‘STORMZY’ AND WINNERS OF 2025 BLACK TALENT AWARDS UNVEILED: CELEBRATING UK BLACK EXCELLENCE AND ‘IMPACT’
The Evenfields Black Talent Awards 2025 crowned its winners in a vibrant gala at the ICC Birmingham last night, shining a spotlight on outstanding Black professionals from across the UK.
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Marking the fourth annual celebration of Black excellence, the event featured 16 award categories – from Rising Star to Senior Leader – all aligning with this year’s theme of “Impact,” which highlights those driving real change in their fields and communities.
More than just an awards ceremony, the Black Talent Awards (BTA) serves as the nation’s only UK-wide platform exclusively dedicated to recognising Black professional talent.
Founded in 2022 by Denise Myers, CEO of Evenfields, the BTAs were born out of a need to showcase real talent and create lasting, systemic change in workplaces across the UK.
“Purpose-driven and community-rooted rather than performative” is how the BTAs define their mission. By providing relatable role models and career-advancing visibility, the awards aim to open doors for Black professionals beyond the night itself. Major partners that “walk the talk” on diversity – including Merlin Entertainments, Lloyds Banking Group, Birmingham City University, EDF, Barclays, Jaguar Land Rover, and JCDecaux – powered this year’s event, underscoring a broad corporate commitment to advancing Black talent.
The 2025 ceremony delivered a host of memorable moments. Guests were treated to a Caribbean-inspired menu – a first for the ICC – curated by chef-to-the-stars, Mellow, which blended flavour with narrative in a tribute to cultural heritage.
There was even a surprise appearance by the legendary musical artist, ‘Stormzy’ – albeit as a waxwork figure courtesy of sponsors, Merlin Entertainments.
In a special “Where Are They Now?” segment – a first for the BTAs – past award winners took the stage to share how their BTA accolades propelled them into new leadership roles, media features, and business ventures, affirming the awards’ lasting impact beyond a single night.
Throughout the night, powerful acceptance speeches and emotional reactions reverberated through the hall. Several winners received standing ovations, echoing last year’s scene when a Trailblazer honouree’s moving speech left not a dry eye in the house. Attendees and supporters lit up social media with celebratory posts, as the event’s joyful energy spilled beyond the ICC and into the wider community.
One of the defining features of the Black Talent Awards is its commitment to nurturing future talent. This year, the judging process was rigorous and inclusive, with over 300 nominations submitted and 238 completed entries evaluated. An independent panel of 31 industry judges – spanning sectors from law and tech to education and media – had the challenging task of selecting finalists and winners. Notably, 10 youth judges were embedded within the judging panels as part of a mentorship initiative, giving young aspiring professionals a voice in the process and invaluable experience alongside seasoned leaders. These youth judges participated in interviews and deliberations, gaining a “front-row education” in excellence and event management. Their involvement underscores the BTA’s dedication to inspiring the next generation and ensuring the legacy of Black excellence continues.
Denise Myers, the awards’ founder, reflected on the significance of the night and the calibre of talent showcased: “This is not about optics or ticking boxes – it’s about real impact. Tonight we created a stage where real people with real stories could be celebrated, supported, and seen. These moments matter. They remind us what Black excellence looks like, and what’s possible when it’s truly valued.”
