In an exciting development for the UK’s entrepreneurial landscape, Channel 4 and Lloyds have announced the winners of the Black in Business 2024 initiative. This programme, now in its second year, aims to provide transformative support to Black entrepreneurs, offering a unique blend of TV advertising airtime and business mentoring. The winners of this prestigious initiative are set to receive over half a million pounds worth of Channel 4 advertising airtime and invaluable business guidance from senior executives at both Channel 4 and Lloyds.
The four winning businesses—Flake Bake, Flora & Curl, Alonuko, and Nylahs Naturals—were chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants, each showcasing remarkable potential and an unwavering commitment to scaling their businesses. These businesses will receive £150,000 worth of advertising airtime on Channel 4 starting in July 2025, alongside tailored mentorship to help them expand their reach and refine their business strategies.
Championing Black Entrepreneurs with Purpose
The Black in Business 2024 initiative aims to address the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in the UK. Research from Channel 4 and Lloyds highlights that Black-owned businesses face more obstacles than their white counterparts, from difficulties accessing funding to battling systemic discrimination. Lloyds’ 2022 Black. British. In Business and Proud report revealed that a staggering 84% of Black business owners have experienced discrimination in their entrepreneurial efforts. This initiative is a step towards empowering these businesses by offering both tangible support and recognition on a national platform.
Christopher Remie, Commercial Development Lead at Channel 4 Sales, remarked, “All our finalists showcased a remarkable blend of purpose, research, and quality that highlights the excellence of Black-owned businesses in the UK. Choosing the winners was tough, but our selected businesses excelled in showcasing their strong products and readiness to scale through engaging presentations. They were chosen for their potential to thrive with TV advertising, leveraging its reach to drive growth and connect with new customers.”
The Winning Businesses and Their Impact
The four winners represent a diverse range of sectors, each bringing a unique offering to the market:
- Flake Bake: London’s largest handmade Jamaican patty maker, Flake Bake creates a delicious variety of meat and vegetable patties, all infused with Caribbean spices. This business, which started with a passion for food, is now poised for significant growth with the support of Channel 4’s advertising platform.
- Flora & Curl: Based in the West Midlands, Flora & Curl is a haircare brand that caters to individuals with textured hair. Their natural, plant-powered products aim to provide customers with a healthier, more sustainable haircare routine, using advanced ingredient technologies.
- Alonuko: A luxury women’s fashion brand based in London, Alonuko specializes in handcrafted bridal and evening wear. The brand is known for its exquisite attention to detail and its ability to create timeless, elegant designs.
- Nylahs Naturals: Also based in the West Midlands, Nylahs Naturals is a textured haircare brand that empowers Black women to embrace their natural hair. The brand uses cutting-edge ingredient technologies to promote hair recovery and wellness.
Each business is now positioned to leverage the massive reach of Channel 4’s platform, with a tailor-made advert that will elevate their brand presence and attract new customers. Alongside the advertising, they will receive mentorship from senior executives at Channel 4 and Lloyds, providing them with the tools and insights needed to grow and scale.
Mentoring and Support: The Key to Unlocking Growth
The inclusion of mentorship as part of the Black in Business initiative sets it apart from other similar programmes. Winning businesses will have the opportunity to connect with senior sponsors from Channel 4 and Lloyds, offering invaluable expertise tailored to their specific needs. Ewan Douglas, Head of Sales Nations & Regions & Business Development at Channel 4, noted, “We’re excited at the chance to work with them. We’re confident that Channel 4 will provide the expertise and insights needed to supercharge these businesses, helping them grow from strength to strength.”
For entrepreneurs, especially those in the early stages of their journey, having access to experienced mentors is crucial. These mentors not only offer strategic advice but also help businesses navigate the complexities of scaling in a competitive market.
The Future of Black Entrepreneurship in the UK
As businesses like Flake Bake, Flora & Curl, Alonuko, and Nylahs Naturals rise to prominence, the Black in Business initiative is helping to create an ecosystem of support for Black entrepreneurs across the UK. Elyn Corfield, CEO of Business and Commercial Banking at Lloyds Banking Group, emphasized the importance of backing businesses with creativity and resilience: “These talented entrepreneurs have shown tremendous passion in starting and scaling their businesses, and that passion shone brightly throughout this year’s competition. Creativity and resilience are key to running a successful business, so we look forward to seeing these winners thrive and inspire others.”
The initiative also aims to provide lasting change by highlighting the systemic barriers Black entrepreneurs face and offering solutions that enable greater opportunities for success. By promoting Black-owned businesses on such a large scale, Channel 4 and Lloyds are ensuring that these entrepreneurs not only gain visibility but also receive the necessary support to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.
A Bright Future Ahead
For the four winning businesses, Black in Business offers a transformative opportunity that will not only provide financial support but also amplify their voices in an industry where representation is often lacking. As Kameese Davis of Nylahs Naturals shared, “This opportunity is transformative. It will amplify our voices and help us further our mission to promote hair wellness and provide solution-focused products for women dealing with challenges like hair loss.”
As we look to the future, these businesses are paving the way for a new generation of Black entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark in the business world. With the support of Channel 4, Lloyds, and initiatives like Black in Business, the road ahead is full of promise, as these businesses continue to grow and inspire others to follow suit.
For more information on the Black in Business initiative and to discover other resources for Black entrepreneurs, visit Channel 4 and Lloyds’ dedicated support pages.
