Entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers gathered at Birmingham’s Legacy Centre of Excellence for a day of empowerment, collaboration, and cultural pride — honouring the enduring legacy of visionary leader, the late Chief Sam Duru.
BIRMINGHAM — The spirit of Black excellence, innovation, and unity filled the air at the 2025 Black Business Conference, held at the iconic Legacy Centre of Excellence in Birmingham. From the moment the doors opened at 11am, the centre buzzed with the energy of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, investors, and creatives — all determined to shape the future of Black enterprise in Britain.
Across the building’s multiple spaces, panels, workshops, and networking sessions unfolded with precision. The day featured over a dozen sessions, including practical workshops on business finance, property investment, technology, and community development — all interwoven with inspiration, collaboration, and purpose.
The day began in the Upstairs Auditorium, hosted by broadcaster and business coach Merisha Stevenson, who kept the crowd energised throughout. The morning networking session featured teas, coffee, and breakfast pastries — but the real nourishment came from the conversations.
“Networking isn’t just exchanging cards — it’s exchanging purpose,” Stevenson reminded attendees. “Look around you; the next collaboration that changes your life might be sitting right beside you.”
At noon, the NatWest Bank panel kicked off with an engaging discussion on raising finance and investing in business. Speakers Pam Shemar, Davies Drew Currie, Ade Fadaka, and Philip Umande shared insight into accessing capital and navigating the financial system as Black entrepreneurs.
“Finance is not just about numbers — it’s about relationships and readiness,” said Shemar. “Banks are looking for stories of credibility, consistency, and confidence.”
Ade Fadaka added: “We have to be bold enough to apply, to ask questions, to negotiate. Financial empowerment begins with awareness.”
As the afternoon unfolded, the Pitching Competition brought excitement and applause as five budding entrepreneurs took the stage to present their ideas before a panel of judges. The energy was contagious — proof that innovation is alive and thriving within the community.
The 2pm session, “How to Build Your Property Business,” featured Daniel Taylor, Daniel Richards, and Alex Tross, who shared success stories and practical strategies for entering the property market. “Ownership is the foundation of economic freedom,” said Taylor. “If you don’t own, you can’t influence. Property isn’t just profit — it’s power.”
At 2:30pm, the stage transitioned to one of the day’s most impactful discussions — “Bridging the Role of Social Entrepreneurs,” hosted by Deirdre Labassire and featuring Nana Akua, Claudine Reid, Avril A. Vison, Craig Pinkney, Romanah Buchanan, and Le’siran. Each panellist brought unique insights into how purpose-driven businesses can drive social change.
“Social enterprise is not charity — it’s strategy,” said Claudine Reid. “We must redefine success as impact, not just income.” Craig Pinkney, a community violence reduction expert, added: “Entrepreneurship in our community must be restorative. It’s about rebuilding hope where systems have failed us.”
The Black Tech Panel, hosted by Merisha Stevenson, drew considerable buzz. Speakers Dexter Simms, Natalie Scarlet, and Emma Mendez highlighted the urgent need for inclusion in the digital and innovation economy. “We’ve gone from being consumers of technology to creators of technology,” said Simms. “Now we must become owners of tech ecosystems.”
Natalie Scarlet emphasised digital literacy: “The next wave of opportunity will be digital. We must ensure our young people are equipped to lead, not follow.”
At 4pm, the Black Chambers of Commerce panel — featuring Karl George, Yetunde, Alex Cole, Justice Williams, and Landry Ntahe — focused on the power of collaboration and collective advocacy. “Economic inclusion doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by organisation,” said Karl George.
“We must connect our networks across sectors. Unity is our most valuable currency.” The session was followed by an engaging talk from Supreme Understanding, who captivated the audience with reflections on culture, history, and empowerment. “We must know where we come from to know where we’re going,” he reminded the crowd. “Our culture is our compass.”
In his remarks, Keith Smith, co-owner of the Legacy Centre, set the tone by paying a moving tribute to her late husband and co-founder, Sam Duru, whose vision birthed the UK’s first Black-owned business and cultural hub.
“Sam believed that our stories, talents, and enterprises deserve a home — not borrowed space, but a legacy of our own,” Pauline said, her voice warm yet resolute.
“Today’s conference is the very embodiment of his dream — a vibrant community coming together, learning, and building futures.”
The audience responded with a standing ovation — a poignant reminder that the centre’s very name reflects the ideals of endurance and empowerment.
The day’s headline keynote came from international speaker and entrepreneur 19 Keys, whose high-energy session, “The Future is Ours,” electrified the audience.
“Ownership is the new revolution,” he declared to resounding applause.
“We can no longer ask for permission to exist in systems that were never built for us. We must create our own — in business, in technology, in media.”
His message of self-determination and legacy echoed the conference’s central theme: turning vision into structure and structure into sustainability.
The event transitioned into an informal Meet & Greet, offering attendees a chance to connect, exchange contacts, and reflect on the day’s lessons.
As attendees filed out, business cards exchanged and smiles lingering, it was clear that this was more than an event — it was a movement in motion. The 2025 Black Business Conference not only celebrated enterprise and innovation but also embodied the enduring power of legacy, collaboration, and collective progress.
