backing black business
200 years proud, Wray & Nephew sits at the heart of the Black community, representing a unique, cross-generational icon within Black British culture. From suitcases on HMS Windrush as a taste and nostalgic memory of ‘home’, our beloved spirit has trickled into living rooms, dancehalls, community centres and bars - creating lifelong memories.
OURPLEDGE
Wray Forward is here to give back. To pay it forward. To celebrate, elevate, nurture and support those who unite our community.
To our hub of hairdressers, nail salons, barbers & restaurants who give us a home away from home, where we can kick back, laugh, and chill. We champion you.
To the unsung heroes without whom our music would have no voice, the promoters, managers & venue owners behind our favourite artists. We uplift you.
We are committed to building better Black future. Together, we are leading the Wray Forward for the next generation. We back you.
WHAT’s HAPPENING
IN THE COMMUNITY
Black owned businesses make up 4% of the business population in the UK, yet they provide over 70,000 jobs and have a turnover of almost £4.5 billion – which is growing. (source: Greater London Authority).
However, Black entrepreneurs are still being held back with limited access to financial support, education and opportunities (source: British Business Bank).
IN MUSIC
In the UK, 86% of Black music creators and 88% of Black industry professionals say they have faced barriers to progression due to their race (source: Black Lives in Music Report).
For Black women business owners in the industry, the disparities are even more apparent. More than 33% of Black female entrepreneurs made little to no profit in 2019, compared to 15% of their white female counterparts in the UK. (source: Financial Times).
WHAT WE’RE DOING ABOUT IT
Community is who we are and why we are here, and it’s time to give back.
Launched in December 2021 in the UK, Wray Forward is a free and inclusive programme built to nurture the foundations of our entrepreneurial community.
As a nationwide initiative, we aim to support Black business owners across the country by improving access, promoting ownership and facilitating growth.
WHAT WE'VE DONE SO FAR
In our first year, we’re proud to say Wray Forward has successfully:
Connected with 1987 Black businesses, 65% being women-led
Provided 180 hours of free learning and coaching
Mentored 32 music entrepreneurs
Delivered 26 workshops with 40 partners and facilitators
WHAT WE'VE DONE SO FAR
In our first year, we’re proud to say Wray Forward has successfully:
Connected with 1987 Black businesses, 65% being women-led
Provided 180 hours of free learning and coaching
Mentored 32 music entrepreneurs
Delivered 26 workshops with 40 partners and facilitators
WHO WE’RE WORKING WITH
It takes a village. So we've brought in the best of the best.We’ve partnered with Foundervine– a social enterprise and accelerator for Black businesses and entrepreneurs – to create two free and inclusive programmes, for and by our community.
WHO WE’RE WORKING WITH
It takes a village. So we've brought in the best of the best.
We’ve partnered with Foundervine – a social enterprise and accelerator for Black businesses and entrepreneurs – to create two free and inclusive programmes, for and by our community.
COMMUNITY BUSINESS PROGRAMME
BIG OR SMALL, NEW OR OLD,
ALL BUSINESSES ARE WELCOME.
This is a free monthly programme of workshops aimed at community businesses. Scale up your business, expand your network and discover new opportunities.
Find out who we’re looking for here.
START DATE: June 2023
END DATE: November 2023
Time commitment:
One event per month in the evening
Two-hour workshops
Four-hour networking events
Virtual and in-person
YOU’LL GET
WORKSHOPS
Two-hour session with industry specialists delivering a workshop of tips, tools and guidance.
NETWORKING EVENTS
IRL event with industry professionals and networking activities.
RESOURCE HUB
Online access to all Wray Forward programme resources and tools, including past workshop recordings & presentations.
Who we’re looking for
COMMUNITY
High street store owners
Online businesses
Tech Companies
Consultants
Fashion Designers
Food & Beverage
Hairdressers / stylists
Health and beauty products
Home & Lifestyle
Restaurants / bars
Community Events 2023
The Entrepreneurial Mindset – 5th July
Ignite Your Inner Entrepreneur: Unleash the Power of the Founder's Mindset
Building your personal brand – 2nd August
Crafting a Magnetic Personal Brand
The art of communication – 30th August
The Art of mastering confident Public Speaking and Communication
Law & Order: Business Edition – 28th September
The Magic behind mastering Legal Principles for Growing Businesses
Show me the money – 26th October
Unlocking the Secrets of Fundraising and Capital Sourcing
The Unicorn Blueprint – 23rd November
A Rapid-fire Masterclass on Building a Billion-Dollar Startup
MUSIC BUSINESSACCELERATOR
This is a free 3-month programme helping Black business owners in music. Scale up your business, increase your visibility and pitch your business idea to investors.
Applications open: 26th July 2023
Applications close: 23rd August 2023
Start date: September 2023
End date: December 2023
WHAT OUR COMMUNITY SAYS
“This is an amazing project that is much needed and well thought out….I feel empowered and confident that your mission and motivations are clear and professional and I genuinely feel the value from what you are doing”
Wray Forward attendee 22’
“Just wanted to thank you for putting this platform together. Where like minded people can come together to help one another learn, share their knowledge and experiences. It’s hard trying to start a business or attempt to with limited knowledge and support. Any assistance and guidance is much appreciated I will definitely be attending more”
Wray Forward attendee 22’
“Sessions so far Wow wow!!! what can I say this has become a very important part of my week. Claud has done a fantastic job in understanding our individual business journey and has worked with us to develop a deeper understanding of our WHY we provide our services and how we can get our story across to engage.”
Wray Forward attendee 22’
“I recently found my co-founder at a Wray Forward event and our skill sets and personalities are exceptionally aligned. Thank you for building such an effective community.”
Wray Forward attendee 22’
MEET SOME OFTHE 2022 MEMBERS
Shee Bakes - Community 22’
Taino - Community 22’
Capture Booth - Community 22’
Nouteka - Music 22’
Diamond Clear - Music 22’
Dutchie Studios - Music 22’
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