lot of change on Bradbury Street, which is symbolic of the change that has taken over most of Dalston.

“Back in the day, we used to be one of two food shops on this street,” he said.

“Now, there are big-name brands in the area.

There’s Wingstop and Honest Burgers.

“But, people still come here as we sell

good, quality, Nigerian foods. I think that’s why we are still quite popular.”

Even during Covid, they had to adapt.

They implemented a new delivery service on their own website, which meant that they could deliver as far as they want. n

10 Bradbury Street, Dalston, N16 8JN www.asorockfood.com

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From Plymouth to the world... established and aspiring entrepreneurs working together

Taken at The Girls To Women International Women’s Day at Jabulani in collaboration with Global Plymouth

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n response to finding only a small number of businesses with ethnically diverse leadership in Plymouth and the passion to help newly settled BAMEs start-up businesses, our co-founders merged their passion and entrepreneurship ideas into creating a business incubation hub where anyone and everyone could get help with starting and growing a business.

After many months in their own incubation centre, they formally set up Diversity Business Incubator on January 10th 2018 to aid both established and aspiring entrepreneurs, focusing on those in the BAME community.

We work with local businesses, including self-employed people and non-profit organisations to find the proper guidance and support to help their businesses work smarter, develop and grow. We are anchored by our faith and willpower to help local communities and individuals to grow and gain knowledge in the business sector.

Co Founder and Managing Director Jabo Butera and Co Founder and Finance Director David Feindouno

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Image from Black History Month movie screening at Plymouth University

“Our mission is to elevate the economic development and resilience in the Black, Asian and Minoritised Communities living in the South West” Diversity Business Incubator is and will continue to be recognised as the first point of reference for entrepreneurial mindset development and financial freedom in the BAME community in the southwest. We aim to become a nursery of ideas to be tested and developed by entrepreneurs into successful businesses and create a network of accountable partners and sponsors to inspire millennials to explore enterprise opportunities. We celebrate and empower responsible entrepreneurs from the BAME community while laying the foundation for the next generations of entrepreneurs, investors and economic leaders.

Here is one of the ways we support BAME businesses in Devon: Currently, in partnership with the Libraries unlimited, we have a £500 seed fund and 10hrs one to one support to give to 22 new Bame businesses.

The criteria are; • Devon-based excluding Plymouth

• Turnover must be less than £1000 to date • Social Impact and ethical business ideas are of BAME origins. n How To Apply?

Email info@dbi.org.uk Start & Close Date: Open: Sunday 1st of May 2022 Closing: Tuesday 30th of July 2022 Ways to contact DBI: Phone Number: 01752 651010 Email: info@dbi.org.uk Website: http://dbi.org.uk/ Instagram & Twitter: @DBI_UK Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube: Diversity Business Incubator

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Let’s transform failure into your best friend

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ife for me had been going along fairly well, cool family, nice job for a corporate company which was okay, paid the bills, but maybe it wasn’t inspiring me on a daily basis, pushing all my buttons.

Out of the blue one day a former colleagues called me to say he was about to launch a new tech startup and I was in his plans. He wanted me to head up growth for his new startup. Of course, I was thrilled, it was a no brainer. This was exciting a chance to make a major splash in the tech space and to play a pivotal role in our success, so I accepted before he could change his mind, I was all in.

We had a promising start, we managed to secure a few early deals and partnerships, so that made everybody feel confident that we were on the right track for success. Sadly, this proved to be a false dawn, over the next 10 months the momentum we needed seemed to elude us.

Ultimately. I was made redundant which was a bitter pill to swallow.

Feeling embarrassed and like I had failed, I tried to retrace every step of the previous 10 months to put my finger on where it all went wrong.

After a period of reflection, it occurred to me that failures and setbacks are a treasure trove for opportunity for learning, personal and professional development. As I reflected on all the things I had learnt during this period and how much I had grown. It became apparent to me without this difficult period, it would have been impossible for me

to develop and grow as much as I did.

It led to me starting my podcast “My Perfect Failure” where I connect with experts, academics, business professionals and lots of remarkable people who have turned their lives around after experiencing failures and setbacks.

We go into detail and amongst other things we discuss topics such as resilience, growth mindset, behaviour change, imposter syndrome, self-sabotage and many more topics.

The impact has been remarkable in that we have created a show where our listeners are learning with us, realising that failure is not final, and they can turn their lives around by changing their relationship with failure.

Today I am committed to helping people realise they can still win after experiencing failure by telling my story and providing actionable techniques they can implement to truly flourish. n Subscribe To My Perfect Failure: • Apple Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ my-perfect-failure/id1471554801 • Website: https://www.myperfectfailure.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myperfectfailure/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/failure_perfect • New Wisdom Audio app, having conversations that Matter.

Wisdom App: @paul_15

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Connect with the extremely insightful Paul Padmore the My Perfect Failure Podcast Founder

Who is Paul Padmore Paul Padmore is the founder and host of the popular and inspirational Podcast My Perfect Failure.

After losing his Job at a tech start up, Paul feeling like he had failed, felt compelled to understand how we can flip the script and turn failure into success.

This intrigue led Paul to officially birth the podcast My Perfect Failure. Connecting with academics, executives, entrepreneurs, experts in their fields, and all-round amazing people, the podcast consistently demonstrates that failure is a vital component for future success. Without failure we risk progress and can even move backwards.

The Podcast consistently demonstrates that we all possess this unique ability to recover from failures and adversity to flourish and find fulfilment and success.

Today, Paul supports business leaders and entrepreneurs to learn how to process and understand failure so they can grow and become even more successful.

Paul Can Discuss Why Failure is More Important than Success How Learning from Failure Can Transform your Business The Benefits of Embracing Your Growth Mindset How To make failure your Ally How to Fail Intelligently

Book Paul for Webinars & Podcasts Today https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-padmore-85686138 paul@myperfectfailure.com myperfectfailure.com 0788 1815 919

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“I feel very blessed to be able to lead my staff and inspire and encourage others”

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Every child deserves an opportunity

was born to a poor, young single mother on the beautiful island of Jamaica. I later had the privilege to attend the noble Munro College for boys. After completing my studies, I went to work as a science assistant at a local science museum where I later became the assistant manager. It was while working here that I developed a love for teaching children. I went on to pursue my teacher training at Bethlehem Moravian College where I specialised in primary education.

I taught in Jamaica for over 5 years as a primary school teacher and Primary science consultant/trainer. The years spent working

in the Caribbean were some of the best years of my career where I learnt to lead, refine my craft as a teacher and enjoyed tremendous results. After becoming frustrated by lack of opportunity to study I decided to migrate to the UK for work and study. I have enjoyed over 20 years of very successful teaching and serving as a senior leader in the UK. I have worked as Assistant Head and lead in various subject areas across the curriculum. One of the highlights in my time here in the UK, being invited to visit number 10 Downing Street along with 3 of my pupils for afternoon tea with the Prime Minister’s wife.

Family plays a very important part in my

life. I am married and have two wonderful children, one of whom is a PE teacher.

I play a very active part in church. I am an elder, lay speaker as well as working with various other departments. I mentor and offer life coaching advice to children and young people as well as counsel adults who are experiencing difficulties.

I believe that every child deserves an opportunity to be the best they can be. I am a passionate believer that every child needs a champion to ensure that they are happy, confident and successful. I feel very blessed to be able to lead my staff and inspire and encourage others. n

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B L A C K B U S I N EHYLAND S S G U I D E 2022-23 HOUSE55

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST SCHOOL Holcombe Road Tottenham, London N17 9AB Tel: 0208 520 4186 www.hylandhouseschool.org info@hylandhouseschool.org

“Our vision: Academic excellence, a rich, ambitious Christian education, character development within a loving, nurturing environment”

Our school’s warm, friendly atmosphere supported by firm, yet kind discipline, provides an environment in which children may develop their abilities with confidence.

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Don’t allow anyone to steal your destiny!

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y name is Maisie Barrett, the founder of Pearl Wedding UK. The title says it all. Yes, I plan weddings, but I also plan stag, hen, anniversaries and End of Marriage Separation too. I am ready to reclaim my destiny that they stole from me when I was just an innocent child.

Leigh Day solicitors are investigating how this happened and what legal recourse they might have, which is an American concept. The way you start a relationship, why not end it the same way by hiring a Wedding Planner to plan your Big Ending?

A Wedding Planner finds professional vendors and collaborates with them to plan weddings that are tailored to the needs and desires of each couple.

Simultaneously, wedding planners must have the ability to attend to details and have a holistic view of the environment they are endeavouring to create.

It also helps if they have a skill to distinguish them from other planners. Besides this, having a skill will help to save the couple money to hire a vendor to do that particular job. I specialise in writing wedding speeches. I am also the author of wedding books, so my couples will have the chance to feature on their covers, if they wish.

This is the second time I have tried to start this business. In 2016, I was working in a hostile environment. I had worked as a dyslexic tutor for a few years but because I was also dyslexic; I didn’t feel competent enough to do the job, though I help a lot of students. After they made me redundant, I applied to work in the office as a Dyslexic Tutor/ Advisor.

This was the first time I worked in an office. Though the job came with a mentor, they did not give me the training and the support I needed. My manager was very naive and ignorant. She believed that since I had gained so much academically; it cured me of dyslexia.

I don’t know what books she was reading. Coincidentally, I was the only black person working in the office.

I experienced silent bullying and because my domestic life was overbearing, I could not continue working in that environment.

While I was looking through my emails, one suddenly caught my attention called Wedding Planning.

Caribbean couples generally plan their own weddings

“I discovered later in life that I was dyslexic, so all I needed was extra support in the classroom”

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with family and friends, so I had never heard of a wedding planner before. I clicked on the email and read its creative, glamorous contents describing the role of a wedding planner, and it all appealed to me immediately. I called the learning establishment to find out more about the course, and after a brief conversation, I enrolled on the next payday.

By the end of that year, I resigned from the job, signed on Universal Credit before signing onto the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) as self employed. I applied for a loan, but because of my poor credit score, I didn’t get it. The income from universal credit and the NEA of £65 for 10 weeks and £33 for a further 10 weeks wasn’t enough to live on and run a business.

Every business needs expensive advertising. There is

B L A C K B U S I N E S S G U I D E 2022-23

free advertising but believe me, when you pay good money for advertising, you can see the money talking loud and clear from the page.

There was another problem. I have lacked confidence and self-esteem, most of my adult life, and with any business, if you do not possess these two personal attributes, it will be impossible to establish a successful business and to network; which is the fundamental way to find clients. Therefore, because of the aforementioned reasons, I had no choice but to dissolve the business and look for work.

How can a grown woman not have confidence? My story starts here. In the sixties, when I was 6 years old, the Education Authority placed me in Special Needs Schools (SEN) for no real reason other than I was a black child. To confirm my assertion, please watch the documentary Subnormal: A British Scandal directed by Lyttanya Shannon and produced by Steve McQueen.

These schools did not have a curriculum with proper subjects. It was like a free school where they taught you nothing worthwhile to help you function in society among those who could climb the social ladder, aiming for the top because children in these schools lacked the education, social skills, self-esteem, and the confidence.

I discovered later in life that I was dyslexic, so all I needed was extra support in the classroom. Placing me in a SEN school prepared me to fail in all walks of my life. When I left school, I couldn’t read or write properly, or have a conversation to keep anyone engaged in what I had to say because I had a small vocabulary. I couldn’t even write my name properly to apply for a cleaning job.

It has taken me nearly all my life to work towards a point where I could attempt to learn in order to educate myself at degree level, which I have successfully done. However, as for a career, I have been unsuccessful.

I have always known that the only way for me to be secured financially was to start a business, but I didn’t know what to do. I have tried to start several businesses and failed. This is the second time I am trying to start the wedding business and I have never been so confident and ready for all the challenges before me to be successful. I am ready to reclaim my destiny that they stole from me when I was just an innocent child. n

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Accounting services... 40 years on “We work to a standard, and not a price” PARTNERS: Ebenezer and Norman

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rom a humble beginning the late Leroy Reid started the accountancy firm Leroy Reid & Co in 1982. He dedicated over 50 years to our profession, and we remember and honor him. We express our gratitude to this trailblazer and a legend. His legacy will continue to live on.

Ebenezer and Norman the remaining partners have been handed the baton as the new owners to lead the firm and we aim to improve upon the foundations that have been laid. First, we thank God for making this possible. God has been faithful to us, and we commit to honor him.

We accept this responsibility with a sense of pride and humility having remembered our journey from Ghana and Jamaica to the UK.

• To our staff Josie, Robert, Alex & others who have been committed a big thank you.

• To our clients and business partners who have remained with us, thank you.

We commit to provide each client with a dedicated and personal service integrating technology to enhance delivery of services.

We provide services to a range of sectors in the UK, namely charities including a number of churches some with origins from our home countries, SME companies including JN Money Services (UK) Ltd one of the leading money remittance companies in the UK, and many sole traders. n We work beyond the call of duty Partners: Norman Robinson – norman@leroyreid.co.uk Ebenezer Okai – ebenezer@leroyreid.co.uk.

Website: www.leroyreid.co.uk • Telephone: 020 8764 6675

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A generation of cleaners

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uxury Clean started in 2018, The main inspiration for starting my own business is a history of entrepreneurs in my family, and this has had a major influence on me, from my grandfather running his car mechanic workshop in Brixton, to my father running his own electrical company. So of course, I wanted to follow them as an entrepreneur.

I literally started with a mop and bucket and a few cleaning agents, cleaning ovens, then I saw a market in carpet cleaning and upholstery.

With a strong desire to succeed, I attended several carpet cleaning courses to get certified within the industry, even my father came along to a carpet dying course, just out of interest, I think he liked my “Vision”.

Luxury Clean began to invest in the latest state of the art cleaning equipment, even acquiring a powerful truck mounted cleaning machine imported from America, which is one of the most powerful machines in the industry today.

Now Luxury Clean has advanced to carrying out rug cleaning and hard wood sanding.

We also specialise in spot repairs and carpet dyeing which led us into manufacturing our own bespoken carpet dying machine.

In regards to Luxury Clean’s management organisation it consists

of myself, the C.E.O, Julian Alexander, my father A.E.O Terry Alexander and MJ our technician, with self employed contractors for larger and end of tenancy contracts For our media coverage we have a marketing team that is responsible for how we’re perceived online and updating our website as Luxury Clean progresses.

Like many other businesses the Covid-19 pandemic did have an adverse affect on our business. Work was slow, but, luckily for us the carpet dying, spot repairs and rug cleaning side of the business kept us afloat enough for us to survive.

At the moment recommendations by word of mouth and great reviews from our existing clients have had a really positive effect on our business which has helped us further develop and made Luxury Clean the excellent cleaning company it is today.

Our expectations for Luxury Clean is to expand within the UK, open up classes for people who want to enter the industry, provide work experience placements for young people who are interested in learning about carpet, rugs and hard floor cleaning within the industry, not forgetting carpet & Rug dying and restoration.

I looking forward to a bright future for Luxury Clean n Website: https://luxuryclean.co.uk/

“I literally started with a mop and bucket and a few cleaning agents”

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Annual Expo for black businesses continues

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onique Founded Bobexpo in 2018 as a frustrated mum not being able to find diverse products for her children.

Realising that this was a shared experience for the Black consumer, the Expo was created .

It is now known for being the largest shopping experience for Afro-Caribbean products and services in the UK. “ Everyone should have access to products they need and feel

represented in” Monique says.

The entrepreneur was recently awarded Future List at the Northern Power Woman Awards, recognising her ongoing efforts, Monique is passionate in creating opportunities for easy accessibility to diverse products / services and also committed to motivating and enabling black businesses in achieving their full potential, through increased visibility.

The event will be back for the 4th Year in Manchester. Showcasing 100 Black owned

brands from all different categories their will be something for everyone. Including a Food hall showcasing the best of Afro-Caribbean Restaurants. Afro hair and Beauty corner and Seminars. n Book to attend : https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/bobexpo-2022-black-ownedbusiness-expo-tickets-256010854357 Instagram: @bobexpo_ Email: Info@bobexpo.org Tel: 02030115757

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“Committed to motivating and enabling black businesses in achieving their full potential”

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Making positive changes

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ocial entrepreneur, founder of CURLYTREATS & Dear Black Women and Girls - Vinna Best understands racial bias and discrimination. Aiming to connect with other women who enjoyed wearing their afro hair, in 2007, she decided to stop relaxing her

hair. Noticing a lack of support, she identified a need for an event where women could be empowered and learn to wear their natural hair with pride.

“I yearned to connect with women like me, women who wore their afro hair out – in person”

“The mainstream beauty events didn’t consider afro hair care, so I visited several beauty events targeted at Black women hoping to find solace, but I was left disappointed.“ So, in 2013, Vinna created CURLYTREATS Festival to address the needs of prominently Black.

Tickets for the event sold out and Vinna is now

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“Over the years, it has developed to include wellbeing and social issues such as hair discrimination” in her ninth year of organising events.

Her events have developed into an intergenerational safe space where Black women of all ages and backgrounds can, without judgement, connect, converse, contribute, and collaborate. Vinna said “At first, CURLYTREATS Festival focused on connecting women with afro hair with experts who teach how to care for their textured hair through a series of interactive talks, presentations, and hairstyling demonstrations. Over the years, it has developed to include wellbeing and social issues such as hair discrimination.”

Over the years, her events acknowledge the labour, sacrifices, and inspirational contributions of dedicated pioneers, as well as highlighting Black British women who have

continued to do exceptional work: “There are many Black British women making positive changes in the UK, it’s about time that they are celebrated too”.

To help support International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, CURLYTREATS Festival has now created Dear Black Women and Girls – a programme of cultural, beauty, literary, solutions, and wellness activities. The main aim of these activities is to challenge social stereotypes around women from African and Caribean backgrounds.

“Black women are known to put the needs of everyone else first. The damaging ‘strong Black woman’ stereotype means there is an unrealistic expectation for Black women to be resilient, independent, self-sacrificing, and

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have unwavering strength”, she said.

“At the event, the wellness space emphasises that we matter too and is a reminder to be kind to ourselves.”

The solutions element of the event addresses the stereotype of anger placed on Black women. As Vinna says, “everyone has an array of emotions. Yet, in society, Black women are considered to be aggressive, unnecessarily annoyed, and easily irritated – stereotyped as ‘angry Black women’”.

The events also address the erasure of Black women’s contributions, Black femicide and domestic violence, Black mental health, and how to get involved with the organisations doing the work to combat these issues. Because Black women and girls matter too. n For tickets and get involved in future festivals see: •CURLYTREATS Festival: Saturday 11 October 2022, Novotel London West, 11am - 7pm •DEAR BLACK WOMEN AND GIRLS: Festival | Saturday 15 March 2023, Novotel London, West, 11am - 7pm.

FOR MORE INFO VISIT: curlytreats.co.uk dearblackwomenandgirls.com

NEXT EVENTS: CURLYTREATS FESTIVAL. NOVOTEL WEST LONDON. HAMMERSMITH W6 8DR. 11 AM - 7 PM.

A 2022 UK Black History Month Festival.

A 2023 Women's History Month & International Women's Day Festival.

Black Hair Stories DEAR BLACK WOMEN AND GIRLS

BY CURLYTREATS FESTIVAL

SATURDAY 15 OCTOBER 2022 • LONDON Celebrating Fros, Curls, Coils & Locs - since 2013

CURLYTREATS.CO.UK • NOVOTEL LONDON WEST • HAMMERSMITH • W6 8DR • 11 AM - 7PM

BY CURLYTREATS FESTIVAL

SATURDAY 11 MARCH 2023 • LONDON An exclusive festival for Black Women & Girls

CURLYTREATS.CO.UK • NOVOTEL LONDON WEST • HAMMERSMITH • W6 8DR • 11 AM - 7PM

FOR TICKETS & TO GET INVOLVED GO TO WWW.CURLYTREATS.CO.UK/VOICE

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Azure SWIM SCHOOL LONDON

Swimming lessons take place on Saturday afternoons between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm Our pool located in East Croydon and is a 2-5 minute walk from the train station.

Azure swim school London offers adult and children’s swimming lessons.

Please feel free to contact us for more details.

Tel: 07535413543 Azure_swim_school_london Email: Azure.swimschoolldn@gmail.com

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From our Soul to yours

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oul Taste is a soul food takeaway restaurant based in east London. Our journey started from my passion and love for food.

Before starting Soul Taste I always went out to eat with my friends and family and One of the things I noticed in London was the lack of diversity in takeaway restaurant.

I decided since I came from a family who had a passion for food alongside chef’s, this motivated me to embark on my own journey to fill the gap in the market. Since starting my journey in 2019 I have been overwhelmed with the community support from customers in london as well as customers from across the country.

We take pride in preparing our food we ensure our seasonings, spices and cooking methods are combined together to create flavoursome dishes. We developed the Soul Taste Signature meal which was a hit among our customers.

Since then we have developed various recipes which has also received great reception. We cater to all ‘occasions’ We also provide private catering services and our customers have shown great interest for. Whatever the event you can count on us to deliver. We believe food should be enjoyed at all Occassion. Our food is beautifully presented and we never compromise on flavour. n CONTACT DETAILS / SOCIAL MEDIA: Number: 07857 847556 Email: info@soultaste.co.uk Website: www.Soultaste.co.uk Instagram: Soultaste_ TikTok: Soul Taste

“I have been overwhelmed with the community support from customers in London as well as customers from across the country”

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Guide to help businesses achieve success PR & marketing guide Find your Stride aims to empower start-ups, solopreneurs and freelancers

HELPING NEW ENTREPRENEURS: Jocelyn Chandler-Hawkins and Louise Chandler

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ver 600,000 new businesses were founded between 2019 and 2020, according to official government figures.

That equates to nearly 2,000 entrepreneurs every day taking the plunge into business ownership.

Increasing numbers of people aspire to take control of their financial futures and/or strike a better work-life balance by starting their own small business or side hustle.

But in a post-Covid period of uncertainty, how can a budding entrepreneur be sure that the ideas he or she has will materialise into a successful business?

Good marketing is one of the important

ways a new enterprise can attract a lot of customers. However it is something that new business owners often struggle with.

To help with this challenge sisters and business coaches Jocelyn Chandler-Hawkins and Louise Chandler have created a new PR & marketing guide called Find your Stride that aims to upskill and empower small start-up businesses, solopreneurs and freelancers.

The aim of the guide, which they describe as ‘an interactive digital business inspiration toolkit’ is to help entrepreneurs promote who they are and what they do in a clear and engaging way.

The duo have over 40 years combined experience as marketing and media specialists, mentors, event organiser, filmmaker, broadcaster and business owners.

Their portfolio includes working with companies and organisations such as Superdrug, The Prince’s Trust, Lloyds pharmacy and HSBC to name a few.

“During my time, as a broadcaster, and running my own media relations business, I would always meet entrepreneurs in different industries. And I was always fascinated with the things that they just didn’t know but that I take for granted” says Chandler. “So I always had this little gem in the back of my brain that I would like to create something that upskilled other people and empowers other people to use to use marketing techniques, but never had the time.”

The desire to create something that could help new entrepreneurs resurfaced during the pandemic when Chandler did have more time on her hands. She discussed the idea with Jocelyn who worked in a similar industry and they decided to launch Find Your Stride.

“We define it as a toolkit. It’s a downloadable document, 73 pages in total with 14 sections on different topics. There are instructions and guidance on things like creating a podcast, writing a press release or using social media. So you not only read it, there are actual

OVERWHELMING: New entrepreneurs often juggle several tasks tasks, it’s interactive. There are gaps to make notes and templates.”

However Chandler acknowledges that firsttime entrepreneurs often struggle with time.

So will following the guide pose a problem for much of its intended audience?

“Rome wasn’t built in a day and no one’s saying you have to become a PR and marketing expert overnight. But you can any one of the 14 sections and just digest that at your own pace.

Also I always suggest to people, even if you only have one hour out of the week, sit down and think ‘how do I tell people what I do? How do I promote people who I am and how I can help them with my services and products?’, One hour a week isn’t impossible. But you’ve got to carve out that time.”

Chandler says that consistency is the key to creating long-term visibility for new entrepreneurs.

“No one says being in business is easy but our advice is to start and start today. Start small with a small action list to keep yourself accountable so you can see progress. Be your own champion and talk about your business with pride and enthusiasm in person and also in online or digital spaces to make yourself visible. But moreover. it’s your business or project so enjoy it and all the new experiences, lessons and opportunities that come your way.” n

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NEW BUSINESS TOOLKIT: Find your Stride

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Unique experiences... Unique memories

EXPLORE THE BEST OF ENGLAND Welcome

Your tours with us are the window to experience the uniqueness of London, Essex and England.

Some of o

ur tours

Our all year round tours are favourite of the MALDON BLACK WATER seasoned traveller, both young and older ESTUARY BOAT CRUISE couples, groups of friends who want to create lasting moments and families of all sizes.

Plus corporate and groups. Customised CHRIST packages for all occasions available.

FESTIVA MAS DICKEN SIA L & VIC TORIAN N BALL UK Corporate and International incentive packages available.

LO COU NDON & NTR YSID ESSEX E TO URS

Internship and work experience opportunities available.

MOTHE R MYSTER S DAY Y TOUR VINTAGE BUS, STEAM TRAIN & AFTERNOON TEA

CHIGW E ABBEY H LL & WALTHAM ISTORIC AL TOU R WEE KEN & CI D COU TY B REA NTRY KS

HAINAU LT CYCLIN FOREST WALK S G, GOLF , BIRD W , PICNIC, ATCHIN G

NEW YEAR GHANA TOUR

CHR OF L ISTMAS OND V ON T IEWS OUR

THE BL

BRISTO CONCO L CITY & RDE TO UR

ACK CU LTURAL THE WA ARCHIV LLACE C ES TOU OLLECT R EXPE ION TO RIENCE UR EXP , LOND ERIENC ON E, LOND ON

www.chigwelltours.co.uk

NEW TOURS

T: +44 208 500 9912 E: bookings@chigwelltours.co.uk www.facebook.com/chigwelltours www.instagram.com/chigwell_tours twitter.com/chigwell_tours

GREAT GIFT IDEA

Vouchers AVAILABLE ON OUR SITE

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alome Ahenkora – CEO at Chigwell Tours is an award winning entrepreneur, a finalist BBB Awards 2021, leader and manager with over 30 years’ experience in teaching, local government (Islington and Camden councils).

She has also worked as a consultant for the World bank in Ghana.

Salome started Chigwell Tours in 2010 and launched in 2012 (just before the London Olympics).

As managing director Salome has overseen the growth of Chigwell Tours from a local tour of one hour to a national tour operator, providing 35 unique tour experiences in the UK and a 13-day winter escape tour to Ghana. In March 2021, Chigwell Tours was awarded the “Best Bespoke Tour Operator in Essex” and finalist in the Black Business Award, consumer luxury and leadership category by LUXLife Magazine (a luxury brand) in their travel and tourism category.

After the devastating impact of lockdown in 2020 and 2021,Chigwell Tours revamped and enlarged tours now included 5 new outdoor tours in the 300 acres of Hainault Forest Country Park -walking, bike rides, forest and golf tours, birdwatching and sculptor trails tours. Families, couples, professionals and groups are all welcomed.

• Hainault Forest Tours (Forest walk, picnic, golf & bike) • Sunset cruises and afternoon tea tours at MaldonBlack Water Estuary; Bristol City.

• British Airways Concorde Museum Tours and London City Walks • Christmas tours will start in November 2021.

• The popular Bombay Saphire Tour (Gin masterclass in Wiltshire) will start from September.

• Early bird discounts are selling for their vintage bus, steam train and afternoon tea tours (Epping Ongar, Windsor & Bucks) These are available for booking at: www.chigwelltours.co.uk In 2022 Chigwell Tours will see the start of our exclusive tour experiences to the Black Cultural Archives and Windrush Square.

The company continues to be one of BuyAGift’s top sellers of the vintage bus, steam train and afternoon tea tours.

Chigwell Tour’s trip advisor reviews show 70% of

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“Chigwell Tour’s trip advisor reviews show 70% of customers rate us very good-excellent”

customers rate us ‘very good-excellent’, and they quickly respond to unsatisfied customers and use their feedback for service improvement. They give back to their community through charity10km walk in Hainault Forest, now in its 6th year. In 2020 funds were raised to support black children who had lost their fathers to Covid-19 whilst working for the NHS. Their annual fundraising 10km walk for good causes in 2021, raised funds to support young people and mental health and well-being. The funds supported Chigwell Row Infants pupils with anxiety issues due to Covid; Young Minds counselling project; and supported the Caribbean African Health Network housing support for black youth with

housing and mental health needs.

In 2015, Salome received the Inspirational Woman Award and in 2016, was a finalist for the Divas of Colour Woman award. These were in recognition of her business endeavour. Salome’s book, ‘Smiling at The Glass Ceiling’ written in 2003, during very challenging times, still inspires women she meets and demonstrates that a visually impaired confident and resilient black woman can run a successful tour business. n Website: www.chigwelltours.co.uk T: +44 208 500 9912 E: bookings@chigwelltours.co.uk

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COMPETITION: WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS WIN A PAIR

Of Opening Ceremony tickets to the Commonwealth Games on

28th JULY

with an overnight stay HOW TO ENTER: 1. Tag @ISLANDDELIGHTUK

in a picture on Facebook and Instagram with @thevoicenewspaper

2. Contact details are

marketing@cleone.co.uk

3. Ts & Cs - main ones are

over 18s and Uk residents only, tickets can’t be exchanged for cash and full T&Cs can be asked for on request.

Enter by 3 June, 2022

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B L A C K B U S I N E S S G U I D E 2022-23

Keeping the community connected

Patricia Wharton aka BLAZE with guest Rasheed Graham

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atricia Wharton is an advocate for supporting and raising the profile of Black owned business.

There is always an opportunity for business owners to have a slot on her radio show called The Let’s Talk Show. They can talk about their businesses and how they have overcome their challengies.

Patricia also takes the show on the road and can be seeing at A Brighter Health’s African Pop Up Market interviewing the vendors. She believes in collaboration such as joining forces with Mane Culture barber shop in Neasden hosting health workshops.

Patricia Wharton spent over 30 years of her professional career working with children and families.

But in 2017 she decided she wanted a new challenge. This change of direction led to a new career as a broadcaster and Assistant Manager of the Chalkhill Community Radio Station in Brent, north west London.

In 2020 she landed a her own show, ‘Patricia Talks’ in partnership with Adrianne Mckenzie of Onyx Gold on the independent online TV platform BWTMonline.

The show focuses on everyday people and their extraordinary lives. One such story featured on The Let’s Talk Show was that of

Rasheed Graham.

Patricia decided to feature Graham on her show after seeing a video about his life story in 2020. At the age of 23 Graham had

“There is always an opportunity for business owners to have a slot on her radio show ” been a trainee commercial pilot. His bursary had been cut due to the Covid 19 pandemic which meant he needed to raise £60,000 to complete his course. That situation led to Graham setting up a Go-Fund me page.

Patricia interviewed the aspiring pilot

Rasheed on The Let’s Talk Show and during the broadcast donations started flooding in.

Ex-flight attendant Amanda Epe also joined the show with donations of £500 worth of her book Fly Girl. By the Monday of the following week, Graham appeared on BBC 1’s Panorama.

By the end of the program, he called the presenter to say that he had now raised £63,000. In 2022 Graham qualified as a commercial Pilot.

“I also have a particular interest in the welfare of our black youths being reported missing from home” she says.

“I am often contacted by the community for help in this area, and I work with schools, parents, and the police trying to ensure a safe return.”

Reflecting on her passion for broadcasting she says: “Never underestimate the power of community radio. The Let’s Talk Show continues to keep the community connected.” and remains committed to supporting our businesses. n The Let’s Talk Show airs every Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm on The Chalkhill Community Radio Station www.chalkhillcommunityradio.com

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Getting ahead with technology

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iledoc are here to ensure your business has access to the latest modern devices, allowing you to work smarter and more efficiently with technology. We have specialist hardware and software solutions for all your business technology requirements. We also support you with our exceptional Our skilled team are on hand and ready to utilise the latest hardservice experts who are readily available to assist you with instal- ware and software products to make sure you get nothing but the best lation and maintenance. and most efficient solution to meet your exact business requirements, Our staff is built on the such as: core of over 40 years indus• Managed Print/Copy/ try experience. We have the Scan Solutions (desktop to knowledge to understand the wide format) technological problems busi• Document management nesses, like yours, can face. and Workflow Solutions (scalaThis allows you to analyise your ble to meet any size of business) business using the best meth• Complete Audio-Visual ods to identify technological Solutions (Digital Signage / Inchallenges, and addressing them teractive / Visitor management / as quickly and efficiently as possiMeeting Room Solutions) ble within budget.

• Full range of EPOS and PayThat’s why, along with our serment Solutions (from mobile catervice experts, our customers are the ing to theme parks). n foundation of our business. We work to develop strong lasting cusContact us either on: tomer relationships built on trust.

01484 446172 We build on what we do well and or email: info@filedoc.co.uk r ecto Dir are innovative in order to meet the - Managing Godfrey Gabriel to arrange a visit from one of our changing needs of customers. consultants or come and meet us Godfrey Gabriel, our Managing Director, said: “Our aim is to proin our newly refurbished, vide you with the best technology solutions ensuring your business is state of the art showroom facilities. harnessing the latest technology, providing greater working efficienWebsite: www.filedoc.co.uk cy, productivity and importantly profitability.”

Are you ready for us to make technology work for you?

provide to – IM A R U “O est you with the b ring your solutions ensu rnessing business is ha nology, h c te t s te la e th ater providing gre ncy, working efficie nd productivity a importantly profitability”

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Dynamic duo serving you virtually

FOUNDERS: Carina and Rebecca

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&R Management Services is a global lifestyle management company who are industry leaders in providing Virtual Assistant services as well as tailor made management services across Media, Entertainment, Sport and many other industries. ​Owned by Carina White & Rebecca Lindsay.

Their team are located globally, ensuring a continuous service whilst clients are travelling or

based in another country.

The C&R Management Services team are experienced and dedicated in providing a personal, professional, and innovative service, ensuring the needs of your business or brand are met.n For more information contact or visit us: Website: www.cr-management.co.uk Email: info@cr-management.co.uk

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Helping kids bring grown-ups to party We Are Happy Feet has won praise for giving families the opportunity to dance and have fun together in a safe environment

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f you’re looking for a way to calm a young child down after he or she has had a temper tantrum there are many parents who swear by having a living room dance party.They are the go-to activity when you want to turn around a child in a bad after a sibling has taken a favourite toy for example.

Dancing to some favourite tunes with mum or dad is great fun and has also been scientifically proven to increase bonding between parents and children, improve fitness for everyone in the family and reduce stress.

Now, the bond that children experience when they dance with their parents is at the heart of a new business venture that has won several plaudits.

We Are Happy Feet is a family day rave where kids get to bring their grown-ups and have some fun on the dancefloor.

The company was launched in 2018 as a family day party aimed at providing an immersive party experience for children and their grown-ups alike.

“The idea is to give all families the opportunity to dance, have fun and unwind together in a safe environment” says co-founder Princess Francis.

This is something Francis is passionate about. As both a party lover and a working mother to two children, Princess was keen to merge her passions and lifestyle in way that could be appreciated and enjoyed by many other families.

“With music and dance being key tools for enhancing mental health and wellbeing, it goes without saying that this is one of the key motivators for We Are Happy Feet” says Francis. “Our parties are primarily aimed at children under 10 and their grow ups, although all ages are welcome to attend. Attendees are treated to non-stop party vibes with clean music for the whole family, face painting, arts and crafts, table based games, competitions and much more.

Vendor opportunities are also on offer where other small businesses can showcase and sell a variety of family friendly products.”

“Parties take place on a regular basis at various locations throughout London and have so far sold out on each occasion” she says. “As well as our own day parties, we have collaborated on community events and are also available for private party bookings.” n For further details, please visit www.instagram.com/wearehappyfeet or www.facebook.com/wearehappyfeetuk

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Showing the power of ‘doing for self’

H. E. Seth George Ramocan,High Commissioner of Jamaica to the UK, speaks with Dr Carlton Brown, MD of Marshall and Brown at the JAMPRO showcase

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n April 7, 2022, the Jamaican High Commission UK and Jampro teamed up to host their inaugural “Meet the Buyer” event in London, England.

The goal of the event was to connect Jamaican businesses with UK retailers and the press.

Many notable business owners and representatives were in attendance, including Michelin-trained Chef Aleandro - Founder of Food Fusion who served an array of delicious canapes utilising products from the vendors in the room.

The brands, retailers, and press who attended gave authentic Jamaican business owners the opportunity to network, learn and

encourage each other. This event demonstrated the capacity for authentic Jamaican businesses to be successful in the UK market. It also showed that by working together, we can achieve more than what we could alone.

Alongside several brands including award-winning brands, luxury food - Marshall and Brown and Jamaican distributor Mickles, the event was buzzing with excitement.

“The UK food retail market has seen a genuine desire by consumers, to have access to authentic Caribbean foods, and this event has brought together some of the most creative , innovative and authentic products from Jamaica. The buyers who attended were excited and truly engaged and JAMPRO and the Jamaican High Commission UK

have done a wonderful job in promoting the very best of Jamaica.” says Dr Carlton Brown, founder of Marshall and Brown Nicole Bowen, founder of Mickles stated; “For me, the Meet the Buyers event was a wonderful and extremely encouraging experience. Here I am an authentic Caribbean brand amongst an array of other successful and growing authentic brands from Jamaica - in the Jamaican High Commission. The Jamaican High Commission and Jampro hosted an innovative event for authentic Jamaican brands so that both retailers and consumers can access and discover brands that originate from and support the Jamaican economy. I was proud to be part of this event and a part of its legacy” n

UK

B L A C K B U S I N E S S G U I D E 2022-23

TEAM WORK: A team of ladies from Grace Foods UK

H. E. Seth George Ramocan, High Commissioner of Jamaica to the UK, speaks with Nicole Bowen, MD of Mickle’s

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