EQUAL 2: Minority business diaspora interchange
| Dates run: | October 2006 - September 2007 |
| Boroughs occupied: | Pan London |
| Statistics: | 73 small and medium sized businesses were supported |
| Funder: | EQUAL & ESF |
| Delivery Partners | Business Link and Prevista |
GLE oneLondon ran the EQUAL 2 project from October 2006 to September 2007. The project provided advice and support on international trade to black, asian and minority ethnic (BAME) business owners in the UK and helped to build capacity of its partners and other BAME networks in the UK and Europe.
During the project, a dedicated international trade business adviser met with businesses to help develop their international market strategies and offer unique experience and personal links around the world, whilst also linking them to mainstream services and support such as UKTI, SITPRO and others to support international business development.
Key highlights:
- GLE oneLondon ran two international trade missions to Paris in February 2007, and to the Netherlands in June 2007 for between 10-15 companies. Each mission also included pre- and post mission workshops and training to prepare businesses and ensure they could make the most of contacts and networks.
"The Netherlands trade visit was incredibly useful; it provided a firm foundation from which I could devise Kizala's market entry into the Dutch market and formulate an effective promotional strategy, as well as providing useful contacts in that market." Kizala
- As part of the programme, GLE oneLondon also supported Development Partnership intermediary agencies and networks to develop their capacity for delivery of initial advice and support in relation to the international market development.
- Launching international trade preparedness workshops, which have been adopted by other projects relating to international trade.
The results:
The Equal 2 project exceeded its targets and delivered assistance to 73 businesses through visits overseas, focus workshops and seminars, and one-to-one advice:
- 25 companies given market research
- 11 companies took part in focus group meetings
- 31 companies received one-to-one advice sessions
- 24 visited a new market overseas
- 67 companies participated in various training sessions
Other results included:
- Close relations were formed with key BAME networks: African Caribbean Business Network, Bangladeshi British Chamber of Commerce, Latin American Development Agency, TCA Consultancy and Vietnamese Business Action
- GLE oneLondon helped to develop the capacity of four BAME networks who now have better access to international trade and are building links for themselves.
The project's final report explores the demand for international trade support
to early stage businesses. The findings from this report are now being used as a model for the future.
Case studies:
The following companies are case studies of businesses supported through the Equal 2 project:
Our partners:
The Minority Business Diaspora Interchange project was supported by theEuropean Social Fund under the EQUAL 2 programme, and was delivered in partnership with: UK Trade and Investment, SITPRO, Business Link, Bangladesh- British Chamber of Commerce, ACBN, Latin American Development Association, Chinese Takeaway Association, Vietnamese Business Action, Zwarte Zaken Vrouwen Nederland, Centre d'Education et de Formation Interculturel Rencontre, and Tolomeo Studi e Ricerche s.r.l.
Contact us:
For more information about this past project, please contact Ketevan Moseshvili, ketevan.m@gle.co.uk
