BBEC23 opens the doors of opportunity to pitch to some of the UK’s top retailers providing access for independent business owners.
The success of the UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference at its inaugural launch in 2022, has demonstrated the demand, viability, and importance of diversity within public, private, and third-sector organisations.
The Black Entrepreneurs Report (BER) 2021, highlighted that access to the supply chain is prohibited through what is identified as the Race Paradox - 'Whilst there is a growing appetite to deliver real change, institutions are shackled by their systemic, social, cultural, and structural mindsets. The consequence is what is now conceptualised as the Race Paradox, which is the inherent dichotomy organisations encounter daily when addressing the structural inequalities and disparities surrounding diversity and inclusion when deciding on doing business with BACD entrepreneurs'. BER 2021
With the goal to attempt to “level up” opportunities in real terms, The UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference has launched Meet the Buyer Pitch For Success, where independent brands will have the opportunity to pitch to top retailers, with the chance of being stocked by nationwide retailers, wholesalers, and online retailers, including: Tesco, Selfridges, Wakuda, Cotswold Fayre and The Black Farmer (The Hatchery). Meet the Buyer Pitch for Success is designed to bring together organisations that want to access new talent, new businesses, and new markets.
The opportunity is open to UK Black, African Caribbean, Black mixed heritage, diaspora businesses, registered in the UK who have a goal and vision to secure shelf space for their products in some of the UK’s top retailers.
Applicants and the shortlisted will have gone through a user-friendly, application process that will provide the necessary information the retailers require to ensure product compliance and the ability to fulfil demand.
Dr Carlton Brown, author of the report and founder of the conference stated:
“Meet the Buyer Pitch for Success is a tangible result of meaningful collaboration and networking, that has provided significant access for Black Entrepreneurs. It is a credit to the retailers that they are actively, and tangibly ensuring that their words and actions are aligned”. - Current organisations that have signed up to participate in the pitch for success are; Tesco, Selfridges, The Black Farmer (The Hatchery), Cotswold Fayre, and Wakuda (Online retailer).
Dr Brown continued,
“Although this is just a start, we believe that we are shining a light on the institutional and structural barriers within the supply chain, and also providing a solution to the disparity that exists”.
The opportunity is to open doors to those who have a food or beauty/well-being product range that they want to sell to a wider audience. Six brands will then have the opportunity to pitch for real-life listing(s).
For more information about Meet the Buyer Pitch for Success visit - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-uk-black-business-entrepreneurs-conference-2023-pitch-for-success-tickets-575885979467?aff=erelpanelorg
Or for interviews about the Black Entrepreneurs conference email press@fpcomms.co.uk
Notes to Editors
The UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference is an opportunity for you to gain insights from the latest research, network with other professionals in your field, and learn how best practices can be applied in your business. This year's topic is centered around ‘The ability to compete, within a competitive market environment’. This event will provide a snapshot into entrepreneurship across different demographics including race and will involve interactive panel discussions on diverse issues relevant today, including:
• Procurement and the Race Paradox • Women empowerment • Entrepreneurship • Keynote Speakers • Panel discussions • Networking opportunities all delivered by industry experts who have been there done that, so they know what works! • Untold stories Hidden Truths The UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference will be a thought-provoking and insightful experience for anyone looking to expand their horizons. The conference seeks not only to address tough questions raised within the report but also to endeavour to understand recommendations made by Dr Carlton Brown's "Race Paradox" as well as explore opportunities for change - both structural or personal- choices that might help marginalised groups succeed in the UK. The conference will strive to empower, engage, educate, and share stories of black businesses that have succeeded, as well as provide a meaningful space for audiences and policymakers to interact and learn how to find a way into the commercial world by navigating the obstacles in their paths. The data shows that companies that connect with diversity businesses, including Black and minority businesses have the propensity to improve performance, productivity, and profitability. If you want to grow your business, establish a new network, and discover how to get access to opportunities, this conference will aid you. Confirmed speakers for 2023 include:
• Richard Adeshiyan, Journalist & Media Comms Expert • Kriss Akabusi MBE, Olympian, Media Personality, Motivational Speaker & Businessman • Henry Bonsu, British African Broadcaster, International Presenter & Journalist • Dr Carlton Brown, Author of the Black Entrepreneur Report, Entrepreneur & Academic • Eric Collins, American businessman, serial entrepreneur, technology expert, former President Obama appointee. He is the CEO and co-founder of Impact X Capital Partners • Byron Dixon OBE, Founder & CEO of the award-winning brand, Micro-Fresh® • Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, British businessman, author & founder of The Black Farmer brand • Theresa Harrison, Global Director of Environmental Social Governance Services & Enablement Services Leader at Ernst & Young • Lord Michael Hastings, London Chamber of Commerce Black Business Association Chair • Terry Jervis, Owner, Jervis Entertainment Limited • Izzy Obeng, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Foundervine and sits as a Non-Executive Director for Capital Enterprise • David Olusoga, British-Nigerian Historian, BAFTA Winning Producer/Presenter, Best Selling Author & Professor of Public History, Manchester University • Jacy Stewart, Social Impact & Investment Consultant • Tevin Tobin, Chief Executive at GV Group Find out more information at: conferenceteams@aspire-cosultancy.com For press pass applications: email press@fpcomms.co.uk (With BBEC23 in the subject line)
