Charity of the Year

An organisation that not necessarily have raised the most money but who have gone above and beyond in an imaginative way to raise money or acquire goods to assist others in a charitable way. The effort that has been put into their fundraising sets them apart from their counterparts.

Finalists

  • Fire K Stars Dancers Africa
  • Vision for all
  • Arrive Alive
  • The JJEffect
  • The Daddyless Daughters Project CIC
  • Melanin Moods CIC
  • African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI)
  • Conscious Youth
  • Children’s Hospital Pyjamas

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Community Unsung Hero of the Year

We are looking for a person who puts others before their own needs by going the extra mile to selflessly help others. We would like nominations for a person who has stepped in to help time and time again on their own initiative and is modest in their approach.

Finalists

  • Twinsane Fitness
  • John Paul
  • Kamilah Roberts
  • Sharon Bhola Harris
  • Lorna Phillip
  • Michelle Helsby
  • Roops Sandhu
  • Nana Agyemang
  • Janet Douglas
  • Chanel Morris-Jolley

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Entrepreneur of the Year

This is an individual who is driven by his/her desire to succeed. Those individuals who have built something truly remarkable and have stopped at nothing to achieve their ambitions. Someone who has been determined to turn their passion into a business and have made it profitable.

Finalists

  • Imran Savas
  • Max and Justina Lambert
  • Ben Francis
  • Dean Gordon
  • Hannah Spence
  • Naomi Maria
  • Jeffrey Oyinlola
  • Kameese Davis
  • Simin Foster
  • Rizwan Aslam

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Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion

This organisation has made a significant impact in the D&I space. They have continued to break down barriers and widen participation and access for all. They welcome diversity and continuously advocate for equality and inclusion in all they do.

Finalists

  • Eve Horne
  • Undiscovered Talent UK
  • Natasha Broomfield-Reid
  • Rowena Barclay
  • Liz Curran
  • Prof Caroline Makaka
  • Christine Wint
  • Pick Up The Mic
  • Sharon Isaacs
  • Muhammad Sibi

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Health & Wellbeing Champion

This award is for an organisation or an individual who has demonstrated excellence in working with a specific community of identity e.g. ethnic, LGBT or disabled communities, or communities of experience, e.g. homeless, carers, veterans to reduce health inequalities, using evidence, collaboration and engagement to support real change in people’s lives.

Finalists

  • Martina Witter
  • Daniel Knight-Allen
  • Justina Omotayo
  • Imran Akram
  • Tracy Richardson
  • Ebony Hikers
  • Tayyibah Hussain
  • Sadie Jones
  • Mica Allen
  • Andrea Walters

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Inspirational Construction Champion

The Inspirational Construction Champion award celebrates an individual whose innovation, integrity, and community dedication drive excellence in construction, significantly impacting both the industry and society by being a leader in their efforts, practices and inspiring future professionals.

Finalists

  • LaToyah Lewis
  • Jamaal Khan
  • Danielle Haskings
  • Remi Brown
  • Sean Mckenzie
  • Dean Mannion-Quinn

Inspirational Retail Champion

The Inspirational Retail Champion award recognises a standout team player who excels in customer service and makes a significant impact in the community, demonstrating exceptional support, dedication, and leadership in the retail industry.

Finalists

  • Marcus Bent
  • Wright Slice Butchers
  • Claudette Doherty
  • Mark Convey
  • Saving Threads CIC
  • Gina Barton

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Inspirational Sports Champion

The Inspirational Sports Champion award celebrates an individual who uplifts their community through outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, and dedication, with a spirit of unity and excellence in local and or national sports initiatives.

Finalists

  • Juvani Mupene
  • Vince Gordon
  • Paul Canoville
  • Leon Kabasele
  • Dean Broomes
  • Herville Hector
  • Stennett Harvey
  • Bob Dillion

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Lifetime Achievement

The lifetime achievement award recognises an individual’s outstanding continuous contribution that has a lasting impact on others. This individual displays an exceptionally positive impact on the life of others time and time again.

Finalists

  • Joss Cambridge Simmons
  • Dennis Hamilton aka Hatman
  • Gilroy Brown
  • Marcia Dixon MBE
  • Errol Drummond
  • Allyson Williams MBE
  • Lincoln Moses MBE
  • Marcia Lewinson

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Mentor of the Year

This award is for someone who has a willingness to share skills, knowledge, and expertise in a chosen field. Someone who is willing to teach what he/she knows and really helps the mentee wherever they are in their professional development. Somebody who remembers what it was like just starting out in their careers and is passionate about developing the next generation of professionals in the region.

Finalists

  • Essence Youth Mentoring
  • Malachi Nunes
  • Roxanne Dzik
  • Sandra Carter aka Applz
  • Raven Dixon Biggs
  • Desmond Skyers
  • Vivienne Joy
  • Zonia Anderson-Bell

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Net Zero Company Champion

The Net Zero Award recognises innovative projects, sustainable person or organisations that significantly reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a net-zero future. Celebrating advancements in sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship that align with global climate goals.

Finalists

  • Trina Tiernan
  • Byron Dixon
  • Mike Leonard
  • Gracefilled Okeke
  • Oyin Adebayo

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Rising Star

The rising star award is presented to a person that has made a significant impact in their industry and has shown exceptional promise. This person can either be employed or self-employed. The work they do must be inspiring to others.

Finalists

  • Nicola Noél
  • Stephen Adeyemo
  • Toqeer sajid
  • Ishita Prabhu
  • Portia Williams
  • Caleb Jebbison
  • Samantha Russell
  • Donna Fletcher
  • Paulina Francis
  • DJ L King

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Most Inspirational Person of the Year

An individual that inspires others to excel beyond their limiting beliefs. Someone that puts others to the forefront to help them believe, achieve, attain and retain the life they have always hoped for. This inspiring person uses their unique story to help others.

Finalists

  • Amina Muse Wehelie
  • Bishop Dr Jonathan Jackson
  • Jayne Hanson
  • Dr Amo Raju OBE DL
  • Andrea Rainsford
  • Skye Sandhu-Nelson
  • Shanice Campbell Carter
  • Elisha Ross
  • Element OG
  • Ophelia Charles

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Outstanding Business of the Year

This award is for those businesses that are in a class of their own! They tick all the boxes for their clients and customers and provide not only a top quality service or product but recognise that customer service is crucial as well. This business will be a successful business in their own right regardless of how long they have been in business.

Finalists

  • Island Lounge
  • Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet)
  • Last Looks Beauty LTD
  • Walton Wilkins
  • Carolynn Bain Afrori Books
  • F2D in the Community
  • H3ck1emania designs
  • Andy Barber

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Outstanding Senior Leader of the Year

This award is for a senior leader who encompasses a distinct set of qualities and behaviours that inspire and empower others to reach their full potential. A visionary, able to envision a compelling future and articulate a clear direction for their team or organisation. Someone who leads by example, demonstrating integrity, authenticity, and ethical behaviour in all their interactions.

Finalists

  • Paulette Fairin – Suban
  • Tendayi Bernadette Hlupo
  • Pam Rowe
  • Rebecca Clarke
  • Maureen Mandipaza
  • Kadi Wilson

Professional of the Year

The Professional of the Year award recognises an individual who has demonstrated outstanding expertise, leadership, and impact in their field, setting a high standard for excellence and contributing significantly to their profession.

Finalists

  • Mohammed Bashir
  • Karen Kabweru-Namulemu
  • Sophia Tarr
  • Natalie Simmonds-Alleyne
  • Nana Yabbey Hagan
  • Patricia Brooks

Role Model of the Year

This category is open to any person either employed, self-employed or volunteer who has exceeded expectations of their role and who stands out for making a positive contribution to society and the people around them. The individual will be outstanding in their efforts to deliver good ethics and values.

Finalists

  • Ramona Williams
  • Richard Thomas-Robinson
  • Aaron Raybe
  • Deirdre LaBassiere
  • Noreen Khan
  • Marcia Williams
  • Sabrina Hewitt
  • Ryan Dre Sinclair
  • Louize Jackson
  • Lamar Russell

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Social Campaigner of the Year

We are looking for a person who is passionate about equality and uses their platform and voice to bring about social change. Somebody who feels strongly about a cause and selflessly works towards fighting for equality.

Finalists

  • Diahanne Rhiney
  • Faron Alex Paul
  • Professor Adetoro Adegoke
  • Nicolas Kee Mew

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