8 Innovative UK Businesses Owned by Refugees and Empowering Fellow Refugees

Refugees often arrive in new countries with few resources and face discrimination, but they demonstrate remarkable resilience by forging their own path as entrepreneurs. The 2012 report highlighted that immigrants are more likely to become entrepreneurs and start businesses than native-born citizens, says the Global Entrepreneurship Report.

The study, which covered 69 countries including the UK, highlighted the significant contribution immigrants make to the global economy. Hiring staff from overseas has proven to make businesses more innovative and productive. In particular, US companies founded or co-founded by immigrants, such as Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna, have played a pivotal role in advancing mRNA-based vaccine research, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As well as thriving in their own right, refugee-owned businesses regularly provide employment and training to other immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, making a huge contribution to their local communities and economies. Here are eight refugee-owned businesses in the UK that have a positive impact on their local communities and are worth supporting.

Business 1. Syria Sunflower Kitchen

Syrian activist, chef and refugee Majeda Khoury launched Syrian Sunflower Kitchen in London in 2019. Khoury uses her catering company to share Syrian culture and tell untold stories from Syria. She also runs cooking classes inspired by Migrantful, a UK charity that hosts cooking classes hosted by migrants and asylum seekers.

After fleeing to the UK after being jailed for protesting against human rights violations, Khoury has used her business to create a space for cultural exchange and understanding. By running cooking classes, she empowers other refugees to share their stories and culinary traditions, building community and resilience.

Business 2. Cream Dream

Elizaveta Tatarina, a 23-year-old refugee from Ukraine, has opened a vegan cafe called Cream Dream in Covent Garden, London. Tatarina fled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and received refugee status in the UK. Her business not only serves delicious vegan food, but also creates job opportunities for fellow Ukrainian refugees, helping them rebuild their lives in their new country.

Cream Dream serves a range of vegan desserts and drinks, making it a popular spot for health-conscious diners and those with dietary restrictions, and by employing other Ukrainians, Tatarina is helping the community to integrate into British society and gain financial independence.

Business 3. Chatterbox

Afghan refugee Mursal Hedayat MBE and co-founder Guillemet Dejan founded Chatterbox in 2016. Chatterbox is an AI-powered language learning tool that employs marginalized professionals, including refugees, as language coaches. The platform harnesses the potential of these professionals by providing them with meaningful employment opportunities.

Chatterbox empowers marginalized communities by providing them with the opportunity to share their language skills and cultural knowledge with the rest of the world. This innovative approach not only helps refugees find employment but also enriches the language learning experience for users around the world.

Business Four. Maria Calisto Lingerie

Maria Igwebuike, who moved to the UK from Nigeria at the age of 11, founded Maria Calisto Lingerie in 2019. The lingerie label is focused on body positivity, ethically sourced materials and sustainability. Igwebuike’s brand promotes inclusivity and sustainability in the fashion industry.

Maria Calisto Lingerie offers a fresh alternative to traditional lingerie brands with a focus on body positivity and ethical practices. The company aims to help women feel confident and comfortable in their own skin while also supporting sustainable fashion initiatives.

Business Five. Bees and refugees

Syrian refugee Ali Alzein founded Beads & Refugees in London in 2019. Inspired by his grandfather’s beekeeping in Syria, Alzein started the beekeeping community to heal his own mental health after experiencing the trauma of war. Beads & Refugees supports other refugees and asylum seekers with employment and therapeutic activities.

Not only does this initiative provide employment opportunities for refugees, it also promotes mental health and environmental sustainability and provides a therapeutic space. Beekeeping allows participants to connect with nature, learn valuable skills and integrate into their new communities.

Business 6. Tuscha Jewelry

Sudanese refugee Huda Abusalim founded her handmade jewelry business, Tusha Jewelry, in 2019. Abusalim began making jewelry as a child and has turned her passion into a successful business. Tusha Jewelry showcases her craftsmanship and provides a source of income for her family.

The business offers unique, handcrafted pieces that reflect Abu Saleem’s cultural heritage and artistic vision, and by sharing her work with the world, she is not only supporting her family but also raising awareness of Sudanese culture and the refugee experience.

Business 7. Active Horizon

Yukai Taruvinga, an award-winning entrepreneur from Zimbabwe, founded Active Horizon in 2006 to support young people with migrant backgrounds in the UK. The organisation provides education and social support to help young migrants integrate and succeed in society. Taruvinga also launched Shumba Boutique, a fashion brand known for its African prints and vibrant clothing.

Active Horizons helps young people in the UK from immigrant backgrounds embrace their heritage and chase their dreams, while Shumba Boutique celebrates African culture through fashion, offering unique, colourful designs that promote cultural pride and identity.

Business 8. Heaven Coffee

Refugee Usman Khalid founded HAVEN Coffee in London, a coffee brand that aims to raise awareness of refugee communities across the capital. HAVEN Coffee provides barista training to other refugees and hosts events promoting refugee artists and performers.

The coffee shop serves as a platform for refugee empowerment, fostering a sense of community and support. By providing training and opportunities to showcase their talents, HAVEN Coffee helps refugees integrate and thrive in their new environment.