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Skip to main contentWINNERS ANNOUNCED IN THE FIRST BLACK BRITISH BUSINESS AWARDS
Awards celebrate outstanding achievements of black British business leaders
Leading business figures across UK PLC came together today to celebrate the winners of the first Black British Business Awards, sponsored by EY. This year’s outstanding winners are all role models who will inspire a new generation to pursue excellence in their careers.
According to a study conducted by Business in the Community, the share of BAME people in top management has increased by just 0.5% between 2007 and 2012, but in real terms the number of BAME people in top management positions has decreased from 95,023 to 73,378 – a drop of 21,645.
The Black British Business Awards, founded by Melanie Eusebe and Sophie Chandauka, celebrate and promote the significant contributions by black professionals in businesses in Britain, uncovering inspirational role models and ambassadors across all UK industries including media, professional services, finance, infrastructure and manufacturing and STEM.
The 15-strong judging panel was comprised of business leaders across a wide range of industries including: Sanjay Bhandari, Partner, EY, Karen Blackett OBE, CEO, MediaCom, Tim Campbell MBE, Head of Client Services, Emerging Talent, Alexander Mann Solutions; winner The Apprentice (2005), Adrian Joseph, Director, Customer Solutions & Innovation, Northern & Central Europe Google and Steve Smith, Chief Marketing Officer, ASDA.
2014 Black British Business Awards winners
Financial Services (includes in-house professionals) – sponsored by Alexander Mann Solutions
Leader
Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG, includes retail) – sponsored by Diversity Jobs
Leader
Rising Star
Infrastructure and Manufacturing (includes transportation, built environment, power and utilities) - sponsored by BP
Leader
Rising Star
Press information available from BLJ London, 0207 932 1599 Victoria Morgan ([email protected]) Carollyn Lascelles ([email protected])
Media and the Arts (includes media, publishing, advertising, entertainment) – sponsored by MeWe360
Leader
Rising Star
Professional Services (includes law, accounting, management consultancy) – sponsored by Baker & McKenzie
Leader
Rising Star
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM, includes health professionals) – sponsored by EDF Energy
Leader
Rising Star
Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Virgin Money
Leader
Rising Star
Black British Business Person of the Year – sponsored by EY
Margaret Casely-Hayford, Chairman, Action Aid UK
Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, who gave the keynote address at the awards ceremony stated:
“If we are to build a stronger, fairer, more modern society, we need to do more to back the achievements of the black entrepreneurs that are celebrated at these awards today.
“I am championing a new initiative that will put future black leaders at the top table of our biggest companies. Working with Trevor Phillips, this campaign will get the balance in the boardroom right and encourage businesses to put ethnic diversity at the top of their agenda.”
Melanie Eusebe, Chair and Co-founder of the Black British Business Awards commented: “The first year of the Black British Business Awards has been a wonderful journey and this year’s winners are some of the most inspiring business people I have come across. All of our finalists are role models and trail blazers, demonstrating excellence, defying stereotypes and creating opportunities for others wherever possible.
Press information available from BLJ London, 0207 932 1599 Victoria Morgan ([email protected]) Carollyn Lascelles ([email protected])
Thanks to the tremendous support of our sponsors, judges, partners and Government this inaugural year of the awards has been unforgettable and has laid the groundwork for much- needed change through collaboration.”
Sanjay Bhandari, an EY partner and member of the awards judging panel added: “Improving the diversity of British boardrooms isn’t purely a case of political or organisational policy. It requires role models to demonstrate that barriers can be overcome and to show what can be achieved.
The winners and finalists of the Black British Business awards are all inspirational ambassadors and I hope will have a large part to play in encouraging the next generation of talent. It has been a privilege for EY, and for me personally as a judge, to lend our support.”
For further information about the awards please see: www.thebbbawards.com
BBBAwards Delivery Partner – Everywoman Ltd
Founded in 1999 by Maxine Benson MBE and Karen Gill MBE, everywoman has been leading and influencing the gender diversity conversation with government, industry and women in business globally for 15 years.
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. www.everywoman.com
BBBAwards Partner Sponsor - About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
EY refers to the global organisation and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organisation, please visit ey.com.
Full list of judges
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