Driving Inclusive Growth through The Diverse Business Advisory Board

The Diverse Business Advisory Board (DBAB), established by Business Sheffield in response to the 2022 recommendations of the Race Equality Commission to Sheffield City Council, aims to drive transformative change in business support policies and practices. The Board includes both internal personnel and external minority-ethnic representatives from the business community. Co-chaired by Ben Locke, founder of Re-Faced, and Kate Josephs, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, the DBAB serves as a strategic catalyst for inclusivity and dynamic business growth in Sheffield.

The DBAB focuses on engaging with businesses and communities to understand their culturally specific needs and tailoring support accordingly. It emphasises the importance of two-way communication and cultural sensitivity to ensure accessible services and equitable support for diverse business owners.

Our current focus: 

• Creating more Procurement opportunities for local and diverse businesses.
• Promoting equal opportunities for Sheffield's youth through the "See It Be It" program, ensuring all young people have access to pathways for success.
• Providing Business Support for local diverse businesses.
• Actively contributing to the City Future Growth Plan, ensuring the inclusion of local diverse businesses and underrepresented groups in strategic decision-making and planning.

The DBAB has played a key role in driving positive change within Sheffield’s business community. In recognition of these efforts, Business Sheffield was honoured with the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Champion Award at the Sheffield Business Awards 2024, a testament to our commitment to fostering an inclusive and thriving business environment.

We played a key role in Sheffield hosting the MOBO Awards for the first time and supported the MOBO Fringe showcase events. We also organised the Meet the Buyer Procurement Event in partnership with Sheffield Chamber and the Council’s Commercial Services Team, which led to the creation of procurement workshop videos designed to help underrepresented businesses navigate and secure contracts. Additionally, we launched the Access to Finance Event, providing essential guidance on funding opportunities for diverse business owners.

The MOBO Awards

On Tuesday, 10th September, an insightful procurement session was held at the Quays Hotel by Glen Sawby, Head of Procurement at Sheffield City Council, and the Sheffield Diverse Business Advisory Board.

Supported by Business Sheffield, the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, and led by the Council’s Commercial Services Team, the event provided a fantastic opportunity for local and diverse businesses to learn about the Council’s procurement processes and improve their chances of securing contracts.

Attendees benefited from a Q&A session, engaging directly with experts, while the Sheffield Diverse Business Advisory Board emphasised its mission to ensure equal opportunities for all businesses.

With a strong attendance of 80 businesses, this successful event marks the first of many aligned with the Council’s ambition to increase procurement opportunities for local businesses.

This event also led to the creation of three procurement workshop videos By Rachel Fletcher, equipping diverse entrepreneurs with the knowledge to identify, apply for, and win bids.