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

  • Be The Change Youth Project CIC
  • Bipolar Lift CIC
  • CAV- Communities Against Violence CIC
  • Culture Community CIC
  • Forever Stars
  • MAMA Youth Project
  • RISE 365
  • The Trussel Trust Food Bank
  • Vision for All CIC
  • Walsall Black Sisters Collective

Community Unsung Hero of the Year

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

  • Adrienne Mullings
  • Carl Scott
  • Carol Wilson-Frith
  • Kam Chem-Badhan
  • Man dem in the woods
  • Naima Ali
  • Rupinder (Roops) Sandhu
  • Sharandeep Sahota
  • South Asian Voices Bristol CIC
  • Vel Mcdonald

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

  • Aisha Ansari
  • Casyo (krept) Johnson
  • Ferhaan Mirza
  • Fragranced With Love Limited
  • Jon Stokes
  • Jump and Move Party & Entertainment Hire by Jamel Taylor
  • Kesi Steven
  • Matthew Inniss
  • NewcreativityCIC
  • Sabrina Khan

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

  • AFJ Cardiff
  • Asma Begum
  • Azets Birmingham
  • Caring Connections
  • Elaine Grant
  • Giraffe Dance
  • Idominik Efeotor
  • Love Literacy
  • Nadine White
  • The Hive CIC

Inspirational Author of the Year

This award recognises an author whose writing is truly impactful, demonstrating exceptional craft and a powerful command of storytelling. Through thoughtful, well-crafted and inspiring content, their work brings important ideas, experiences and perspectives to life in a way that deeply resonates with readers. Their writing is not only inspirational and empowering, but also thoughtfully written and compelling, leaving a meaningful and lasting impression long after the final page.

Finalists

  • AJR Brooks
  • Chantelle Stephens
  • Ernest Kouassi
  • Lamar Russell
  • Nita Daw
  • Peter Okonkwo
  • Sandra Carter
  • Tania Arslan
  • The Forgotten Generations CIC
  • Yvonne Brissett

⁠Inspirational Employability Champion

The Inspirational Employability Champion award recognises an outstanding individual or organisation that goes above and beyond to support people into employment, creating meaningful opportunities and making a positive impact within the community. This award celebrates exceptional dedication, encouragement, and leadership in helping others build confidence, develop skills, and achieve their employment goals.

Finalists

  • Ayesha Rees
  • Claire Freeman
  • Louise Organ
  • Mitie
  • Neil Bryce
  • Omobola Odutayo
  • Pauline Jones
  • Peter Morrison
  • Safwan Hanash
  • Tony Carr

Inspirational Sports Champion (person or company)

The Inspirational Sports Champion award celebrates an individual or company 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

  • Alex Deans
  • Allsports Coaches Coaching Academy CIC
  • Andy Clements
  • Dr Justin Griffiths
  • FC Leytonstone
  • Isaiah James
  • Mikey Spice
  • New Young Blood
  • Renae Atkinson
  • Sands United FC Nottingham

Lifetime Achievement Award

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

  • Claire Goodwin-Fee
  • Flavia Popescu
  • Karen Bailey
  • Lord Brett McLean
  • Stella Mbubaegbu

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

  • Chantell Hayles
  • Charlie Chandler
  • Elaine Walker
  • Empowering Futures
  • Mia Korell
  • Sasha-Gay Smith
  • Shanaz Ahmed
  • Sonam Sandu
  • Wayne Henry

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

  • Authentic Jerk House
  • Business 2 Business
  • Cleone Foods Ltd t/a Island Delight
  • Crucial recycling ltd
  • Culture Deluxe Limited
  • Heart of gold homecare
  • Myst
  • Somerset House Exchange
  • Streetcred Magazine
  • The DM Lab

Outstanding Corporate Leader of the Year

This award is for a 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

  • Andras Karpati
  • Derrick Dunkley
  • Ibrahim Kadri
  • Khasruz Zaman
  • Money Chopra
  • Rickey Devonish
  • Roo Begom
  • Sarah Collins
  • Seema Kalidas
  • Sian McIntyre

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

  • Ben Johnson
  • Claire Angel
  • Hana Fitzpatrick
  • Hesam Vattani
  • Jatinderjit Sidhu
  • Lashonte Royal
  • Matthew Allick
  • Paulinah Eboh-Sampson
  • Ronnie Therese
  • Shelina Duke

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

  • Antonio Henry
  • Charlotte Rankin
  • Nia-Cerese Bayonne
  • Pastor Onyeka Power
  • Proud To Be Me CIC
  • RISE
  • Ryan Swain
  • Shane Brathwaite
  • Siyanda Mngaza
  • Usman Ali

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