Introducing pro-manchester’s Racial Equity Group (REG): A Commitment to Change

Written by Ngozi Weller – Director and Co-Founder of Aurora Inc. Chair of the Racial Equity Group and pro-manchester Board Member

In recent years, conversations around racial equity have gained momentum across workplaces and industries. From corporate boardrooms to community meetings, the call for a more inclusive and equitable society is growing louder. However, as many organisations in Manchester and beyond seek to address these issues, it has become evident that good intentions alone are not enough to drive real, lasting change.

As the Director and Co-Founder of Aurora Inc. and a Board Member of pro-manchester, I am proud to introduce our newly formed Racial Equity Group (REG). REG was created out of necessity—a response to the deep-seated inequities that persist within our city’s business community. But REG isn’t just another committee; it is a team of dedicated professionals, each bringing unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table, united in the mission to create a more equitable Greater Manchester.

Why Manchester Needs REG Now More Than Ever

To understand why we need REG, allow me to share a personal experience that deeply influenced me. Earlier this year, I attended a prominent business awards ceremony here in Manchester—a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of emerging talent in our vibrant city. Yet, as I looked around, I realised something disheartening. Among hundreds of attendees, I was one of only a few Black professionals present.

As if that wasn’t stark enough, I noticed that while the guests were mostly white, nearly every server in the room was Black. The sight was jarring. It felt as if I had stepped back in time. In that moment, I realised how little progress we have made, despite decades of initiatives, protests, and promises of change.

This experience isn’t unique to me, and it isn’t an isolated incident. According to The Guardian’s “Cotton Capital” report, Black people hold less than 5% of prominent public positions in Manchester, despite making up 15% of the population. By comparison, cities like Bristol and Liverpool have managed to achieve near parity in leadership representation, with Black leaders represented in line with the population. Manchester, with its rich history and diverse population, can and must do better.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Racial Equity in Manchester

While Manchester is often celebrated for its diversity and multiculturalism, there is a significant gap between diversity and equity. Racial inequality remains deeply embedded within our institutions, workplaces, and social structures. We may see Black and racially marginalised people in certain spaces, but they are often absent from leadership roles, executive boards, and other positions of influence.

The cost of this inequity is both social and economic. According to the McGregor-Smith Review, the UK economy could gain up to £24 billion annually if ethnic minorities were fully represented in the workforce. That’s not just an abstract figure; it’s a powerful reminder of the value that inclusion and equity can bring, both to our communities and to our economy.

What is the Racial Equity Group (REG)?

The Racial Equity Group (REG) is a proactive initiative by proManchester, aimed at dismantling systemic racism within the city’s business network and promoting a more inclusive culture across the board. REG is committed to driving change through education, accountability, and partnership. Our mission is clear: to ensure that racial equity isn’t just a topic of conversation but a standard of practice in the Northwest.

We recognise that true equity requires continuous effort. That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive Racial Equity Action Plan. This plan includes an internal review of pro-manchester’s own policies and practices to ensure alignment with our anti-racism commitment. REG’s approach is to lead by example, ensuring our own “house is in order” whilst encouraging others to make the necessary changes within their organisations.

Who Makes Up the REG Committee?

REG is more than a group of well-intentioned individuals; it’s a coalition of professionals and experts, each contributing distinct skills and perspectives. From human resources to organisational development, every member brings invaluable insights that enrich our approach to racial equity.

If you attend pro-manchester events or see REG members in the community, please introduce yourself. Our team is here to serve as a resource and a partner in your racial equity journey. We encourage you to reach out to any REG member to learn more about how your organisation can engage with REG and advance your equity initiatives.

How REG is Supporting Manchester’s Business Community

REG has outlined several key objectives to ensure that Manchester’s businesses have the tools and support they need to foster a racially equitable environment:

• Workshops and Resource Guides

REG will offer workshops, training sessions, and educational resources tailored to the needs of Manchester’s business community. These workshops will cover practical steps for embedding racial equity into organisational culture, with guidance on topics like inclusive recruitment, unconscious bias, and equitable leadership.

• Event Partnerships

Through events like proManchester’s EDI Lunch and other community-focused initiatives, REG aims to bring visibility to racial equity issues and provide networking opportunities for ethnic minority-owned businesses. These events also serve as platforms for sharing best practices, celebrating progress, and fostering collaborative efforts across industries.

• Support for Minority-Owned Businesses

One of REG’s goals is to strengthen Manchester’s economic ecosystem by connecting companies with ethnic minority-owned businesses. From diversifying supply chains to featuring minority speakers at corporate events, REG can help organisations identify and engage with diverse partners to enhance their inclusivity.

• Mentorship and Development

We’re also exploring mentorship opportunities for Black and racially marginalised professionals. By connecting emerging talent with experienced leaders, we hope to create a pipeline of future leaders who reflect Manchester’s diversity.

Amplifying Allyship: How You Can Support Racial Equity

While REG provides resources and support, meaningful change requires commitment from all of us. Here are three ways you can amplify your allyship and contribute to Manchester’s journey toward racial equity:

1. Adopt an Anti-Racist Attitude

Allyship goes beyond kindness. It involves actively challenging racism whenever it appears, whether in our institutions, workplaces, or personal lives. We encourage leaders and employees alike to examine their own biases, ask uncomfortable questions, and use their influence to support underrepresented colleagues.

2. Get Comfortable with Discomfort

Real change isn’t easy. We invite you to embrace the discomfort that comes with challenging long-held assumptions and outdated practices. Only by recognising and confronting these challenges can we build a genuinely inclusive community.

3. Engage with REG for Support

Whether your organisation is just beginning its racial equity journey or looking to deepen its commitment, REG is here to help. Contact us to explore how REG can support your goals.

A Call to Action

As Ijeoma Oluo eloquently put it, “Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward.” At REG, we are here to help Manchester’s business community embrace this commitment and take meaningful steps toward a future where equity is a core principle, not just an aspiration.