THE UK BLACK BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCE 2025
The fourth annual UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference 2025 brought together more than 200 business owners, policymakers, industry thought leaders and advocates to share insights, forge partnerships, and celebrate Black excellence in business.
Welcome To The BBEC 2025
Press 'play' to watch and relive some moments from The UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference 2025.
EVENT SPEAKERS
The BBEC 2025 featured esteemed speakers across business, government, media, publishing, and sports, including:
Dr Carlton Brown, Founder of BBEC and Consultant
Tskenya-Sarah Frazer, Award-winning Culture, Inclusion and Sustainability Specialist
Andrew Lewin MP, Welwyn Hatfield
Lydia Amoah, CEO & Founder of Black Pound Report
Brenda Emmanus OBE, Arts and Culture Broadcaster, Presenter and Curator
Carole Copeland Thomas, International Keynote Speaker, Culture and Diversity Consultant and Thought Leader
Valerie Brandes, Founder of the Jacaranda Books
Afua Hirsch, Founder of Born In Me Productions
Yolanda Brown OBE DL, Double MOBO Award Winning Artist, Co-Founder of Soul Mama
Mike Williams, Co-Founder of Flake Bake LTD
RT Hon Vaughan Gething, Member of The Senedd for Cardiff South and Penarth
Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Chair of London and Partners
Lord Dr Michael Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE, Independent Peer in The House of Lords and Chairman of SOAS University London
Thomas Robson-Kanu, Former Premier League and International Footballer, and Co-Founder of The Turmeric Co.
Panel talks covered essential topics including DEI, public procurement, legal frameworks, and the experiences of Black women in business. Among the panellists were Andrew Lewin, Hatfield & Welwyn Garden City MP, Carole Copeland Thomas, international DEI consultant, Vaughan Gething, Member of the Senedd for Cardiff South and Penarth, and Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Chair of London and Partners.
Delegates enjoyed a rich experience with networking at its best coupled with a menu featuring Caribbean and African cuisine provided by esteemed suppliers. In addition, the day also featured live performances by Innocent Masuku, opera singer and Britain’s Got Talent finalist, the Hampton University Choir, and RnB singer Junior Giscombe, who closed the event with a soulful celebration of Black creativity and culture.
"This conference is designed for us to elevate, to educate and to inspire each other by telling our own stories. It's important because there are lots of positive stories in our community, and often they are not told."
- DR CARLTON BROWN
