CREME’s case study strategy with SMEs bidding for public sector contracts in Leicester – Any suggestions?
CREME is currently working on the Selling to the Public Sector project, as discussed in previous posts on this blog[1]. The Project will support SMEs across Leicester and Leicestershire, specifically targeting female, disabled and BME owned SMEs in Leicester’s disadvantaged areas, to access procurement and supply chain contracts from public and private sector buyers. The … Continue reading
Public sector equality duty guidance published by Commission
Recently, the Equality and Human Rights Commission(EHRC) has published guidance that explains what public authorities in England and non-devolved bodies in Scotland and Wales have to do to comply with the public sector equality duty[1]. As described on the EHRC website[2]: From 6 April 2011, when this part of the Equality Act 2010 comes into … Continue reading
CREME Paper on New Migrant Businesses receives ISBE 2010 Conference Award
The Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) has recently received an award from the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s (ISBE) 2010 conference for its paper titled Engaging with Super-Diversity: New Migrant Businesses and the Research-Policy Nexus. The paper received the highest marks in the award category of ‘Entrepreneurship in Minority Groups Track’ … Continue reading
Initial Impressions from the First Seminars Aimed at SMEs in the Selling to the Public Sector Project
In the last few weeks, a series of seminars aimed at Leicester and Leicestershire based SMEs has begun. Delivered by professional experts in the field of public sector procurement and accreditation, the initial sessions have focused on providing a general introduction to the project, tips on how to find public sector contract opportunities and information … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
Working with New Migrant Businesses in the West Midlands: Challenges and Opportunities
In recent years, the West Midlands has seen a wave of migration from countries such as Somalia and Poland. This is sometimes called new migration, in contrast to established patterns from countries in the Caribbean and South Asia. Many new migrants establish their own businesses, a process of great importance for their economic integration but … Continue reading
The Effects of the Efficiency and Reform Group on Public Sector Procurement
In a drive to cut the massive budget deficit, the recently formed coalition government has created a joint Treasury-Cabinet Office group called the Efficiency and Reform Group (ERG). The Group’s work is co-chaired by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Three senior business leaders that will also sit … Continue reading
A Brief Introduction to the Selling to the Public Sector Project
A few months ago, work began on an exciting two-year project called Selling to the Public Sector. Modelled on the successful Supply London project, Selling to the Public Sector aims to work with public sector procurers in Leicester to encourage greater engagement with local SMEs. In particular, Selling to the Public Sector targets female, disabled … Continue reading
Regional Business Support in the Spotlight at EMB Conference
The East Midlands is one of the most diverse and entrepreneurial regions in England. It is home to some of the most advanced and sophisticated ‘knowledge’ driven business in the country; and, at the same time, benefits from a considerable rural landscape which itself generates significant entrepreneurial activity. East Midlands Business Ltd. (EMB Ltd.) is … Continue reading
Event Report: New Migrants Focus Group in Northampton
Focus Group for Eastern European Migrants in Northampton Last Thursday, April 23rd 2009, a focus group event, co-sponsored by CREME, New Communities in Social Enterprise (NCISE) and Business Link, was held at Chata Polish Restaurant in Northampton. The 14 invitees represented established Polish businesses, prospective Polish businesses, NCISE and other Eastern European community organisations. This … Continue reading
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