UK’s Ethnic Minority Population to Increase to 20% by 2051
According to a recent study by the University of Leeds, as reported on the BBC, the proportion of black, Asian and other ethnic minorities will rise from 8% of the population, based on figures from the 2001 census, to 20% by 2051.
One of the authors, Professor Philip Rees, said: “Groups outside the white British majority are increasing in size and share, not just in the areas of initial migration, but throughout the country.”
The results include population projects for England’s 352 local authorities and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for every year over the next 40 years. They also used data already available on the 16 ethnic groups that had been used in the 2001 census
This study also ties in together with previous findings that argue that the number of ethnic minority businesses (EMBs) are increasing throughout the country. For example, previous findings have shown that most young entrepreneurs starting businesses in London are from ethnic minorities.
From both of these strands of information, we can infer that the EMB agenda will be of increasing importance both at a policy and practical level. With these figures in hand, policy makers have to continue to work on finding more creative ways of engaging with EMBs as highlighted by CREME’s work on the East Midlands New Migrant Project. Based on the findings from this project, which included 1-2-1 interviews with 165 new migrant business owners and over 20 new migrant intermediaries throughout the region, we concluded that there is a need to:
- improve communication with EMBs (i.e. don’t expect EMBs to approach formal organisations first; a more active approach is needed)
- Effectively promote business support services (i.e. promote business support in a more appealing and relevant way for EMBs with relevant EMB case studies)
- Expand current marketing strategies (i.e. use other marketing mediums to spread your message such as ethnic radio stations or local ethnic newsletters)
Engaging in such initiatives will help ensure the future success of EMBs. This will be vital since EMBs will also be an increasingly crucial element for the overall condition of the UK economy.
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