Business News
Hub to help SMEs from Africa and Caribbean
By Philip Parkin
A business hub aimed at boosting African and Caribbean enterprises has been launched in Birmingham. The hub has been opened by
Black Listings United Kingdom (BLUK), and is the brainchild of local businessman Jaston Richards, who said he was ‘concerned’ about the support and encouragement available to small African and Caribbean businesses. He said that such businesses
faced many hurdles, and added: “The sole trader or micro business people are often too busy with the business of survival to be able to scan the horizon, anticipate or access emerging opportunities. “Whilst they are expert
practitioners they do not have the skills or knowledge to position their products in the market place. In such cases BLUK will provide help with business plans, marketing and publicity.” BLUK will be a growth hub for
newly-established and aspiring businesses, with each of these
Consultancy builds with Alex
Building Services Design (BSD), one of the region’s largest mechanical and electrical engineering (M&E) consultancies, has named Alexandra Kowalczuk (pictured) as the company’s new business development consultant. The business,
which has a base in Birmingham, has been operating for 25 years from regional offices across the UK and has appointed Alex to support its expansion of services in the East Midlands. “I’m delighted to have joined
Boosting business: Sandra Cunningham (Birmingham Chamber Growth Hub), Joan Blaney (BLUK), Chester Morrison and Jaston Richards
operating from the organisation’s Villa Road, Handsworth, premises for an initial period of 12 months. They will have a review at the midpoint and given help with a strategy plan 90 days later. The hub building is home to five
business units, a community bakery, a money transfer centre and a meeting/training room.
BLUK’s chief executive Chester
Morrison said that the new organisation would also act as a link between African and Caribbean businesses and the wider economy. He said: “Although many have
growth aspirations they sometimes do not have the infrastructure support that is a pre-requisite to the realisation of their goals.”
such a well-established and well- regarded company,” said Alex. “Prior to business development, I
worked in local government for 30 years within various civic and elected members’ offices,” she added. “I first came across BSD four
years ago and have had a relationship with the team ever since. It’s fantastic to now be officially on board and be part of the exciting future of the business as it works on more transformative projects in the region.”
December 2017/January 2018 CHAMBERLINK 13
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