The Voice Newspaper has initiated the largest ever search for Entrepreneurs looking to start a business and Existing Businesses who are ready to expand and grow their enterprise.

The Voice, in partnership with professionals and organisations in banking and private equity will try to assist members of the black community in streamlining their business ideas so that they can be viewed favourably by funding agencies.

So whether you have had your idea for 10yrs, 10 months or 10 minutes contact us and let us help put you on the road to self-determination by giving you financial independence. Here are some of the professionals who will assists you with your ideas.


Paulette West -
Founder and Chief Executive Officer g.a.p. Guyanese born Paulette is the High Performing Organisation Manager for Barclays Bank PLC and has 30 years Leadership and Operations experience. She sits on various boards and committees focusing on diversity and community projects including Regional London Leader for the Cultural Diversity Network & Events Executive for the Black Fundraisers Network. Paulette is also part of the Management Committee for Chestnuts Community Centre and sits on the Executive Committee Board at the African Caribbean Leadership Council looking after Social Welfare and Counselling. Paulette has won various awards for her contribution to the BME community and is profiled as a ‘Power Player’ in Pride Magazine.

Pat Passley -
Director of Fundraising / Business Start-ups Former CRE Commissioner & Special Advisor to Trevor Phillips. As Principal of London College of Law, Pat formerly was the Super Heavyweight Commonwealth Games Representative for GB. He is a successful fundraiser, a networker extraordinaire and counts many influential figures amongst his close friends. These relationships have further developed through his various positions as a Trustee of the Prince’s Trust & Member of the National Learning Skills Council Adult Learning Committee. Pat also sits on the Executive committee Board at the African Caribbean Leadership Council looking after Education and Youth and is also part of the Management Committee for Chestnuts Community Centre.

Janet Geohagen -
Area Manager for local business in London Bridge. Janet manages a team of 15 people consisting of start up managers, responsible for helping people through the process of starting their own business, and local business managers who provide support, guidance and tailored solutions to a portfolio of established local businesses. Janet says: “The London area has immense potential and I am looking forward to working with businesses to help them achieve their goals. My local business managers have a wealth of local knowledge and experience in looking after a diverse range of successful businesses with turnover up to £1 Million. Whether people are starting a business or are already established, they want a locally-based expert to talk to about their aspirations, challenges and opportunities. I know my team is ideally placed to fulfill this role.” During her career Janet has worked in various management roles within the Barclays Group, including managing a portfolio of local business customers.

Brenda Dillon
is Enterprise Development Manager at Keeping It Simple Training (KIST). KIST is a DTI-approved enterprise agency based in North London which provides advice, training and support to businesses at all stages of development, including Social Enterprises. Brenda recently joined KIS Training after over 20 years with Nat West and is a specialist in start up and new business support. At KIS Training, Brenda advises and assists local businesses with business planning, access to finance and business skills development.

Peter Barnett-Adebisi,
Military Career; 7th (Para) RHA , served Central America, Falkland Islands and Germany, formerly J.C Deacux, Area Manager Owner of Media Business specializing in Outdoor Advertising. 2005 Futures Trader, trading Currencies & European Government Bonds. Peter currently works with Beer & Partners Ltd Private Equity Associate specialising in Small – Medium Size firms, Start-Ups, PostPre & post concept Business Expansion. Beer & Partners Ltd is one of the Largest Equity Advisors in the U.K to Small to Medium size Businesses. They have a network of 1,000+ Active Investors, extensive network of City Introducers, Banks, Solicitors Accountants and Venture Capital Trusts & Corporate Finance firms with over 20 Associates, have helped 54 Businesses with completed funding, initiated £15,000,000 of Business Angels and Venture Capital Trust Funds. To date the average sum funded to individual stands at £280,000.