Trading Cultures

Northern Ireland is rapidly becoming a more diverse society. Research by Jarman indicates that 31,421 individuals applied for National Insurance numbers between April 2003 and June 2005, applicants coming from Poland, Lithuania, Portugal, India, Slovakia, the Philippines and China in numbers over a thousand and from 113 other countries in lesser numbers. Numbers of people resident in Northern Ireland from minority ethnic communities vary, but, apart from the 14272 individuals who described themselves as not ‘white’ in the 2001 Census, there is estimated to be around 24,000 migrant workers.

Increasingly, rather than single males travelling to work in Northern Ireland, women are arriving in greater numbers and bringing their families with them (Animate, 2005: 4). Consequently, there are additional practical considerations regarding the needs of minority ethnic communities and opportunities for Northern Ireland’s economy with the influx of varied and experienced people from other parts of the world. For example, minority ethnic communities in the UK report difficulties in securing childcare that is culturally appropriate and cost-effective, instead either paying on average more than ‘white’ families or else not accessing childcare at all. 

The increasing cultural diversity of Northern Ireland is occurring in a context of growing racism and intimidation.  In the financial year 2005-6, 746 offences in Northern Ireland were reported to have a racial motive, a third of these being physical attacks, up by 17.7% on the previous year and growing faster in frequency than sectarian offences.  There is certainly a sense of growing racism in Northern Ireland, as evidenced by opinions expressed in the 2005 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, although this perception can be complex. 

In terms of entrepreneurship, women are under-represented compared to men, 6% of employed females being self-employed, compared with 25% of males.  Consequently, targets for the proactive promotion of entrepreneurship in under-represented groups by the Accelerating Entrepreneurship strategy of Invest Northern Ireland include women and ethnic minorities.  The Investing in Women Initiative aims to address the gender imbalance in entrepreneurship. 

Training for Women Network (TWN) promotes the participation of women in the economy, politics and society, with a particular emphasis on women’s employment and entrepreneurship.  TWN works to integrate marginalised groups and sectors.  Consequently, a project was commenced to investigate issues for minority ethnic women in starting and running a business in Northern Ireland.  Initially, research was carried out 2005-6 to establish the current position for minority ethnic women entrepreneurs, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.  This resulted in a report with policy recommendations (Potter, M, Minority Ethnic Women Entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland, TWN, 2006). 

The Trading Cultures Seminar was held at the Armagh City Hotel on Wednesday 26 April 2006.  The seminar was intended to examine, discuss and develop the recommendations of the TWN research report Minority Ethnic Women Entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland.  It was also intended to be a north-south seminar to compare and contrast the experiences of the integration of minority ethnic women in business across the island of Ireland. 

The seminar consisted of a presentation by Crea Nolan of Longford Women’s Link on the situation for minority ethnic women in the Longford area of the Republic of Ireland, followed by a presentation on the TWN research to compare experiences north and south.  There were then workshops to discuss specific issues evidenced by the research in Northern Ireland that reflect the experience of the Republic of Ireland.  Feedback by group rapporteurs was then discussed. 

The Trading Cultures report outlines the issues, comments and recommendations resulting from the seminar.  It is concluded that an integrated model for training for business would enhance the capacity for women from minority ethnic communities to contribute positively to the economic development of Northern Ireland. 

• The proposed model includes the following: 
• Childcare and transport provision or costs
• Pre-course personal development where required
• Pre-course English language training where required
• Flexible timing pre-enterprise and start-up courses
• Flexible course content according to need
• Flexible pace of course according to need
• Some courses in certain minority ethnic languages where there is sufficient need and justification
• Delivery by women, preferably minority ethnic women
• Use of female role models, preferably minority ethnic women
• Placements with female-led businesses
• Mentoring and follow-up for the first six months
• Membership of a women’s business network, preferably with a sub-group for minority ethnic women, to discuss common issues, provide information and advice and network