Refugee Week at City Lit: Refugees – Entrepreneurship and Business
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- Start Date: 18 Jun 2025End Date: 18 Jun 2025Wed (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:30OnlineFull fee £10.00 Senior fee £8.00 Concession £7.00
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What is the course about?
Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, waves of refugees have shaped the UK’s business landscape. Jewish refugees (1930/40s) established businesses in finance, fashion, and science. Polish and Eastern European arrivals (1940/50s) were part of post-war businesses. Ugandan Asians (1972) entrepreneurship launched retail and trade enterprises as did Vietnamese refugees (1970/80s. More recently, Syrian (2010s) and Ukrainian (2022) refugees have brought technology skills and entrepreneurship.
This course explores the impact of refugees on businesses in the UK, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities they bring to the economy. We will examine the contributions of refugees as entrepreneurs and businesspeople. Additionally, we will discuss notable refugees who have made significant contributions to UK business and society.
What will we cover?
- The contributions of refugees, including businesses, entrepreneurship, and skills diversity.
- Case studies of successful refugee entrepreneurs and business leaders in the UK.
- The role of businesses in supporting refugee integration and economic inclusion.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Explain the impact of refugees on UK businesses and the wider economy.
- Recognise the contributions of famous refugee entrepreneurs and business leaders in the UK.
- Evaluate how businesses can support and integrate refugees into the workforce.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is designed for beginners and intermediate learners who are interested in understanding the intersection of refugees and business. No prior knowledge is required, but an interest in business, entrepreneurs, or social issues will be beneficial.
You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- The course will include a mix of lectures and interactive segments, ensuring an engaging learning experience.
- Short video clips will provide real-world insights into refugee contributions to business.
- Group work will allow participants to collaborate and explore refugee business impacts.
- The opportunity to ask questions and share any experience.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs or specific materials required. Participants may find it helpful to take notes and engage with suggested reading materials for deeper understanding.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Ketan teaches courses in Business Skills and Indian Philosophy/History at CityLit. In his career Ketan has worked with over 30 large and complex organisations in helping them with Operational Excellence and Change Management. He is the author of the book ‘The Art of Transformational Change – a handbook for leaders and managers’, published in October 2015. Ketan is of indian hertitage and has visited many places of pilgrimage and history in India over the last 25 years. He has learnt Sanskrit to foundation level and studied several Indian sutras. He has delivered courses in Jain Philosophy for over 15 years.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.