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 Commission on Race, Ethnicity and Discrimination in North East Business hopes the new report will encourage businesses to take action to end racism and discrimination and to promote diversity and inclusion.

The “Building inclusive places: Anti-racism in North East businesses” report urges organisations across the region to demonstrate the corporate courage to go further to create a stronger, fairer North East by sharing practical actions for businesses.

Nagma Ebanks-Beni MBE, chair of the Commission 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 CEO 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.

“At the Chamber, we recognise there is much to do, and we are committed to progressing this vital agenda. We look forward to working alongside businesses and partners from across the North East as part of this journey.

“Under the leadership of Nagma, the Commission has made a significant contribution to an important conversation.”

Rhiannon added: “On behalf of the Chamber, I extend my thanks to all of those who have supported and participated in the Commission’s work, with special thanks to Professor Peter Hopkins, professor of social geography at Newcastle University.

“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 Chair.

In 2021, the North East Chamber of Commerce launched its Commission on Race, Ethnicity and Discrimination in North East Business to explore, examine and understand the barriers to opportunity created by racial and ethnic discrimination in the North East.

The Commission urges organisations across the region to demonstrate the corporate courage to go further, promoting anti-racism and committing to sustained action on workplace racism and discrimination across the region.