Nominations for the 2026 Black British Business Awards now open
Nominations for the 2026 Black British Business Awards are open. It’s time to spotlight Black visionary leaders, high-performers, innovators and entrepreneurial achievers in your organisation.
Now in its 13th year and with approximately 500 Black professionals and entrepreneurs already recognised for their contributions to businesses, the BBBAwards continues as a powerful platform; acknowledging the significant contributions and industry-leading achievements of Black British talent from across the UK. In nominating exceptional individuals, your organisation not only honours their achievements, but also sends a wider message of a culture of excellence, innovation, and leadership.
This year, the BBBAwards will recognise Senior Leaders and Rising Stars across nine key categories – more than in previous years, allowing greater opportunities for standout Black talent to win recognition for their contributions to UK business sectors.
STEM expands into two separate categories – Science & Engineering and Technology – while Consumer & Luxury expands into Fashion & Beauty, FMCG and Retail & Hospitality, joining the Arts & Media, Entrepreneur, Financial Services and Professional Services categories.
One overall Black British Business Person of the Year will be chosen from the category winners, joining an incredible legacy of Award winners that includes Yvonne Kunihira-Davidson, S&P Global, Pamela Maynard, Microsoft, Aaron Lynch, Netflix and so many more. For more details about each category and to make your nominations go to: 2026 Nominations and Referrals – The Black British Business Awards
Nominations for this year’s Awards close Wednesday 11th March.
The theme of the 2026 awards is #SHINE, in celebration of the brilliance, visibility, and impact of Black professionals and entrepreneurs across the UK.
BBBAwards Chair and Executive Founder Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE: “#SHINE recognises those who illuminate pathways for others, drive measurable change, and lead innovation across industries and communities. This year’s theme for the BBBAwards affirms that when individuals have a platform to authentically grow and shine, collective success follows. I invite business leaders to take the time to nominate, reward and recognize rising stars and senior leaders that shine within and beyond their organisations.”
2026’s finalists – and overall category winners – will be celebrated on 9th October at a prestigious awards ceremony at The Hilton Park Lane, joined by senior British business leaders, opinion formers and influencers representing all sectors and regions of the British economy.
BBBAwards is proud to announced that Key Partner JPMorganChase returns for a seventh year of support in recognising Black excellence across British business and entrepreneurship. Joining Key Partner
JPMorganChase this year is a growing list of significant sponsors including Baker McKenzie, Morgan Stanley, Ralph Lauren and S&P Global.
BBBAward winners 2025
In 2025, judges recognised three inspirational women from a line-up of 36 finalists representing global corporations including JPMorganChase, Netflix, Goldman Sachs, LinkedIn, Penguin, Random House and Kantar.
Black British Business Person of the Year 2025 was Managing Director, EMEA Head of Tax Solutions at S&P Global Market Intelligence Yvonne Kunihira-Davidson who advises major multinational financial institutions on complex global compliance regimes at a time of significant turbulence and uncertainty globally. Ms Kunihira-Davidson has also played a pivotal role in the global firm’s strategy for the attraction, retention and progression of Black talent with exceptional outcomes over a sustained period. .
2025’s IMPACT Award, honouring a Black business leader who has made a significant impact in their industry recognised Anne Mensah – VP, UK Content at Netflix UK. Ms Mensah joined Netflix in 2019 from Sky where she was Director of Drama and Sky Studios.
And new to the BBBAwards in 2025 was the ICON Award, celebrating a trailblazing Black British business leader whose lifelong contributions have profoundly shaped industry and inspired generations. The inaugural Icon Award recognised Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of the MOBO Group.
