Britain’s most prominent Black celebrities, leaders in various industries, and entrepreneurs are coming together tonight to honor the achievements of Black individuals in the UK at the Powerlist 2025 awards ceremony.
The Powerlist, which has previously recognized notable figures like seven-time Formula One World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton and former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman, is an annual ranking that celebrates the positive impact of influential Black personalities on society.
Established in 2005, the Powerlist aims to showcase Black role models, honor pioneers in fields such as arts, technology, and entertainment, and inspire young people. Among the distinguished guests attending the event are Eastenders star Rudolph Walker, Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse, former Olympic athlete Dame Denise Lewis, and comedian Sir Lenny Henry.
At this year’s Powerlist Celebration of Black Excellence Awards, hosted by Tim Campbell, MBE, at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London, the CEO of tech company Forterro, Dean Forbes, has been named the most influential Black person in Britain.
Forterro, a global software solutions provider catering to industrial businesses, offers specialized products and services to drive growth. Additionally, Dean Forbes serves as a partner at Corten Capital, a specialist investment firm, and chairs the Forbes Family Group, a not-for-profit social enterprise that has raised over a million pounds for charity and advocates for social mobility.
Expressing his pride in being recognized as the top influencer on the Powerlist, Dean Forbes, 46, emphasized the importance of resilience, community support, and seizing opportunities in his journey from humble beginnings in southeast London to leading global enterprises. He aspires to inspire young individuals from similar backgrounds to believe in their potential and work diligently to achieve their aspirations.
Dean Forbes also highlighted his commitment to providing opportunities for young people in need of support to realize their potential, emphasizing the personal significance of this mission to him.
New additions to this year’s Powerlist include Andrew ‘Rapman’ Onwubolu, creator of Netflix’s hit show Supacell, and Damson Idris, star of the crime drama Snowfall. The exclusive list also features prominent figures like actor Idris Elba OBE, TV presenter and former England football player Alex Scott MBE, and rapper Stormzy.
Sponsored by JP Morgan, the event celebrating Black excellence will be hosted by Tim Campbell, MBE, winner of The Apprentice show and a well-known businessman and television personality, ensuring an inspiring and engaging evening for all attendees.
In recognition of his community contributions, Michael Eboda, CEO of Powerful Media, commended Dean Forbes for his philanthropic efforts through the Forbes Family Group Foundation, underscoring Dean’s exceptional dedication beyond his business accomplishments. The top ten list includes individuals who have excelled in various fields, showcasing the diverse talent and achievements of Black individuals in the UK.
Cecil Peters, EMEA Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and EMEA Head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorganChase, expressed pride in supporting initiatives that promote diversity and break barriers across industries, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to recognizing Black excellence through their partnership with the Powerlist.
The Powerlist continues to be a leading platform for acknowledging Black excellence in the UK, reflecting the ongoing efforts to elevate diverse talent and celebrate the achievements of Black individuals across different sectors.