For 15 years, PRECIOUS has been supporting and celebrating the achievements of British 'women of colour’ who are entrepreneurs, running businesses or who are making an impact in their workplace. PRECIOUS is increasingly involved in the national discussions around encouraging 'diversity' and 'access to opportunity'. This builds from our serving the intersection of two minority groups: women in the workplace achieving promotion and people of colour. Also, please nominate high-achievers for one of our awards - watch the videos at the end of the presentation to find out more. Thank you.

1. 2014 - Delivered by Foluke Akinlose and Dowshan Humzah
CONFIDENTIAL © PRECIOUS Media Ltd.
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An Introduction to ‘PRECIOUS’
For 15 years supporting and celebrating the achievements of
British 'women of colour’ who are entrepreneurs, running
businesses or who are making an impact in their workplace

2. 2014 - Delivered by Foluke Akinlose and Dowshan Humzah
CONFIDENTIAL © PRECIOUS Media Ltd.
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Introductions
 Foluke Akinlose MBE
• Founder of PRECIOUS (1999)
o Journalist with digital publishing, events
and editorial experience
o Former member of DWP Ethnic Minority
Advisory Group
 Dowshan Humzah
• Ambassador for PRECIOUS (2013)
o Digital, Product and Marketing Director
worked across multiple blue-chips
o Focus on digital and social media
providing ‘access to opportunity’ ,
supporting ‘diversity’ and social mobility

3. 2014 - Delivered by Foluke Akinlose and Dowshan Humzah
CONFIDENTIAL © PRECIOUS Media Ltd.
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Background to PRECIOUS
 Founded by Foluke Akinlose in 1999
• Given the poor representation and profile of ‘women who looked like her’
in the media
• And so, she did something about it!
 Initially, launched (pre-Broadband Internet!) as a magazine and
network for ‘women of colour’
• Covering ethnic minorities – primarily Black and Asian
o Looking to broaden into other minorities not strongly represented in the media
 Connecting, supporting and inspiring ‘women of colour’ looking to start
or grow a business and those making waves in the workplace.”
• Now aiming to extend impact and broaden into ‘diversity’, ‘access to
opportunity’ and social mobility

4. 2014 - Delivered by Foluke Akinlose and Dowshan Humzah
CONFIDENTIAL © PRECIOUS Media Ltd.
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Major Achievement 1: Growing Online Community
 PRECIOUS online magazine website reaches approx. 100k users
• PRECIOUS Success website receives 60,000 unique visitors monthly
• PRECIOUS website receives 37,000 unique visitors monthly
• Monthly newsletter has 10,000 subscribers

5. 2014 - Delivered by Foluke Akinlose and Dowshan Humzah
CONFIDENTIAL © PRECIOUS Media Ltd.
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Major Achievement 2: Provide Networking Opportunities
 Launched PRECIOUS Girls project in partnership with St Matthews
Academy on International Women’s Day 2011
• To inspire young women and girls to consider the benefits of self-
employment and give them access to role models in entrepreneurship
 Organise regular networking events for women in business
• Working in partnership with organisations such as The London Chamber
of Commerce, The British Library, Twitter, Royal Bank of Scotland

6. 2014 - Delivered by Foluke Akinlose and Dowshan Humzah
CONFIDENTIAL © PRECIOUS Media Ltd.
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Major Achievement 3: Ongoing Awards Ceremony
 Launched the first business awards to recognise ‘women of colour’ in
entrepreneurship
• Launched in 2007; running annually since then
• The 8th awards ceremony due to be held in London on 23rd October 2014
• Partnership being discussed with IoD

7. 2014 - Delivered by Foluke Akinlose and Dowshan Humzah
CONFIDENTIAL © PRECIOUS Media Ltd.
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Major Achievement 4: Cross Party Political Support cont.
 Gained support and endorsement across the political spectrum
• Rt. Hon. Baroness Amos
o "I would like to congratulate all the finalists in the PRECIOUS Awards. It is so
important that we celebrate the talent and achievements in our community.
Black and Asian women are contributing more and more to the British economy
particularly in business. I wish you all well.”
• Rt. Hon. Hazel Blears MP
o “I want to congratulate all those who’ve been nominated in the PRECIOUS
Awards. This is a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate some truly
incredible achievements. And of course, these nominees represent just the tip
of the iceberg. There are literally hundreds of thousands of creative, dynamic
and passionate Black and Asian business women. Not only do their businesses
make an important – and growing – contribution to the economy, they also offer
a truly inspiring example to the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

8. 2014 - Delivered by Foluke Akinlose and Dowshan Humzah
CONFIDENTIAL © PRECIOUS Media Ltd.
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Major Achievement 4: Cross Party Political Support
 Gained support and endorsement across the political spectrum
• Rt. Hon. David Cameron, Prime Minister
o “I am delighted once again to give my support to the PRECIOUS Awards and to
congratulate those who use their talent and initiative to start a business. Your
awards will help to create great role models for others to follow. This is vital
work and you have my full support.”
• Rt. Hon. Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister
o “I am very happy to once again to give my full support to the PRECIOUS
Awards, a fantastic event that has recognised the achievements of some of the
brightest and most inspirational Black and Asian women in society. It is vital
that these stories of entrepreneurship are heard and these role models are
recognised in order to raise the aspirations of the next generation.”

9. 2014 - Delivered by Foluke Akinlose and Dowshan Humzah
CONFIDENTIAL © PRECIOUS Media Ltd.
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Next Steps for PRECIOUS in 2014 and onwards
 Of course, we continue to drive social mobility and ‘access to
opportunity’
• Supporting the intersection of the minorities of ‘women in the workplace’
with ‘people of colour in the workplace’
 And so, we have a host of plans to tell you about when we meet
• Building on the 4 major achievements
• And some exciting news on partnerships and impact

10. 2014 - Delivered by Foluke Akinlose and Dowshan Humzah
CONFIDENTIAL © PRECIOUS Media Ltd.
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Many Thanks
 Please contact us if you have
any questions
• Foluke Akinlose
Foluke@preciousonline.co.uk
www.linkedin.com/in/foluke
• Dowshan Humzah
dowshan@usa.net
www.linkedin.com/in/dowshan
@preciousonline
@foluke