The archives...past Sheroes features
March 2007
Be inspired!
If you didn't see him on Dragon's Den you cannot have failed to read or hear about Levi Roots! Having traded his Reggae Reggae Sauce at Notting Hill Carnival and various other places, Levi took his product on to BBC's Dragon's Den to pitch for a cash investment which would allow him to expand his production and widen distribution.
He survived the Dragons' grilling and was eventually offered the investment he needed in return for 40% of his business. The publicity from the programme, the song (love it or hate it!) and the knowledge he gained from the investors has all combined to put his sauce on the shelves in Sainsbury's.
Now apart from advocating that EVERY Sheroes member must go out and buy a bottle!, we wanted to highlight Levi's success in order to demonstrate what belief can do.
There may be some of you out there beavering away at home - plaiting hair, making clothes, baking cakes - you name it. You may have toyed with the idea of opening a market stall, a kiosk, a shop. You may have thought about how you could supply the local bakery or café with something different for their menu. Sheroes wanted to remind you not to underestimate yourself. You too can make a go of it and start your small business. We know it is hard work, but we should take a leaf out of Levi's book and be inspired to try. Who knows where it may take you!
#Put music in your food...dah dah dah de de dah dah#...
Abolition of the Slave Trade Act
This March is the month we celebrate the 200 year anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. Although the slave trade continued for a further 30 years or so, it was no longer legal to take Africans from their homeland, transport them somewhere else and then treat them as slaves.So, our question is this. Why then do we still have a society where this takes place? Why does the frame of mind exist whereby African women are still brought to the UK and their passports taken and then put to work as slaves - for other Black people? There has always been a tradition amongst African and Caribbean people whereby you might 'bring down' or 'send for' some young person from 'home' to help out here, in exchange for a better life or the opportunity to live in England. But the practice where girls are brought here and treated in a despicable way is wrong. Girls are kept in terrible conditions and used as slaves, just because it is possible to get away with it.
It is no surprise that the recent task force set up to deal with the issues around modern day slavery (particularly Eastern European sex slaves) it is also looking at the issue of West African women.
People only get away with this because other people don't speak up and say it is wrong. What would you do if you knew or suspected someone of keeping another person as a slave in their house?
ENGAGE NETWORKING EVENT CONTINUES...
Thursday 26th April 2007 6.30pm - 8.30pm
@ Lehman Brothers, 25 Bank Street, London, E14 5LE
Engage magazine is holding its fourth networking event in conjunction with the magazine publication.
This event will provide BAME businesses with the opportunity to engage with key players from the public and private sectors.
An influential panel of guest speakers will be present to give their views on some of the issues affecting BAME businesses today.
Key objectives:
- Act as a portal for BAME businesses to engage with larger organisations
- Increase supplier diversity
- Establish communication channels
- Enhance sustainable economic growth
- Procurement personnel
- Equality and Diversity personnel
- Small & medium sized businesses
Alternatively you can call 0207 476 6644 or Fax 0207 476 6655