When I first walked into a high-street bank to ask for business funding, I didn’t walk out with a loan. Instead, I walked out with a bruised ego and a head full of jargon.
The bank manager almost laughed. He threw words like “sustainability,” “accessibility,” and “financial belief” at me until my confidence hit the floor. I remember thinking ‘I will never do that again’.
Since then, I have turned over £13 million across my businesses. I didn’t need their “belief” to build a media and entertainment empire, but my experience highlights a systemic crisis in the UK. For Black British entrepreneurs, the path to finance isn’t a ladder, it’s an obstacle course hidden under a rock.
1. The Knowledge Gap vs. The Information Gate
The first barrier isn’t just a lack of money, it’s a lack of transparent knowledge. In “Old Guard” business circles, financial literacy is passed down like an inheritance. In our community, the “know-how” is often hidden. We aren’t always told how to structure a balance sheet for VC readiness or how to leverage Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) for tax-efficient investment.
When we do finally access the information, we find it’s buried under layers of gatekeeping. It shouldn’t feel like you’re “applying for a job” just to get an audience with a lender. Knowledge should be an open door, not a secret handshake.
2. The “People” Premium: Who You Know vs. What You Build
A Barclays Bank in Slough High Street, Berkshire
Daily Life, Slough, Berkshire, UK – 29 Jan 2026
