Nominations have opened for the 2026 version of the Black British Enterprise Awards (BBBAwards), marking the thirteenth 12 months of a programme devoted to recognising distinctive Black British expertise throughout the UK’s company and entrepreneurial panorama.
With practically 500 professionals and entrepreneurs already honoured since its launch, the awards proceed to function a outstanding platform for celebrating management, innovation and affect throughout British enterprise. Organisers are calling on corporations to place ahead visionary leaders, high-performing executives and entrepreneurial achievers whose work is shaping industries nationwide.
This 12 months’s programme expands to 9 classes, providing broader recognition than in earlier years. The STEM class has been break up into Science & Engineering and Know-how, whereas Shopper & Luxurious now spans Trend & Magnificence, FMCG and Retail & Hospitality. These sit alongside Arts & Media, Entrepreneur, Monetary Companies and Skilled Companies.
From the class winners, one general Black British Enterprise Particular person of the 12 months will probably be chosen, becoming a member of a distinguished alumni that features leaders from S&P World, Microsoft and Netflix.
The 2026 theme, #SHINE, is designed to have a good time visibility, brilliance and measurable affect. BBBAwards chair and govt founder Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE mentioned the theme displays the significance of genuine development and collective progress.
“#SHINE recognises those that illuminate pathways for others, drive measurable change and lead innovation throughout industries and communities,” she mentioned. “When people have a platform to develop and shine authentically, collective success follows.”
Nominations shut on Wednesday 11 March, with finalists and winners to be celebrated at a ceremony on 9 October at Hilton Park Lane. The occasion is anticipated to attract senior enterprise leaders and influencers from throughout the UK economic system.
Sponsors for 2026 embody Baker McKenzie, Morgan Stanley, Ralph Lauren and S&P World.
Final 12 months’s Black British Enterprise Particular person of the 12 months was Yvonne Kunihira-Davidson, managing director and EMEA head of tax options at S&P World Market Intelligence. The 2025 Influence Award went to Anne Mensah, vice-president of UK content material at Netflix, whereas the inaugural Icon Award honoured Kanya King CBE, founder and chief govt of MOBO Group.
Organisers say the awards stay a significant discussion board for recognising excellence and guaranteeing that Black British professionals obtain the visibility and recognition their achievements advantage.
