The United Kingdom is home to a growing number of successful black businesswomen who have made a significant impact in various sectors of the economy. These women have broken barriers and shattered stereotypes to become leaders in their respective fields. In this article, we will highlight the top 10 UK black business women who are making waves in the business world.
Sharon White
Dame Michele Sharon White, Lady Chote is the former CEO of Ofcom, the UK’s telecommunications regulator, and was recently appointed as Chair of the John Lewis Partnership. She is the first black woman to hold this position in the company’s history. White has also held various leadership positions in the private and public sectors, including at the Department for International Development and the Treasury.
Ayesha Ofori
Ayesha Ofori is a British-Ghanaian entrepreneur and property investor. She is the founder of the Black Property Network (BPN), a UK-based professional community for black property investors, and is currently the managing director of Axion Property Partners, a property investment and development firm based in London.
Ayesha has a background in finance and previously worked in investment banking before transitioning to the property industry. Through Axion Property Partners, she specializes in acquiring and redeveloping distressed properties in London, with a focus on creating high-quality affordable housing.
Dr. Yvonne Thompson
Dr. Yvonne Thompson is a businesswoman, author, and activist who is widely recognized as a pioneer in the UK’s ethnic marketing industry. She founded Choice FM, the UK’s first radio station aimed at a black audience, and has worked as a consultant for various organizations on issues related to diversity and inclusion. Thompson has received several awards for her work, including an OBE for services to diversity in the UK.
Ronke Lawal
Ronke Lawal is a PR and communications consultant and the founder of Ariatu PR. She is a highly respected businesswoman in the UK’s media and communications industry, and her clients include small businesses, charities, and corporate organizations. Lawal is also an advocate for women’s empowerment and runs a mentoring program for young women.
June Angelides
June Angelides is a tech entrepreneur and investor who founded Mums in Technology, a coding school for mothers. She is also a board member of the UK Business Angels Association and the Royal Institute of British Architects. Angelides was named one of the Top 100 Women in Tech by the Financial Times in 2018 and has been recognized for her work promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
Yvonne Bajela
Yvonne Bajela established Impact X Capital Partners, a venture capital firm headquartered in the UK that focuses on investing in seed and Series A stage companies helmed by underrepresented founders. She founded the company in 2019 and was recognized by Forbes as one of the top 30 finance entrepreneurs under the age of 30 last year, following her successful investment of over $200 million in several startups across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In addition to her role at Impact X, Yvonne serves as a member of the London Chamber of Commerce committee, sits on multiple boards, and is a guest lecturer at City University in London.
Jessica Huie
Jessica Huie is an entrepreneur and author who founded Colorblind Cards, a greeting card company that celebrates diversity and inclusion. She has also worked as a PR consultant for various high-profile clients, including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Huie is a regular speaker on issues related to entrepreneurship and personal development.
Izzy Obeng
Izzy Obeng is a British-Ghanaian entrepreneur, educator, and diversity advocate. She is the founder and director of Foundervine, a social enterprise that helps underrepresented entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to develop their business ideas and bring them to market. Through Foundervine, Izzy has organized numerous startup boot camps, hackathons, and other events designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks they need to succeed.
Kanya King
Kanya King, CBE is a British entrepreneur, music industry executive, and founder of the MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin). She was born in London, England, in 1963 and grew up in a musical family.
King founded the MOBO Awards in 1996 with the aim of celebrating and promoting music of black origin, including genres such as R&B, hip hop, soul, reggae, jazz, and gospel. Since its inception, the MOBO Awards have become a highly respected platform for recognizing the achievements of black musicians and performers in the UK and beyond.
Dame Heather Rabbatts
Dame Heather Rabbatts is a British businesswoman and public servant who has held various leadership positions in the public and private sectors.
Rabbatts has held several high-profile positions, including being the first black woman to become a local council chief executive in the UK. She has also served as a non-executive director on several boards, including the Royal Opera House, Channel 4, and the Football Association (FA).
These 10 black businesswomen are just a few of the many talented and successful individuals who are making a significant impact in the UK’s business world. They have overcome various challenges and obstacles to achieve their success, and their achievements serve as an inspiration to others who are looking to follow in their footsteps.
In addition to breaking barriers and achieving success in their respective fields, these women are also advocates for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They have used their platforms to promote equality and have worked to create opportunities
