The MSDUK Business and Innovation Show 2023 brought together hundreds of dynamic ethnic minority businesses and showcased the organisation's steadfast commitment to inspiring the next generation of ethnic minority founders and supporting their dreams of growth and success.
Renowned TEDx speaker and two-time author Jenny Garrett took the stage as the event's host. With an outreach of 122 million people worldwide, her advocacy for fairer business landscapes has made a significant impact.
Mayank Shah, CEO of MSDUK called for a shift in perspective among procurement professionals and buyers. Emphasis was placed on actively seeking opportunities for minority businesses within the supply chain rather than attempting to fit them into existing structures.
The day's agenda was packed with enriching sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Key segments included looking at Supplier Diversity Beyond 2028, and it also delved into The Complicated Impact of Conscious and Unconscious Bias on EMB Businesses.
Mayank Shah, CEO of MSDUK, said, "We are immensely proud of the achievements showcased at the MSDUK Business and Innovation Show 2023. The resounding success of MSDUK over the last 17 years, with over three thousand ethnic minority businesses securing a remarkable 1.5 billion pounds worth of business, is a testament to the untapped potential within this community. Our commitment to inspiring the next generation of founders and fostering a fairer business landscape remains unwavering."
During the event, Mayank also announced the new Managing Director for MSDUK, Reshma Sheikh, who said, "It is an honour to step into this role and lead MSDUK towards a future of greater impact and inclusivity. We are dedicated to identifying and nurturing opportunities for minority businesses within the supply chain. We aim to build a stronger, more sustainable business environment by actively seeking out spaces where diversity can thrive. Together, we will shape a future where diversity is not just valued, but integral to success."
The event also saw the MSDUK Innovation Challenge final take place, where 12 finalists pitched their innovations to a judging panel, and the overall winner, Dr Dupe Burgess from Bloomful, walked away with a 20k cask prize, a one-year MSDUK Premium Membership, Corporate 1-2-1 mentoring from Accenture and an Out-of-home Advertising Campaign from JCDecaux. Dr Burgess started her career as a doctor and regularly saw and treated women with Menstrual, menopausal and hormonal problems. Today, Dr. Burgess is the Founder and CEO of Bloomful, an AI-driven triage solution that helps women access better care for their gynaecological health.
MSDUK is a leading organisation dedicated to empowering ethnic minority businesses and fostering inclusive growth. With a track record of securing substantial funding and supporting thousands of entrepreneurs, MSDUK continues to be at the forefront of championing diversity and innovation in the business landscape. To find out more, visit https://www.msduk.org.uk
