In a powerful move to elevate Black-owned businesses in the UK, Channel 4 has announced the winners of its Black in Business 2024 initiative, backed by Lloyds Banking Group. Now in its second year, the programme offers a unique opportunity for Black entrepreneurs to gain exposure and support, with each winner receiving £150,000 worth of TV advertising airtime and dedicated mentorship from both Channel 4 and Lloyds executives.
The four winners, selected from an original shortlist of 20 standout businesses, are:
- Flake Bake: London’s largest handmade Jamaican patty maker, offering a range of meat and vegetable options infused with Caribbean spices in seven exciting flavours.
- Flora & Curl: A West Midlands-based haircare brand known for its plant-powered, natural products designed specifically for individuals with textured hair.
- Alonuko: A London-based luxury fashion brand specialising in handcrafted bridal and evening wear.
- Nylahs Naturals: A West Midlands-based textured haircare brand that empowers Black women to embrace their natural hair, promoting hair wellness and recovery through advanced ingredient technologies.
Christopher Remie, Channel 4’s Commercial Development Lead, spoke of the exceptional quality and potential of this year’s applicants, saying: “Choosing the winners was tough, but our selected businesses demonstrated the strong products and drive to scale. They are prime examples of the excellence in Black-owned businesses in the UK, and their ability to leverage TV advertising to reach new customers is clear.”
The Black in Business initiative was launched in response to research that highlighted the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs. Data from Channel 4 revealed that 56% of Black-owned businesses only secure funding after growing successful businesses, compared to just 35% of white entrepreneurs. Furthermore, a report by Lloyds found that 84% of Black business owners have experienced discrimination in their entrepreneurial journey.
Ewan Douglas, Head of Sales Nations & Regions at Channel 4, expressed his pride in the programme’s impact: “We’ve seen incredible entrepreneurial journeys and are thrilled to support these businesses in the next phase of their growth. The power of TV advertising, combined with the mentorship we’re offering, is a powerful tool that will help these businesses thrive.”
Lloyds Banking Group CEO for Business and Commercial Banking, Elyn Corfield, also praised the winners for their resilience and creativity. “These entrepreneurs have shown tremendous passion and resilience, and it’s exciting to see them rise through this competition. Creativity and determination are at the heart of every successful business, and we are confident that these winners will inspire others.”
The initiative has made a significant mark on the businesses involved. Mike Williams of Flake Bake shared his excitement: “Winning this recognition is a huge step forward for us. The support from Channel 4 and Lloyds will help us connect with new customers and expand our brand.”
For Gbemi Okunola, founder of Alonuko, the win is a dream come true: “Growing up watching Channel 4, I never imagined that my business would one day feature on the channel that shaped my childhood. This opportunity represents both the hard work of my team and the growing demand for luxury bridal fashion.”
Kameese Davis of Nylahs Naturals echoed the transformative power of the initiative: “As a Black and female founder, access to capital has often been a challenge. This opportunity will amplify our voice and allow us to reach a wider audience, furthering our mission to promote hair wellness.”
Finally, Rose Ovensheshi of Flora & Curl reflected on the excitement of the win: “We’re over the moon to be part of this incredible initiative. After a busy two years of rebranding, this is the recognition we’ve worked so hard for, and we can’t wait to see the impact it has on our business.”
Through initiatives like Black in Business, Channel 4 and Lloyds Banking Group are helping to foster a more inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing Black-owned businesses with the resources and exposure needed to succeed in today’s competitive market. The winners of this year’s programme are set to use the power of TV advertising and mentorship to propel their businesses to new heights, showcasing the talent and innovation within the UK’s Black entrepreneurial community.
