An initiative to promote and support black-owned businesses is being supported by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).
The Chamber is backing Black Pound Day, a monthly event which encourages shoppers to spend with black-owned businesses.
The initiative was established following Black Lives Matter protests sweeping across the globe, demanding change to racial inequality following the death of American George Floyd.
After gaining major traction in London, organisers are now pushing for the initiative to become more wide-spread in Birmingham.
Black Pound Day, established by Swiss, member of hip-hop and garage collective So Solid Crew, has gained support Birmingham City Council, being driven by Councillor Sharon Thompson.
According to a report from Aston University’s Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME), firms run by entrepreneurs from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds contribute as much as £25 billion to the UK economy.
Paul Faulkner, chief executive of the Chambers, explained why businesses and consumers must support the initiative: “The Chamber wholeheartedly supports the Black Pound Day initiative, and we’re really pleased that it is gathering momentum in Birmingham.
“Black Pound Day represents an opportunity to turn the spotlight on the phenomenal black-owned businesses which are a part of Birmingham, highlight their products and services and the enormous contribution they make to this city.
“In the wake of Black Lives Matter, we as business leaders and consumers must do all that we can to support and represent these businesses at this crucial turning point in history.
“I would encourage all black-owned businesses to add their business to the Black Pound Day website, and for consumers to get involved with the day, find out what businesses are out there and spend with them, if they are able to.”
The next Black Pound Day is taking place on 1 August.
Visit https://blackpoundday.uk for details of black-owned businesses, and use the hashtag #BlackPoundDay on social media.
