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On the 14th May 2001 African Caribbean (AC) business owners, organisations and networks were invited to attend a summit meeting at the Greater London Authority (GLA) to discuss the establishment of a strategic organisation, to influence the creation of a level playing field for the broad African and Caribbean Business community. This organisation would act as a conduit, representing African and Caribbean businesses at the heart of Government and Corporations, to instigate and effect significant change.
The meeting was spearheaded by Lee Jasper, John Ross and Claudia Webb, all Senior Policy Advisers to the Mayor.
The African Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) concept emerged from active discussions and exploratory meetings held with organisations such as the London Chamber of Commerce (LCCI), London First and other potential partnerships. Numerous focus groups and think tanks were established to explore effective ideas and approaches for the future.
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, personally initiated this process.
The Mayor had for some time recognised that the African and Caribbean business community is a newly emerging sector with specific needs to be addressed for its future development. African and Caribbean businesses make a significant contribution to the success and stability of London's vibrant economy, but they do not receive the recognition they deserve and therefore have not been able to raise their profile and take pride of ownership. The Mayor concluded that in order to redress this anomaly a proprietary organisation was needed, with a voice that could speak directly to and for African and Caribbean businesses, to articulate the real issues that they confront on a daily basis.
On the 30th November 2001 a “Not for Profit” Limited Company was incorporated, and on the 11th December 2001, the election of the Executive and General committees of the ACBN took place.
Since that date, the ACBN has worked diligently towards creating a firm foundation on which to build the organisation and establishing a strategy from which to move forward into the future, in keeping with the organisation's goals and operating terms of reference.
The ACBN is funded by the London Development Agency and works collaboratively with a growing list of partners which currently includes The British Library, Royal Mail, and Barclays Bank Plc.
The ACBN is a business network dedicated to championing the cause of African and Caribbean owned businesses in the UK. We work constantly to improve the prospects of our members through raising the profile of BAME businesses, lobbying both government and industry. Our members comprise businesses from a diverse market background and are the first port of call for those members seeking goods and services within the network.
Two forms of membership are currently available. Standard membership is only £50, and offers even small business owners the opportunity to gain access to our network and invitations to our seminars and network events. In addition, premium members pay a small annual fee and receive a number of benefits including FREE business information from ACBN sponsors the British Library IP Centre, a consultation service from specialist business advisors. Premium members are also entitled to FREE access to any three ACBN events/seminars.
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