CONNECT
ABC is the first point of call for all minority Businesses and others wanting to engage with them locally, nationally and internationally. We are the leading network across the North of England operating globally.
SUPPORT
We help organisations become more inclusive helping them start, survive and thrive using the Yohlar Inclusive Innovation Framework.
Our Inclusion By Default Campaign aims to help make the North East the most inclusive region in the UK for others to learn from and follow.
PROMOTE
We provide expert support and advice on developing your business to its full potential by offering a range of services – in PR and marketing, including website and advert design. Our online, print and on air platforms reach over 1 million unique individuals annually.
2025 ANNUAL AWARDS & DINNER
The ABC 2025 Awards & Dinner will return next year in October 2025. We are expecting this event to be the biggest, boldest and brightest celebration to date. We look forward to warmly welcoming all those lucky guests with tickets to celebrate #InclusionByDefault.
Make Your Nominations and Reserve your seats for our 2025 awards ceremony below!
2025 Annual Awards - October 2025
To find out more about the 2025 Annual Awards please follow the links below.
Find out how to Proudly Partner our 2025 Awards & Dinner
Inclusion By Default
In January 2020 ABConnexions CIC - a not-for-profit social enterprise established in the North East to Connect, Support and Promote ethnic and wider communities - launched the Inclusion By Default campaign with the ambition of helping the North East become the most inclusive region in the UK by the end of 2025.
Since then we have developed and delivered a number of inclusion initiatives and projects, and more recently in partnership with Yohlar launched the Inclusive Innovation Framework (IIF) that moves past the standard tick box approach to inclusion. Providing an action-oriented, person-centred methodology that truly changes beliefs and behaviours.
16 Years' Achievements
Helped raise over £600,000 for charities
Engaged and supported over 100+ community groups
Helped launch 1000+ new start-ups
Trained over 11,520 Individuals
Supported over 13,890 existing businesses
6,000+ jobs created by supported businesses
#InclusionByDefault
With enterprising women failing to be recognised and identified, this is leading to a lack of role models for the younger generation or those looking to start their careers.
The AWEsome Campaign provides a platform for Asian women to be recognised for their work and achievements, helping others to overcome common barriers.
WHY CHOOSE ABCONNEXIONS?
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Ensure your voice is heard – we lobby on your behalf around issues such as equality, diversity and inclusivity
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Through your membership you have access to discounted services and products
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Development of long-term business relationships
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Create a strong, diverse North East business community
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Support & develop your business
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Access to global expansion trade missions
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Access to help & support around BME recruitment & talent
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Database of available executive / non-executive candidates
Weekly Show Business
Tune in on Spice FM at 10:00am every Friday to catch Ammar and Jalf discuss the hottest business topics and gain the business knowledge you didn't know you needed. Don't miss out!