Goldsmiths’ Centre partners with Black British Initiative

The Goldsmiths’ Centre has partnered with the Black British Initiative (BBI) to support the professional growth of Black jewellers and silversmiths across the UK.

The collaboration will fund 10 places on the MBA30 programme, a four-week executive education course tailored for Black entrepreneurs. The initiative is part of both organisations’ wider efforts to tackle structural inequality in the craft and design industries.

Accredited by SOAS University of London, MBA30 combines academic content with business insights from more than 16 industry leaders. 

The course includes three in-person days and six online sessions, covering subjects such as finance, branding, AI, legal compliance and sustainable operations.

Chris Oliver, head of professional training at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, said: “Equity and access are central to the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s mission. This collaboration with the Black British Initiative enables us to invest in the next generation of Black makers, providing not just funding, but meaningful pathways to leadership and entrepreneurship.”

Darren Miller, chief executive and co-founder of the Black British Initiative, added: “We are ecstatic, this support from Goldsmiths’ demonstrates their tangible commitment to creating a fair. 

“Statistically, the delta between the average turnover of a Black owned business and the national average is 3,124% and is directly related to the UK’s high levels of wealth disparity. Executive education is part of the solution and the practical support from the Goldsmiths’ Centre makes it possible to extend the reach of MBA30’s impact.”