Finalists announced at Black Talent Awards (BTA) 2025
- Emily Miller
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Celebrating UK Black Excellence and 'Impact'
The Evenfields Black Talent Awards (BTA) has officially announced the shortlist of finalists for its upcoming 2025 awards ceremony, shining a spotlight on outstanding Black professionals across the UK.
A total of 16 award categories – spanning industries from finance and STEM to education, media, and entrepreneurship – will honour Black talent at all levels, from rising stars to senior leaders.
Denise Myers, founder of the Black Talent Awards and CEO of Evenfields, commented on the finalist announcement: “We are absolutely thrilled to reveal this year’s shortlist of Black Talent Awards finalists. Each name on this list embodies the very essence of ‘Impact’ – these individuals are not only excelling in their own careers, but are also driving positive change in their industries and communities.
“When I created the BTAs, it was with the vision of shining a light on extraordinary Black professionals who too often go unseen. Now, seeing such a diverse range of talent being recognised – from young innovators to transformational leaders – is incredibly rewarding. By celebrating their achievements and sharing their stories, we hope to inspire the next generation and show that Black talent not only belongs in every sector, but leads. I couldn’t be prouder of this year’s finalists, and I look forward to honouring each of them on awards night.”
The winners will be unveiled at a gala black-tie event on September 26, 2025 at the ICC Birmingham, aligning with this year’s theme of “Impact” in celebrating those driving real change in their fields and communities.
As the nation’s only UK-wide awards platform exclusively dedicated to Black professionals, the Black Talent Awards prides itself on being purpose-driven and community-rooted rather than performative. Key features that make the BTAs unique include:
Past editions of the Black Talent Awards have been both celebratory and impactful. Last year’s ceremony saw a standing ovation for the Trailblazer Award winner, whose moving acceptance speech left the audience in tears and underscored why this platform matters.
The event’s joyous moments – from powerful award speeches to lively after-party scenes – have resonated across social media, sparking viral LinkedIn posts and conversation throughout the Black professional community.
Notably, previous BTA winners have leveraged their accolades into new leadership roles, media features, and business opportunities, real-world proof of how visibility at the BTAs can open doors beyond the night itself.
This year’s awards are set to be especially memorable, with a new theme and special highlights reflecting its forward-looking mission. The 2025 theme“Impact” sets the tone – celebrating professionals who are creating real, measurable change. In line with this focus, two new award categories have been introduced: Excellence in Education, to spotlight changemakers building legacy through learning, and People & Culture, to honour those aligning workplace policies and practices to truly empower Black professionals.
The ceremony will also debut a special “Where Are They Now?” segment, highlighting past winners and the continued impact of their BTA recognition on their careers and communities.
Behind the scenes, the finalist selection process has been rigorous and inclusive. This year saw over 300 nominations submitted, with 238 completed entries from across the country.
An independent panel of 31 judges from across the UK – featuring senior leaders from law, tech, education, healthcare, media, and the creative industries – convened on June 18 for Judging Day to evaluate the entries and select the shortlist. Significantly, the process also included an additional 10 youth judges embedded in the judging teams – a mentorship initiative that gave young aspiring professionals a voice in the process, invaluable experience working alongside industry experts and relationships that could last a lifetime.
Through this mentorship element, the youth judges sat in on interviews and deliberations with their mentors, gaining a front-row education in what excellence looks like and how large-scale events are run. Finalist interviews will continue throughout July to ensure each winner is chosen with care, and all winners will be revealed on September 26, 2025 at ICC Birmingham in what is set to be an inspiring evening.
The winners of each category will be announced at the Black Talent Awards ceremony on September 26, 2025.
For more information on the Black Talent Awards, and to see the shortlist in full visit blacktalentawards.co.uk
