June 2, 2021
Washington, D.C. — The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBT community, and its international division, NGLCC Global, are proud to announce the launch of OutBritain and OutScotland.
“The UK is a world leader in trade, technology and innovation, so it is no surprise that the UK is now home to two innovative, inspiring organizations focused on one of the most important truths in our modern, globalized economy: diversity is good for business,” said NGLCC Co-Founder & President Justin Nelson. “We are so proud to welcome OutBritain and OutScotland to our international network of LGBTI chamber affiliates, who work together to bridge small business owners, global leaders, economic development and human rights experts, governments, and the private sector to cultivate a more socially and economically inclusive world.”
OutBritain and OutScotland belive achieving economic parity is a vital step in any equality movement. By bringing a greater focus to the value of diversity in supplier management and procurement in the UK, the OutBritain and OutScotland brands are introducing a tried and trusted approach to the UK market – one that has already benefitted many LGBT+ people, LGBT+ owned businesses, and their allies all over the world. These networks are focused on connecting, supporting and growing the UK LGBT+ business community, and connecting it to the rest of the world.
“Having seen first-hand the benefits that the NGLCC continues to offer to LGBT+ businesses in the US, I’m delighted to be able to bring a similar offering to the UK,” said Matt Dabrowski, Founder of OutBritain and OutScotland. “Working together, with our members, partners and allies, we will strive to build a more diverse and inclusive business community that is increasingly connected to and valued by the global marketplace”.
The ‘Out’ brands will:
• Introduce LGBT+ business certification to the UK for the first time, replicating many of the best practices of the NGLCC’s nearly twenty years of LGBTBE certification in the United States
• Improve and facilitate economic opportunities for LGBT+ people and LGBT+ owned businesses in the UK
• Offer its members exclusive access to networking, learning and social events with our Corporate partners
As the exclusive, third-party LGBT certification body in the UK, OutBritain will verify that eligible businesses are majority-owned by LGBT+ individuals, and grant LGBTBE ® accreditation. By partnering with the US National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and other national and regional LGBT Chambers of Commerce and networking groups, OutBritain and OutScotland are connecting the UK’s LGBT+ businesses to the world’s largest LGBT+ business network. Once verified, OutBritain grants Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) designation to those businesses as part of its LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative. In turn, Certified LGBTBE® companies gain access to OutBritain and OutScotland corporate sponsors and members By forming lasting business relationships based on a shared understanding of, and dedication to, equality and inclusion, we ensure the economic advancement of LGBT+ people and businesses everywhere. OutBritain is the legal LGBTBE ® certification body for all UK based LGBT+ owned businesses and provides all back-office support to both OutBritain and OutScotland brands.OutBritain is the active consumer brand in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while OutScotland is the active consumer brand in Scotland.
Join these organizations on June 3, 2021 from 16:30 – 17:30 (UK time) to hear more from the team that is introducing LGBTBE certification and the LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce model to the United Kingdom (UK). Find out more at www.outbritain.co.uk, www.outscotland.co.uk, by emailing info@outscotland.co.uk, or on social media.
“Our more than 300 corporate and government partners share in our excitement to welcome OutBritain and OutScotland to build an inclusive global economy in which LGBTI entrepreneurs and their allied business partners are free to trade, develop, and succeed. Governments, multinational corporations, and small businesses each play a role in the critical connection between LGBTI human rights and economic development,” said NGLCC Co-Founder & CEO Chance Mitchell. “As nations move toward greater inclusion and opportunity, the result is a proven boost in national economic output as well as private sector growth. We’re so pleased to see this message spread throughout the UK and EU as more countries are focusing on sustainable development and economic strength for the global LGBTI community. Together, with our global partners, we will ensure our community thrives on every continent.”
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ABOUT NGLCC:
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses, known as Certified LGBTBE® suppliers. www.nglcc.org @nglcc
CONTACT:
Erasmo Sanchez Herrera
Director, NGLCC Global
global@nglcc.org
