Training entrepreneur named as chair of Liverpool’s Race Equality Enterprise Help Working Group
The new chairman of the Working Group in Support of Racial Equality in Liverpool has pledged to put racial equality at the heart of business planning as the region continues to recover from the pandemic.
The Liverpool Metropolitan Area Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the Metropolitan Area Combined Authority have appointed Gloria Hyatt MBE to chair the group, with Ben Osu as vice chair.
Founded by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram as part of the Race Equality program, the group aims to help black, Asian, and ethnic minority business people start and grow their businesses. It also discusses the barriers people face when trying to access business support services.
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Gloria Hyatt is a serial entrepreneur and has been a director of Teach Consultancy since 2005. Before that, she was Liverpool’s first black headmistress when she founded an “eminent” academy in Toxteth.
As an ambassador for racial equality, she works with entrepreneurs and corporations, providing transformative business support, education, training, corporate and executive coaching.
Ms. Hyatt was also invited to join the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) board of directors.
She said: “It is a great honor to be named chairman of the Race Equality Business Support Group at a crucial time in the metropolitan area’s efforts to improve our game and make race equality at the heart of business planning, execution and strategy.
“I hope to inspire all ethnic communities to share a common desire to work and learn openly together to understand the barriers and help businesses meet Black, Chinese, Asian and ethnic minorities.
“This is a unique opportunity for business support providers and ethnic minorities to build bridges, shape and shape solutions, embed inclusive business practices, generate significant economic and social value, and achieve an exemplary model suitable for national and international competition .
“I look forward to working with Ben and Lorna and the other members of the board and also of the LEP board by (its chairman) Asif Hamid to realize these aspirations and proactively transform inclusion and diversity in our regions and increase business environment . “
Ben Osu is part of the Anthony Walker Foundation, which works to fight racial injustice and promote racial justice among young people in schools across the region. He also works with employers to help them develop diverse, inclusive and equitable jobs.
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Mr. Osu said, “Now is the time to really stand up and take action against racism and the fight against discrimination.
“I am ready to take on the challenge and work with colleagues to help companies across the region become active anti-racist, challenge all forms of discrimination and support their colleagues when they need it.
“It’s great to see the commitment of the LEP and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority work out. We are stronger when we unite and celebrate our differences. “
Asif Hamid MBE, Chairman of the LEP, said: “The establishment of this working group is at the heart of our work as an LEP and is extremely important to me not only as the chairman but also as the business owner.
Ben Osu, vice chairman of the Business Support Group on Racial Equality
(Image: local corporate partnership of the Liverpool city region)
“This group aims to understand and ensure that we get to the heart of the challenges and obstacles we face. We can then work together to develop meaningful actions and plans to remove barriers for Black, Asian, and ethnic minority-run businesses at all points in the business lifecycle as they begin to stabilize and grow.
“Gloria and Ben’s in-depth gender equality expertise and knowledge will be a tremendous addition to the group. I am also excited to welcome Gloria to the LEP Executive Board who will be a great addition.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks not only to Gloria and Ben, but to the entire board of directors for taking the time to advance this important topic.”
Lorna Rogers, Assistant Director – Mayoral Program Implementation for the Combined Authority, said: “Developing our business infrastructure to meet the needs of racially diverse communities across the metropolitan area is a key element of our overall racial equality program.
“The expertise that Gloria and Ben will bring to these roles will enable us to support the creation and growth of minority businesses and the development of ethnic minority businesspeople. This will benefit both ethnic minority communities and the city at large bring enormous economic and social benefits. ” Region.
“I am very much looking forward to working closely with you so that we can meet our commitments to diversify the business landscape in our region.”
