Over the last two years, Professor Peter Hopkins has played a key role in the North East Chamber of Commerce’s Commission on Race, Ethnicity and Discrimination in North East Business.

The “Building inclusive places: Anti-racism in North East businesses” report, published by the Commission, urges organisations across the region to demonstrate the corporate courage to go further to create a stronger, fairer North East.  

It includes 20 practical recommendations for businesses across four key areas: enhancing your business through addressing racism; workplace education and training; recruitment; retention, promotion and progression.

The report and work of the Commission aligns with the Chamber’s stronger, fairer North East policy plan which includes practical actions leaders and businesses can take to deliver fair and inclusive growth for the North East and the UK, such as promoting anti-racism and committing to sustained action on workplace racism and discrimination.

Both the Commission and the report have been made possible with support from Newcastle University’s Policy Support Fund.

Professor Hopkins said: “It was a pleasure to serve as a Commissioner on the Chamber’s Commission on Race, Ethnicity, and Discrimination and to see the final report published with the support of funding from Newcastle University. The hope now is that businesses and organisations in the region take seriously the recommendations of the Commission and work towards eradicating racism in the workplace.”

Since its launch in 2021, the business-led Commission has met 15 times to explore, examine and understand the barriers to opportunity created by racial and ethnic discrimination in the North East, and listened to the views of business leaders, specialists and policymakers to produce the report.

Nagma Ebanks-Beni MBE, chair of the Commission and co-chief executive officer of Prima Cheese, said: “Promoting anti-racism within our businesses isn’t just good for some of us, it’s good for all of us.

“Some of this report makes for challenging reading. People from Black and minoritised ethnic communities across the North East continue to face racism and discrimination, and this often spills over from everyday life into the workplace with racial prejudice forming a barrier to personal and professional progression.

“This is not simply a moral issue: it is a problem which is also holding back our businesses. There is powerful evidence to show that companies which embrace diversity perform better, and that inclusion creates better places to work, than those which do not.

“In sharing this final report, the Commission urges business leaders across the North East to rise to the challenge of identifying some of the social barriers which can prevent our businesses, people and region from prospering. By creating a fairer, stronger North East we form an environment where everyone thrives.”

Rhiannon Bearne, executive director of policy and representation, and deputy CEO at the North East Chamber of Commerce, added: “Supporting and encouraging diversity and inclusion is the foundation of a progressive business community. Now is the time to turn conversation into action. 

“Whatever the size of your business, your sector or your role, each one of us has a part to play in making the North East the most inclusive, diverse and equitable place it can be.

“At the Chamber, we recognise there is much to do, and we are committed to progressing this vital agenda. We look forward to working alongside businesses and partners from across the North East as part of this journey.

“Under the leadership of Nagma, the Commission has made a significant contribution to an important conversation.

“On behalf of the Chamber, I extend my thanks to all of those who have supported and participated in the Commission’s work, with special thanks to Professor Peter Hopkins at Newcastle University.”

 
Press release adapted with thanks to the North East Chamber of Commerce