The Annual Ethnic Minority Business Conference brought together around 200 delegates. Held at Fazeley Studios in Birmingham last Tuesday, the popular event was organised by the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship, or CREME, under the leadership of ethnic business guru Professor Monder Ram OBE, pictured.
The event, which has been sponsored by Lloyds Bank “a fellow traveller” since its inception 19 years ago, featured a line-up of speakers and panel discussions. Speaking at the evening gala dinner, Professor Ram told delegates: “Making Diversity and Enterprise everybody’s business. For some, it’s a slogan. For us, it’s our vision and mission,” which won rapturous applause. Professor Ram, a humble gentleman, presented Sophie Sinclair, who joined the CREME team as Centre Manager earlier this year, with a bouquet of flowers for her outstanding work. The welcome address and vote of thanks was given by Professor Simon Collinson, Dean, University of Birmingham Business School. Each year, ethnic minority businesses contribute an estimated £25-£32 billion to the UK economy.
