Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg back the Black British Business Awards

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Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have today lent their support to the first Black British Business Awards, sponsored by EY.

The Black British Business Awards, which aim to support and promote business excellence, will uncover inspirational role models and ambassadors who represent the very best of business success.

The Prime Minister said: “I’m delighted to back the inaugural Black British Business Awards that will celebrate and recognise the fantastic contribution of black business people in the UK. From financial services and technology to retail and manufacturing the list of extraordinary talent in Britain’s African-Caribbean community goes on and on.

“And while established businessmen and women will be rightly awarded for their outstanding achievements, it seems they’re also acting as great role models too with more and more new black entrepreneurs coming to the fore.

“The business skills and entrepreneurial spirit of Britain’s African-Caribbean community gives me great confidence for the future as I know they will play a key role in securing Britain’s economic recovery.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said, “I’m delighted to give my backing to the inaugural Black British Business Awards. This is a chance for us to recognise and celebrate the important contribution by black and ethnic minority entrepreneurs to driving Britain’s recovery.

“I also hope these success stories will help inspire more people with an enterprising idea to get out there and start their own businesses. Despite the wealth of talent in Britain’s black and ethnic minority communities, it’s still the case that two out of every three FTSE 100 companies have an all-white board. That’s just not right. And I’m committed to doing all I can in Government to ensure that everyone in our country, whatever their background or circumstances, gets the opportunities they need to succeed.”

Held in a prestigious ceremony at the Grange Hotel, Tower Hill on 2nd October 2014, the Awards will recognise the contribution of black business people in the UK. everywoman understands how to launch, develop and grow impactful, sustainable, game-changing programmes that uncover role models, engage stakeholders in the conversation, inspire change and cause a shift in diversity thinking, which is why we are the delivery partner for the inaugural year.

The Black British Business Awards comprise seven categories, including an award for Entrepreneur of the Year.

The following categories will recognise two individuals in each industry award category:

Rising Star – Awarded to a black business person under 28 who is excelling in their organisation, a ‘one to watch’.

Leader – Awarded to a black senior business person excelling within their organisation.

  • Financial Services (includes in-house professionals)
  • Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG, includes retail)
  • Infrastructure and Manufacturing (includes transportation, built environment, power and utilities)
  • Media and the Arts (includes media, publishing, advertising, entertainment)
  • Professional Services (includes law, accounting, management consultancy)
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM, includes health professionals)

Judging the awards are some of the top business minds in the UK including:

  • Sanjay Bhandari, Partner, EY
  • Karen Blackett, CEO MediaCom
  • Tim Campbell, Winner, The Apprentice (2005); Head of Client Services, Emerging Talent at Alexander Mann Solutions
  • Sophie Chandauka, Head of Asset Financing at Virgin Money
  • Sandie Okoro, Global General Counsel, HSBC Asset Management

Nominations close for the Black British Business Awards on 27 May 2014. Do you know an inspirational role model who has achieved great things in business and deserves to be recognised? You may be that person – in which case, take the time to nominate yourself.

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