As our exciting programme for UK Black Business Show 2026 takes shape, we are thrilled to announce the return of our Careers Zone.
These practical show features have been crafted to support you on your professional journey, be it in the workplace or within your own business. We have recruited a panel of expert advisers to ensure that you have the best guidance possible to support your goals and ambitions.
The Careers Zone is the place to come to get free 1-on-1 advice from some of our experts. A team of advisors that will be on hand throughout the day to answer any of your questions that can help you along your career journey; be it CV guidance, career switching, personal development, and more.
Advisor: Carol Anderston
Title: Senior HR Director
Company: Ralph Lauren
Time slot: 10:00am-12:00pm
Responsible for the UK & ROI People employee life cycle at RL. Partnering with all levels within the organisation to support our employees on key strategies like recruitment/ learning and development, people management and employee engagement. Resulting in the achievement of A Great Place to work accreditation in July 2026.
Advisor: Trevor Cox
Title: Technology Delivery Manager
Company: bp
Time slot: 10:00am-12:00pm
Trevor is a seasoned project and delivery leader with extensive experience managing complex technology projects across the energy and telecommunications sectors. He specialises in treasury technology, architecture and integration, translating strategic designs into practical, scalable solutions. His collaborative approach has led him to taking on mentoring of both internal bp colleagues and external professionals as well as building and supporting high performing teams.
Advisor: Kai-Nneka Townsend MSc
Title: Sustainable Leadership and Performance Strategist
Company: RISE by KCL
Time slot: 10:00am-12:00pm
Kai-Nneka is the Founder of RISE by KCL, where she helps people, leaders and organisations sustain high performance by changing the way they think about work. An accredited executive coach with expertise in leadership development, resilience and organisational performance, she supports professionals to navigate career transitions, develop their leadership capability and build fulfilling, sustainable careers.
Advisor: Darren Torgbor
Title: Campus Recruiter – Technology and Group Functions
Company: UBS
Time slot: 10:00am-12:00pm
With 10+ years’ experience within Junior Talent recruitment, Darren Torgbor is passionate about helping students navigate the transition from education to the workplace. As a Campus Recruiter, he supports students and graduates in securing apprenticeships, internships and graduate opportunities through guidance on CVs, interviews, and assessment centres. Darren is committed to helping individuals build confidence, showcase their strengths, and achieve their career goals through meaningful opportunities.
Advisor: Afua Kudom
Title: Freelance Career Consultant and Coach and Founder
Company: Pivot & Progress 1-1 Coaching Programme
Time slot: 10:00am-12:00pm
Afua is a freelance career coach, educator and public speaker who is committed to helping people build meaningful careers on their own terms.
She founded Pivot & Progress, a 1-1 coaching programme supporting professional women to transition into values-driven, financially sustainable freelance careers, without the guesswork and overwhelm.
Afua's professional background combines over 20 years of private, public and third sector experience in coaching, consulting, education and public speaking.
Advisor: Leila Perry
Title: Group Treasury Operations Senior Analyst
Company: bp
Time slot: 12:00pm-2:00pm
I am a Treasury professional who combines deep operational expertise with a passion for people, collaboration, and continuous learning. My career span global financial services and Treasury operations, and I have a reputation for forming strong relationships, delivering complex initiatives, and supporting critical business activities. As an advocate for inclusion and representation, I am committed to helping create spaces where diverse talent can thrive and succeed.
Advisor: Isa Wurie
Title: Director
Company: The Black Futures Network
Time slot: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Isa Wurie is the Director of The Black Futures Network, an organisation dedicated to providing insights, coaching, workshops, and opportunities for the Black community. Working alongside partners such as the BBC, adidas, and Jobcentre Plus, Isa delivers career and job-readiness guidance - along with career opportunities - to Black and diverse candidates. Isa provides coaching on career transitions, job search strategies, professional development, and career advancement. With almost 20 years experience leading recruitment and talent attraction projects for leading global brands, SMEs and local independent businesses.
Advisor: Ewart Campbell,
Title: Belonging & Equity Director
Company: Ralph Lauren EMEA
Time slot: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Talent Development leader based in London, Previous experience includes scaling sustainable organisational change interventions, coaching and mentoring. Oversees Belonging & Equity Strategy for Ralph Lauren EMEA.
Advisor: Sheriffah Oyetti
Title: VP Payments Product owner and founder of MNY Glassware
Company: SMBC Group & MNY Glassware
Time slot: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Sheriffah is a senior Product Manager in the banking and technology sectors, as well as a director of a luxury glassware company that she founded. Mentoring peers and youth is something that she is especially passionate about and has been actively doing so over the last decade and more recently, has coached individuals on career definition & growth as well as facilitated CV Reviews, Interview and LinkedIn clinics through work.
Advisor: Jannine von Bergen
Title: Recruiting Lead EMEA & UK, Recruiting Head Group Compliance and Operational Risk Control & Group Risk Control
Company: UBS
Time slot: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Jannine von Bergen is a senior talent acquisition executive leading recruitment for Group Compliance & Operational Risk Control & Group Risk Control as well as overseeing recruiting strategy across EMEA and the UK. She brings deep expertise in global hiring, talent planning, stakeholder management and team development, with a strong track record of creating inclusive hiring practices and delivering talent strategies that support the business.
Advisor: Lorraine Airey
Title: Strategic Advisor and Founder of Lead Your Life Forward™
Company: Lead Your Life Forward™
Time slot: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Lorraine Airey is a Strategic Advisor and Founder of Lead Your Life Forward™. With over 20 years of experience in organisational development and executive coaching across the public and private sectors, Lorraine offers structured, practical support for those navigating career transitions, professional pivots, and significant business decisions — to a decision that holds and a direction that is clear.
Advisor: Ben Jones
Title: Associate Director – Strategic Recruitment Specialist
Company: UBS
Time slot: 2:00pm-4:00pm
With 20 years of recruitment experience, Ben Jones has built expertise across technology, operations, and global wealth management. He is passionate about connecting exceptional talent with opportunity and is known for building strong stakeholder relationships and delivering high-quality hiring outcomes in complex, fast-paced environments.
