London conference to pushback against anti-diversity rhetoric

With companies including Ford and Harley-Davidson scaling back diversity and inclusion efforts due to political pressures, an ethnic-minority-focused conference in London aims to highlight the significant business contributions from this underrepresented group. 

Reshma Sheikh and Lushentha Naidoo Photo Credit: Supplied

Taking place from September 18-19, 2024, at the QEII Centre in London, the 2024 Business Diversity Connect conference will bring together industry leaders, diversity advocates and ethnic-minority-owned businesses (EMBs) to celebrate and promote the importance of inclusive procurement.

Reshma Sheikh, managing director of Minority Supplier Development UK (MSDUK), commented on the importance of this year's event, stating, “This conference comes at a time when far-right rhetoric has gained traction and there’s notable pushback against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. 

Recent race-related incidents in the UK have also exposed systemic challenges faced by minority communities. The conference aims to counter these trends by showcasing the remarkable contributions of ethnic minority-owned businesses and demonstrating how increased supplier diversity can foster sustainable practices and drive economic growth.”

Jointly organised by the Minority Supplier Development UK (MSDUK) and the European Supplier Diversity Program (ESDP) the conference will feature knowledge panel forums, fireside chats, roundtables, innovation challenges, and business shows aimed at creating a more equitable business environment through advocacy, support, and partnerships.

Highlights of this year’s event include the Innovation Challenge Finals and Awards, where twelve finalists, selected from more than 300 entries from the UK and Europe, will present their ideas and solutions with winners receiving a £20,000 cash prize. As well as the Business Show, which will feature corporate partners and minority-owned businesses, showcasing their services and creating opportunities for connections and potential business growth.

Lushentha Naidoo, managing director at ESDP, added, “This event represents a critical step forward in enhancing supplier diversity throughout the UK and Europe. Our research highlights that there are approximately 800,000 minority-owned businesses across Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, and Ireland alone, employing 2.7 million people and generating €570 billion in turnover. Yet only one percent of corporate spending currently goes to minority communities, so it’s high time we recognise and spotlight these vital contributors to robust and resilient economic growth.”

The event will conclude with an awards ceremony, recognising the achievements of businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to supplier diversity and inclusion. Award categories include "Corporate of the Year," “Emerging Corporate Supplier Diversity Programme of the Year,” and " High Growth Business of the Year”.