Join us as we celebrate FSB’s 50th anniversary at our second FSB Ethnic Minority Led In Person Networking event at the prestigious Coventry Lounge. In partnership with Kaleida International and Coventry Building Society - who are also celebrating 140 years as a leading building society - this event is designed for Ethnic Minority Led entrepreneurs who are celebrating the fantastic achievements they have gained in their business. We know that running a business requires tenacity and resilience so join us to share the challenges you have overcome to being a successful entrepreneur.
Hosted by Jason Roberts, Founder and CEO of Kaleida International.
You will get a chance to:
- Hear from our panel of expert speakers as they answer your questions about your experiences and successes of running a small business
- Network, share and learn with like-minded business owners
- Hear from representatives from FSB and Coventry Building Society about the work they have carried out with Ethnic Minority Led businesses
Meet our Panellists
Host - Jason Roberts – Founder and CEO of Kaleida International
Hailing from Brixton, South London, after 24 years working in the financial services industry in both banking, and sales, Jason was frequently reminded of his diverse identity. From the lack of representation in boardrooms, to being made aware that his 6’ 5” frame was intimidating, he experienced prejudice, bias and discrimination that impacted opportunities.
In 2021, Jason launched Kaleida International, a fully-inclusive, B2B marketplace for tenders focused on helping buyers find, assess and invite diverse suppliers to tender. A father to two daughters, Jason enjoys golf, long walks and has a passion for yachting.
Rebecca Howard - Head of Supplier Relationship Management at Coventry Building Society.
Rebecca's team looks after supplier performance management and sustainable procurement. Rebecca has introduced a supplier diversity approach that aims to increase access and engagement with suppliers owned and managed by underrepresented groups. Rebecca is an advocate for sustainable procurement and speaks at many events about the importance of responsible and ethical sourcing, on time payment for small businesses, zero carbon supply chains and the power of diverse procurement teams. Rebecca is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply and a Practitioner Member of the Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment.
Simona Marr – FSB Regional Development Manager
Simona Marr is the FSB Regional Development Manager in the East of England and Southeast and provides high-level member support and lobbying in both regions of FSB. This involves speaking to business owners about their challenges and the wide range of benefits they can access through membership. She is passionate about supporting small businesses and raises the profile of FSB in a variety of regional political forums. Simona reports to a local board of elected members to deliver regional activity and events in line with national objectives.
In March 2022. Simona led on the launch of the national FSB Ethnic Minority Led Networking event. This was due to a growing demand to expand the existing regional events. The event has grown from strength to strength and has been a safe space for Ethnic Minority Led like-minded business owners to share and learn.
Diana Chrouch OBE - FSB Policy Champion for Ethnic Minority Led Businesses
In addition to her role at FSB, Diana is also the Worshipful Company of Constructor’s Diversity and Inclusion Chair, she is the Special Advisor to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Ethnic Minority Business Owners and she sits on the SME Advisory Panel for UK Finance, which is the trade association for the UK's banking industry. Diana is also the founder and director of Chrouch Consulting, a marketing consultancy that specialises in marketing techniques across online and traditional media. Diana will share her journey as well insight into her various policy roles and issues she hears affecting ethnic minority led businesses.
Jeevan Punj - Founder of Elite Hampers
Elite Hampers is a corporate gifting business based in Shropshire. Jeevan is also the FSB lead for Shropshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire. Jeevan created her business to add value to business relationships, by showing appreciation through gifting. Jeevan has won numerous awards since the launch of Elite Hampers including the Woman Who Achieves Award, Luxe Life Magazine’s Perfect Gift Award, and is currently a finalist for the Nation Business Women’s Awards. She is also a #SBS winner – an initiative launched by the former Dragon’s Den presenter, Theo Paphitis.
Jeevan started out her career as an optometrist. Due to her love for giving and rewarding others, in 2021 she started a learning journey to create a business that keeps on giving. Elite Hampers specialises in creating bespoke food & drink gifts from letterbox hampers to elegant wicker baskets. Every hamper is designed by Jeevan and her belief is that “rewarding those that make your business work, can only make your business grow”.
Tea, Coffee and Pastries will be provided.
This will be a ticketed event and there will be a nominal charge for tickets, with a discount for FSB members.
Getting Here
Coventry Building Society Arena is in the heart of the UK with excellent transport links to London, Birmingham and the Midlands. The venue is within two hour’s drive of 75 per cent of the country.
By rail, Coventry is 55 minutes from London and 20 minutes from Birmingham Airport, with easy access to the M6 and wider motorway network.
Parking
Coventry Building Society Arena boasts four on-site car parks, with a total of 2,200 spaces. All onsite car parks are within walking distance of the Arena's main entrances, known as the North and South entrances. For more information about parking please visit the Coventry Building Society Arena Website
Event Contact
Please contact Jacqueline Richardson for any further information.
