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by Lailes

Celebrating Africa Day: Spotlight on Companies operating in Africa and making a positive impact

Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com

Just in case you don’t know, Africa Day is an annual commemoration of the foundation of the African Union and a celebration of African unity, culture, and achievements. It is a time to reflect on the rich heritage and contributions of African nations. In honor of Africa Day, we wanted to highlight and celebrate the vibrant and diverse black business community in the UK contributing to African economies. However, when we started looking around, we found that there were many contributing back to the continent. I wonder why that is the case? Or maybe I am crap at research and missed them completely. If that is the case then leave a comment to educate me about the companies I have missed.

Instead, here is a list of some businesses that showcase African culture, sell products world wide including Africa. The list also includes Companies based in Africa that are working to solve problems in their home country. Join us as we showcase some remarkable businesses that deserve recognition and support.

  1. Chika’s – Chika’s is a food company that specializes in African-inspired snacks and meals. The company was founded by Chika Russell, who was born in Nigeria and raised in the UK. Chika’s products are made with authentic African ingredients and are sold in major supermarkets across the UK.
  2. Nubian Skin – Nubian Skin is a lingerie and hosiery brand that specializes in products for women of color. The company was founded by Ade Hassan, who was frustrated by the lack of nude-colored undergarments available for women with darker skin tones. Nubian Skin’s products are made in the UK and sold worldwide, including in several African countries.
  3. Afrocenchix – Afrocenchix is a natural hair care company that creates products for Afro and curly hair. The company was founded by Rachael Corson and Joycelyn Mate, who were both frustrated by the lack of natural hair care options available in the UK. Afrocenchix’s products are made in the UK and sold worldwide, including in several African countries.
  1. Kush Films – Kush Films is a film production and distribution company that specializes in African and Caribbean cinema. The company was founded by Marlon Palmer, and it has since expanded to include a range of services, including screenings, events, and educational programs. Kush Films has worked with a number of African filmmakers and has helped to promote African cinema in the UK.
  2. African Market Baskets – African Market Baskets is a UK-based company that offers a range of handwoven baskets and other products made by women’s cooperatives in Africa. The company works directly with the cooperatives to ensure fair trade practices.
  3. Zipline – Zipline is a Rwandan-based company that operates the world’s largest drone delivery network, delivering medical supplies and blood products to healthcare facilities in Rwanda, Ghana, and other countries. The company has plans to expand to other countries in the future
  4. Uzuri K&Y – Uzuri K&Y is a Tanzanian-based company that produces and exports handmade jewelry made from natural African materials, including recycled glass, cow horn, and seeds. The company exports its products to several countries worldwide.
  5. Twiga Foods – Twiga Foods is a Kenyan-based company that connects farmers and vendors to sell fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables, to customers in Kenya and beyond. The company exports its products to several countries in East Africa.
  6. Soko – Soko is a Kenyan-based jewelry company that uses sustainable materials in its products. The company ships its products worldwide.
  7. The Leakey Collection – The Leakey Collection is a Kenyan-based company that offers a range of jewelry and home decor made from sustainable materials. The company ships its products worldwide.
  8. Sanaa Gateja – Sanaa Gateja is a Ugandan artist and designer who creates a range of products, including clothing, jewelry, and home decor. His products are sold in the UK and other international locations.
  9. Mami Wata – Mami Wata is a UK-based brand that designs and manufactures premium range of apparel, surfboards and accessories in Africa to create jobs and build skills. The company works with designers and artisans in Africa and the diaspora to create its products.
by Lailes

How to Boost Your Productivity with Allegiance Business Services

Are you a busy entrepreneur or professional in the U.K struggling to manage your day-to-day tasks? Do you find yourself spending hours on administrative work that takes away from your core business activities? If so, you may benefit from the services of Allegiance Business Services.

Allegiance Business services is a virtual assistance company providing administrative service and other support services to clients. They can help you with a wide range of tasks, including email management, scheduling, email marketing, copy typing, research, and more.

As a solopreneur or business owner, these are some of the benefits of hiring a Allegiance Business Services:

Save Time: By delegating your tasks to Allegiance Business Services , you can free up your time to focus on what you do best – growing your business. They can take care of the administrative work, leaving you with more time to concentrate on your core activities.

Increased Productivity: You can increase your productivity by getting more done in less time. Allegiance Business Services can handle routine tasks, freeing you up to focus on high-priority projects.

Cost-effective: Hiring a Virtual Assistant is often more cost-effective than hiring a full-time employee.  You only pay for the hours worked, and you don’t have to worry about overhead costs like benefits, taxes, and office space.

I caught up with Selena Green the founder of Allegiance Business Services, who told me all about how it all started!

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Tell us about your background:

I come from a corporate background and fell into the legal sector over 10 years ago. I took on different roles in client services, administration and personal assistance but I wasn’t happy. I lacked vision and in some ways, I was very fearful of failure but I always wanted to work for myself. 

When I moved to the USA, I had no choice but to roll up my sleeves and be determined to grow. I continued to work in law but knew I was ready to start working for myself and consolidate all my skills and experience into the company I run today.

I moved back to the UK and registered Allegiance Business Services Ltd.

How did you get into the Virtual Assistant Business?

I was introduced to the sector when I joined a platform that acted as a marketplace connecting VAs to clients. I was able to register as a VA and received clients that needed my skills. When I got my first client, I was super happy but nervous as it was my first time starting out. Once I got some confidence, I then started to advertise myself on local apps. Through networking and word of mouth, I started to get more clients and no longer had to depend on social media. 

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What were some of your challenges when starting up and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge was believing in myself. Although I had worked for many years in different companies, I felt secure financially but I wasn’t happy at all. There were always  gremlins that would speak loud “It won’t work”, “what if no-one wants to hire you”, “there are more established VAs than you” etc but I overcame this by simply taking action and asking for advice along the way. I joined networking groups and other business support groups that helped me where I was stuck and that was very important for me.

What makes Allegiance Business Services different from other virtual assistants?

When working with a client, my priority is not only doing heavy consuming tasks but understanding their vision and making sure that I am the right person to help them. Once I know that I can help them, I make sure my work is of high quality and that I develop a long term relationship with my clients.

 Allegiance Business Services, provides top-notch virtual assistant services to entrepreneurs and professionals around the world. Their team of experienced professionals can help you with a wide range of tasks, from email management to scheduling and more.

If you’re interested in learning more about their services, please visit our website at https://allegiancebusinessservices.com/#home.

Allegiance Business Services will help you save time, increase productivity, and grow your business in the UK

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by Lailes

10 lessons from entrepreneurs that I am taking into 2021

2020 was not the easiest or fun filled year that we had all planned for. However, I am grateful for having had the privilege of interviewing some great entrepreneurs from under represented communities. From Barber Shop to Care Homes, these founders were all from different backgrounds and shared some tips that they’ve picked up during their journeys. These are the top 10 lessons I will be taking into 2021 from them.

  1. If you want to start a business, just start it and don’t worry about every little thing – Dan and Tenesia from Earth to Earth Organics. Click here to read their story

2. If you find someone who is doing something that you like, don’t be afraid to approach them and ask them for advice – Carla Sealey, founder of Naked Clay Ceramic. Read her story here

3. Make sure that you have a plan A, B and a plan C before you go ahead – Island Delights’ founder Wade Lyn. This is his story.

4. Be flexible with your plans and be ready to grab opportunities when they arise – Theresa Roberts, founder of Jamaica Patty Company. Find her story here

5. Keep the momentum going, even if it’s just for yourself – Carla Sealey

6. Be a tireless innovator who is always looking for new and faster ways of doing things to improve process and the core product – Wade Lyn

7. Business is about people and the people around it. Therefore, it is important to build relationships with your staff and understand how they work – Roger Waluube of Pelham House Care Home. Click here to findout more about him

8. Understand what financial tools really matter for a small business. For example, Finance at the frontline is not about P&L or balance sheets. A cash flow forecast is what you live by as a small business – Roger Waluube

9.You need to find the right staff to work with. People who can continue to carry out your vision, even in your absence. – Mark Maciver from SliderCuts. This is his story

10. Be open minded and willing to try new things in business – David Adjei, founder of Cognition London. Read David’s story here

If you think you may not be doing something right in your business, have a look at the list above for some ideas on what to change. Are there any other lessons that you’ve learnt but are not this list? Share them wth us!