Black, Asian and mixed background tech entrepreneurs from Greater Manchester are taking part in a virtual trade mission to North America.
The five-day event, which started this week, has seen 15 companies from the region and London 'touch-down' in North America to meet with corporates and start-ups to explore new investment and export opportunities and accelerate their expansion plans in the US market.
Hosted in partnership between The Growth Company’s Global Scale-Up programme and London & Partners Mayor’s International Business programme, and the first in a series of events held by the two UK tech hubs, the REACH trade mission aims to build cross-border collaboration and advance an inclusive transatlantic community of diverse leaders.
The trade mission is also part of a wider commitment by Greater Manchester and London to support companies from a range of diverse communities.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: "I am very proud that we are creating this opportunity for underrepresented entrepreneurs in Greater Manchester and showcasing the diverse talent and innovation that is at the heart of our city-region.
"Greater Manchester is the fastest-growing digital and tech hub in Europe, and through our work at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, The Growth Company and the Global Scale-Up programme, we are doing everything we can to support these sectors, tackle digital inequalities, and make sure that this growth benefits all of our places and communities.
"Together with the Mayor of London and our partners in the capital, we hope this virtual trade mission will strengthen the links between our city-regions, and offer a platform for black, Asian and mixed background tech entrepreneurs to promote their businesses and forge exciting new global connections."
The 15 businesses joining the virtual trade mission include Bolton-based audio-visual design and build specialist AVM Solutions and Manchester-based marketing agency Endless Gain, who specialise in helping brands create the best ecommerce experiences.
Stretford tech company XUM Enterprise, which sources IC-chips from recycling centres and refurbishes them for use in computing and gaming products is also taking part.
Neil McKay, CEO at Endless Gain, added: "I’m incredibly proud to have been accepted onto the first ever REACH virtual trade mission.
"This initiative offers a tremendous opportunity to build new partnerships, expand our network of potential US investors and corporates, and explore possible routes to expansion in North America."
Krishan Mistry, managing director at AVM Solutions (UK) Ltd, said: "We are really excited to be a part of this new trade mission and very much looking forward to meeting North American corporations to build relationships and establish new trade opportunities for DigiSpace in the US."
