Supporting refugees into work and business

Brighton Chamber has launched a new project which, using the expertise in Brighton and Hove’s business network, aims to support refugees in our city to find work or start their own business, writes Hannah Jackson.

Brighton Chamber is working with Brighton and Hove City Council and local charities to support people with refugee backgrounds into work, and providing help with starting a business.

The aim of this new project, funded by Brighton and Hove City Council, is to offer practical support, and find ways for the Brighton business community to come together and help those with refugee backgrounds. Using the expertise in the Chamber’s business network, the project will help people with skills and experience, but facing additional barriers, to gain the confidence to find work or start a business – and feel that they’re a part of the economy of Brighton & Hove.

Sarah Springford, CEO at Brighton Chamber, said: “This project brings together over 20 partner organisations in the city, and we have already seen some excellent solutions and support coming from the collaborations between us all.”

This exciting and impactful project includes opportunities for Chamber members to offer a mentoring session for those wanting to start a business, use their skills and expertise to provide advice or share their business journey with a group at an event.

As part of the project, the Chamber will also be running their fourth Inclusive Employer Jobs Fair, to help employers find the talent they need to build more diverse and inclusive teams.

The Inclusive Employer Jobs Fair, taking place at The Clarendon Centre on Tuesday 14 November (10am – 12pm) will showcase employers who have jobs and training opportunities currently available or coming up, and who are interested in meeting people with English as an additional language.

Job seekers will come along to meet some of Brighton’s brilliant employers, talk about their skills and experience, and match them to a new career opportunity.

If you’d like to get involved in the project by having a free stand at the Inclusive Employer Jobs Fair to share your jobs and training opportunities, or would like to join a group of business experts who the Chamber can call on to talk with refugees about your area of expertise – get in touch with Susi: chamber@brightonchmber.co.uk

Brighton Chamber is a dynamic, inclusive and welcoming membership organisation for businesses of all sizes. Head over to brightonchamber.co.uk to find out about the project, for business support, events and more.