UK GOVERNMENT GIVES A SEAL OF APPROVAL – FOR NEW LGBTQ+ BUSINESS CERTIFICATION SCHEME
A new UK ‘Business Enterprise Certification Scheme’ by OutBritain to support LGBT+ businesses and entrepreneurs working in home and overseas markets – has been given the seal of approval by the UK government, at a high-profile launch in London recently.
Mike Freer, British Minister for Exports and Equalities opened the launch at EY offices in central London with partners from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), EY, and OutBritain.
The Rt.Hon Mr Freer, said: “I’m delighted to see the launch of this new scheme in the UK, and especially giving more encouragement and solidarity for LGBT+ businesses working in home and overseas markets.”
“Equality and inclusivity, is great for profit in business, and this new accreditation by OutBritain will open doors for LGBT+ companies in gaining business opportunities – and is supported by the British Government,” he said.
“We are looking for more business leaders to supply evidence on how to promote and drive our LGBT+ business community forward, and holding two TECH trade missions in the United States this year with ambitions to hold more LGBT+ trade events, and sharing our best practices globally.”
OutBritain co-founder and Chief Executive Matt Dabrowski, said: “Our launch in London was a special landmark for LGBT+ businesses that will empower UK companies and entrepreneurs in creating business opportunities from supply chains to corporates, and working more closely with other ‘certified businesses’ in the US and Canada.”
Corporate sponsors for the London launch included: Accenture Barclays, Boots, EY, Sky, Warner Brothers, META, TJX, BP, CBRE, and Bristol Myers Squibb.
“Throughout the last two years since our inception, we have identified over 800 UK LGTB+ businesses from all sectors and we are certain that many of them can benefit from Europe’s first-ever LGBT-owned accreditation scheme.”
“In the US the LGBT+ business community contributes $1.3 Trillion Dollars in economic output, so what does that look like in the UK?” said Mr Dabrowski.
“As the exclusive, third party LGBT+ certification body in the UK, OutBritain will verify that eligible businesses are majority-owned by LGBTQ+ individuals, and grant LGBTQ+ Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) accreditation.”
“In turn, certified LGBTBE companies gain access to OutBritain and OutScotland corporate sponsors, members, partners, and affiliates,” said Mr Dabrowski.
The first six LGBT+ companies to be awarded their first UK certifications included; The Big Group, Crowberry Consulting, Monumental Marketing, Different Dynamics, Talker Tailor Trouble Maker, and Studio Lutalica.
The London launch took place on ‘International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, and was attended by 80 people with a further 25 streaming online, and was sponsored by corporate organisations.
Erasmo E. Sanchez Herrera, Director of Global Division at National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, added: “We are thrilled OutBritain received such a wonderful reception at the EY launch and honoured to be working to expand supplier diversity initiatives in the UK.”
Mr Dabrowski who is originally from the USA and now based in London and Scotland, is looking to work with LGBT+ businesses across all 4 home countries in the UK.
Anyone looking for more information about OutBritain can view on their website: https://outbritain.co.uk