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Anjum Khan: Campaign delivered vital Covid messages
Qasim Majid: New initiative to bridge digital divide
Past president’s plan to combat digital poverty
Members supported by Covid campaign
An estimated 1.9 million social media users were reached via an Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) campaign, providing free Covid advice and support. The Chamber has revealed the results of its
ABCC Covid Support campaign, which took place in the autumn. The campaign was established after
concerned ABCC executive committee members highlighted that some in the business community were struggling to gain access clear information on coronavirus support, due to language and technology barriers, in the midst of the public health crisis. Aiming to bridge the gap in access to virus-
related support, the campaign provided free public health messages, advice and grants guidance translated into Urdu, Punjabi and Bengali. Translated briefing papers and video
messages were published and distributed on the Chamber’s communications channels as well as via Asian media outlets, such as Sikh Channel TV, ZMC network, Radio Aap ki Awaaz, Unity FM and World News TV. Videos explaining key messages on Covid
restrictions and developments received more than 6,500 views on Twitter and Facebook. Alongside the messages, a hotline providing
pro-bono legal and HR advice was established, aiding 29 businesses.
In total, 65 businesses were provided support
via the campaign. More than 300 business contacts, including in
Business Improvement Districts, Asian community organisations, MPs and local councillors were contacted as part of the awareness campaign, who too distributed and communicated key translated messages. The campaign was delivered in partnership
with Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority. Commenting on the campaign’s success,
director of ABCC, Anjum Khan, commented: “We’re really pleased that the campaign was able to directly help so many firms, and reach many on social media. “The ABCC exists to connect, support and
grow the region’s Asian business community, and the ABCC executive committee members and I are pleased to have been able to step up and provide direct support during these challenging times. “However, businesses, not just in the Asian
business community, still need vital support and cash to help them during this health crisis. As described in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Back Our Businesses report, there is still more action required from Government to support firms right now.”
A former Asian Business Chamber of Commerce president is backing a drive to combat digital poverty in Birmingham, with the launch of a community interest company. Qasim Majid (pictured) has set up Wow Dot
CIC in a bid to close the digital divide and provide thousands of families across the city- region with laptops and connectivity. As part of the aim to tackle this issue, Wow
Dot has launched its first campaign – Connect_In. The company has already started to donate
laptops and a year’s internet connection to the most needy children in the city. Key partners for the project include Millennium Point whose premises will serve as a drop-off and collection point for refurbished computers, Social Enterprise REPC Ltd who will refurbish and safely recycle the laptops and PCs and Intercity Technology who are providing internet connectivity. Mr Majid, who is CEO of the Wow Group and a
board member of the Child Poverty Action Forum, is calling on businesses and individuals to donate their old laptops and PCs - as well as funds to provide internet connectivity. Mr Majid said: “We understand that the
closure of schools has been a challenge for all young people. However, those from the poorest families are suffering considerably, due to digital exclusion, social isolation, and a lack of mental stimulation. In light of this, I’m delighted to have the support of The Child Poverty Action Forum for what is admittedly, my passion project; as well as our numerous other partners.” Qasim has already secured funding to provide 10 children with laptops and an internet connection.
For more information and to get involved email
qasim@wowdot.org
February 2021 CHAMBERLINK 53
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