17 minute read
Swiss
Swiss: ‘Let’s use the power of our Black Pound’
Aas thousands of people across the UK have been supporting Black Pound Day ( first Saturday of every month). The event’s founder Swiss tells The Voice about his vision for the event and how he sees it’s future
“WHO MADE this product?” “What materials were used?” “Who is profiting from it?” These are just a few of the questions often asked by conscientious consumers mindful of a company’s impact on the environment or the way it treats it staff. However, for an increasing number of buyers who are thinking about these wider issues, another important question is also being asked: “Is this a black-owned business?” In the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests across the world that followed the death of George Floyd in May many have been thinking about new, effective ways to challenge racial inequality in all areas of life. One of the most prominent people to do is So Solid Crew’s Swiss.
Financial boost
He is the founder of Black Pound Day, an event aimed at celebrating black-owned businesses and giving the black community a financial and emotional boost, after the anger at racial inequality in the UK evident at the protests which followed Floyd’s death.
Support
Thousands of people across the country will be backing blackowned businesses as part of Black Pound Day The inaugural Black Pound Day attracted support from high profile figures such as chart-topping singer Jess Glynne among others. And #BlackPoundDay becoming the number one trending topic on Twitter in the UK. Several businesses also shared on social media how they had experienced their biggest growth in sales this year following the day. Black Pound Day is now set to become a regular event in a bid to encourage more Britons to buy products or services from blackowned businesses and invest in them.
‘Economic activism’
The idea of supporting black businesses is a form of economic activism that has long been discussed in the black community. For Swiss however, now is the right time for the black community to take action on it. “I first conceived the idea about 12 years ago” he says. “I had a passing thought about us galvanising ourselves and pouring back
VISION: Black Pound Day founder Swiss
into our community economically. It was a strong inspirational thought I shared with my friend’s older brother and that’s where it stayed. “It had always been lingering and I’m still surprised that no one actually came up with the idea of having a day where we’re all thinking about going to support our own businesses and using that as a way to galvanise our community in thought and action.
Inspiration
“I wanted to do my part to create something positive out of this. I followed the inspiration I as given and here we are, many people getting behind this movement. I’m just so happy that people have been open to it. Black Pound Day does what it says on the tin, it’s a very simple concept to understand. “It’s a day where we unify all cultures, not just black, we utilise the emotional energy of recent months and turn that into an economic power as opposed to allowing those emotions to come and go as we know emotions do and nothing comes of it.” Was he surprised at the positive reaction to the first Black Pound Day? “I was very surprised. Anyone would be after putting their own brainchild out there and seeing it stir up so much interest in the community. Apart from songs I don’t think I’ve had an idea that has stirred up the emotions and the forward thinking of my community in that way.
The day can help our community shape an economic agenda. When we have control of our economic agenda we can move from a position of power we can make decisions from a position of power and achieve effective outcomes. Economic unity means we can effect change politically. This is really important. SWISS, FOUNDER OF BLACK POUND DAY
Swiss: ‘Let’s use the power of our Black Pound’
“Many of my peers in the industry and celebrities such as Jess Glynne got behind it. Jess shared her love for our community and despite a bit of backlash she stood firm in what she was doing.” Swiss continues: “She understood that while it’s important to support all businesses as equally as you can, not just those from your own ethnic background, who you’re shopping with and how you’re distributing your money is important in the multicultural society. From celebrities to people on the ground we all feel the same.” As much as Black Pound Day highlights issues of systemic inequality in the UK, it also holds up a mirror to the black community. Data compiled by the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) revealed that the spending power of Britain’s black community is worth an estimated £300 billion. However according to experts such as Daniel Lister, founder of My Black Market, African Caribbeans spend as much as 95 per cent of their income outside the community. Black businesses are becoming an increasingly important part of the economy. According to government figures more than 55,000 businesses have been helped to launch businesses with the support of government backed Start Up loans since 2012 creating more than 66,000 jobs. An impressive 1 in 5 of these enterprises are black owned. And a Voice analysis of recently published figures from the Federation of Small Businesses show that African Caribbean owned businesses contribute as much as £4 billion to the UK economy. But sadly many members of the black community do not know about them. And even after being discovered black business owners often say they do not get the support they deserve.
Impact
It perhaps for this reason that hundreds of black-owned businesses have warmly welcomed Faces) the impact that Black Pound Day has had. Among those who have spoken of its impact is London-based company The Jerk Kitchen. Run by Natalie Dinning the company was started by her father Neil in 2006. The family business ran a food stall situated near Arsenal’s Emirates stadium for over ten years. The Jerk Kitchen won hundreds of dedicated repeat customers before moving into other areas of business including producing a range of sauces called Lesley’s, named after her mother. “When I first heard about it I was intrigued” says Dinning. “I did a little bit of research, read what Swiss was saying and I was really excited about. But we didn’t really know what was going to happen as a result of the day. “The night before I didn’t go to bed because I was creating some adverts to post on the actual day. But I also took the time to research other black businesses and I was amazed at about how many there are out there.” Dinning continues: “Then, at quarter to five in the morning on
BACKING: Natalie Dinning who runs The Jerk Kitchen was among the business owners who received a significant boost from Black Pound Day (Pic: Kimi Gill for Islington
Black Pound Day, we got our first order. I was amazed and to be honest, that day was a whirlwind for me. I was either answering a message on social media or replying to someone reposting us which was amazing.
ALL THE SERVICES YOU NEED IN ONE PLACE!
Identifying the need for a more personalised approach to human development Martha Da Costa-Sherwood founded Da Cosme Group. The company provides a variety of personal, professional, and business development services offering practical solutions to life’s most common challenges.
Da Cosme Groups empowers individuals to take charge of their life both personally and professionally. Helping people increase their self-awareness and unlock untapped potential, develop better relationships with their friends, family and colleagues or improve their career prospects and outcomes. The consulting arm works with business owners, entrepreneurs, and organisations to create a more efficient, competitive and engagement workforce. Da Cosme Finance Da Cosme Finance provides access to the best financial advice and guidance at an affordable price. Da Cosme Education works with students, parents, teachers, and schools to secure the best outcomes for children and young people. Da Cosme Group are specialists in human capital development because they put people at the heart of everything they do; this means we will do the same for you.
DA COSME GROUP
We are a business that believes in community. With over 20 years’ experience serving our diverse communities throughout the United Kingdom, we have come to know that community is the hearbeat of what we do. Our aims have always been to listen to what our clients need and, as best as possible, provide the services and expertise that are necessary to meet your needs. Despite the amount of changes, we have faced recently, our ethos is exactly the same. Therefore, having listened to your concerns and understood your needs, we, at Sterling Winshaw Solicitors, are proud to offer our services in the following areas.
v v v v v v Crime Commercial Family Housing & Property Immigration Wills & Probate
Whether your relationship has broken down and you want to maintain contact with your children or you are in social housing and the conditions of your home are below what is acceptable we can be there for you to help you understand your rights and how to go about establishing those rights.
Perhaps the pandemic has you thinking about your own mortality and want to draft a will, or you want to see the options you have of brining a love-one to the UK, we can navigate you through the law and advise you as to your best options.
Whatever your legal enquiry may be, drop a call or an email and we can arrange a free consultation with you to explore all your options.
We’re here to help.
Telephone: 02036438962 Website: www.sterlingwinshaw.com Email: info@sterlingwinshaw.com 104 Atlas Business Centre, Oxgate Lane, London, NW2 7HJ
Shining a light on the UK’s diverse business community
At NatWest we are committed to ensuring everyone has equal opportunity to start and grow a business, regardless of their gender and ethnic background. We know one of the barriers facing aspiring entrepreneurs from ethnically diverse backgrounds is the lack of visible, relatable role-models – successful industry leaders that look like them. This is why we are actively using our events and content platforms to showcase businesses run by black, Asian and Minority Ethnic entrepreneurs, and speaking to experts about how strong networks can be the key towards creating a more diverse environment where anyone with a great business idea is connected with opportunities to thrive. Scan the QR code to read the interview, or search NatWest Business Hub
NW_Network_HalfPage.indd 1 15/10/2020 12:02
WORKING WITH YOU
If there was ever a year that could be called the ‘year of change’ it would be this year. It would be right now.
As with everyone in our society, we at Sterling Winshaw Solicitors, have had to adapt and change to the ever-unusual environment created my local and global issues. From implementing more technology to meet the needs of our clients, to providing services that have become more and more important as the effects of the coronavirus are evidenced in every aspect of our lives. We have observed and listened to our client’s needs and changed not only the way we do things but the services we provide. Our aim has always been to try and meet the demands that you, our clients, make upon us. With that in mind, we have expanded our scope of services to cover Housing and Property matters, Immigration, Family, Crime and Wills & Probate. If you are facing the breakdown of a relationship due to allegations of domestic violence or need to make child contact arrangements, we can help you navigate through the processes needed. Perhaps the pandemic has got you thinking about your own mortality and you wish to get your affairs in order, we can help draft your will. Maybe you have fallen foul of new restriction laws following the pandemic and need help to understand your rights. We are here to help. If you are having any issues about housing from wishing to buy or sell, matters of rent arrears or even claims for housing disrepair, we are available to assist you as much as we can. Pick up the phone, drop us an email or arrange a video conference and we will be more than happy to discuss where we can help you.
Rasheed Sarpong Director of Sterling Winshaw Solicitors.
104 Atlas Business Centre Oxgate Lane London NW2 7HJ T: 020 3643 8962 E: info@sterlingwinshaw.com www.sterlingwinshaw.com
J.D. Okoro is a London-based author of entertaining picture books for children
MY CHILDREN’S BOOKS ARE GREAT STORIES FOR 4-7 YEAR OLDS As a child I was fascinated by nature, this is reflected in my stories, whether it is about a plucky caterpillar, a cheating newt, thieving crows or flying rats! I write the sort of tales that I would want to read, usually two books a year, each reflecting my humour. Some parts are twisted, some are painful, there’s a bit of crime, comeuppance, a dash of revenge and shock tactics. It’s a rollercoaster. I self-publish my books and sell both online and direct to stores and schools. I work with illustrators, narrators, editors, musicians, administrators, distributors, graphic designers and bookshops. I love getting feedback from the children, adults and teachers. I often do author visits at schools and share raw ideas for feedback. Children have fantastic ideas! My first book is the graphic novel ‘Beetle Reich’ which is enjoyed by adults and older children alike… and is quite a departure from my children’s books! It was soon followed by ‘The Scruffapillar’, ‘Sir Newt (The Brute)’, and ‘The Rat That Flapped’. Classic bedtime stories. I’ll be publishing three more books in 2021 For more information: Twitter: @JDOkoroAuthor / PA@JDOkoro.com / www.JDOkoro.com
Author Name: JD Okoro @JDOkoroAuthor www.JDOkoro.com PA@JDOkoro.com
Your local Ades Cash & Carry store
Ades Cash & Carry is one of the largest wholesale/retail specialists in African and Caribbean food and drinks in the UK. Ades has come a long way in 15 years and was officially recognised by the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in 2013 as one of the 1,000 companies to Inspire Britain in recognition of Ades commitment to excellence in the industry.
Ades new retail store opened in Salford, Manchester in July in addition to the two London stores in Thamesmead and Charlton. They serve customers ranging from individuals to businesses based locally, nationally, and internationally.
Customers are also able to shop online with the Click and Collect
“I do not want to be categorised as an “ethnic” brand because what happens is that you get stuck down in the bottom shelf...I said the first thing I want to do is I want to be a mainstream British brand – that in itself is a big challenge.”
For black entrepreneurs wanting to follow in his footsteps, he has this to say: “Stop waiting for permission. Stop waiting to be accepted, it ain’t going to happen.”
He adds that he wants people to realise that there is no helping hand when it comes to bringing about the change that is needed – but he believes there is untapped power potential within the black community.
“What I think is that we as black people have to come to terms with is that we have power and we should be utilising that power a lot more than we have done in the past,” he says.
Today Emmanuel-Jones describes himself as a gentleman service at www.adesfoods.co.uk. This allows customers to shop in the comfort of their homes and all they have to do is to collect instore. A home delivery service is starting soon for those who live further away.
Focusing on their goal to provide customers with the best quality products at affordable prices, Ades has an excellent team of friendly and professional staff who are always available to help.
Hurry up and visit Ades, there are lots of offers and amazing dis-
Continued from page 11
u
counts in store or online. farmer, not spending his time getting muddy in fields but building his Black Farmer brand.
His new ventures include the launch of a new Black Farmer online shop, something he says was spurred on by the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The reason why it’s the right time to do direct to consumer is because of COVID. Before COVID getting fresh food to people’s house was really difficult because they weren’t in, they were at work or out and about,” Emmanuel-Jones says.
And while the online grocery service opens up his products to a new market, he’d like to see the black community support it. “It’s really tough in an online business and what I would like is to get a lot of support from the black community because that is how these things succeed.”
Emmanuel-Jones’ hopes to expand don’t stop there. He has a physical flagship farm shop in his sights.
“My ultimate ambition is, in the next two years, to have a Black Farmer bricks and mortar farm shop...they’ll be restaurants, cookery schools, there’ll be an academy. It’ll be a destination site that anybody going down to the southwest will say I must stop off at The Black Farmer.” n
Stop off at The Black Farmer’s virtual shop at: https://theblackfarmer.com
FARMSHOP NOW OPEN
USE THE DISCOUNT CODES BELOW TO GET UP TO £15 OFF A THE BLACK FARMER SET BOX DURING OCTOBER:
VOICE5 - £5 off a - £50 set box VOICE10 - £10 off a - £75 set box VOICE15 - £15 off a - £100 set box
WWW.THEBLACKFARMER.COM
The Voice DPS 003.indd 1
BUSINESS PEOPLE - THINK BIG, THEN THINK BIGGER!
At the start of 2020, Asari St.Hill had such great hopes for the year, just like most business owners. However, his plans were blown off course. But, with a new focus and determination he turned around his business and achieved new personal bests in growth.
With a little support, you can also identify opportunities in your marketplace. If you can add great value to your chosen market and refocus your marketing and sales strategies, you can get outstanding results. We have helped so many people during this pandemic to grow their businesses and make more money. Bigger businesses chose 121 coaching but others have chosen mastermind groups; business planning sessions; new marketing plans; and the brave have gone for our 30X Business video challenge. What are you going to do differently in 2021 to ensure your business has its best year yet? Yes, get yourself a great business coach.
ActionCOACH Business Coaching
Looking to pivot your business in 2021? Looking to pivot your business in 2021?Looking to build a 6 figure or £1m+ Business? Looking to build a 6 figure or £1m+ Business? Would you love to have a business that works without you?
Would you love to have a business that works without you? Request a complimentary business review Request a complimentary business review * 121 Coaching & Group Coaching* 121 Coaching & Group Coaching * Business Planning Sessions & 90 Day Plans* Business Planning Sessions & 90 Day Plans * 30X Business Plus – 6wks of video learning* 30X Business Plus – 6wks of video learning * Check out our regular free webinars* Check out our regular free webinars
Asari St.Hill Asari St.Hill
Office: 020 8524 9700Office: 020 8524 9700Mobile: 07852 937 981 Mobile: 07852 937 981asarist-hill@actioncoach.com asarist-hill@actioncoach.comactioncoach.co.uk/asaristhill actioncoach.co.uk/asaristhill
