With just a week remaining before nominations close, organisations across the UK are being urged to recognise the outstanding achievements of Black professionals and entrepreneurs by putting forward candidates for the 2026 Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards).
Now in its 13th year, the BBBAwards continues to spotlight the remarkable impact of Black British talent across the UK’s business landscape. Since its launch, approximately 500 professionals and entrepreneurs have been recognised for their leadership, innovation and contribution to British industry.
The awards celebrate both Senior Leaders and Rising Stars across nine key sectors, expanding opportunities for recognition in 2026. This year sees STEM split into two categories – Science & Engineering and Technology – while Consumer & Luxury expands into Fashion & Beauty, FMCG and Retail & Hospitality. These join the established categories of Arts & Media, Entrepreneur, Financial Services and Professional Services.
CELEBRATING EXCEPTIONAL BLACK TALENT
For organisations, nominating exceptional talent is about more than recognition. It also signals a commitment to a culture of excellence, leadership and innovation, while helping elevate individuals whose work is shaping the future of UK business.
The overall Black British Business Person of the Year will be selected from the category winners. They will join a prestigious alumni of leaders including Yvonne Kunihira-Davidson (S&P Global), Pamela Maynard (Microsoft) and Aaron Lynch (Netflix).
TIME TO #SHINE
The theme for the 2026 awards is #SHINE, celebrating the visibility, brilliance and impact of Black professionals across industries.
“#SHINE recognises those who illuminate pathways for others, drive measurable change, and lead innovation across industries and communities,” shared BBBAwards Chair and Executive Founder Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE. “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.”
Finalists and winners will be announced at the BBBAwards ceremony on 9 October 2026 at London’s Hilton Park Lane. The event will bring together senior British business leaders, influencers and decision-makers from across the UK economy. This year’s awards are supported by global sponsors, including Baker McKenzie, Morgan Stanley, Ralph Lauren and S&P Global.
CELEBRATING IMPACT
At the 2025 BBBAwards, judges recognised three inspirational women from a shortlist of 36 finalists representing major global organisations including Netflix, Goldman Sachs, LinkedIn, Penguin Random House and Kantar.
Yvonne Kunihira-Davidson, MD and EMEA Head of Tax Solutions at S&P Global Market Intelligence, was named Black British Business Person of the Year 2025. She was recognised for advising multinational financial institutions through complex global compliance regimes and for her leadership in advancing Black talent within the organisation.
The 2025 IMPACT Award honoured Anne Mensah, Vice President of UK Content at Netflix UK, acknowledging her significant influence on the UK television and film industry. Meanwhile, the inaugural ICON Award celebrated Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of the MOBO Group, for her lifelong contributions to the music industry and her role in championing Black British culture and creativity.
A PLATFORM FOR CHANGE
Established in 2014, the Black British Business Awards is the only premium awards programme of its kind in the UK. The awards have received endorsement from four UK Prime Ministers, the Mayor of London and numerous global business leaders.
Beyond the annual ceremony, the BBBAwards works with corporate partners, campaigners and global thought leaders to advance racial equity and accelerate the careers of Black professionals.
Through collaborations with organisations including the CBI, 30% Club, Change the Race Ratio, the Executive Leadership Council, INvolve and The Network of Networks (TNON), the programme delivers research-led talent acceleration and inclusive leadership initiatives across more than 130 multinational companies.
With nominations closing Wednesday 11 March, organisations now have just days left to recognise the leaders and rising stars helping shape the future of British business.
Click here to enter this year’s BBBAwards. Check out last year’s winners here.
RELATED ARTICLES
The 2025 Black British Business Awards revealed 36 trailblazing Black entrepreneurs and leaders shaping the UK’s economic and cultural future.
The Black British Business Awards reveal 2025’s finalists.
The BBBAwards reveals 2024’s winners to kickstart the UK’s Black History Month.
Revealed: 2024’s BBBAwards finalists.
Check out 2023’s Black British Business Awards finalists here.
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