TikTok, Microsoft, Google, Dell Technologies, Experian, Deepmind and Salesforce will be amongst the brands celebrating the Black community at Europe’s biggest Tech celebration

The largest global brands in the technology industry announced their collective commitment to champion racial equity at Black Tech Fest ’21, a live festival celebrating Black culture, showcasing innovation, and creating pathways for underrepresented talent. 

The three-day event will take place online and in person from 19th to 21st October during UK Black History Month. Last year, over 40,000 people streamed Black Tech Fest content across Black History Month and 3,500 attendees from over 20 countries attended the festival, the biggest celebration of its kind in Europe. See here to pre-register.

This commitment comes on the back of recent research from Black Tech Fest that found that one in three (30%) of the 55,000 tech workers surveyed believed ‘things have gotten worse’ in terms of race relations in the UK. A further 51% of respondents stated they had ‘observed no change’.This stands in contrast to just 4% that said things had gotten ‘significantly better.’

New corporations including Microsoft, Deloitte, Adyen, Capita and Experian join the founding partners from last year’s coalition including TikTok, Salesforce and Google in their commitment to advance racial equity in tech and in elevating the voices of the Black British community. This year, startups have also joined for the first time.This comes as Black Tech Fest’s research found that 69% of respondents said they’d ‘observed no change’ in the start-up ecosystem for Black people since May 2020.

Oz Alashe, MBE, founder and CEO of UK cyber security startup CybSafe, said, “Conversations about diversity, equality and inclusion in tech aren’t just about right and wrong. They go to the very essence of what it means to create a future that benefits all people. As tech startups building the future, we can’t be absent from this conversation. As leaders we must play our part and show that it matters to us too.”

Black Tech Fest will feature themed content with ‘Colorcode’ on day one (19th October), incorporating advice and information on learning new skills, acquiring digital training, tips on finding employment and key role models. At Black Tech Fest 2020, the UK Minister of State Caroline Dinenage opened the festival noting that the UK has “half the number of the Black tech workers that [Government] would expect to see.” In response, Accenture and Adobe ran skills enhancing sessions and TikTok fast tracked attendees through its graduate recruitment cycle at last year’s inaugural festival. Many companies see this as one way they are tackling the disparity of youth unemployment in the Black community.

Trevor Johnson, Head of Marketing, Global Business Solutions, Europe, at TikTok said “Whatever field you’re in, starting your dream career can be a huge challenge. That’s why we are unbelievably proud to continue our partnership with Black Tech Fest, supporting them in their mission to help Black professionals expand their network and improve opportunities for the next generation of innovators. Last year’s festival was a huge success, and we look forward to teaching more young people new skills, sharing advice on job applications and fast-tracking eligible attendees through our graduate and internship roles.”

Days two and three (20th and 21st October) of the festival will contain thought provoking sessions on embracing inclusive thinking and its impact on the modern workplace. Last year Google ran a session on product inclusion following a spate of launches focused on making their tools more accessible, inclusive, and appealing to Black businesses.

Wendy Mars, President EMEAR, Cisco added, “This unique forum, which brings together creators, innovators and present and future leaders, looks set to be a fantastic and productive experience for everyone involved. The event will contain thought-provoking sessions on inclusive thinking and its impact on the modern workplace. Under the theme of ‘belonging’, there’ll be deep dives on financial inclusion, algorithmic bias, racism, venture capital funding and inclusive leadership. I am delighted to be participating in Black Tech Fest this year and to take time to celebrate Black culture and all that it brings to the technology sector.” 

Leading Technologists, Entrepreneurs, and Business Leaders Speaking at Black Tech Fest, include:

• Wendy Mars, President EMEAR, Cisco
• Lord Simon Wooley, Baron Woolley of Woodford, Kt, political & equalities activist, founder & director of Operation Black Vote and trustee of the charity Police Now
• Patricia Lamour, MBE, CEO Aspire Education Group and Co-Founder at GEEDA
• Kehinde Andrews, the UK’s first Professor of Black Studies
• Femi Nylander, BBC documentary marker and Rhodes Must Fall advocate
• Dr. Frank Mugisha, Nobel Peace Prize nominee
• Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, political activist and co-founder of UK Black Pride
• Jade LB, part of Stormzy’s #Merky Books (Penguin Random House)
• Dr Tolullah Oni and Dr Zubaida Haque, Independent Sage
• Jaime Rogozinski, author of WallStreetBets
• Black employee resource groups (ERGs) from Salesforce, TikTok, Deloitte and many more 

Discussions at the Festival are set to Cover a Range of Topics including:

• “Racist robots”
• “Is woke wrong?”
• “The role of social media in LGBTQ+ Activism for People of Colour”
• “How to close Black educational attainment gaps?”

The speakers will discuss their commitment to racial equity and stand as allies to the Black community,presenting a wide range of sessions, fireside chats and interactive workshops designed to enhance skills, raise awareness, and drive change in championing the progress of Black people working within the global tech industry.

Ashleigh Ainsley, Co-Founder of Black Tech Fest, said, “The past 12 months have been telling with businesses, organisations and educational institutions attempting to make authentic steps to address racial injustice. However, there is still a great deal of progress that needs to be made, and for every company that commits championing the Black community at Black Tech Fest there are dozens in the FTSE that don’t. It’s no surprise and (BTF research highlighted) 38% of Black Tech workers thought organisations responses in the last year were ‘tokenistic’.

On the event, Jose Luiz Rossi, Managing Director at Experian UK&I, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring Black Tech Fest. The event creates a fantastic space to celebrate Black voices in technology, Black culture, and the importance of inclusive innovation. It’s important to us that we continue improving the diversity of our organisation, so we’re especially excited by the chance to meet and make connections with an array of talented professionals in the data and technology industry. We’re very much looking forward to being part of it.”

See also; In Conversation with Ashleigh Ainsley

For more information visit; https://www.blacktechfest.com/

The Minister for Business, Mr Nadhim Zahawi, said that businesses from BAME communities would play an ‘absolutely critical’ role in the economic recovery of UK, post lock down. The minister was speaking at a virtual conference for business leaders and entrepreneurs from African and Caribbean communities on June 11^th 2020. It was organised by Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE, founder of the African Caribbean Business Network and Win Trade  Global Talks, together with the Voice Newspaper and the Department for Business, Energy, & Industrial Strategy.

Mr Nadhim Zahawi, the Minister for Business was responding to questions from over 550 attendees who wanted information on funding opportunities to help their business survive after the lock down period. Many of the participants felt that they had missed out on schemes to support their businesses or had failed to receive funding months after submitting applications for government loans.

A poll was taken before the event in which participants were asked ‘how much they knew about government support’. Only 37%  felt they were fully aware of all the information they needed.

The Minster acknowledged that it had been a difficult time for BAME communities. He appreciated that the Black community had “paid a disproportionate price in the fight against Coronavirus”. He was keen to engage directly with leaders to share information and ensure that the support is widely circulated.

Participants wanted answers on the government Furlough Scheme, Bounce Back schemes and support for micro businesses. Others wanted clarification on specific long-term targeted support for BAME business communities, given the structural barriers already in place.

Elsie Owusu, a business leader representing the construction sector, challenged the government on its public procurement policy which excluded small businesses, many of which are made up of Black businesses. She called on the Minister to open discussions and work creatively to encourage businesses in the small and medium sector.

The Business Minister vowed to work closely with the BAME communities to make sure ‘they weather the storm’. He said that his office at the Department of Trade and Industry was looking at the full impact from the COVID 19 Report on African and Caribbean communities before reviewing the policy on economic revival in conjunction with the Department for Work and Pensions.

‘Diversity makes us all stronger,” he commented and said he wanted to see more businesses from both women and men from Black communities. He added that the new policy to stimulate the economy will include measures on retraining, reskilling, upskilling and education.

At the end of the conference , the same poll was taken again by participants. The results showed that over 60% had increased their knowledge and information on how to access government funding.

The hosts, Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE from Wintrade Global Talks and  Miss Pauline Simpson from the Voice Newspaper hailed the pilot event a success. Participants tuned in from cities across the UK, from Ghana, Egypt , Dubai,  Belgium and New York in the US. They promised to bring more events to ensure black businesses support each other.

For more information on government support, please view the links below:

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/additional-government-resources-to-support-your-business-during-coronavirus-disruptions#webinars

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKDECC/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKDECC_155

https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder

How does one bridge the gap between the education and the private sector in terms of providing skills, training and opportunities for a young black work force to progress in the corporate world?

This was the question at the heart of the Conference organised by The LEAD Curriculum in association with IBM Black Employee Network on 6th February 2020 at the IBM Centre in London.

The Conference was held to mark Black History Month USA, which is celebrated in February.  Members of the BLACK Employee Network invited Dennise Hillman, Founder and CEO of LEAD Curriculum LTD, a top education services company, to facilitate discussions amongst a group of educational, management, youth and business leaders.

Ms Hillman, a former Associate Head Teacher, VSO Science Teacher Trainer and Principal Examiner for the Oxford and Cambridge Exam Board (OCR) advocated developing a service leadership mind set amongst young people as a sure way to changing perceptions and self-belief .

In her introduction to the conference, she reflected on her many years of experience as an educational leader in different capacities. She realised that the knowledge gained reinforced her belief in valuing people, recognising their contributions as individuals in order to motivate them to achieve their best.

“The essence of service leadership,” said Dennise Hillman, “is that it inspires people to use what they already know, their contacts, skills, experiences and talents to add value to others. …I learnt when people feel valued, they give value.”

Education and information forms the basis of her mission to change perceptions. Not only in non-white communities but black communities as well. She gave an example of an incident when she was invited to a leadership conference to speak as a consultant but was barred entry by a Black security guard because he thought she didn’t look like a consultant.

She reiterates that “perceptions determine behaviours which can be transformed by changing mind sets.”

Keynote speaker, Sandra Kerr, the National Campaign Director for Business in the Community’s Race Equality campaign, called for participants to introduce and sign up to the Racial Work Charter at their places of work. A key point of the Charter is to capture data on ethnicity. Sandra Kerr maintained that poor information on demographics is one of the reasons for a lack of diversity in management roles.

Panellist Caleb DeSouza, an accountant working in the private sector agreed that data collection is important. He asked why the current figures of management positions held by (BLACK and Ethnic Minority) BAME professionals remained low at less than 7%.

Fellow Panellist Sean Adams Montero, President of the African and Caribbean Society at Loughborough University cast doubt on the wisdom of ‘lumping people together under the banner of diversity’ which in his opinion, had become a mere buzzword. His reservations sparked a conversation on what Black people should call themselves and whether by accepting the BAME label, the Black community had done itself a disservice?

However, Sandra Kerr, an advisor on diversity and policy issues on race, gender and disability warned against “getting too bogged down on names.” She would rather focus on outcomes that facilitated the progression of disadvantaged groups in employment. One of her recommendations was always to get credit for the work you do and to ensure your voice is heard.

Chris Brown, an IBM Executive Partner, reminded participants that things had moved on considerably since the ‘1950’s perspective and attitudes towards work’. He was optimistic and mindful of the achievements gained over the years. He supported holding more conversations like these that pushed the boundaries.

At this point, group activities were undertaken by members of the conference. Their task was to come up with practical solutions to form closer links between industry and education. Several suggestions were made including creating professional networks between industries and education, offering mentorship programmes. On one table, Jan Sinclair, the Global Immigration and Business Development Leader at IBM came up with the idea to provide to maps facilitate navigation up the corporate ladder.

The closing remarks were left to IBM Associate Partner, Rudi Sellers who saw the need to create a critical mass of leaders, thinkers, professionals. He urged the audience to think outside the box and address the pain that would lead to creative solutions.

Rudi Sellers thanked The LEAD Curriculum for posing the challenge and bringing together leaders from the two sectors to innovate and form partnerships. He urged participants to put into action some of the considerations raised in the conference.

Dennise Hillman rounded up with a call to action to the participants to keep influencing and making a difference in the communities they serve. She concluded, “I am passionate about bringing the two industries together to collaborate on the design of curriculum programmes that change leadership mind sets and perceptions through contact, conversation and challenge. This conference is just one of our programmes.”

To find out more about the LEAD Curriculum contact:

[email protected]

www.leadcirriculum.org

When Sandra Barrett packed in her full time job, she had to find something quick to replace her income. Scrambling for ideas, she realised the answer lay closer to home, in the form of a forgotten sewing machine. Together with her talent for catering and event planning, Sandra launched her brilliant new business venture; teaNcake.london. Convinced that her idea would take off immediately, Sandra soon found that the road to establish her brand would not always be as ‘smooth as honey’. This is what Sandra did next to push her big idea.

A friend and I had become business partners. I would organise the events and she would do the catering. The concept was great, but we didn’t get any clients. So after working together for at least 2 years we separated.

As an event planner, I became tired of organising events for friends and not being paid according to all the work which I had put into the job. I became disillusioned and tired and wanting to change career.

I thought that I could organise tea parties and cater for small events like baby showers, small ladies gatherings etc.  Something which I could do on my own, which did not require hiring someone. I also thought that I could make napkins to go with the tea parties and table runners. As an event planner I had always admired the way tables were dressed. I love napkins and believe that they complete the way a table looks. I thought I could recreate this look, make the napkins colourful, bright and perhaps cultural.  I might even have an audience who would appreciate the beauty of my handmade creations.

I also wanted to change my career desperately. I found a job as a Recruitment Consultant and worked for the company for three weeks. They were awful so I left. I left with no job, no career, no money.  I needed to think fast about what I could do to make money.  This is how the concept of teaNcake.london came about.

Please explain the range of your products and services?

I organise small tea parties for baby showers and small group gatherings. I provide light refreshment consisting of juices, tea, sandwiches, cakes, scones and fruit, in case the host would like a slight snack for her guests. I provide everything, ranging from the cups and saucers, table cloths and also a complimentary bottle of Prosecco! I also make handmade napkins and table runners. They are all hand made using African waxed fabric.

So would you say it a cottage industry? Where are you based?

Yes it’s a ‘cottage industry’ which I created at home in Wembley in London. My mother brought me a sewing machine at 16 years old, which I had hardly used for many years. When I had the idea of creating the napkins, I realised I had found a rare diamond in the old machine sitting in my home. I could use it to eventually make money!

What challenges do you face promoting your business? Who is your clientele?

There is a saying that goes; “Work on your business, not in your business”. I think this quote was made for me! I don’t always post pictures or use social media as a way of advertising my brand. I know I should do that on a weekly or daily basis. The pictures need to be polished and sharp, with eye catching details and clear. I thought the idea would take off like a rocket. However I need to work harder in terms of advertising.

I would say that my clientele is predominately women from the ages of 25- 55 years old. Women who enjoy hosting small gatherings at their home, who love bright bold, cultural colours

So how will you harness social media to increase your brand awareness?

Social media is interesting and hard work! People may like your pictures and follow your brand but will not necessarily buy your product. You have to be persistent. I can be found on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn (See details below).

Did you know that you would someday be an entrepreneur?

‘Going broke will make you creative’ I did not think about becoming an entrepreneur. I didn’t take it seriously until I had no money. I had to become creative, think outside the box and use gifts which God had given me.   I admire and respect anyone who has an idea and transforms it into the next big thing! It can be, but one must be prepared for hard work, some tear shedding, losing money and even realising who your friends really are.

What are you most proud of in terms of business achievement? How would you define success?

I am so proud to have my own business.  It may sound strange but I see it as a remarkable achievement. I own it, it was my idea. No one gave me the idea or what to call it. No one encouraged me, but me!! My faith in God has allowed me to believe in myself and know that faith without works is dead!

You asked what does success mean to me.  It means many things; to a mother who has fed her children with her last £10 and is able to keep feeding her children – that’s success; to the young black man who is the first person to go to university in his family, that is success. To me just owning my own company is success. There is still so much to do, to research, to pitch to companies, to create, but the challenge is ongoing. Every day I breathe, I count as a blessing. I will let the blessing follow me and see what happens. I believe at times God is looking at me saying, “You got this Baby, you’re gonna be fine!”

For more about Sandra’s teaNcake.london contact:

@teaNcake.london on instagram

@teaNcake.london on facebook

Review by Mbeke Waseme

African fashion has risen. When I attended the first African Fashion Week London (AFWL) in 2011, it was growing.  It was a big event with a small market place. The stage was graced by new and established designers whose models came to showcase contemporary and traditional styles from all over Africa.  For those of us who had been wearing our African clothes for many years, this was an exciting time.  We saw African fashion hit the runway in its own right.

Returning to AFWL in 2019 was amazing.  The event had grown exponentially and the market place now spanned three floors of the Freemasons Hall in central London.  High-end designers of clothes, shoes, hats and jewellery were beautifully displayed and selling to customers who had travelled from within Europe to attend this event.

There were many great designs on the catwalk. Diane Carlton, Bwana Willy and Becca Apparel definitely caught my attention. The contemporary African pantsuits, patchwork designs, formal and evening wear in mixed fabrics were all a pleasure to see.  There was a fabulous increase in the number of females modelling in a range of natural hairstyles. I absolutely adored @xOtaraOx in her matching hat and neck piece and all of the other women who showed us how hats can completely change an outfit. No doubt some of these will show up at Ascot in 2020!

As I basked in the glory that is indeed Africa, the colours, the ENERGY, the music, the food, and the creativity, a bigger question was begging to be answered. The question in 2019 is: What do we now mean by African Fashion? Does it sound too obvious or simple? Does African fashion mean a) clothes made of cloth or items from the continent of Africa ie, Kente cloth shirts (b) clothes designed by those born in Africa or from the African diaspora using any cloth (c)Designs which celebrate and mimic traditional African material or designs (ie Ankara, Ashoke, Kente) or all of the above?

Is this question important? It is when most of the cloth sold in Ghana, has been produced in China.[1] We have high street stores in the UK who regularly feature ‘tribal’ and ‘ethnic’ designs which we know have been directly copied from African prints.  There are cries when European designers sell African ‘inspired’ dresses for over thousands of pounds [2].

The question is important if African people are to rightly benefit from the African fashion industry. There needs to be some agreement as to how we do this on a global scale. How we define African fashion, who controls the industry and how is it sustained?

Telecia Kirkland is the Creative Director of the Costume Institute of the African diaspora. In leading the discussion on sustainable African fashion, some of the questions were raised. Kirkland wants designers to look at using materials and production systems that are sustainable.  Questions around capitalism were explored. Kirkland did not want to get started on ‘Capitalism’ but, as the compere stated, there may be ways in which capitalism can work for us!

Indeed speakers at the Business of Fashion Forum, Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement at The Mayor of London’s Office and Simone Cipriani, Creator of the Ethical Fashion Initiative explained how their programmes to support small businesses in London or communities in Africa are ensuring that the right groups of people have access to their funds.

A number of the Patrons of AFWL are very wealthy African Queens and Princesses. Her Royal Highness Queen Diambi of Kasia Kingdom of the Republic of Congo – Her Excellency Erelu Bisi Fayemi,  First Lady of Ekiti State. Her Excellency Mrs. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State.  This business of African Fashion is sitting firmly in the hands of the African woman.

I love African fashion and as it continues to grow, I want to see the financial benefits of the industry invested in African communities, education, and training that will empower the new designers and artists who need support to birth their work.

For more about African Fashion Week London 2019 visit: https://www.africafashionweeklondonuk.com/

[1] https://howghana.com/ghanas-textile-industry-declines/

[2] https://www.africanprintinfashion.com/2017/10/stellamccartney.html

© Mbeke Waseme

Report by Mercy Francis

On 26th of July 2019, at the headquarters of the United Nations in London, Africans from all over the globe gathered for the 7th African Ambassadors and Diaspora Interactive Forum (AAIF) which was organised by the International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO). First Lady of Nigeria, Dr Aisha Buhari wife to President Buhari of Nigeria made her surprise appearance at the well-attended event, where a great number of African countries were represented from Ghana to Zambia and from outside the continent including USA, Canada and United Kingdom.

The First Lady was accompanied by a delegation of Nigeria’s most influential women, these included wife of Kebbi State Governor, Dr Zainab Shikafi Bagudu, Mrs Florence Ahimobi, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, Justice George Adesola Oguntade (Red) and his wife Modupeola, Senior Specialist Assistant (SSA) to the First Lady, Mrs Hajo Sani, Mrs Abeke Dabiri-Erawa, SSA to the President of Foreign Diaspora Affairs and Mrs Adejoke Oralope Adefulire, Chair of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission. Also in attendance were leading business people from Nigeria.

The event commenced with a speech from Professor Gabriel Faal from Senegal, of the renowned London school of Economics. His message called for Africans in the diaspora to assist those on the lower part of the employment ladder to climb up.

First Lady, Mrs Buhari commended the organisers of the forum for forging strong bonds and bridging much needed unity within the African continent. Dr Mrs Buhari also pleaded with foreign media to be transparent and accurate in the reporting and representation of Nigeria.

First Lady, Dr Mrs Aisha Buhari, expressed the need for Africans to pull together in representing Africa in a positive light wherever they are situated and to be good ambassadors of their respective countries. She said, “As Africans, we must see the need to restore our pride in our own nations. We must reclaim our self-respect and honour. As Africans we must seek to change the narrative. Let us bring back the love and mutual respect and trust we once shared with Great Britain and the United Kingdom”.

The entertainment included rich cultural displays of Zulu dancers, music and a fashion show on “the positive runway” founded by Justine Mutale, a Zambian residing in London.

Charles Khiran, the MC for the evening, read out the recipients of the I.A.A.F Awards for Excellence, recognising key personalities whom have made significant contributions in their respective countries.

Recipients included founders of the Nigerian TV station: Ben TV; Alistair Soyode , CEO of  Ben TV Company, Baroness Nartha Osanor (first Nigerian woman to be appointed to the House of Lords), Dr Claire Curtis, British Board of Agrement and CEO of the Bank of Industries, Yinka Fayomi, the wife of the Nigerian former Ambassador to France who received the award for promoting leadership and excellence in the area of social-economic progress ; Mrs Aisha Ahmad Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria . The prestigious Pan-African Award for the Change Agent in the Entertainment and Landscape category went to Prince Bisi Olotilo, which was collected by Alistair Soyode, CEO of Ben TV, London.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Dr Mrs Aisha Buhari received an honorary award for her tremendous initiative introducing and supporting women’s soccer and her programme supporting children in soccer in Nigeria.

In closing, Chief Uzo Owunne, looked forward to the creation of the Yemisi, African Town in London, which is still in the discussion phase. It aims to showcase African culture and heritage on its streets of London, promoting cuisine, goods and services, much like China Town in London’s West End. Chief Uzo Owunne called for Africans in the diaspora to help raise funds and create a lasting legacy.

The largest annual African fashion event in Europe, Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL), is back for Season 9.

At the prestigious Freemasons’ Hall for two full days of catwalk shows, exhibition and shopping in the beautiful Grand Temple venue space, AFWL hosts over 100 designers, flying in from different parts of the globe to showcase the best of African fashion in London.

For lovers of high end fashion, the introduction of the Luxury Boutique will showcase top quality designs and accessories from the culturally diverse Continent in the European market.  Don’t miss the chance to also browse the African Market Souk for exclusive afro-centric designs; or sample cuisines in the African Food Village.  With a number of brands arriving from overseas to debut their collections, fashion lovers are sure to purchase a number of unique one-off pieces ready to adorn any summer wardrobe.

AFWL is fully committed to bringing African fashion to the forefront of the industry. The vibrant exhibitions are carefully curated to include sustainable and eco fashions.  With this in mind, reserve a seat to watch catwalk showcases featuring collections from the Kwa-Zulu Natal Trade & Industry (TIKZN) Designers who are returning to AFWL for an exclusive catwalk show and luxury exhibition.  TIKZN only produce designs with fabrics and embellishments produced in the Natal region of South Africa.    For the first time, Seychelles Trade & Industry sponsored designers also join AFWL catwalk.

For the past 9 years AFWL has consistently employed over 50 BAME catwalk models every year and employed over 100 young people every year who work as volunteers, dressers, hair & makeup teams, front of house, and administration.

AFWL has now showcased over 900 designers and exhibitors from Africa and the diaspora to over 70,000 visitors. It has represented designers from 27 African countries and a further 20 African-inspired designers from outside the Continent, including France, Holland, USA, Brazil, China, the Caribbean, and, of course, the United Kingdom.

This year the AFWL Business Fashion Forum, powered by our Commercial Partner EPG Media, is a new development for 2019.   Talk and panel sessions from leading manufacturers, retailers and government officials from all areas of fashion are participating. The Panel discussions offer guidance, advice and valuable industry insight to aspiring designers and creatives.  Special guest speakers will include representatives from The Mayor of London’s Office, Department of Trade UK and the V&A Museum.

Prizes for the best African-inspired outfit will be awarded – so expect to be snapped and papped by the international media.  Whatever you decide to do, Africa Fashion Week London 2019 will be the highlight of the London summer events calendar. African-inspired designs are dominating the international fashion scene like never before and now is the time to appreciate the design and vibrancy of Africa.

Africa Fashion Week London 2019 is on 9^th & 10th August – 1pm – 9pm

at Freemasons’ Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London   WC2B 5AZ

For tickets to the event :

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/africa-fashion-week-london-8259623456

Instagram: @afwlondon

Facebook: @africafwl

Twitter: @africafwl

There was a certain buzz in the air at The Voice Black Business Fair, held at Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton. So many entrepreneurs and business owners squeezed into the venue to set up stall and showcase their goods and services. The atmosphere was vibrant with animated exchanges of deals and contacts by a diverse range of businesses. The event certainly proved that business is booming in the black community.

Ugochukwu Ezeji, founder of Tickson Accessories, specialises in handmade beaded accessories made to decorate the whole household. From key rings to place mats and so many more items, the traditional African art of bead making has been brought alive with Ezeji’s interpretations. It was also refreshing to see a guy at the helm of this ancient craft. To find out more about ‘Tickson Accessories’ log onto twitter @ Tickson or Instagram @Tickson.

The Change Nigeria Project is a social enterprise connecting the diaspora communities between Britain and Nigeria. At its heart is a mission to empower young people in Nigeria with employability skills and practical work experience. The figures towards achieving these goals have so far been impressive. Though only established since 2016, the Project has transformed the lives of 63% of young people on the programme who have retained or completed work placements in Nigeria: It has returned 24% to education and supported 13% to secure job offers as a result of gaining a work placement.

The Founders say that they are doing their utmost to reverse the trend of rising unemployment in a country that is now considered to be the ‘Poverty Capital ‘of the world surpassing India. If you would like to ‘change Nigeria’ and make a difference to a young person’s life then visit the website:

https://www.changenigeriaproject.co.uk/donate-now/

This happy couple pictured (above) have come up with the beautiful idea of producing plates, cups and other table ware imprinted with deigns inspired from Africa. The founders of Attah Designs noticed a gap in the market and wanted to offer a selection of products that would not only decorate but educate people on the history of Africa’s broad heritage. Like the enterprise above, a percentage of the proceeds go towards supporting development activities across African villages. To find out more check out their website: https://www.attahdesigns.com/

Nolz Health Goalz provides comprehensive health care support and advice for those wishing to improve their health. A graduate in Science in Nutrition and Sports Science, the founder Anoli is keen to spread programmes that promote overall well-being. “After eight years of studying bio-chemistry, I became very passionate on the role nutrition and exercise has on the body” and has created a programme combining diet, nutrition and physical activities. Even skincare products which boast the purest of ingredients are offered as part of the integrated, everyday health regime. More about Nolz Health Goals can be found on: http://www.nolzhealthgoalz.com/contact/

Now which little girl would not enjoy receiving a ‘Biankha’ for Christmas or as a present on any other celebration?  With the slogan: ‘Empowering little Princesses to become Queens’, the CEO of ‘Biankha and Friends’, Charlotte Francis realised there were a shortage of dolls reflecting African and Caribbean experiences. She created a series of figures with the aim to “educate and encourage young girls to embrace their culture and heritage, whilst succeeding in a modern and ever changing society, through dolls, role play, books, animation and everyday items.” The range of dolls was borne starting with, ‘Natural Biankha’ who is “comfortable within her own skin and embraces her beautiful afro”:  ‘CEO Biankha’ – “a strong, fierce, driven girl who knows what she wants in life and isn’t afraid to go and get it.” Coming soon are Queen Biankha and Traditional Biankha, all of whom represent positive role models for the modern girl of colour. More on Biankha and Friends can be found on website: https://www.biankhaandfriends.com/

For the creative child, the brand Simkray Art and Design, is just what is needed to let young imaginations go wild. The founder Simone Smith, a graduate of Art School wanted to provide comics, prints, animations with content including black people. Browsing on the Simkray website customers are encouraged to interact with the fantasy characters created as animations and comics. Or as Simone Smith, the founder would put it, you are encouraged to ‘Get your Kray-On.’ You can also shop for the latest T-shirts and prints from the portfolio of items:  https://www.simkray.london/

The Afro Business Empire aims to connect black businesses around the world through its online directory. It’s an ambitious project for any small business but for the founders it has been a labour of love. “We asked ourselves what we could do to help drive collaborative working within the black community, with a view to empower, celebrate our successes and build a robust & cohesive network. From this passion and dream came the start of Afro Business Empire. ”

Registration onto the website is completed in three easy steps which then allows your business to become part of a powerful, global network: https://afrobusinessempire.com/index.php

For any of the businesses featured above please visit the websites listed.

It was a night to remember at the Be Mogul Business Awards on 22^nd November when the brightest entrepreneurs from the African and Caribbean community proudly stepped out to celebrate their achievements.

Sponsored by Nat West, the Be Mogul Biannual Awards held its first event in 2016 and it has certainly come a long way in shining a light on black business in UK.

A total of twenty five finalists were put forward for the big award. The businesses ranged from tech companies, business consultancies, catering and food specialists to enterprises in the health and creative sectors.

The brainchild of Mavis Amankwah from Rich Visions Small Business Enterprises, the ceremony reflects her tireless efforts to promote entrepreneurship and businesses from Black and Ethnic Minority (BAME) communities.

“Sometimes Africans and Caribbeans can be perceived as financially inept and only seek short term reward without adequate investment in the future and in the next generation.” She said.

“The entrepreneurs we feature continue to lead and inspire future entrepreneurs. It is on this basis the BE Mogul has come to be such an integral part of the business awards calendar.” she announced triumphantly during her opening speech.

In the end it was Maureen Mbondia of Dravens Healthcare who was given the BE Mogul accolade. The judges were impressed with her feat of turning over £500,000 in her first year of business and employing over twenty staff members since she started in 2016.

In truth, any of the selected nominees were deserving of the BE Mogul prize. They all told stories of triumph over adversity and displayed the grit and determination to succeed. We congratulate all those featured as well as the organisers and sponsors dedicated to promoting the brightest and best in our business community!

For more about the BE Mogul Awards visit: www.richvisionssb.co.uk

‘Women Like Me’ came out in numbers to attend the event hosted by the energetic and inspiring Mavis Amankwah, of Rich Visions enterprises at the Hilton Hotel, Canary Wharf in September. Now celebrating its 2^nd year, the event was created to provide women entrepreneurs and business owners a unique platform to network, share ideas, tips and mutually benefit, as only women know how, from the wide variety of workshops and programmes.

Mavis Amankwah, the founder of many businesses under the Rich Visions banner and winner of multiple awards, introduced the seminar with a plea to female networkers to stretch out of their comfort zone and do something new to grow their businesses.

Many women spoke of their experiences to overcome challenges both in business and life. The message of the conference was to ‘just get out there and do your thing, even if shaking at the outset’.  The results may exceed expectations.

Women like Victoria Griffith who survived domestic abuse to launch ‘Spectacular Women’, a coaching programme enabling women to overcome trauma and abuse and ‘shatter the glass ceiling of what others might think they can achieve.’  Victoria is launching her book ‘Unshakeable You’ which is part biography and part motivational guide to help women attain healing and self-fulfilment.

Here she is pictured with Mercy Francis, another ‘Woman Like Me’, who is on the threshold of starting a TV Channel. More about her broadcasting plans are revealed on The Women in Business Global News programme which aired on Channel Radio on 27^th September. (See link: https://www.channelradio.co.uk/two/shows/women-in-business/

Yemi Adesan’s mission at the event was to connect with as many Black and Asian Minority Nurses to encourage them to take up leadership positions. Using her experience of coming to these shores and starting as an auxiliary nurse when back home in Nigeria she had already achieved senior matron status, Yemi is now one of a handful of Black and Ethnic Minority Nurses working at the highest level. This is in spite of the hefty contribution African and Caribbean nurses have made to the NHS over the last 50 years.

Away from the shores of Britain, Dubai was promoted as the destination of choice for hair, beauty and wellness professionals by Celebrity Creations Management Speaker, Crystal King Emmanuel. ‘It’s not all about London’ she said refreshingly, reminding us that networking is about making global connections too.

If you wanted to get away from it all, then award winning coach Jenny Garrett promoted the ‘Happenista Retreat’ in Essex for women wishing to gain practical inspiration. Jenny dared the audience ‘to risk their significance in service of something greater’. Arguing that the risks you take in life bring about the greatest growth. Jenny has also written a best-selling book , ‘Rocking Your Role’, broaching the subject of female breadwinners and started the social enterprise ‘ Rocking Ur Teens’ inspiring teenage girls and boys to gain self-esteem and confidence to lead their best lives.

Other speakers included Nannette Della from ConsultNett Property Investments, Mercy Geker from V.Lace (vegan friendly) Cosmetics and Carol Bablola, founder of A Date with Christ Fate Academy. All on the platform of sharing, supporting and empowering women as only we know how.

For more about the entrepreneurs at the ‘Women Like Me’ Business Expo check out: http://mavisamankwah.com/wlm-consumer-expo/