Wray Forward 2026

The Wray Forward Powerbook

Wray & Nephew and Foundervine are proud to introduce the Wray Forward Powerbook, a shortlist that spotlights exceptional Black entrepreneurs in the UK. These founders, all participants in the Wray Forward programme, are making significant strides in underrepresented sectors, overcoming challenges, and setting new benchmarks for success.
Having run for five years, the Wray Forward programme has cultivated a strong community of entrepreneurs, offering a vibrant network of support and collaboration. Now is the time to take a step back and recognise the incredible businesses that have emerged from this initiative. The launch of the Wray Forward Powerbook marks this moment of reflection and celebration, highlighting the achievements of these remarkable founders.

Meet the 25 members of the Wray Forward Powerbook

Alvin Mills
Shyne
Alex Zepherin-Pinnock
Don Dada Studio
Arron Maddix
Moi Moi Sauce
Asha Shepherd
Yoni Yoni
Ayodele Dawodu
UGiftMe
Babatunde Ajose
Everything African Ltd.
Daniela Adoasi
New Home At Last
David Chipfupa
AfroSocial
Ekene Ukemenam
Aerial Icon
Feliciana Dalley
Felie Home
Ibukun Olajide
Chilli Gold Sauces
Janet Theodore
JBN Beverages
Jared Spencer
Riddim Foods
Julz Davis
Curiosity Unltd.
Kavan Polson
Scholar & Partners
Kerron Parchment
Mecantu
Kevin Dapaah
Dove Dental & Wellbeing
Lolita Sanders
Umthi
Louchavan Lemard
PH247
Maatin Adewunmi
Loud Parade
Matt Robinson
Matts BBQ
Mike Williams
Flake Bake
Namywa Hutchinson
Girl Grind UK
Toluwa Hughes
Zoah Consultancy
Umutoni Thuku-Benzinge
Umutoni

Alex Zepherin-Pinnock

Don Dada Studio
LinkedIn
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Alvin Mills

Shyne
LinkedIn
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Arron Maddix

Moi Moi Sauce
LinkedIn
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Asha Shepherd

Yoni Yoni
LinkedIn
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Ayodele Dawodu

UGiftMe
LinkedIn
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Babatunde Ajose

Everything African Ltd.
LinkedIn
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Daniela Adoasi

New Home At Last
LinkedIn
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David Chipfupa

AfroSocial
LinkedIn
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Ekene Ukemenam

Aerial Icon
LinkedIn
Close

Feliciana Dalley

Felie Home
LinkedIn
Close

Ibukun Olajide

Chilli Gold Sauces
LinkedIn
Close

Janet Theodore

JBN Beverages
LinkedIn
Close

Jared Spencer

Riddim Foods
LinkedIn
Close

Julz Davis

Curiosity Unltd.
LinkedIn
Close

Kavan Polson

Scholar & Partners
LinkedIn
Close

Kerron Parchment

Mecantu
LinkedIn
Close

Kevin Dapaah

Dove Dental & Wellbeing
LinkedIn
Close

Lolita Sanders

Umthi
LinkedIn
Close

Louchavan Lemard

PH247
LinkedIn
Close

Maatin Adewunmi

Loud Parade
LinkedIn
Close

Matt Robinson

Matts BBQ
LinkedIn
Close

Mike Williams

Flake Bake
LinkedIn
Close

Namywa Hutchinson

Girl Grind UK
LinkedIn
Close

Toluwa Hughes

Zoah Consultancy
LinkedIn
Close

Umutoni Thuku-Benzinge

Umutoni
LinkedIn
Close

Interesting stats about the Powerbook

The Wray Forward Powerbook serves as a vital source of motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing the potential for excellence and the significant contributions these trailblazers bring to their industries.
By sharing their stories, we aim to inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams and help them realise their full potential.
£912k
Total funding raised
£4.5m+
Total revenue earned
162k+
Total social media followers
122
jobs created

The Powerbook judges

Liseli Sumbwanyambe
Founder, The Ladder Club
Nana Agyemang
Barclays Eagle Labs, Proposition Delivery Manager
Janay Marie
Founder, TALLAWAH Agency
Jane Msumba
Founder, Inner Glow Clinic
Foluke Precious MBE
Founder, PRECIOUS
Charlene Hunter MBE
Founder, Coding Black Females

Championing
Diversity in Business

Celebrating the outstanding achievements of Black-owned businesses is essential in today's world. Recognising and promoting these enterprises not only highlights their success but also provides invaluable inspiration, encouraging others and reshaping entrepreneurial norms.​
This milestone aligns with Wray & Nephew’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, which we have consistently championed through the Wray Forward programme. We remain dedicated to celebrating these individuals, amplifying their success, and encouraging a more diverse and dynamic business landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Wray Forward Powerbook exist?
The Wray Forward Powerbook was created to spotlight individuals and organisations making a meaningful impact within their communities. We aim to celebrate those who embody the spirit of progress, leadership, and positive change, inspiring others to follow their lead. It’s a platform to recognise and amplify their work.
Will this be an annual list?
Yes, the Wray Forward Powerbook will be an annual feature. Each year, we’ll seek to highlight a new group of inspiring individuals and organisations who are pushing boundaries and making a difference within their fields and communities.
What are the requirements to be included in the Wray Forward Powerbook?
To be considered for inclusion in the Wray Forward Powerbook, individuals or organisations must be actively involved in Wray Forward initiatives or demonstrate alignment with the values we promote, community impact, innovation, leadership, and progress. We are looking for changemakers who are making a significant contribution to their respective fields or communities.
Would you or someone you know benefit from this programme?
Register interest