It is often said that, ‘seeing is believing’! This was certainly the case at the 10th BB Awards 2013 held on Saturday 26 October 2013 at the prestigious Hilton London Tower Bridge.
“There are many Awards events, but certainly, there is only one BB Awards-‘A True
‘Celebration of Diversity and Achievement’ in display.
The 10th annual BB Awards 2013 is truly in a class of its own.” This was the resounding verdict of the founder and executive director of BBI UK Ltd and the annual BB Awards gala night. This was probably true, judging by the mood, atmosphere and comments from almost everyone present at the just concluded 10th annual BB Awards 2013 held at the prestigious Hilton London Tower Bridge.
It has been another remarkable year for BB Awards, which has gone from strength to strength in its mission to promote ‘Diversity and Achievement’ by recognizing hard work, perseverance and success among the diverse social and economic movers and shakers in the society, wherever they come from. Overall the event was a resounding success, with many guests commenting that it was yet again, the best awards event they`ve ever been. An event that demonstrates class and professionalism!
The Hilton London Tower Bridge played host to this year’s magnificent awards ceremony and dinner on Saturday 26 October 2013. The venue came alive once again with an array of prestigious guests, including dignitaries, celebrities and some of our finest business owners. We were pleased to welcome among our distinguished guests, Cllr. Abdul Mohamed, the Worshipful Mayor of Southwark, Cllr. Sunil Chopra, Deputy Mayor of Southwark, Cllr. Ian 2 Wingfield, Deputy Leader of Southwark Council, Cllr. Anood Al-Samerai, Southwark Council Liberal Democrat Leader, Rt. Hon. Simon Hughes MP (National Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, local MP and BBI UK Patron), Prem Goyal, BBI UK Patron and the keynote speaker Yinka Shonibare MBE (the highly celebrated artist with one of his most recent art works, ‘the Nelson’s Column’ being exhibited at the London Trafalgar Square), sharing the true meaning of diversity and achievement with the adoring guests. Among other VIPs at the event were the Olympics Medalist and recipient of Diaspora Honorary Award, Kriss Akabusi MBE, Roucheon Iloyi winner of the Arts and Creativity Award 2013, Femi Okutubo, founder and Chief Executive of Trumpet Newspaper and annual GAB Awards, Mike Abiola Publisher of African Voices and organizer of annual African Films Awards, Collins Nweke, chairman of Nigerians In Diaspora
Organisation Europe (NIDOE).
Hosting the event were the duo BBC London radio presenter Eddie Nestor and the real surprise guest co-host of the night, Robbie Gee, who introduced the entertainment, which was without a doubt, at an optimum. Guests were treated to a live fashion show from a new young fashion designer, Mickisha Matthews of ‘Cherie Love Angels’, performance of youth dance from the Movement Factory, cool soul and hilarious night of sheer entertainment and relaxation. The evening will be incomplete without mentioning our guest artist Roucheon Iloyi who treated us to a night of youthful musical energy which rounded up a duet with her husband Femi, while the night was brought to a new start with music from DJ Big Mike who kept the evening in full swing.
Co-hosts Eddie and Robbie, left the guests bowled over as they hosted the raffle and
‘interactive fashion show and best dressed and dance’ competitions’ which left almost
everyone feeling part of the night. What a night to remember!
Then, down to the business of winning awards; 13 renewed and revamped Award Categories were available this year, including the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which was won by Dapo Odumeru and Rudi Page of Blood for Life, presented by the Worshipful Madam Mayor of Southwark, Councillor Abdul Mohamed. Paulette Tajah-Bell received the Honorary Merit Award, Kriss Akabusi MBE British Olympics Medalist bagged the Diaspora Honorary Award; Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE received the Community Honorary Award, Honorary Arts and Creativity by Yinka Shonibare MBE while the Union Bank UK plc walked away with the new Honorary International Business Award for Corporate Social Responsibility.
Barbara Campbell, Live Listing Mag, walked away with the Enterprise Life Achievement Award for her enterprise life endurance and risks taking. The Social Entrepreneur Award went to Nathaniel Oyinloye of Hospital Prison Action Network, Hospitality and Tourism Award went to Andrew McIntosh of Cottons Restaurant Islington, New Business Award went to Adam Pero of iMoves Estate Agents, Young Entrepreneur Award (Gavin Bryan (Bryan Estates, while one of the main highlights of the evening for the BBI UK and BB Awards founder was the annual Young Entrepreneur Game Award (YEGA) business simulation with the runner-up won by Nandile Mlambo (Maphisa Production), participating and travelled to the event all the way from South 3
Africa while the main coveted YEGA 2013 award was won by Luba Blay-Miezah (Proverbs 31 Lady).
The runner ups did not need to be disappointed as they were selected from a list of top
achievers within their category. Well done to you all! The Mayor of Southwark, Councillor Abdul Mohamed said; “it is very inspiring to see the good work BBI UK and Sunny Lambe are doing despite the very challenging economic climate we all have to endure and Southwark Council will to continue to support BBI and their work in the community”. Similar message of support was echoed by the Deputy Southwark Council Leader, Councillor Ian Wingfield. Yinka Shonibare MBE recipient of Arts and Creativity Honorary Award and also the special guest keynote speaker of the night said during his presentation; “it is very important to encourage and inspire our young people, irrespective of their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical abilities and so on to be the best they can. I’m a testament to that, despite my disabilities, I’m able to run my own business and employing several people from diverse communities”.
