Chris Cummins joins business leaders to empower Black-owned businesses 

The Black Business Collective is a free subscriber network which acts as a voice for Black businesses and professionals based in the Midlands. It provides a platform to meet and discover new opportunities, creating a supportive ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs.

Chris joins a committee composed of other key figures from the region’s business community, including chair and CEO of TIN Ventures, Alex Cole, and vice-chairs, Keith Shayaam-Smith, CEO of Legacy Centre for Excellence and Justice Williams MBE, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Black Business Magazine. 

Chris’ appointment extends OTD’s involvement in the initiative, which began with attendance at the group’s inaugural meeting last July and includes additional support through corporate sponsorship. 

It also comes in the wake of a new report published in Times Higher Education, which found that Black applicants are not only 37% less likely to pass an online application sift than comparable White graduates, they are also 45% less likely to receive an offer. 

Chris said: “I’m really pleased to join the committee of The Black Business Collective. There is a genuine commitment to excellence amongst committee members and a collective understanding of the work that needs to be done.

‍“There hasn't always been this level of support, and while the Black community has grown, it isn’t any wealthier. I still see the same underrepresentation of Black people in professional roles as I did when I started my career 40 years ago. 

‍“I want to make a massive difference to businesses and in particular, help aspiring young people who are often rejected at the first hurdle.” 

The Black Business Collective is backed by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) and sponsored by Trowers & Hamlins and Lloyds Banking Group.

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