How to get corporate gigs. When Michelle Raymond, Founder of the Diverse Business Summit asked Maverick Paradox Media to cover her event, we were honoured to do so. The idea of the summit was to help the guests secure corporate contracts, by learning what corporates really want, from their own mouths and what procurement teams needed to be comfortable to work with a SME.
We were not expecting to witness such a fun filled but seriously useful event.
Michelle had already prepared her VIP guests with an exclusive webinar. She highlighted what to expect and how to get the most out of the event. She gave examples on how to present yourself to the corporates that would be attending and the importance of the right elevator pitch.
She will continue on the theme of preparation and action with a post event webinar for VIPs this week to ensure that they get the most out of the event. That will be able to put their learnings into action and start to get the corporate contracts that they are looking for.
After registration there was a fantastic selection of breakfast items and an opportunity to network.
The event was opened with host Emmanuel Asuquo entering the stage to upbeat music, giving us an indication of what to expect. Every transition between speakers or breaks was accompanied by music that made it hard to stay in your seat. You just wanted to dance.
This was a summit that kept the energy of the guests high. Michelle Raymond gave opening remarks presenting the summit theme โAdvancing Ahead: Navigating the Future with resilience and strategic relationshipsโ.
Emmanuel, Founder of OneStopSave.com and Senior Financial Adviser of Belvedere Wealth Management kept us all amused. A comedian and public speaker he kept the proceedings moving and the audience laughing.
The headline sponsor was Lloyds Bank with Khalia Ismain sharing the bankโs Accelerator Programmes which support black owned businesses. She also shared that with Channel 4 they gave ยฃ600,000 for TV advertising for Black businesses.
The first panel discussion was on โThe role of diverse suppliers in global supply chainsโ facilitated by Reshma Sheikh from MSDUK and joined by Jacob Gibson (Head of sourcing) from Lloyds Bank, Rhian Longley from HSBC Bank and Sukhi Gill from World Wide Technology.
They explained the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers and how being a Tier 2 supplier gives you opportunities to leverage into corporate programmes. The panel shared their supplier diversity portals and discussed why less than 1% of corporate spend goes to diverse businesses, and what can be done about it.
Next up was a Fireside Chat with Shaa Wasmund (entrepreneur, investor and author) and Dr Tevin Tobun (CEO of ROUTD and GV Group). Dr Tevin shared how he started up and how he struggled to find the ยฃ3k he needed to set up.
One of the key things he shares with the audience is this:
โDonโt leave your destiny in someone elseโs handsโ. Shaa reminded us to โask for your money up front as standardโ. They also discuss how corporates can make the buying process for SMEs. They also suggested that SMEs set up Special Purpose Businesses to fulfil corporate programmes.
Morning coffee allowed us our next networking opportunity.
The 2nd Panel Discussion was on Entrepreneurโs Success Strategies from 6 and 7 figure businesses. It was hosted by Dr Carlton Brown and joined by Mirela Sula (Founder & CEO of Global Woman), Jamelia Donaldson (Founder and CEO of TreasureTress), Dr Ralphael Sofoluke (Founder/CEO UK Black Business Show) and Oyinkansola Adebayo (Founder of Niyo Group). They shred many useful strategies including going for multi-year deals, providing the value proposition and what it means to the corporate. There was also a discussion on the corporate acquisition process.
We were treated to live interviews and Q & As from participants from Michelle Raymondโs CAM Programme who have secured corporate contracts. This session was moderated by Soniamarie Palmer and joined by Annmarie Lewis OBE (Leadership and culture specialist), Ceila Conrad (Relationship Consultant), Janine Esbrand (Talent & Leadership Development Specialist), Melanie Alveranga (Tedx Speaker, OD Culture & Change Consultant and Coach) and Patience Ogunbona (Executive Business and Leadership Coach, Keynote Speaker and Trainer). It was an inspiring session of success.
This was followed by Michelle Raymond announcing her new book on how to secure corporate contracts along with details on how to pre order.
This was followed by lunch with entertainment and a networking opportunity.
An hour later we were in one of three breakout sessions:
- Earning your first 6 figures from corporate partnerships โ run by Simone Vincenzi, GTEX
- How optimising your businessโ social value and sustainability can help you work more with larger companies โ Heart of the city
- Lloyds Bank offered drop in sessions to understand how funding can help your business grow
- Corporates and speakers were treated to a session on Maximising Partnerships with SMEs
There was an enlightening Procurement Challenge which was a team exercise with attendees providing solutions to real-world procurement challenges from Corporations. Judges where Lloyds, BP, Heinz and We Connect International. What a great way to hear what procurement teams value through the fun of a challenge!
Following afternoon tea and networking was the corporate open mic, which was 1 minute pitches from delegates. We also learnt about the Diverse Business Summit Global 2025 announcement ending with closing remarks and VIP Networking drinks.
This was an amazing summit, which over delivered on its promise on Advancing Ahead: Navigating the Future with resilience and strategic relationshipsโ! The guest speakers and panels shared invaluable information for those that are looking to work with corporates in a sustainable way. There were also great networking opportunities and the chance to collaborate with other delegates to leverage their Tier 2 status.
Looking forward to the next Diverse Business Summit!
