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UK BLACK BUSINESS GUIDE 2020-21
020 has proven to be the worst of times, but also the best of times. The worst of times because, never in my 40 years of being an entrepreneur, have I seen such disarray in government, private and public sectors, small and large businesses, with fear in everyone’s eyes and voice. COVID-19 and subsequent Lockdown, the effect of which we are still feeling now is unprecedented, since the World Wars. The best of times, because never has so many people found a new way of working, pivoting from one business to another, or a new version of their old business. These extraordinary times have brought to life the meaning of “Necessity Is The Mother Of All Creation”. It was necessary to change, and many businesses got creative: it’s now become the age of IOT…Internet Of Things, with everything and everyone now on the internet. But what of those who could not pivot? During the first round of Lockdown, businesses began to collaborate, and mine was no different, so a long-time relationship came back into play. The Voice Newspaper, along with WinTrade Global Women Entrepreneurs Network saw the need and a solution to support Black Businesses who were and still are at the frontline with dealing with the effects of Lockdown, and we wanted to do something to help. During the height of the pandemic earlier this year in June, the Minister for Business Nadhim Zahawi MP chose WinTrade Global Talks and The Voice Newspaper to share vital information in accessing government initiatives with the Black Business Community in the UK. Over a thousand black businesses answered the call. Eight hundred and fifty of them from across the country directly engaged with the webinar. Against the much-publicised backdrop of the government’s Windrush scandal, this unique engagement, in sheer numerical terms, was a big success. Whether the event itself lead to increased take-up of the government’s mainstream policy to support the wider business community during the pandemic, by black businesses is an answer we will undoubtedly seek. However, from our survey generated from the feedback of those in attendance alone, indicate at the very least, black businesses felt better informed of the government’s policy as a result.
Black Business Update
“from our survey generated from the feedback of those in attendance alone, indicate at the very least, black businesses felt better informed of the government’s policy”
In June, as part of his presentation, the Minister promised a follow-up. And as the government are engaging in discussions on how to prepare the country for the inevitable second wave, we felt a timely Part II of the webinar was necessary, during Black History Month. The timing is perfect to understand what the latest government thinking is about the support it intends to give to business as COVID extends. Nadhim Zahawi MP agreed to return to
WinTrade Global Talks for live engagement with black businesses across the UK, on October 14th and was joined by a senior civil servant Justin Placide, Assistant Director for Business, Investment and Growth. Whilst Part II was also well attended, Government still wants to know: • Is there more that we want the government to do in terms of sharing information on the
