A MAJOR new report has called on North-East businesses to show "corporate courage" to help tackle racism.
The North East Chamber of Commerce's report, "Building Inclusive Places: Anti-racism in North-East Businesses," urges organisations to go further to create a stronger, fairer region by sharing practical actions for businesses.
Nagma Ebanks-Beni, chairman of the chamber's Commission on Race, Ethnicity and Opportunity in North East Business, 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."
Over the past two years, the commission has listened to the views of business leaders, specialists and policymakers to produce the report.
Nagma added: "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."
The report 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.
Rhiannon Bearne, executive director of policy and representation, and deputy chief executive officer at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: "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."
The commission and the report have been made possible thanks to the generous support of Newcastle University and its Policy Support Fund.
The report was released at the chamber's AGM, where Palintest's Deborah Walton was elected as the chamber's new president, replacing Newcastle Building Society's Andrew Haigh.
Deborah takes up the role alongside newly-elected vice-president Natasha McDonough, founder of MMC Research and Marketing Ltd, and South of Tyne Committee chairman.
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