UK Black Comms Network

📢 Our Report is Now Live! 📢 You may have read a few of the headlines - our One Step Forward, Two Steps Black report is now available to download from our website. 🔗 Link: https://lnkd.in/d9yAgcu 🔍 Key Takeaways: Diary of a Black PR Pro •⁠ ⁠As of 2024, two-thirds (67%) of Black and Mixed-Black communications professionals surveyed reported that, as new hires, they felt the need to tone down their personalities to fit into the workplace environment. Workplace Culture •⁠ ⁠Work remains a hostile place for Black people in PR and Comms Promotion and progression feel like a pipe dream for Black comms pros •⁠ ⁠Four in five (82%) Black and mixed-race communications professionals continue to experience indirect racial discrimination at work. •⁠ ⁠65% ignore microaggressions and racist comments •⁠ ⁠Over two-thirds (68%) have considered leaving the PR industry Progression, Promotion & Pay •⁠ ⁠Almost half (46%) of Black and mixed PR professionals report they have never received a promotion in their previous position. •⁠ ⁠Only three in ten (29%) feel that they will likely become the most senior communications professional in their company •⁠ ⁠Black talent  are more likely to receive a pay rise (14%) than they are to receive a promotion (6%) which is the gateway to senior positions •⁠ ⁠More than two thirds (68%) plan to leave the industry Industry Awards •⁠ ⁠(78%) of Black and mixed PR professionals agree that industry awards lack diversity •⁠ ⁠Meaningful industry initiatives, recognition and tailored support make a difference •⁠ ⁠77% industry initiatives eg: BCN •⁠ ⁠76% diversity across board members •⁠ ⁠69% invitations to senior level events 68% mentoring/ coaching/ sponsorship Recognition, Training & Support •⁠ ⁠Meaningful industry initiatives, recognition and tailored support make a difference •⁠ ⁠ 77% industry initiatives eg: BCN •⁠ ⁠76% diversity across board members  •⁠ ⁠69% invitations to senior level events •⁠ ⁠68% mentoring/ coaching/ sponsorship We'd love to know your thoughts - let us know in the comments 👇🏾

🌟 UK Black Business Show is Back! 🌟 We’re excited to announce that we've linked up with UK Black Business Week | UK Black Business Show again this year! 🎉 📢 Members, we’ve got something special lined up for you: 👉🏾 FREE tickets 👉🏾 15% off all ticket purchases Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate Black excellence this Black History Month! To secure your tickets, email us at weare@blackcommsnetwork.co.uk 🔗 #UKBBShow #UKBBWeek #BlackHistoryMonth

This year, I've taken part in Black Introvert Week UK and feature in their film premiere to speak about why introverts from Black backgrounds are often misunderstood and overlooked and how best we can work to involve and value more introspective personality types in the workplace. Huge thanks to the UK Black Comms Network and Richard Etienne for getting me involved in this project. You can get free tickets to the online premiere of ‘Silent Strength: A Black Introverts’ Experience’ here 👇🏾🎥 #BlackIntrovertWeekUK #BIW2024. #BlackHistoryMonthUK #BlackIntroverts

🌟 Black-Owned PR & Marketing Agency Spotlight: Axe + Saw 🌟 Meet award winning Axe + Saw, the communications agency shaking things up with a fresh, authentic approach. Founded by Rachel Allison, this agency is all about driving change and giving diverse voices the platform they deserve. ✨ From Spotify to Feeld, Boiler Room to Ace & Tate, Axe + Saw has worked with some of the biggest names around. But it’s not just about the big brands – it’s about creating campaigns that truly resonate with people and spark real conversations. 💬 If you’re looking for an agency that leads with purpose and delivers meaningful impact, Axe + Saw is ready to elevate your brand to new heights. Discover more about Axe + Saw and how they can help take your communications strategy to the next level by visiting our directory. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eAjiZyvg Stay tuned for more spotlights as we continue to highlight the talented agencies in our network! 👏🏾

Is it us or is Black History Month super quiet this year?! We celebrate us all year round and we’re delighted to partner with The Independent and Seasoned this October 🥳 This year’s theme is Reclaiming Narratives which is what we’re all about, and there’ll be lots to see, hear and do: 👉🏾 The Seasoned Sessions podcast will feature special guests including chef Kiano Moju and Nadine White 👉🏾 A new video series, Out of Office with Kim will air interviews with a range of guests from diverse career paths. Guests include sex and relationships expert Paul Carrick Brunson, chart-topping musician Cat Burns, and fashion designer and ex-Love Island star Dami Hope. 👉🏾 Extensive editorial led by The Independent’s Race Correspondent Nadine White 👉🏾 A month-long experiential activation ‘Black History in Focus’, in partnership with Outernet London 👉🏾 And to round things of nicely, our Founder Kamiqua Lake (nèe Pearce) will co-host a celebratory lunch with Nadine White. Speakers will discuss what ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ means to them, with attendees’ thoughts on the subject published on the brands’ channels. You can read more here: https://lnkd.in/emR8iteu

✨ What a Night at Little Baobab! ✨ Last week, our UK BCN Women’s group gathered at Little Baobab—London’s best new Senegalese spot—and it was nothing short of amazing. From the delicious food to the heartwarming conversations, it was exactly the recharge and catch up we needed. We ate, we laughed, we shared, and most importantly, we connected. It was so great to see old faces and welcome new ones into our growing community. It was a fun evening, and we can’t wait to bring more of these IRL experiences to life as we wrap up the year. 🎉

🌟 Trailblazer Spotlight: Christina Fee 🌟 With over 30 years in the game, Christina Fee has seen the communications industry evolve—from the days when it wasn’t considered essential, to leading some seriously major global campaigns. Her secret? Keeping things “Focused, Holistic, and Human.” Want to hear more about Christina’s journey and the lessons she’s picked up along the way? Check out her story in the full interview. 🔗 Link in below to read more! https://lnkd.in/eJUV5GQj

We love to see it Samiah Anderson 😊

It was a BCN link up at the PRCA Conference today as a few of us were invited to speak: 👉🏾 Effie Kanyua spoke about all things AI, storytelling and building LILA Assistant to help pros with everyday tasks without storing your data 👉🏾 Kamiqua Lake (nèe Pearce) shared key insights, learnings and media strategy behind Coldr Holding Up A Mirror to Cricket Report launch campaign. Their award-winning approach achieved more than 3000 pieces of coverage and drove much-needed change to the game 👉🏾 Barbara Phillips, FPRCA announced the PRCA REEB will launch a new ethnicity pay gap reporting guide. She also cited UK Black Comms Network research and highlighted that REEB is on hand to help agencies and organisations become anti-racist places to work In a minority but fully representing, we love to see it 😊

“I really want to highlight the scope for comms and marketing within the legal industry as many don't know that what I do is a thing! The campaign I love is Herbert Smith Freehills 'TechQuake'. I love this campaign because: 👉🏾They have moved away from stale thought leadership and towards more of a reportage style. 👉🏾 Better media, expert photography that tells a story and interviews and articles that are both commercial aware and interesting. 👉🏾 AI is everywhere now and it has been refreshing to see a campaign around the topic that really stands out. From a comms perspective, it is so much easier (and more pleasant) to place content that seeks to really engage the reader.” Georgina Bennett-Warner Head of PR and Communications at Wedlake Bell talks campaigns she loves on our trailblazers blog and it’s a must-read. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/emUVD4zd