Showcasing the outstanding achievements of black British business leaders throughout Great Britain.
Nominations have officially opened for the Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) ahead of the prestigious awards ceremony on 3rd October 2019.
The BBBAwards celebrates the outstanding achievements of black business leaders, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of business game-changers. 2019 marks the sixth anniversary of the BBBAwards, each year gaining greater momentum and attracting the endorsement, support and attendance of leading business professionals.
From master tailor Andrew Ramroop OBE, to leading STEM female professionals Roni Savage, Founder and Managing Director of Jomas Associates, the BBBAwards continue to sing the often-unsung contributions of exceptional black business professionals and entrepreneurs, showcasing these individuals and their significant contribution to the UK economy.
Melanie Eusebe, Chair and Co-Founder of the Black British Business Awards said: “Now, more than ever there is a need to present Britain’s diverse talented business professionals to the global economy. Building on the momentum from the launch of the government’s recent initiatives such as the publication of the racial disparity audit designed to address the inequalities in our workforce, I am thrilled to be opening the nominations drive for the 2019 Black British Business Awards. We have been championing these outstanding men and women who have unceasingly demonstrated greatness across all of the UK’s business sectors for the past six years – and look forward to shining a light on this years talented individuals. I wish all the nominees the best of luck throughout the process.”
Designed to facilitate cultural change, and promote diversity and inclusivity, the awards produced the Middle Research paper which examines the reasons why BAME middle managers are not progressing to senior executive roles in the UK. In 2018 the BBBAwards launched the Talent Accelerator, an evidence-based BAME specific leadership and career development programme, and this year will be holding numerous BAME in the Boardroom sessions with Deloitte. Additionally, the BBBAwards host mentor Monday sessions which provide the knowledge transfer from successful business professionals and entrepreneurs to aspiring young new business people.
This year’s October awards ceremony will celebrate outstanding rising stars and senior leaders in six industry categories:
- Arts and Media (includes all media, design, fashion, performance art, publishing and advertising)
- Consumer and Luxury (includes food, beverage, household goods, retail, travel and leisure, cosmetics, personal and luxury goods)
- Entrepreneur (operating their own business or social enterprise, the relevant business must have been operational for a minimum of 18 months prior to 23 April 2019.)
- Financial Services (includes Finance and Financial Services: includes banks, brokers, payment services, insurance companies, credit card funds, regulators)
- Professional Services (includes law, accounting, management consultancy and in-house professionals)
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), includes health, industrials, telecoms, pharmaceuticals, transport and energy)
Nominations can be submitted at www.thebbbawards.com/nominate/.
The Daily Telegraph will be the national media partner at this year’s awards ceremony for the third-year running. Major event sponsors include Barclays, Facebook, MediaCom, Morgan Stanley, The Executive Leadership Council and Thomson Reuters.
Past judges have included:
- Albertha Charles, Financial Services Valuations Partner, PwC
- Didier Lambert, Managing Director and Lead Portfolio Manager, Emerging Market Debt, J.P. Morgan
- Dan Roberts, Managing Director, Transaction Banking Products & Services, Barclays
- Jo Barnett, Director of Social Enterprise, Virgin Money
- Karen Blackett OBE, Chairwoman, MediaCom
- Oba Nsugbe QC, Head of Chambers, Pump Court Chambers
- Sarah Gregory, Inclusion and Diversity Partner, Baker McKenzie
- Sonali Pathirana, Managing Editor, Bloomberg
- Samantha Tross, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Trevor Johnson, Director, Global Agency Partnerships, Facebook
