BLACK BUSINESSES MATTER

Dominic Pinnock CEO of NGNF Ltd Head of Fundraising at GoodtoGive Ltd

Movements and policies such as Black Lives Matter (BLM), the Race Equality Agenda, Macpherson Report etc. have highlighted the impact of racism, prejudice and ignorance on the life chances, opportunities and general development of the Black communities in the UK. Since the dark days of slavery, Black people worldwide have been affected to such an extent, that many of the shackles that hold us back as a community and individuals, are now invisible. Many still refuse to acknowledge the impact that slavery continues to have upon us today and although it is important that we do not allow the atrocities enforced on us as a people to define us, turning a blind eye to the negative/ destructive characteristics formed as direct consequences of slavery, results in Black people facing obstacles, inequality, racism etc. within education, criminal justice, mental health services, employment and business…. These problems come from within and outside Black communities.

Previously, working within large governmental structures, I found that although on the surface they appeared to show a desire to provide more equal services and access, the reality was that they did not and could not understand the real challenges and issues/problems faced by Black people living in the UK and therefore, could not address them, as they couldn’t or refused to see them.

Additionally, there is the added drawback that the people who are making the decisions at strategic levels, are predominantly all white and their knowledge of who the Black communities are; how to access the communities and what their specific issues are, is either very little, misinformed or none existent. At one stage, I was the only Black manager within a governmental department in West Yorkshire and although I attempted to educate colleagues on what the obstacles are that effect the chances of Black people gaining employment, achieving academically, avoiding the criminal justice system etc. I realized after a prolonged period in that position, that I was spitting in the wind… The reality was that the majority did not appear to care, perhaps as a result of a lack of empathy and understanding.

Therefore, as Black people, we need to ensure that we are either equipping ourselves with the best possible tools to compete within the job market, by achieving qualifications within the education system, or we produce our own avenues of achievement through business and organizational development.

I decided two years ago that I would no longer rely on a system that has been structured to maintain the status quo. I vowed to create my own route to success and financial independence, through business, an area I am accustomed to and where I could control products, services and resources.

I believe that business is a worthy alternative option for employment within the Black community, which will help to build and strengthen it’s infrastructure, increase Black pride and belief and begin breaking down the negative stereotypes and labels placed upon us as a community/race, by us as Black people and from outside our community.

Within Huddersfield and northern England, I am known as a businessman, a social entrepreneur, a promoter and a community leader. Within these roles I am regularly as-

ked ‘How do you cope?’, ‘What are the obstacles and pitfalls?’ and ‘how do you overcome them?’ A common vein runs through all the above personas and that vein contains resilience, focus and awareness of self and environment.

The business world is challenging and can be highly stressed. The safety cushion of receiving a guaranteed salary at the end of each month is taken away and as a business owner you can be faced with multiple sources of pressure, which will impact on levels of mental health, physical health, relationships, self-belief and confidence.

Therefore, it is essential that the first thing which a budding entrepreneur needs to prioritise, is creating a business plan that includes aims, objectives, identified risks, forward planning, strengths, weaknesses etc. Having a realistic plan increases confidence and self-belief which strengthens mental health and resilience.

The majority of my achievements and developments have been based within the Black community and I have supported the development of many businesses and community organisations over the last 6 years, by providing funding advice and support, as well as mentoring/ guiding businesses and organisational start up. During this period, I have been approached with innovative, unique and ground-breaking ideas but many have not become a reality due to a common reluctance to create business plans, cashflow forecasts, risk assessments etc.

My advice to budding entrepreneurs is plan, plan and plan some more. Question everything and build up your knowledge of what all the costs are of running a business, taxation and legal requirements. Most of all, do not be scared to ask for professional guidance, e.g. Chambers of Commerce. This will help to provide longevity and sustain profits.

The impact of Covid-19 will lead to increased unemployment and related conditions such as mental health problems/conditions, low self-esteem and isolation/loneliness. Employment opportunities will be harder to find and Black people of all ages and backgrounds may be faced with the challenge of competing within a scarce jobs market, which historically has proven to be susceptible to institutionalized racism, as many other sectors within society are. The development of more successful Black businesses and organisations means that generic organisations, businesses and agencies will begin forming relationships, partnerships and ways of working together with them and this will, in turn, help to develop more positive labels and more windows of employment opportunities for Black people.

Furthermore, there will be a surge of optimism, belief and support of Black businesses from within the Black community and we can begin to bury the negative labels that we have been conditioned to enforce upon ourselves, e.g. Black businesses are too expensive, unprofessional, unreliable, inferior etc….

We can show that 400 years ago our African ancestors were taken captive and enslaved by Europeans and robbed of their culture, religion and beliefs. Even their names were changed, as were all aspects of their identity. However, we survived the physical and mental torcher, rape, lynching etc. and today we are owning our own businesses, owning property and land, loving our Blackness and supporting our families.

We can, However, do more, so much more. Have a powerful Black History Month.

MY ADVICE TO BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS IS TO PLAN, PLAN, AND PLAN SOME MORE