The Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) are gearing up for their 10th-anniversary celebration and have officially opened nominations for this year’s awards ceremony in October.
Since its launch in 2014, the BBBAwards have recognised the exceptional achievements of Black professionals and entrepreneurs across various industries in Britain.
This year’s theme is #WeAre, which celebrates the collective power of the Black community and their allies in promoting racial equity in companies throughout Britain.
The BBBAwards will also showcase its alums’ impact, consisting of over 350 rising stars, leaders, allies, and businesses. The event will feature their stories, achievements before and after recognition from the BBBAwards, and the steps they’ve taken to make a difference in their respective industries.
The BBBAwards has proven that the “no talent pipeline” assumption about the lack of Black individuals in leadership positions is “wrong and lazy,” according to Sophie Chandauka MBE, Head of Americas Risk Management and Intelligence at Meta and Chair of the BBBAwards.
Inclusion in the BBBAwards has marked a significant step change in the journey of BBBAwards alums and has opened new professional opportunities for them.
Said Sophie: “When we launched the BBBAwards ten years ago, we were told that the reason there were few Blacks in power was that there was “no talent pipeline”. Year-on-year, the BBBAwards have demonstrated that this assumption is wrong and lazy.
“The BBBAwards is a world-class showcase of Black talent from systemically important global corporations, the high streets and the entrepreneur community. We cover every sector: STEM, FMCG, finance, arts and culture.”
She added: “The BBBAwards confirms the power and depth of the Black talent pipeline. Importantly, BBBAwards Alumni tell us that their inclusion in the BBBAwards has marked a significant step change in their journey and that the recognition they received continues to generate new professional opportunities.”
The BBBAwards will honour Senior Leaders and Rising Stars across six categories: Arts and Media; Consumer and Luxury; Entrepreneurs; Financial Services; Professional Services; and STEM.
The British Business Awards also spotlight and celebrate leaders and innovators who are effecting real change in their industries and communities. Distinguished BBBAwards stars include Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, founder of “The Black Farmer” range of food products, and Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE, Chair of Shakespeare’s Globe and Board Member of the Co-op Group, among others.
Cecil Peters, EMEA Head of DE&I and Black Pathways at J.P. Morgan, said: “J.P. Morgan is proud to be a longstanding supporter of the Black British Business Awards. The BBBAwards provide a critical opportunity to spotlight and celebrate leaders and innovators effecting real change in their industries and communities.
“We wish all the BBBAwards nominees the best of luck for this year’s campaign as they continue to inspire and pave new pathways for future entrepreneurs and professionals.”
This year, the Black British Business Awards will be held at InterContinental London, Park Lane.
