Piers Linney and Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones named as finalists for awards celebrating black business leaders

 
Entrepreneur: Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones (Picture: Getty)
Mark Blunden @_MarkBlunden4 September 2014

Dragon's Den star Piers Linney and agricultural entrepreneur Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones have been named as finalists for new awards honouring the “extraordinary talent” of Britain’s black business leaders.

Linney and Emmanuel-Jones, founder of The Black Farmer food range, have been nominated for the Black British Business Awards which aim to “celebrate and promote the often unsung significant contributions by black professionals in businesses in Britain”.

Organisers said there was still a lack of black and minority ethnic business leaders in the boardroom.

The winners will be announced at the Grange City Hotel at Tower Hill on 2 October.

Business Secretary Vince Cable will be among the speakers.

The judging panel includes BBC Apprentice winner Tim Campbell and Sophie Chandauka, head of asset financing at Virgin Money Group, who co-founded the awards with Melanie Eusebe, a businesswoman, lecturer and broadcaster.

Categories for the awards, sponsored by EY, include infrastructure and manufacturing, financial services and fast-moving consumer goods.

Ms Chandauka said: “We have every expectation that the Black British Business Awards will forecast, with precision, important boardroom members of the future.

“Our rising stars are phenomenally gifted individuals who have defied the odds, particularly given the fiercely competitive environment following the global financial crisis.

“The awards will serve as an antidote to stereotypes on so many levels.”

Ms Eusebe said: “I started these awards to showcase the contribution made to the British economy by black business people, and with the tremendous support we have received from our sponsors, judges, partners, community and government, we now have a sold out ceremony that is raising awareness, changing mindsets, and inspiring the next generation of business leaders.”

Prime Minister David Cameron is backing the awards.

“I’m delighted to back the inaugural Black British Business Awards that will celebrate and recognise the fantastic contribution of black business people in the UK,” he said.

“From financial services and technology to retail and manufacturing the list of extraordinary talent in Britain’s African-Caribbean community goes on and on.”

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