URBAN MBA AUGUST NEWSLETTER
CEO THOUGHTS
Back to School Reality Check As we reach the end of summer and kids head back to school next week (early September 2025), it's been reflecting time. Urban MBA ran our first EdTech summer hub for kids this year, and the response has been overwhelming - we've had numerous requests to run these during half-term holidays. We're coming together to assess whether we have the capacity to expand this programme.
But first, how did this summer's departing school kids actually perform in their exams?
August 2025 Exam Results: The Success Stories The GCSE and A-level results released on August 21st and 14th respectively Qualification results in England: summer 2025 - GOV.UK showed some promising trends. London pupils achieved the highest proportion of A*–A grades at A-level (32.1%), with schools like Uppingham seeing 52% of grades at A*/A A Level and BTEC Results 2025: UK School Performance Overview. Over 5.6 million GCSE results were issued alongside 313,190 A-level results Qualification results in England: summer 2025 - GOV.UK.
However, persistent gaps remain concerning. The attainment gap between state and independent schools remains wider than before COVID-19 A Level and BTEC Results 2025: UK School Performance Overview, whilst the gender attainment gap has only closed from 9 percentage points in 2015 to 6.1 percentage points in 2025 GCSE results show small progress for boys - gender gap remains.
Black Men in UK Education: The Stark Reality We Must Address As a global majority charity working directly with the challenges faced by young Black men, these statistics demand our urgent attention. The data reveals troubling patterns that affect the very communities we serve.
Black African pupils achieved 69.4% grade 4+ in English and maths, whilst Black Caribbean pupils managed just 52.1% GCSE English and maths results - GOV.UK Ethnicity facts and figures. More concerning: the biggest gender gap was in the Black Caribbean group - 57.7% of girls achieved grade 4+ compared to 46.4% of boys, an 11.3 percentage point gap GCSE English and maths results - GOV.UK Ethnicity facts and figures.
Even Black Caribbean boys from high socio-economic backgrounds underachieve relative to White British boys from similar backgrounds Ethnic, socio-economic and sex inequalities in educational achievement at age 16, by Professor Steve Strand - GOV.UK, whilst Black Caribbean pupils saw their attainment gap widen by 0.8 months between 2019-2023 Annual Report 2024: Ethnicity - Education Policy Institute.
Given the complex problems faced by young Black men - from systemic barriers to limited role models to institutional challenges - we need to look deeper into these statistics. They're not just numbers; they represent real lives and futures at stake. This is exactly why programmes like our EdTech summer hub matter so much.
The Great DEI Rollback of 2025 As kids return to classrooms, corporate boardrooms are retreating from diversity commitments. Following Trump's January 20th executive order ending federal DEI programs Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing – The White House, we've seen a domino effect. Amazon, Google, McDonald's, Meta, Target and Walmart have all scaled back or eliminated their DEI programmes What companies are rolling back DEI policies in 2025?.
UK Holding Different Ground - But Missing Key Opportunities Britain's response has been more measured. UK Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders stated that British firms shouldn't be influenced by US pressures to scale back diversity initiatives The future of DEI: are UK companies withdrawing their DEI policies?. Deloitte UK CEO Richard Houston reaffirmed diversity remains "critical," contrasting with the US arm's rollbacks Which companies are rolling back DEI policies? - Raconteur.
But here's where it gets frustrating: in March 2025, the FCA and PRA abandoned plans requiring finance firms to report diversity metrics, citing reluctance to burden UK firms with extra regulatory costs Is this the end of DEI in the UK's finance sector? - Raconteur.
With so little finance available to black organisations, I for one would have loved to know those stats from the FCA. Just when we might have gotten real transparency on diversity in financial services - data that could identify gaps and potentially where support is most needed - the regulators backed down. How can we address what we can't measure?
The Uncomfortable Question: Does DEI Work? The evidence is troubling. Boston University researchers found very few workplace DEI initiatives have been properly measured - only 23 peer-reviewed studies actually tested effectiveness Are Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Helping Workers—or Dividing Them? | The Brink | Boston University. Analysis of 829 firms over three decades shows traditional DEI tools actually decrease the proportion of women and minorities in management Why Diversity Programs Fail.
The Familiar Pattern In 2020, George Floyd's death drove Target to pledge 20% Black employee representation. In January 2025, they ended their three-year diversity goals Fortune 500 comopanies like Meta and Target are rolling back DEI—These are the policies they’re changing | Fortune. It's a cycle we've seen before - crisis, corporate promises, implementation, political shift, retreat.
London Fashion Week & Looking Forward As we head into London Fashion Week (September 18-22, 2025) London Fashion Week - About Us, the creative energy and innovation on display will be a stark contrast to corporate boardroom retreats from diversity. Fashion has always been about pushing boundaries and challenging norms - perhaps there's a lesson there.
October & Black History Month Reflections Following London Fashion Week, we move into October and Black History Month. I'm reminded of being invited to the UNESCO recognition event in East London with Eddie Nestor - the eighth UNESCO Day for Remembering the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its Abolition, chaired by BBC Broadcaster Eddie Nestor MBE UNESCO Day for Remembering the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its Abolition 2025 | London City Hall. The genuine recognition and historical truth-telling felt completely different from corporate diversity training.
That contrast feels significant as we approach Black History Month. Real progress might not come from corporate programmes designed to avoid lawsuits, but from honest conversations about difficult histories and their ongoing impact.
Bottom Line From summer hubs to fashion weeks to Black History Month - the rhythm continues. Educational gaps persist, corporate commitments waver, and now we're losing the very data that might help us understand where the real problems lie. The question isn't whether we need diversity - it's whether we're brave enough to demand the transparency and accountability that real change requires.
Kofi Oppong,
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: MISSY I KITCHEN LAUNCH: SUCCESSFUL
🇯🇲 MISSY I KITCHEN LAUNCH EVENT - What a Celebration! 🇯🇲
Friday 8th August 2025 | 7PM - 11PM Urban MBA, 3 Wenlock Street, London N1 7NT
We couldn't be prouder of Iris and her outstanding launch! As a recent graduate of our Level Up course, seeing all of her hard work and dedication come to life at this incredible celebration was truly rewarding.
What an outstanding evening celebrating Jamaican Independence Day! Missy i Kitchen's grand launch exceeded all expectations with the venue buzzing from start to finish. The authentic Caribbean patties were incredibly popular - classic beef, spicy chicken, and unique vegetarian options that you can't find anywhere else in London.
The authentic reggae, dancehall, soca, and calypso music had everyone dancing by 8PM, whilst tropical drinks and launch day specials kept the celebration atmosphere flowing. What made the night extra special was seeing three generations celebrating together - truly a family affair that brought the community together.
This wasn't just a business launch - it was a genuine cultural celebration showcasing heritage, traditions, and community spirit. The feedback has been overwhelming, with everyone already asking when the next celebration is!
Iris has proven that Missy i Kitchen is serving up culture, community, and genuine joy alongside incredible food. We at Urban MBA are absolutely delighted to see where she continues to flourish in her business journey. London has embraced her vision wholeheartedly, and we couldn't be more excited for what's next!
One love, one kitchen, endless flavour! 🌴✨
ANIME 3D PRINTING SIP AND PAINT: FUN AND EDUCATIONAL
🔥 THE ANIME SIP & PAINT: 3D PRINTING WORKSHOP 🔥
Friday 1st August 2025 - An Excellent Start to the Month!
What an outstanding way to begin August! Our anime-themed 3D printing workshop exceeded all expectations, combining anime themes, creative drinks, and cutting-edge technology.
Watching everyone progress from complete beginners to confidently operating 3D printers was remarkable. The industry professionals we brought in were excellent teachers, and every person left with practical skills that could enhance their career prospects.
The excitement when people saw their FREE custom 3D printed anime characters materialising was incredible! From Dragon Ball Z figures to My Hero Academia characters, the quality was exceptional. At just £15 for everything included - materials, training, custom figure, welcome drink, and networking opportunities - this represented outstanding value.
The intimate workshop size ensured everyone received personalised attention, and the connections people made were fantastic. The feedback has been excellent:
"Best £15 I've ever spent - learned a great deal and made some excellent friends!"
Pop culture + technology + excellent people = outstanding success! 🎌
SUMMER YOUTH TECH ACADEMY
🚀 SUMMER YOUTH TECH ACADEMY - Outstanding Progress!
The Young Innovators Are Exceeding Expectations!
Three weeks into our 6-week programme, and we're impressed by what these talented 8-16 year olds are achieving! Since beginning on Wednesday 30th July, every Wednesday has brought remarkable creativity and talent.
The students have embraced cutting-edge technology, producing genuinely impressive work. They've built working smart applications, created personalised AI chatbots, 3D printed their favourite characters (from anime figures to adorable frogs!), and coded video games from scratch. They've also discovered the art of embroidery, combining traditional crafts with modern technology, and had fantastic fun exploring virtual worlds with our VR headsets.
Most importantly, they're developing excellent presentation skills, confidence, and genuine friendships. The collaborative atmosphere has been wonderful to witness - these young innovators are learning from each other as much as from our instructors.
A special highlight has been the delicious food from Missy i Kitchen! The students absolutely wouldn't stop talking about how much they loved the meals - it's been the perfect fuel for their creative minds. Combined with our hands-on learning approach, small class sizes ensuring individual attention, and all materials provided at no additional cost, these young people are genuinely excited about learning something new every single Wednesday.
The transformation in just three weeks has been remarkable - we're watching screen time convert into valuable skill development whilst building a community of future innovators.
DEGREES OF OPPORTUNITY COMMUNITY EVENT
🎓 SHARING KNOWLEDGE WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY
Urban MBA Takes AI Education to the Streets
We were delighted to be invited to the Degrees of Opportunity event, where we had the perfect opportunity to showcase who we are and what Urban MBA represents to the broader community.
This community outreach event was a tremendous success! Many young people took away valuable insights about artificial intelligence, gaining practical understanding of how this technology is shaping their future. Our VR headsets were incredibly popular, giving attendees the chance to experience immersive virtual worlds firsthand.
The level of interest in learning about AI was remarkable, and it was rewarding to see so many community members engaging with cutting-edge technology. Beyond the tech demonstrations, we were able to introduce Urban MBA to many new faces, explaining our mission as "The University for Street Entrepreneurs" and how we support the next generation of innovators.
It was a fantastic day of community engagement, education, and connection. These outreach opportunities are essential for us - they allow us to share our passion for technology education whilst building stronger ties with the communities we serve. The enthusiasm and curiosity we witnessed reinforced why we do what we do at Urban MBA.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: CARLOS'S JOURNEY FROM PERSONAL TRAINER TO DIGITAL PIONEER AT URBAN MBA
From Personal Trainer to Digital Pioneer: Carlos's Inspiring Journey
Sometimes a chance encounter changes everything. That's exactly what happened to Carlos Cabezas Castro when he bumped into Kofi (one of Urban MBA's team members) on the street near his home.
The Story Behind the Success
Carlos had just left his stable job as cluster manager at The Gym Group to pursue entrepreneurial dreams. Short on funds and needing office space, that random street encounter with Kofi - who remembered him from the old Manor House days - led to an offer of workspace at Urban MBA. Perfect timing!
Traineego: Solving a Real Problem
As a personal trainer himself, Carlos identified a significant industry problem: talented trainers stuck in cycles of face-to-face sessions, unable to scale without burning out. You simply can't train people 40 hours a week sustainably.
His innovative solution? Traineego - a marketplace providing personal trainers with ready-made templates to create online courses. Instead of spending months on course structure and teaching methods, trainers personalise templates with their own videos and branding.
"I broke down all the barriers. Everything's done for them - they just add their personality, record videos, and they're ready! In 2-3 weeks, they've got a professional digital product to sell."
Finding Community
After over a year at Urban MBA, Carlos discovered something crucial: entrepreneurship can be genuinely isolating. But finding the right community changes everything.
"Sometimes it's just me and my ideas, with no one who understands. But when I walk into Urban MBA and chat with Kofi or meet other entrepreneurs going through the same experience, it's like a weight off my shoulders."
Why Urban MBA Works
Beyond emotional support, the practical elements excel:
"I can arrive and get to work without worrying about unreliable WiFi or broken printers. After trying other places, that's not something to take for granted!"
Overcoming Challenges
The journey hasn't been smooth. Carlos's first developers in the USA were "a complete disaster" - he'd ordered drinks for a launch party only to discover the website wasn't ready. Devastating!
Now working with a better team in India, he's learned to expect the unexpected and stay philosophical: "That's just business nature. Sometimes things look straightforward on paper, but reality has other plans."
The Culture Makes the Difference
What sets Urban MBA apart is authentic community - genuinely friendly people, not forced networking. From the upstairs coworking area to the podcast studio and large ballroom for events, Carlos has used it all.
"When people visit me here, their jaws drop. You've got everything you need, and it actually works. Even a shower in the accessible toilet - very handy after gym sessions!"
The Big Launch Ahead
Carlos is cautiously excited about Traineego's pilot launch, planning to celebrate at Urban MBA after previous disappointments. "I feel like this success belongs to the whole community here, not just me. This place has given me somewhere to go, people to talk to, and support when things got tough."
The Key Takeaway
"Find somewhere with really good culture. Yes, you need reliable WiFi and decent facilities, but it's the atmosphere and people that make the real difference to your success. That's very difficult to find!"
As Traineego prepares to help personal trainers build sustainable businesses across the country, Carlos's journey from gym manager to digital entrepreneur proves that sometimes you just need a great idea, courage, and the right community supporting you.
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
Inspired by Carlos's story? Join our community at Urban MBA!
Our Spaces:
Like Carlos discovered, it's about joining a community that understands entrepreneurship - from networking to support during challenging times.
📞 020 3818 1069 | 🌐 www.urbanmba.co.uk | 📧 deanna@urbanmba.co.uk
Founder Global Fashion Management and London Fashion Business Academy - Co-Founder Advisory & Mentoring. Mentor/ Keynote Speaker. Together, we are stronger.
2moKofi Oppong You are pushing in the right direction. IF you want support on entrepreneurship or the business of fashion to ensure the creative industries can build financially sustainable businesses, let me know.