The third annual UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference (BBEC) took place on 11th July 2024 at the NatWest Conference Centre in Bishopsgate, London.

The event was a notable success, hosting over 250 delegates and speakers from various sectors of entrepreneurship. Attendees praised its exceptional organisation and content, marking it as the best yet.

“Each year it keeps getting better than the previous year. I didn’t think it was possible,” said one enthusiastic delegate. Another added, “Dr. Carlton and the team have created a unique experience unlike anything else in the market. I am just happy I bought my ticket early to this sold-out event.” The atmosphere was electric, with another delegate noting, “From the moment I walked into the venue, I knew something special was about to happen.”

Diverse Lineup of Speakers

BBEC 2024 featured a diverse lineup of speakers from around the globe, including:

  • Lord Hastings: Chair, SOAS University of London; Professor of Leadership, Huntsman Business School, USA; Chair, London Chamber of Commerce Black Business Assoc; Trustee One Young World; NED Saxton Bamphylde; NED Cornerstone VC.
  • Dr Carlton Brown: Author of the Black Entrepreneur Report, Entrepreneur & Academic.
  • Hamid Ibrahim: Co-founder of Kugali Media.
  • Andy Davis: Founding Partner of 10×10 Capital.
  • Emmanuel Asuquo: Founder of OneStopSave.com.
  • Theresa Harrison: Global Diversity Lead from EY.
  • Nedra Dixon: Global Supplier Inclusion and Sustainability Client Offering Lead from Accenture.
  • Patricia Hamzahee: Advisor & Impact Investor.
  • Dilys Kyeiwaa Winterkorn: MD of Pathway Fund.
  • Sharniya Ferdinand: Natwest Enterprise Community Strategy Director.
  • Byron Dixon OBE: Founder & CEO of the award-winning brand, Micro-Fresh®.
  • Valerie Brandes: Founder of Jacaranda Books.
  • Tevin Tobun: Chief Executive at GV Group.
  • Vusi Thembekwayo: Global Speaker, Best-Selling Author, Award-winning Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of School of Scale and VT Club 100.
  • Lucy Quist: Financial Services & Telecommunications Executive, Board NED, Author.
  • Derek Redmond: Olympian, World and European relay champion, Motivational Speaker and TV Personality.

Their insights and experiences inspired and motivated attendees, providing valuable knowledge and strategies for business success. An Instagram clip by Vusi Thembekwayo, following his speech at the conference, highlighted the professionalism and energy of the event link.

Pitch for Success Session

A standout feature of the conference was the “Pitch for Success” session, where seven promising businesses presented their ideas to potential investors and retailer judges from Booker, Cotswold Fayre, Selfridges, Wakuda, Love Drinks, and Drinks One. This session underscored BBEC’s commitment to fostering economic opportunities and growth for black entrepreneurs.

Delegates enjoyed a rich cultural experience, starting with a gospel choir to open the proceedings. The menu featured Caribbean and African cuisine provided by esteemed suppliers, and attendees received goodie bags filled with a variety of items, adding to the overall enriching experience.

Dr Carlton Brown, founder and author of the Black Business Entrepreneurs Report and the conference, emphasised the importance of creating an environment for change. “We must believe in the possibilities of what is possible and we have to create an environment where change is possible because if ‘Nothing changes, Nothing changes’.”