Leading Jamaica rum brand Wray & Nephew has today launched the second edition of its ‘Wray Forward Powerbook’, a list recognising outstanding Black founders excelling in UK business
London: Today, leading Jamaica rum brand Wray & Nephew, in partnership with Foundervine, has launched this year’s ‘Wray Forward Powerbook’; a list that spotlights 25 Black and Mixed-Black business owners transforming the norms of enterprise in the UK.
With this as its second annual edition, The Wray Forward Powerbook was created both to celebrate and highlight the incredible achievements of the individuals behind UK Black Businesses - and to inspire the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. Curated by a panel of seven independent judges who measured each Wray Forward member’s growth against a growth-focused criteria, the list covers a diverse range of sectors, backgrounds, business sizes, and operational locations.
Underscoring the remarkable achievements each winner has accomplished, each business featured in the Wray Forward Powerbook has been chosen for showcasing impressive growth, including revenue, headcount and fundraising. The accolade underscores each winner's remarkable achievements and tenacity in a space that is traditionally more difficult for Black entrepreneurs to succeed in.
The launch comes as research commissioned by Wray & Nephew* reveals over four-fifths (81%) of Black business owners found it challenging to raise funding to start their business*, in comparison to just over one-half (56%) of their white counterparts*. Over three-quarters (79%) of Black business owners feel unsupported by the wider business community, in comparison to just 41% of their white counterparts*.
The figures also reveal that over half (54%) of Black business owners believe the lack of resources is impacting their business, with 59% admitting to struggling due to the lack of investment. Other issues Black entrepreneurs currently face include a lack of knowledge (56%) and confidence (53%) to take their business to the next level*.
The winners of the Wray Forward Powerbook 2025 are:
1. Abi Adefisan, Yumchop Foods
2. Anthony Williams, The All Inclusives
3. Augustina Falade, Life Without Borders CIC
4. Berne Omolafe, Pryntd
5. Cairon Clarke, Zynta
6. Chantel Daniel, The Good Coffee Project
7. Dean Bryce, Don't Sleep
8. Elizabeth Binitie, VARO Limited
9. Eva Thorne, The Garden of Eva
10. James Kaguima, Skate Cabal
11. Matthew Addai, Cashblack
12. Moz Stewart, The Right 2 Rent Register CIC
13. Nicole Klutse, La Noir Property Group
14. Oje Ohonyon, Beard Surgeon Ltd
15. Sandra Adu, Black Girls in Design
16. Savannah Simms, We Are Impact CIC
17. Tahlia Gray, Sheer Chemistry
18. Teelo Vasiliou, Frame Perfect, The Collective Production Company
19. Tobi Akinyemi, TwoShot
20. Tracy Durrant, Everyone’s A Singer CIC
21. Troy Johnson, Sweet Dee's Jerk (SDJ Group Ltd.)
22. Tyron Salih, Twerk’N’Jerk Limited
23. Ufuoma Anighoro, Marvellous Mix Limited
24. Vanessa Austin, Manna Eating Ltd
25. Wūnmi Malaolu, Yum Puff Treats
The Powerbook is an extension of the Wray Forward programme, an initiative that supports Black founders across the UK by providing access to funding, educational workshops, mentorship opportunities and networking events. The programme has supported over 3,800 entrepreneurs across 24 industries over the past three years, and continues to provide practical and financial opportunities to Black business owners across the country.
With Wray & Nephew marking the fourth year of its Wray Forward programme with Foundervine, further results show that three-quarters (79%) of Black founders believe they would have succeeded sooner if they had access to mentorship initiatives*, such as the Wray Forward programme, to help support their business journey.
Cecil Adjalo, Co-Founder and COO at Foundervine said: "Wray Forward is about more than funding and mentorship - it’s about rewriting the story of who gets to lead, build, and thrive in business. At Foundervine, we have built a 20,000+ strong community that has supported over 500 businesses to start, scale and raise capital.
“We’re proud to work alongside Wray & Nephew to create real pathways for Black entrepreneurs to succeed. In this fourth year of this partnership, our mission remains clear: dismantle the barriers, amplify the brilliance, and build a future where opportunity is truly equitable."
In addition to the free-to-access expert-led workshops, the Wray Forward programme features other elements to support Black business owners, including:
To find out more about the Wray Forward programme and how you can get involved, click here.
Wray Forward Upcoming events:
For more information, imagery or commentary on the campaign, please contact: wrayandnephew@wearetheromans.com
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About Wray & Nephew
Whether in a flask, bottle, or miniatures, Wray & Nephew Rum has rippled into living rooms, dancehalls, community centres and bars, as basslines boomed and memories were made. Bold and authentic, the black, green, and gold heritage has remained undiluted. Wray & Nephew features subtle notes of pineapple and banana; it is a full strength, versatile and flavourful white rum that is full of character. Only half the measure (25ml) adds twice the flavour, making it the ideal spirit for premium cocktails. Beyond the bottle, Wray & Nephew is passionate about uplifting and supporting the Black-British community through initiatives such as its Wray Forward programme. Wray Forward, in partnership with Foundervine, is a free programme featuring a series of workshops, masterclasses and a music accelerator initiative tailored to directly supporting Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit wrayandnephew.co.uk.
About Campari Group
Campari Group is a major player in the global spirits industry, with a portfolio of over 50 premium and super premium brands, spreading across Global, Regional and Local priorities. Global Priorities, the Group’s key focus, include Aperol, Campari, SKYY, Grand Marnier, Espolòn, Courvoisier, Wild Turkey and Appleton Estate. The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. It has a global distribution reach, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. Campari Group’s growth strategy aims to combine organic growth through strong brand building and external growth via selective acquisitions of brands and businesses. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Campari Group operates in 23 production sites worldwide and has its own distribution network in 26 countries. Campari Group employs approximately 4,900 people. The shares of the parent company Davide Campari-Milano N.V. (Reuters CPRI.MI - Bloomberg CPR IM) have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001.
For more information: http://www.camparigroup.com/en. Please enjoy our brands responsibly.
About Foundervine
Foundervine exists for ambitious leaders, creators, and innovators to have the tools to build the organisations of tomorrow. Through a range of programmes, events, and funding initiatives, Foundervine provides individuals with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in the entrepreneurial landscape. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and innovation, Foundervine is committed to fostering a vibrant community of changemakers and trailblazers. You can find more information about Foundervine and its programmes here: https://www.foundervine.com/
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