A Petersfield entrepreneur has launched a new online marketplace to support black-owned independent businesses as the pandemic continues.

Founded by Grace Trowbridge, Simply Noir aims to boost the profile of black businesses and make shopping with them more accessible and convenient during these challenging times.

The mother of two is a former sales and marketing manager who aims to reduce the inequality faced by black-owned businesses.

She said: “The Black Lives Matter movement has emphasised the inequality faced by these businesses, which are highly underrepresented in the mainstream.

“Simply Noir has been created to bridge this gap and help consumers to shop more consciously whilst supporting black enterprise.

“By supporting black businesses you are supporting the growth of the UK black economy and community.”

The 35-year-old and her team are also supporting black businesses by running business workshops.

They also offer mentoring sessions to help businesses not only survive, but continue their growth when the pandemic is over.

Simply Noir has pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, where it has already attracted more than 1,000 followers.

Grace said: “We are offering unique, stylish and unforgettable products.

“This enables our consumers to buy food and drink, beauty products, arts and crafts, books, fashion and more from independent black businesses.

“We aim to help all our customers to embrace and celebrate black culture.”

And each seller on the site has been carefully selected for quality and to ensure they share Simply Noir’s brand values.

Grace added: “The site aims to support both the expansion of the UK black economy and the black community.

“Customers can also sign up for a newsletter to keep up to date with the latest news, developments and catalogue additions.

“Black-owned companies who wish to sell via the website can complete a form on the website and give information on the products they specialise in.

“They are also asked to say what black culture means to them.”

Businesses that wish to sell their products via the online marketplace are encouraged to get in touch.

For more information visit the website at www.simplynoir.co.uk