Awards honour world-class black British business leaders

Since their founding in 2012 by two inspirational businesswomen, Melanie Eusebe Sophie Chandauka, the Black British Business Awards have become a staple in the award calendar for black public figures, as well as, business figures and politicians alike. Below is a report from the Voice newspaper about this year's event.
Ashok Viswanathan.

Winners ‘all helping to build a diverse, dynamic workforce’ to boost economy

LEADING FIGURES in Britain’s business community were honoured at the recent Black British Business Awards.

The awards, founded by Melanie Eusebe and Sophie Chandauka, celebrate and promote the significant contribution by black professionals and entrepreneurs across the United Kingdom.

In its third year, the awards recognise established leaders and rising stars in science, technology, arts and the media, professional services, and finance and entrepreneurs.

Fourteen exceptional business men and women were celebrated at the ceremony held at the Grange St Paul’s Hotel in London on October 6, with more than 450 guests in attendance from across British business, media and politics.

The judges also announced that Chi-chi Nwanoku is Black British Business Person of 2016. Chi-chi is principal double bassist and co-founder of the Orchestra of the Age of the Enlightenment and Founder of The Chineke! Foundation. The Foundation was established to provide career opportunities to young BME classical musicians.

Eusebe said:

I congratulate all the nominees and winners of the third Black British Business Awards – each one of them are evidence of the wealth of talent from the black community, contributing substantially to the UK’s economy. The achievements highlight the breadth and depth of business talent across the UK and show an individual’s potential to succeed should not be governed by the colour of their skin. The programme has gone from strength to strength over the past three years and we are overwhelmed by the resoundingly positive response and impact that it has had. The Black British Business Awards team would especially like to thank all of our sponsors, judges and partners for their ongoing support and we look forward to celebrating further success throughout the year.”

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

Please pass on my warmest congratulations to all those shortlisted for this year’s awards. They are all helping to build a diverse, dynamic workforce that will help our economy grow.

The nominees should be incredibly proud of their achievements. I wish them all the best of luck with their future endeavours.”

ROLL OF HONOUR

Image Award
Samantha Tross

Network Impact
Bloomberg

Arts & Media Leader of the Year
Misan Sagay – Screenwriter and Producer

Arts & Media Rising Star
Timothy Armoo – CEO, Fanbytes

Consumer & Luxury leader of the Year
Najoh Tita-Reid – VP and Country Division Head at Bayer Consumer Health for UK & Ireland, Bayer plc

Consumer & Luxury Rising Star
Antony Pink – Co-Founder and COO, Laundrapp

Entrepreneur Leader of the Year
Damian Melville – Director, Melville & Daughters Funeral Directors

Entrepreneur Rising Star
Dumi Oburota – Founding Director, Disturbing London Records Limited

Financial Services Leader of the Year
Carol Lake – Managing Director, International Markets, Corporate Responsibility, J.P. Morgan

Financial Services Rising Star
Charlene Brown – Legal Counsel, Bank of New York Mellon Professional Services

Leader of the Year
Walter H White Jr – Partner, McGuireWoods LLP

Professional Services Rising Star
Winnie Annan-Forson – HR Business Partner, Barclays Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Leader of the Year
Marcia Boakye-Keating – Oncology Team Leader, Roche Products Limited

Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Rising Star
Jonathan Lule – Energy Project Manager, EDF Energy.

Reproduced from the The Voice.

Source: http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/awards-honour-world-class-black-british-business-leaders