The Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) are calling on the UK to shine a light on the exceptional achievements of Black British business professionals and entrepreneurs who have made extraordinary contributions to the British economy.

Black British Business Awards 2022

Fort the ninth-consecutive year, individuals and businesses are being asked to celebrate Black British professionals by nominating them for the 2022 Black British Business Awards in London on the 29th of September.

Since their inception, from editors to litigation lawyers, master tailors to creative directors, the BBBAwards have continued to champion talent in all sectors.

The BBBAwards and its portfolio of change programmes have facilitated impactful and enduring cultural change in companies across various sectors, ensuring greater representation of exceptional Black executives in senior roles. Focusing on research-led, impact-oriented initiatives which have driven the talent agenda, the BBBAwards provide a platform to acknowledge, inspire and celebrate Black business stars in the UK.

Sophie Chandauka, MBE, Executive Founder and Chair of the Black British Business Awards, said: “After successfully navigating the challenges of putting on an Awards Ceremony during the pandemic, we are thrilled to announce that this year’s ceremony will be back in person.

“It will be an honour to recognise and reward those who have defied the odds and flourished in an economic and social landscape impacted by the pandemic, paving the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps.”

The six categories open for nomination for both Rising Stars and Senior Leaders include:

·          Arts and Media (includes media, design, fashion, performance art, publishing and advertising)

·          Consumer and Luxury (includes food, beverage, retail, travel, cosmetics and luxury goods)

·          Entrepreneur (businesses must have been operational for 18+ months before April 2022)

·          Financial Services (includes banks, brokers, payment services, insurance and finance regulators)

·          Professional Services (includes law, accounting management consultancy)

·          STEM (includes health, industrial, telecoms, pharmaceuticals, construction, transport and energy)

Last year’s winners included a range of professionals in a wide variety of sectors up and down the country, including accomplished and recognised litigation lawyer Akima Paul Lambert (featured in The Lawyer’s ‘Hot 100’ list for 2022), Edgar Chibaka & Jamal Tahlil (co-founders of security and facilities management provider First Response Group), and Vese Aghoghovbia (Lagos-born entrepreneur who is bringing diverse representation into children’s literature, toys and products).

For the second year running, the BBBAwards will be celebrating an individual of a non-Black background who has advocated for diverse equality in business and is a leading voice in the advancement of Black talent through the Ally of the Year Award.

In addition to the Awards themselves, the BBBAwards has contributed to the progression of Black talent advancement through a range of important initiatives, including Mentor Mondays, Race in the Boardroom, The Middle Research Report, The Employee Network Leaders Series and The Global Investor Strategy and Corporate Governance Forum.

Nominations will be open for six weeks and will close on the 22nd of March. Candidates can apply here: www.thebbbawards.com/nominate