London Chamber of Commerce Black Excellence Awards prove to be a huge success

THE INAUGURAL London Chamber of Commerce Black Excellence Awards were deemed a huge success by all those who attended on October 18.

Staged at Boisdale in London’s Canary Wharf, Charlene White and Jay Blades hosted an event which celebrated the inspirational contribution of the British black community to the cultural and economic development of the United Kingdom.

Singer Acantha Lang opened the show before the hosts took to the stage to present the awards ceremony.

There were some impromptu performances from winners, including poet Ryan Matthew-Robinson and General Levy.

KEY WOMAN: One of the organising team behind the event, Janelle Raeburn

Highlights included Big Narstie, who won the Cultural Influencer of the Year and Patrick Hutchinson who took home the Community Spirit award.

As Jay Blades noted when opening the show, the Black Excellence Awards marks an important moment in Black History Month as it is a unique event that will only grow in years to come.

Outstanding Entrepreneur – Swiss

Outstanding Contribution to Business – Louise Broni-Mensah

Outstanding Contribution to Professional Services – Sandra Wallace CBE

Outstanding Contribution to Community Spirit – Patrick Hutchinson

Outstanding Male Contribution to Sport – Paul Canoville

Outstanding Female Contribution to Sport – Tessa Sanderson