Chamber joins anti-racism campaign

A North East business organisation is joining a regional campaign aimed at tackling racism and improving inclusion across workplaces and communities.

The North East Chamber of Commerce has become part of the Become the Bridge movement, led by the North East Anti-Racism Coalition (NEARC), which encourages organisations to take practical action to challenge racism within their systems and practices.

Bringing together businesses, public sector organisations and charities, the initiative aims to create a space to share experiences, identify solutions and improve approaches to tackling inequality across the region.

Chamber representatives say the move aligns with the wider Unlocking the North East Economy policy plan, which focuses on creating more inclusive economic growth.

As part of the commitment, the organisation will continue supporting staff learning while embedding anti-racism principles within its policy and advocacy work.

The Chamber has previously contributed to national equality and diversity initiatives through the British Chambers of Commerce, alongside its own Race, Ethnicity and Discrimination Commission, which urged businesses to show “corporate courage” in addressing racism.

Jessie Kelly-Baxter, policy manager at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “Signing up to the Become the Bridge movement isn’t just the right thing to do, it strengthens our region and community and makes good business sense.

“The link between inclusivity and the bottom line in business is well-evidenced. 

“Companies embedding equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policies and practices are more flexible, innovative and profitable.”

Jessie added: “The Chamber is working to harness the benefits of EDI across the North East. 

“We will support members to take practical action by sharing best practice and promoting NEARC resources alongside our broader workplace equity, inclusion and fair growth agenda.

“We recognise that anti-racism is an ongoing process of learning and improvement and not a one-off commitment, so we will continue to work with the Become the Bridge network to tackle racism and ensure everyone in the region can reach their full potential.”

Nitin Shukla, a member of the NEARC planning group, added: “The North East is built on connection. 

“People look out for each other and pull together when it matters.

“It’s a place we’re proud to call home, and proud that others have chosen to make their home here too.

“Become the Bridge is about standing up for the kind of place we believe in, where no one is made to feel like an outsider, where we show our pride in our actions.

“We’re delighted that the Chamber has joined the movement. 

“The Chamber’s reach across sectors means they are well placed to help shape how workplaces approach inclusion and responsibility in practice.

“We know that challenging racism can be difficult for organisations and may sometimes feel divisive. 

“However, it is not only the right thing to do, but is also vital for the wellbeing of staff, customers and service users, and essential to achieve strategic goals. 

“Racism undermines organisational effectiveness.”

Become the Bridge is open to organisations across the North East looking to strengthen EDI practices.

For more information, visit www.northeastantiracism.org.uk.

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