Two pioneering businesswomen from Greater Manchester have been recognised among Britain’s leading Black entrepreneurs.
These distinguished women have been honoured at KPMG’s prestigious Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards, emerging ahead of over 150 talented contenders across diverse sectors.
Ayaan Mohamed, the visionary behind Manchester’s Digitech Oasis, has been awarded for her contributions in robotics and AI. Her company is at the forefront of developing autonomous mobile robots that significantly enhance efficiency in retail and warehouse operations.
Winning the award for the most promising large business, Ayaan says this recognition is a milestone. She emphasises the importance of capital support for growth in the hardware sector, envisioning greater achievements ahead.
Anita Frost, founder of Green Bean Studios in Salford, has been lauded for her eco-friendly children’s entertainment brand. Green Bean Studios promotes global empowerment for children through play and learning adventures.
The award for the most promising medium-sized business fuels Anita’s enthusiasm. She is eager to leverage the partnership with KPMG to bolster her company’s infrastructure and expand its reach.
Yasmin Greenaway’s London-based company, Dermie.AI, is revolutionising dermatological health through AI-driven software.
Her deep tech firm builds computer vision models that aid in detecting and managing skin diseases, highlighting the critical need for diversity in AI technology.
Winning the most promising small business accolade, Yasmin stresses the significance of developing inclusive AI models.
Ben Lindsay, OBE, founded the charity Power The Fight to address violence affecting youth.
His organisation creates bridges between policymakers and communities, seeking sustainable solutions to youth violence.
Ben’s charity, awarded the most promising not-for-profit business title, plans to enhance its digital presence and expand training programs nationwide.
Olu Odubajo, a KPMG product manager, established these awards in 2018 to identify and support Black entrepreneurs in the UK.
The award programme has backed numerous innovators, with past winners achieving global business successes. The awards showcase the exceptional talent within the Black business community and provide vital resources for their growth.
This year’s finalists presented their pitches to a live audience and a distinguished judging panel, highlighting the innovative spirit and potential impact of their ventures.
Euan West of KPMG notes the historical challenges Black entrepreneurs face in acquiring venture capital.
These awards aim to bridge this gap by offering financial backing and mentorship through a 12-month acceleration programme, nurturing the development and scaling of Black-owned businesses.
The success of the awardees reflects not only their entrepreneurial spirit but also the broader potential of Black entrepreneurs in the UK.
The achievements of Ayaan Mohamed, Anita Frost, Yasmin Greenaway, and Ben Lindsay underscore the innovative spirit and resilience within the Black business community.
KPMG’s Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards continues to play a crucial role in fostering diversity and supporting the growth of promising businesses.
