Two acclaimed speakers announced for the UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference
Afua Hirsch, author, journalist and founder of Born in Me Productions, and YolanDa Brown OBE DL, saxophonist, composer and co-founder of Soul Mama, are scheduled to speak at the UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference (BBEC) on Wednesday 25 June.
The two accomplished broadcasters are among an impressive selection of esteemed speakers who are set to make an appearance at the highly anticipated annual conference, which has become known as a mecca for Black British entrepreneurs.
Taking place in the vibrant heart of London, at the NatWest Conference Centre in Bishopsgate, the conference will make a return for its fourth year, bringing together world-class speakers and trailblazers within business and finance, policymaking, media and publishing, spanning across the public, private, and third sectors.
Afua Hirsch, who is the bestselling author of Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging (2018), is best known for her commentary and activism on issues related to race, identity, and social justice.
In 2020, she founded Born in Me Productions, an independent production company that develops both scripted and non-scripted content for television, film, and podcasts, spotlighting underrepresented stories. The company has partnered with the BBC, Fremantle and De Maio Entertainment to co-produce a TV drama and documentary series.
Hirsch is set to deliver a keynote speech at the BBEC, exploring Britishness and the contribution of the Black diaspora in the UK.
Yolanda Brown OBE DL is best known for her work in jazz, reggae, and soul music, having won multiple MOBO awards for “Best Jazz Act” and campaigning for children’s access to music education. In 2023, she received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to music, music education, and broadcasting.
In 2024, Brown co-founded live music venue and restaurant Soul Mama, based in the Hilton Gantry Hotel in Stratford, London. Through a record-breaking crowdfunding campaign, Soul Mama became a Guinness World Record Holder as the largest Kickstarter-funded restaurant globally.
In an intimate fireside chat, the successful musician turned co-founder of Soul Mama, will be sharing more about her transition from the world of entertainment into entrepreneurship.
Embodying the importance of action over rhetoric, The BBEC will feature dynamic panel discussions that aim to address the real-life challenges which are unique to Black entrepreneurs, while sharing actionable strategies and opportunities for sustainable growth and scaling.
Dr. Carlton Brown, founder of the BBEC, stated: “We are honoured to welcome two exceptionally brilliant and talented entrepreneurs—each a powerhouse in their respective fields of art, music, creativity, media, journalism, and law. Yolanda Brown OBE DL, renowned for her groundbreaking work in jazz, reggae, and soul, and Afua Hirsch, the bestselling author of Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging, are both leading contemporary voices and advocates for change. Their presence at the UK Black Business Entrepreneur Conference will not only inspire but also add immense value to our delegates, embodying the spirit of excellence that this event stands for.”
In a tumultuous society where businesses are having to adapt to rapid economic and technological changes, and a political climate where diversity, equity and inclusion are at risk, The BBEC offers expert insights and life-changing connections that can transform attendees’ entrepreneurial journeys.
As excitement for the UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference 2025 builds, more headline speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.