The Black British Business Awards

09/10/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Black British Business Person of the Year! 

🏆 Ije Nwokorie, Chief Executive Officer,

The Black British Business Person of the Year is an exceptional individual whose unique vision, innovative approach and proven success represent the very best of business talent. 

The recipient is an industry leader who has demonstrated significant commercial and strategic influence over a sustained period, while serving as an outstanding role model and ambassador for British business. 

Congratulations to Ije on this remarkable achievement and well-deserved recognition. 

The 2026 Black British Business Awards were proudly presented by . Without their support, this celebration of Black excellence would not be possible. Thank you for helping us a light on Black talent across the UK. 

09/10/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Professional Services Winners! 

🏆 Rising Star Winner: Jack Van Cooten, Senior Manager, External Vendors & Data, 
🏆 Senior Leader Winner: Laurie-Anne Power KC, Barrister, 25 Bedford Row 

The Professional Services category celebrates Black trailblazers and changemakers across law, accounting and management consultancy. 

These winners are redefining excellence, creating impact and helping shape the future of professional services. 

A huge thank you to .stanley for sponsoring this category and supporting the celebration of Black excellence across the UK. 

The 2026 Black British Business Awards were proudly presented by . Without their support, this celebration of Black excellence would not be possible. Thank you for helping us a light on Black talent across the UK. 

09/10/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 STEM Winners! 

🏆 Rising Star Winner: Maciah Smith, Innovation and Strategic Technology Roadmapping Analyst, Johnson Matthey 
🏆 Senior Leader Winner: Eustace Xavier, Finance Director, Technical Services, Mitie PLC 

The STEM category celebrates Black business owners and professionals across science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

These winners are driving innovation, solving complex challenges and helping shape the future through their expertise and leadership. 

A huge thank you to Baker McKenzie for sponsoring this category and supporting the celebration of Black excellence across the UK. 

The 2026 Black British Business Awards were proudly presented by . Without their support, this celebration of Black excellence would not be possible. Thank you for helping us a light on Black talent across the UK. 

09/10/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Impact Award Winner! 
🏆

This year, the BBBAwards introduced the Impact Award, sponsored by INvolve, to recognise organisations setting the benchmark for racial inclusion and advancing Black equity and opportunity across the UK. 

The award celebrates organisations that demonstrate visible leadership, take intentional action, and deliver meaningful impact for Black colleagues, customers and communities. It recognises those creating lasting change through accountability, measurable progress and a sustained commitment to Black equity and opportunity. 

Congratulations to Sky on this outstanding achievement and well-deserved recognition. 

Thank you to .people for sponsoring this award and supporting the celebration of organisations driving meaningful and measurable change across the UK. 

The 2026 Black British Business Awards were proudly presented by . Without their support, this celebration of Black excellence would not be possible. Thank you for helping us a light on Black talent across the UK. 

09/10/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Retail & Hospitality Winners! 

🏆 Rising Star Winner: Rickey Devonish, Head of Apprenticeships and Emerging Talent, 
🏆 Senior Leader Winner: Leona De Graft, VP Global Ecommerce,

The Retail & Hospitality category celebrates Black business owners and professionals across a broad range of sectors, including retail, e-commerce, travel, leisure, food service and hospitality. 

These winners are driving innovation, creating exceptional customer experiences and helping shape the future of their industries. 

A huge thank you to for sponsoring this category and supporting the celebration of Black excellence across the UK. 

The 2026 Black British Business Awards were proudly presented by . Without their support, this celebration of Black excellence would not be possible. Thank you for helping us a light on Black talent across the UK. 

09/10/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Fashion, Beauty & Consumer Winners! 

🏆 Rising Star Winner: Yasmin O’Neal, Senior Director for Global Brand and Impact, 
🏆 Senior Leader Winner: Andrea Thompson, Journalist, Brand Consultant & Former Editor in Chief, Marie Claire UK 

This category celebrates professionals driving excellence and innovation across the fashion, beauty and consumer sectors. 

These winners are helping to shape culture, influence brands and redefine industry standards through their leadership and impact. 

A huge thank you to Goldman Sachs for sponsoring this category and supporting the celebration of Black excellence across the UK. 

The 2026 Black British Business Awards were proudly presented by . Without their support, this celebration of Black excellence would not be possible. Thank you for helping us a light on Black talent across the UK. 

09/10/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Entrepreneur Winners! 

🏆 Rising Star Winner: Dr Elsa Zekeng, Founder & CEO, SökerData 
🏆 Senior Leader Winner: Antonia Okonma Sh*ttu, Founder & CEO,

The Entrepreneur category celebrates courageous Black entrepreneurs who have run their own business or social enterprise and are driving innovation, growth and impact. 

These winners are building successful businesses, creating opportunities for others and shaping the future of entrepreneurship. 

A huge thank you to for sponsoring this category and supporting the celebration of Black excellence across the UK. 

The 2026 Black British Business Awards were proudly presented by . Without their support, this celebration of Black excellence would not be possible. Thank you for helping us a light on Black talent across the UK. 

09/10/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Ally of the Year Winner! 
🏆 Christopher Beatty, EMEA Chief Operating Officer, .stanley

The Ally of the Year Award celebrates an individual who, despite not being Black, has been highly visible and vocal in leading courageous conversations about the challenges confronted by Black people in their business and industry. 

This individual has built deep relationships based on trust with the Black community and has used their power, position and influence to drive meaningful and lasting change. 

Congratulations to Christopher on this well-deserved recognition. 

The 2026 Black British Business Awards were proudly presented by . Without their support, this celebration of Black excellence would not be possible. Thank you for helping us a light on Black talent across the UK. 

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Financial Services Winners! 

🏆 Rising Star Winner: Nana Agyemang, Proposition Delivery Manager, 
🏆 Senior Leader Winner: Melissa Max-Macarthy, Managing Director, Head of Strategy, Retail Banking, Formerly NatWest  

The Financial Services category recognises successful professionals across banks, brokers, payment services, insurance companies, credit card funds and regulators. 
These winners are shaping the future of financial services through their leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence. 

A huge thank you to for sponsoring this category and supporting the celebration of Black excellence across the UK. 

The 2026 Black British Business Awards were proudly presented by . Without their support, this celebration of Black excellence would not be possible. Thank you for helping us a light on Black talent across the UK.