Needs in ethnic minority businesses

New programme meets needs in ethnic minority businesses
The University of Leicester’s business training arm, The Leading Edge, has teamed up with experts at the University’s School of Management to provide a bespoke programme meeting the training needs of small businesses.

The programme has been devised for First Enterprise Business Agency Ltd. (FEBA) which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Members of the University this month attended the Ethnic Minority Business Awards hosted by FEBA.

Elain Crewe, Director of the Leading Edge, said: “The University of Leicester became involved with FEBA when the Chief Executive, Quamar Zaman, approached us about a need, particularly within ethnic minority businesses, for management training.

“Within the business community there are many examples of small businesses being established and nurtured by entrepreneurs, often based upon a positive and entrepreneurial spirit. Mr Zaman felt that what the business community lacked was the skills and knowledge necessary to grow and develop their business so that all too often they remain small enterprises, never reaching their full potential.”

Mr Zaman spoke with Elain Crewe as well as Meryem Fethi and Mohamed Shaban from the School of Management about this problem. Together a new programme has been designed with FEBA for FEBA members. The programme will be delivered flexibly on a Saturday over three months and each session will cover a fundamental management skill and knowledge including finance, strategy, people and organisational management, project management and underpinning skills around research for academic and business purposes.

Ms Crewe added: “Crucially the programme will also include professional communication and networking. This aspect is seen as a fundamental skill needed to survive in business. We all rely on our relationships with others to progress whether it be our bank manager or potential customers; the art of networking is a key skill required for success.”

The University also sponsored one of the business awards which was presented by Elain Crewe. The Sullay Jolloh memorial Award – promoting Community Spirit was awarded to George Leigh for his relentless work for the ethnic minority community.

Ms Crewe said, “It was a privilege to be involved in an event which celebrates business success despite many barriers. We are very excited about working with FEBA into the future to support its members to further establish and develop their businesses”.
Mr Quamar Zaman said, “In today’s fast moving competitive market, businesses that are unable to change have no future. We therefore need to develop our business leaders. I believe that the Approaches to Professional Management programme being developed by FEBA and the University of Leicester will play a major role in developing successful enterprise in our region”.
For more information, please contact Elain Crewe on E-mail: ec73@le.ac.uk or tel: 0116 252 5920

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