Leading figures in Britain’s business community have been honoured at the 2015 Black British Business Awards, sponsored by EY.
The Black British Business Awards, founded by Melanie Eusebe and Sophie Chandauka, celebrate and promote the significant contribution by black professionals in business in the United Kingdom. In its second year, the awards recognises both established leaders and rising stars in finance, science, technology, engineering, professional services, consumer & retail and individual entrepreneurs.
In addition to the category winners, the fifteen judges have announced that the Black British Business Person of 2015 is Gary Elden, Chief Executive of SThree – a global specialist recruitment firm, with 44 offices across 18 countries and an annual turnover for 2014 of £746.9M.
Sir Trevor McDonald was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his ground breaking career in journalism. Sir Trevor remains one on the UK’s most popular journalists having inspired many other journalists who have come after him.
J.P. Morgan was presented with a Network Impact Award for their Black Organisation for Leadership Development (BOLD) initiative that champions diversity and support throughout the organisation.
Speaking in advance of the ceremony, the Prime Minister Rt Hon David Cameron MP said: “This is a celebration of the enormous contribution Black entrepreneurs make to our country. Over generations, we have built something extraordinary in Britain – a society where people can come with nothing and in one or two generations can rise as high as their talent allows. The African and Caribbean communities embody that spirit, reaching the top of every field in Britain….our diversity makes us stronger and my one-nation government will go on working hard to end discrimination and finish the fight for real equality in our country today.”
The Black British Business Awards was held at the London Hilton Park Lane on 20th October 2015 with 500 guests in attendance from business, media and politics.
Melanie Eusebe, Chair and Co-founder of the Black British Business Awards said, “I congratulate all of the nominees and winners of the second Black British Business Awards – each one of them are role models and demonstrate excellence in the work they do.These individual achievements highlight that diversity in business makes for better business and diversity throughout the workforce is a commercial imperative for businesses in Britain. BBBA would especially like to thank all of our sponsors, judges and partners for their on going support and we look forward to celebrating further success throughout the year.”
For the second year, the partner sponsor of the Black British Business Awards 2015 was EY. Sanjay Bhandari, an EY Partner in the UK and Ireland and a member of the awards judging panel commented: “Supporting the Black British Business Awards gives us an opportunity to stand beside incredibly talented individuals and applaud their achievements. The nominees and winners serve as inspirational role models to the next generation, demonstrating just what is possible.
“At EY we know the value of role models and the importance of recognising their achievements. We also know the value of a diverse workforce and creating an environment where everyone can be themselves. People are happier, more engaged and they deliver better results for our business and clients.”
2015 Black British Business Awards winners
Black British Business Person of the Year – sponsored by EY
Gary Elden, CEO, SThree
Lifetime Achievement Award – sponsored by Thomson Reuters
Sir Trevor McDonald OBE
Network Impact Award – presented by TNON (BAME/Multicultural Chapter)
J.P. Morgan – Black Organisation for Leadership Development
Consumer & Retail
Leader of the Year: Marc Hare, Founder, CEO and Designer, Mr Hare
Rising Star: Segun Akinwoleola, National Account Manager, Revlon
Financial Services sponsored by Baker & McKenzie
Leader of the Year: Solomon Wifa, Partner, Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP
Rising Star: Khalia Newell, Assistant Vice President Risk and Control, Barclays
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – Sponsored by Microsoft
Leader of the Year: Camille Drummond, Group Head of Trading Business Services, BP
Rising Star: Chidi Amadi, Co-founder and Governor, Michaela Community School
Professional Services – Sponsored by KPMG
Leader of the Year: Tom Lawal, Barrister, St Ives Chambers
Rising Star: Nneka Orji, Chief of Staff, Office of the Chairman, Deloitte
Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Barclays
Leader of the Year: Rachel Wang FRSA, Company Director. Chocolate Films Limited
Rising Star: Dr Clare Eluka, Founder and Director, Premae Skincare
The 2016 Black British Business Awards will be held in October 2016 with nominations opening in March 2016. For further information about the awards please visit: www.thebbbawards.com
