Britain’s most influential Black celebrities, industry leaders, and business figures are set to come together tonight to honor the achievements of Black Britons at the prestigious Powerlist 2025 awards ceremony.
The Powerlist recognizes outstanding individuals in the Black community, with past winners including renowned personalities like seven-time Formula One World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton and former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman. This annual ranking celebrates the positive impact these individuals have made on society.
Established in 2005, the Powerlist aims to showcase Black role models and honor pioneers across various sectors such as arts, technology, and entertainment. Notable guests expected at the event include Eastenders star Rudolph Walker, Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse, former Olympic athlete Dame Denise Lewis, and comedian Sir Lenny Henry.
This year’s Powerlist Celebration of Black Excellence Awards, hosted by entrepreneur and TV personality Tim Campbell, MBE, will take place at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London. The top spot for Britain’s most influential Black person has been awarded to Dean Forbes, the CEO of tech company Forterro and a dedicated philanthropist.
Forterro specializes in providing specialized software solutions to drive the growth of industrial businesses globally. Dean Forbes also serves as a partner at Corten Capital, an investment firm, and chairs the Forbes Family Group, a charitable organization that has raised significant funds for various causes and promotes social mobility.
Expressing his gratitude for the prestigious accolade, Dean Forbes, 46, emphasized the importance of inspiring young Black individuals from similar backgrounds. He recounted his journey from humble beginnings in southeast London to leading international enterprises, highlighting the value of resilience and community support. Forbes expressed his commitment to creating opportunities for aspiring youth who require additional assistance in realizing their potential.
Among the new additions to the Powerlist this year are Andrew ‘Rapman’ Onwubolu, the creator of Netflix’s hit show Supacell, and Damson Idris, star of the popular crime drama Snowfall. The exclusive list also features renowned figures like actor Idris Elba, TV presenter and former footballer Alex Scott, and rapper Stormzy.
Sponsored by JP Morgan, the Black excellence event will be overseen by Tim Campbell, MBE, who will ensure a night of inspiration and entertainment for the attendees. Michael Eboda, CEO of Powerful Media, lauded Dean Forbes for his community contributions, praising his dedication to supporting charitable causes through the Forbes Family Group Foundation.
Cecil Peters, EMEA Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and EMEA Head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorganChase, commended the Powerlist for showcasing the exceptional Black talent in the UK. JPMorganChase’s commitment to supporting diverse talent and breaking barriers in various industries underscores the continued success of the Powerlist in recognizing Black excellence in the country.