Black business leaders to inspire at major conference
Some of the country 's most renowned black business leaders are to come together for a two-day conference in Birmingham.
The Legacy Centre of Excellence is hosting the Birmingham Black Business Conference to provide essential business support, guidance and inspiration for local entrepreneurs and SMEs.
On Friday 28 May and Saturday 29 May, the Aston-based centre will welcome black business leaders to offer industry insight and for both start-up and established companies.
The conference will feature a business expo and an independent business showcase, complimented by workshops and interactive masterclasses.
Attendees will be educated on central business topics including business finance, sustainability, procurement, investment, accessing talent and marketing.
Legacy Centre of Excellence has teamed with NatWest Bank, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Aston University, Birmingham City University, HS2 and the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership for the event.
Some of the region 's acclaimed black business people - including Commonwealth Chamber president Joel Blake OBE, NatWest 's enterprise manager Sharniya Ferdinand and Mark Lomas, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at HS2 - are taking part.
As the largest black-owned business and arts centre in Europe, the Legacy Centre is focused on uplifting the community through arts and business ventures.
The CEO, Keith Shayaam-Smith (pictured), believes that the conference will perpetuate that focus, saying: “Our vision for the Birmingham Black Business Conference to not only be a resource to connect businesses and professionals, but a catalyst for businesses to help local businesses become self-sustainable and take their trades to the next level. ”
Joel Blake OBE, president of the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, said: “Independent businesses across Birmingham are currently in a critical position and are slowly taking steps to build back their companies due to the effects of Covid.
“The Black Birmingham Business Conference shows the power of unity and giving back to the city, to help entrepreneurs and the communities we all serve, through this difficult period.
“The team have curated a high-class business conference that will be beneficial to entrepreneurs and SMES to help their business survive and thrive. I encourage all leading organisations in the city to support this premier event! ”
Jamila Davis, special projects manager for the West Midlands Growth Company, said: "The pandemic has created a new wave of entrepreneurs and the Black Business Conference has been created to harness and showcase some of the very best black leaders, influencers and entrepreneurs this region has to offer whilst providing new entrepreneurs and established SMEs the opportunity to access mainstream business support, supply chains and guidance on how to exhibit resilience and continue to grow.
“Despite the challenges faced, there are always opportunities to be had. ”
The event will be held at Legacy Centre of Excellence, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4UU.