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It is evident that the mere mention of reparations can instil fear in those in positions of power. From my perspective, the word reparations carries the weight of accountability and taking responsibility. When will those in power publicly acknowledge the injustices committed? I believe it will take a considerable amount of time before an apology or compensation, similar to the 20 million pounds ($25m) paid by the British government to enslaved families from 1835 to 1843, is made. However, I am of the opinion that by implementing strategies such as reforming the fundamental processes within the Procurement system, Education system, and prison system, we can create a society where black and brown individuals can thrive. Currently, it may not be classified as reparations, but rather as an effort towards equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Not only government leaders, but also individuals of Caribbean and African descent, along with white allies, bear the responsibility. In 2020, a petition was launched urging the government to provide compensation to all African and Caribbean descendants, aiming to foster a more equitable society. Unfortunately, the petition fell short with only 20,585 signatures, while 100,000 were required. Considering the fact that a single Tiktok or Instagram post by a celebrity can easily garner hundreds of thousands of likes, it begs the question: should we be taking more proactive measures?

 

Stanford-Xosei emphasized that reparations involve both the process and the outcome. Highlighting that the vision of a repaired world for communities in Britain differs significantly from the perspectives of the African Union or CARICOM. Stanford-Xosei further stated that reparations represent a transformative vision, serving as a project to remake the world. He emphasized the importance of self-transformation as an integral part of this global remaking process.

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Public sector procurement in the UK amounts to approximately £290 billion annually, representing about one-third of all public spending. This indicates that a significant portion of public sector funds is allocated towards the purchase of goods and services. In the March 2008 budget statement, the government expressed its desire to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in bidding for public sector contracts. Our objective is to establish a Black and Brown owned supplier procurement framework to the government. The framework will be overseen by three established overarching primary contractors who will serve major projects across various industries. These primary contractors will collaborate exclusively with black and brown owned SMEs in their supply chains.

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In 2010, the coalition government pledged to support small business procurement, with a specific target of awarding 25% of government contracts by value to small and medium-sized enterprises. We are striving to secure a similar commitment for Black and Brown owned businesses, aiming for 2% of contracts by value within that 25%.

The landscape of small businesses in the UK is predominantly white, with only 6% of SMEs led by individuals from minority ethnic groups, as per government data. Among them, just 11% are operated by Black entrepreneurs, totalling an estimated 9,321 Black-led businesses out of 5.6 million SMEs in total - a mere 0.167% of the SME population.

 

Black entrepreneurs spend the most time and money, out of all ethnic groups, in developing a basic business idea. Ideally, Black business owners would have access to sufficient resources to address their business requirements and societal aspirations. However, statistics from the British Business Bank reveal that Black entrepreneurs experience the poorest business outcomes in terms of median financial turnover (£25,000 per annum compared to £40,000 for Asian and other ethnic minorities) and labour productivity (£13,125 per annum compared to £22,222 for white entrepreneurs). 

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The primary contractors are responsible for imposing a fee on every contractor who successfully secures a contract within the established framework (through competition or direct award). This fee will be calculated as a percentage of the contract revenue. The collected funds will then be utilised for the training of start-ups owned by individuals of black and brown descent across the United Kingdom. The hubs will be located in Manchester, Birmingham and London.  The workshops are set to be conducted by experienced business owners who are Black and Brown consultants and business owners. It will be the main duty of the primary contractors to ensure that all providers are registered. Despite investing significant time and resources in refining their business concepts, Black entrepreneurs experience the poorest financial outcomes compared to other ethnic groups in terms of median turnover. This procurement strategy not only aims to assist Black and Brown entrepreneurs in realising their business ideas but also provides them with a structured platform for business expansion and development. 

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Transforming Public Procurement Act change 2023

 

The reforms proposed within the new Procurement Act 2023 are important because they will improve our procurement regulations, so that every pound goes further for our communities and public services. They place value for money, public benefit, transparency and integrity at the heart of our procurement system and will modernise and unify our systems and processes. The reforms will get tough on underperforming suppliers, and exclude those who pose an unacceptable risk.

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Plan of Action 

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Start a petition through UK Government and Parliament- Only 10,000 signatures needed for a response from parliament.  

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Please provide your details below if you would like to support our mission to bring change in procurement.