Awards first celebrates Teesside’s black business community

Teesside’s inaugural Black Business Community Awards & Dinner attracted a diverse and passionate gathering of business leaders, entrepreneurs and community supporters from across Teesside.

The event celebrated the achievements and contributions of black-owned businesses in Teesside, showcasing the innovation, resilience and creativity that define the local black business community.

Hosted at state-of-the-art venue, The Staiths at AV Dawson’s Port of Middlesbrough site, the evening saw more than 150 guests attend.

The awards ceremony celebrated the incredible journeys of Black entrepreneurs across a range of sectors, from innovation and technology to creative industries and social enterprise.

The event featured thought-provoking speeches from influential leaders in business and community development, including keynote addresses from Tees Valley Business Board member Imran Anwar, founder and CEO of Middlesbrough tech business Alt Labs.

Imran said: “It was a real privilege to play a part in the inaugural Black Business Community Awards. At the Tees Valley Business Board, we recognise the vital importance of fostering a community where every business, regardless of background, has the resources, support and opportunities they need to thrive.

“Awards like this give us the space to honour the perseverance, creativity and dedication of black businesses and entrepreneurs as an invaluable part of our economic and cultural fabric. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Your accomplishments serve as an inspiration and your contributions are invaluable.”

The night saw multiple awards presented across several categories, including The Overcome, awarded to an individual that has shown outstanding resilience to overcome significant challenges, The Apprentice award recognising young individuals who demonstrate high levels of entrepreneurship and innovation, The Fashionista, awarded to a business making strides in the fashion industry, and an Honorary Award, given to a business that continues to support the black community in Teesside.

The winners, selected from a pool of highly deserving nominees, were celebrated not only for their business acumen but also for their contributions to social change, inclusivity, and local economic growth.

The dinner served as a vital networking hub, bringing together businesses from all industries, alongside local officials, investors and representatives from various business support organisations. It highlighted the power of collaboration and the importance of creating platforms for underrepresented groups to thrive.

Guests were treated to an evening of full entertainment by DJ Erv who was awarded for his contribution to the advancement of the richness of black culture through music showcase.

The event was organized by Sticks and Stones Studios, a collective of passionate individuals dedicated to supporting positive and meaningful representation of black community and advocates for diversity and inclusion in the Teesside.

They expressed their gratitude to everyone who made the evening possible. Kudakwashe Gumboreshumba Derera said: “The turnout and the energy in the room were simply overwhelming. This event marks a significant milestone in highlighting the immense talent and resilience of the black business community in Teesside.

“We are proud to have created a space where businesses can come together, celebrate their success, and continue to build the future of our Teesside in all its diversity.”

Sponsors included Tees Valley Combined Authority, Middlesbrough Council, Cello UK, Bensiri Consultancy and Ubuntu Multicultural Centre.

The success of the inaugural Black Business Community Awards & Dinner has set a high bar for future events, with plans already in motion to make it an annual celebration of excellence.

Organisers are committed to expanding the scope of the event in 2025, providing more opportunities for black entrepreneurs to connect, grow and showcase their businesses.

The winners were:

The Keeper – Bensiri Consultancy

The Innovator – Reuel Nature

The Overcomer – Marian Asyi; Susan Mansaray

The Apprentice – DJ Toluwase Akin-Jaiyeoba aka DJ Lizzy

Honorary Award – Thirteen Group; Sytner Mercedes-Benz Teesside

The Entertainer – Lounge Afrique; DJ Erv

Food and Beverage: Rootz and Kolture Restaurant; Salam Restaurant

The Advocate – UK Visa Advice Service

Film and TV – Elvis Katoto

Music, The Legend  – The Chief; Sturge

The Fashionista – Mr Rocca

Hair and Beauty – Afrokings Barbershop; Bentley Lounge Barbershop; QueenStar Saloon

The Traveller – Alphapack Travelling

Community impact –  Women Today; Transformer HPL; Ubuntu Multicultural Centre

Lifetime Achievement – Desmaz Uzoma ‘Bobby’; Apolaire Ouedraogo