Partnership to help develop local economy

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce has announced a new partnership with the ABDN – SY to ensure black, Asian and ethnic minority businesses play a key role in developing the local economy.

Irshad Akbar, chair of the ABDN – SY, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for mainstream companies to work in collaboration with ethnic minority businesses. By working as two key organisations, which serve different sectors of the business community, we can maximise resources and break down artificial barriers.

"The concern of many ethnic minority businesses is that they have not been taken seriously, and many service and support organisations have not catered for cultural, religious and business needs. The objective of this collaboration is to ensure that the ethnic minority businesses do grow and contribute to the economic regeneration of the area."