London-based businesses took three of the four top prizes at KPMG’s sixth annual Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards, with a luxury bridal brand and youth entrepreneurship charity among the big winners.
The capital’s winners were Alonuko, a luxury bridal wear brand championing women of colour, Ultra Education, which delivers entrepreneurship education for young people from disadvantaged communities, and Dotplot, a Chislehurst-based med-tech company creating handheld breast cancer screening devices.
Eight of the 12 finalists came from the capital, showcasing the depth of Black heritage entrepreneurial talent in London. The winners overcame competition from over 150 entrants nationwide to be recognised as the UK’s most promising Black heritage entrepreneurs.
London’s winning businesses:
Most Promising Small Business: Dotplot
The Chislehurst-based med-tech company has created a handheld device that identifies changes in breast tissue density over time. Paired with an app, it guides users through monthly self-checks and alerts them to abnormal changes.
Debra Babalola, Co-founder of Dotplot, said: “It is such an honour to receive this award and to be recognised among remarkable businesses that are breaking barriers and driving innovation.
“At Dotplot, we’re on a mission to empower individuals to check their breasts with confidence and accuracy, and this award brings us a step closer to making that a reality. A huge thank you to KPMG for this brilliant initiative to support black entrepreneurs.”
Most Promising Large Business: Alonuko
The luxury women’s fashion brand specialises in handcrafted bridal wear celebrated for intricate embroidery and illusion tulles, and champions women of colour often overlooked in bridal fashion.
Gbemi Okunlola, founder of Alonuko, said: “It’s an honour to be recognised at the Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards, especially among so many inspiring leaders who are making an impact in their industries.
“Winning this award is an incredible honour and a powerful reminder of how far determination and vision can take you.
“I’m proud to represent Black entrepreneurship in the luxury bridal industry and hope my journey inspires others to build boldly and dream without limits.”
Most Promising Not for Profit Organisation: Ultra Education
The organisation delivers high-impact entrepreneurship education for young people aged seven to 20, focusing on those from underrepresented and disadvantaged communities through workshops, mentoring, and youth business fairs.
Julian Hall, Chief Executive of Ultra Education, said: “KPMG’s Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards are more than a recognition for me, it’s a celebration of innovation, purpose, and resilience within our community.
“At Ultra Education, we’ve always believed that entrepreneurship has the power to change lives for young people from underrepresented backgrounds.
“It’s fantastic to see KPMG championing that same belief and us to helping to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.”
Each winner receives £25,000 to invest in their business or donate to a charity of their choice, plus exclusive entry to a bespoke 12-month acceleration programme.
Anna Purchas, London Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK, said: “It is great to see so much London talent on show, eight of 12 finalists were from the capital and three of the winners. A big congratulations to all who won and all who entered, you are the future and at KPMG we are excited to see what you go on to achieve and how best we support you going forward.
“London at its best is the global city where you can achieve whatever you want, whatever your background.”
The other category winner was Nitrogen Supply Company (Coventry), which helps manufacturers reduce waste through innovative nitrogen generation technology.
Euan West, Head of Private Enterprise for KPMG in the UK, said: “I am so proud to see the incredible and innovative winners that have emerged from this year’s KPMG Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards. They all showcase great entrepreneurial flair mixed with exciting ideas and strong business acumen.”
Founded in 2018, the awards have supported over 50 Black heritage founders, providing over £650,000 worth of investment. Former winners have raised over £3 million, expanded overseas, made the Forbes 30 under 30 list and received MBEs for their services in making venture capital more inclusive.
