Chamber set to sponsor upcoming Black Talent Awards
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) is sponsoring the upcoming Black Talent Awards, championing diversity in the region’s business landscape.
The event will take place on Friday, 26 September at the ICC, aligning with this year’s theme of ‘Impact’ in celebrating those driving real change in their fields and communities.
As the nation’s only UK-wide awards platform exclusively dedicated to Black professionals, the Black Talent Awards consists of 16 award categories.
The shortlist for the awards was announced recently, shining a spotlight on outstanding Black professionals across the UK. This year saw over 300 nominations submitted, with 238 completed entries from across the country.
It was judged by an independent panel of 31 judges from across the UK. The process also included an additional 10 youth judges embedded in the judging teams – a mentorship initiative that gave young aspiring professionals a voice in the process.
Meanwhile, GBCC recently launched a free Investment Readiness Accelerator initiative designed to accelerate growth for Black-owned SMEs across the region.
It is led by the Chamber’s Black Business Collective - a free subscriber network offering Black business owners and professionals a platform to meet, learn, keep connected and find opportunities.
Speaking about sponsoring the event, GBCC strategic relationship manager Alicia Nelson (pictured) said: “I am thrilled that the Chamber is sponsoring the Black Talent Awards.
“Their support not only shines a spotlight on exceptional Black professionals and inclusive employers across the UK—helping to elevate and celebrate those who are thriving against the odds—but also serves as a powerful reinforcement of the Chamber’s broader vision for the Black Business Collective.
“By investing in both recognition and community-building, the Chamber is enabling a cohesive ecosystem where Black talent is seen, connected, uplifted—and ultimately, empowered to lead and inspire.”
The shortlisted candidates are;
Charity & Change Employee of the Year: Alethea Balbuena-Pitt; Bob Clarke; Chloe Lewis; Daniel Sukula
Entrepreneur of the Year: Daniella Blechner; Fabio Embalo; Kameese Davis; Paulette Watson
Facilities & Supply Chain Employee of the Year: Kelo Uchendu; Melanie Grizzle; Patricia Mensah; Ramona Williams
Financial Services Employee of the Year: Cherryl Cooper; Jeffrey Krampah Williams; Khalia Ismain; Shauna Roper
Marketing, Media & Creative Employee of the Year: Benjah Pozi-Quansah; Eva Masawi; Jayd Williams; Lydia Amoah
People & Culture Employee of the Year: Deborah Barnett; Kameka McLean; Mandisa Gordon; Natalie Simmonds-Alleyne.
Professional Services Employee of the Year: Dr. Tunde Okewale OBE; Isaac Eloi; Natalie Rose; Tafadzwa Chaduka
Public Sector & Services Employee of the Year: Adeshola Akanji; Dr. George Obolo; Jahnine Davis; Shaun Pascal
Retail & Leisure Employee of the Year: Carol Muriithi; Jasmine Okonkwo; Morgan Brown; Ramona Williams; Zoe Broadway
Rising Star of the Year: Aaron Michael Dorsett; Ibukun Oluleye; Morgan Brown; Tarisiro Fundira
Senior Leader of the Year: Akin Ogboye; Bridget Tatham; Kizzy Augustin; Shauna Roper
STEM Employee of the Year: Choolwe Mandona; Donna Otchere; Ignatius Kaku; Mandisa Gordon
ERG of the Year: Black Professionals Network and Friends (BPNet); Coventry Building Society; Elevate Network – the Financial Conduct Authority’s Multi-ethnic Women’s Network; NatWest Group Multicultural Network
Excellence in Education: Professor Bertha Ochieng (De Montfort University); Gurdeep Chima (Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship); Dr. Myrtle Emmanuel (University of Greenwich); Olu Orguboh (Synergy Solutions)
Small Business of the Year: Butterfly Books; Caribbean & African Health Network (in partnership with University of Greater Manchester); Black Rise; Legacy Centre of Excellence
Social Impact Organisation of the Year: Barclays Eagle Labs; Be The Change Youth Project CIC; The Black Collective of Media in Sport; Black Equity Organisation
