An award ceremony celebrating black businesses in the UK will have its inaugural event this October.
The BBBAwards, which was founded in 2013 by Melanie Eusebe, a management consultant with over 17 years of experience and Sophie Chandauka, the Head Of Asset Financing at Virgin Money Group and aims to “reflect the outstanding achievements and contributions of black businesses in the UK.”
Described on their website as a “vehicle for economic empowerment and partnership”, the awards will have nominations in several categories including Financial Services, Media and Arts and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Prime Minister David Cameron has backed the event and praised the “extraordinary talent” of black Brits: “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.”
The awards have the backing of several prominent sponsors, including EY, EDF energy and Virgin Money.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg also commended the awards highlighting their importance in a somewhat un-diverse industry: “The importance of these awards cannot be overstated given that two out of every three FTSE 100 companies have an all-white board and will be a welcome addition to getting more diversity in the city.”
The ceremony will take place during Black History Month on October 2nd 2014 at Grange City Hotel in London.
