Teesside’s vibrant black business community was in the spotlight as over 150 guests gathered for the inaugural Black Business Community Awards & Dinner, a landmark event celebrating innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurship across the region.
Hosted at The Staiths, a state-of-the-art venue located at AV Dawson’s Port of Middlesbrough site, the evening drew together a diverse group of business leaders, entrepreneurs, local officials, and community supporters from across Teesside.
The event honoured outstanding contributions from Black-owned businesses in a wide range of sectors, from fashion and food to innovation and technology. It served not only as an awards ceremony but as a networking hub and a powerful reminder of the rich talent within the local Black community.
The night saw multiple awards presented across several categories, including The Overcomer, 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; The Tech Impact Award, celebrating individuals or businesses making significant contributions in the field of technology and innovation; 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.
The evening featured inspirational speeches from community and business leaders, including a keynote by Imran Anwar, founder and CEO of Middlesbrough-based tech company Alt Labs and a member of the Tees Valley Business Board.
“It was a real privilege to be part of this inaugural celebration,” said Anwar. “Awards like this honour the perseverance, creativity, and dedication of Black entrepreneurs who are vital to our cultural and economic success.”
Winners were selected across several diverse categories, including:
- The Overcomer – Marian Asyi; Susan Mansaray
- The Apprentice – DJ Toluwase Akin-Jaiyeoba aka DJ Lizzy
- The Fashionista – Mr Rocca
- The Entertainer – Lounge Afrique; DJ Erv
- Tech Impact – Olawale Bamidele
- Honorary Award – Thirteen Group; Sytner Mercedes-Benz Teesside
- Community Impact – Women Today; Transformer HPL; Ubuntu Multicultural Centre
- Lifetime Achievement – Desmaz Uzoma ‘Bobby’; Apolaire Ouedraogo
- Food & Beverage – Rootz and Kolture Restaurant; Salam Restaurant
- The Keeper – Bensiri Consultancy
- The Innovator – Reuel Nature
- Hair and Beauty – Afrokings Barbershop, Bentley Lounge Barbershop, QueenStar Saloon
- The Traveller – Alphapack Travelling
- The Advocate – UK Visa Advice Service
- Film and TV – Elvis Katoto
- Music, The Legend – The Chief; Sturge
Guests were treated to live entertainment, including a performance by DJ Erv, who was recognised for promoting Black culture through music and creative showcases.
The event was organised by Sticks and Stones Studios, a passionate collective focused on promoting positive representation, diversity, and inclusion in the Teesside area.
“The energy in the room was electric,” said organiser Kudakwashe Gumboreshumba Derera. “We’re proud to have created a platform that celebrates the excellence within our community. This is just the beginning.”
Sponsored by Tees Valley Combined Authority, Middlesbrough Council, Cello UK, Bensiri Consultancy, and Ubuntu Multicultural Centre, the event has set the tone for what is expected to become an annual tradition. Organisers are already planning a bigger edition in 2025, aiming to reach even more entrepreneurs and changemakers.