The ‘g.a.p network’ was founded by Paulette West, Chief Executive Officer and Gina Osbourne, Chief Operating Officer through their corporate, voluntary and community work within the BAME community. When visiting these organisations and tapping into their various networks they were aware of the wealth
of information that was available but not being conveyed in a way that would make a serious impact on the achievement rates of the BAME
community within business. The team has now expanded to include two new members Directors, Patrick Passley (Director of Fundraising) and Vanessa Johnson (Director of g.a.p. youth) who bring with them expertise within the corporate and non profit sector.

The main objectives of the g.a.p network are to drive development, instil values, support and highlight role models for business, community and youth. The g.a.p
network aims to quash the notion that individuals from BAME backgrounds are often hitting a glass ceiling in their business, professional and personal lives.

There is a wealth of information readily available but not being effectively utilised covering many subjects such as fundraising, business planning, access to
finance, procurement, mentoring, free training, employment opportunities and capacity building opportunities available for the not for profit sector…etc This valuable information is particularly beneficial to the BAME communities by increasing their awareness and take up of what is available to them and the g.a.p network will help members of the community to full understand how to take advantage of these pathways.

Another key focus this year is g.a.p.Youth an initiative developed by g.a.p Network that focuses on the development of young people within the community in line with the government’s “Every Child Matters” agenda. There is a specific need for this especially with the bad press that black youth in particular have been receiving lately. Young people from BAME backgrounds are not given the vision and direction of success and growth for their personal development within their communities and the g.a.p youth programme aims to focus on this area.

On the 29th June g.a.p network will be holding the first of a series of events right in the heart of the BAME community with the “crème de la crème” of successful black entrepreneurs from within the UK.

The event will be held at Chestnuts Community Arts Centre, 280 St. Anns Road, Tottenham, London N15 5BN on Friday 29th June from 6.00pm – 7.00pm Registration – 7.00pm – 10pm Business Leaders Showcase 10-pm- midnight Networking. Attendees will gain ‘top tips’ and have a chance to pose questions to
the celebrity panel. Refreshments will be provided on the day.

This will be a ticketed event which can be purchased via the g.a.p network website or on the door. These events always prove to be extremely popular and operate on a first come, first served basis so do not miss this opportunity! 10 free places are up for grabs; in order to be in with a chance email info@gapnetwork.co.uk.

In attendance will be:

Tim Campbell, Winner of The Apprentice and
Founder of the ‘Bright Ideas Trust’.
Levi Roots, Reggae Singer and Restauranteur who
slayed the Dragons on the BBC’s ‘Dragons Den’ convincing
millionaire investors to back his “Reggae Reggae
Sauce”
Wilfred Emmanuel Jones – The Black Farmer and
Parliamentary candidate for Chippenham.
Alexander Amosu – Founder of the Ring tones, Mobs
video, and the Mind of an Entrepreneur.
For further information please visit www.gapnetwork.
co.uk
The event is sponsored by (NDC) New Deal for
Communities and Barclays Bank Plc.