Evidence for a better conversation
Research on Black leadership and enterprise, gathered in one place. Start with the State of the Nation white paper, then explore the evidence behind it.
The State of the Nation white paper. The national and regional evidence, the twelve barriers to Black business growth, what BCON, Lloyds and the region's leaders can each do, and nine actions achievable within a year.
The evidence paper behind the white paper. Twelve documented barriers, ordered by leverage, with the evidence for each and what government, chambers and investors can do.
The four gatherings of 2025, the members who spoke, and the dates for 2026.
Ethnic diversity of FTSE 350 and large private company boards and senior management, with the Black-specific figures the white paper leans on.
The study behind the £25,000 against £35,000 turnover comparison and the finance barriers Black entrepreneurs report.
One bank's account of five years of sustained support, including the rise in trust from 40% to 84%.
Who gets UK venture capital. Black founders received 0.24% over a decade, and Black women 0.02%.
The value of ethnic minority firms to the UK economy: around 250,000 firms and £25 billion a year.
The latest national picture of how small firms raise finance, and who finds it hardest.
The original research into trust between Black business owners and banks.
The follow-up, mapping the barriers to finance, networks and support in detail.
The West Midlands' independent strategy on race equality, with leadership diversity and data running through it.
What the Taskforce has done since Race Forward, and what it still cannot measure.
The £24 billion case for full representation and progression, and 26 recommendations employers have been slow to act on.
What mandatory annual measurement makes visible: board and senior manager ethnicity across every trust.
How many of the largest charities still have all-white boards and senior teams. Hosted by the publisher.
The community in action
A look back at a year of visibility, elevation and impact.
