UK Black Business Show launched in 2017 with a simple mission:
to create a space where Black entrepreneurs and professionals could
connect, showcase their businesses, and be inspired.
What began as a small gathering has grown into the UK’s leading event for Black business.
The UK Black Business Week & Show now attracts thousands of attendees, hundreds of exhibitors,
and continues to build a vibrant community that grows year after year.
The journey began on 14 March 2017, when founder Dr Raphael Sofoluke conceived the idea for a dedicated platform to showcase and support Black businesses in the UK. Just seven months later, on 14 October 2017, the inaugural UK Black Business Show took place, featuring 25 exhibition stands and welcoming 500 attendees. The success of this first event set the stage for rapid growth and a lasting impact.
Our Growth Journey
75 Exhibition Stands
1,000+ Attendees
90 Exhibition Stands
2,500+ Attendees
Event postponed due to COVID-19
200 Exhibition Stands
5,000+ Attendees
150 Exhibition Stands
6,500 Attendees
150 Exhibition Stands
7,000 Attendees
150 Exhibition Stands
7,500 Attendees
Continuing growth and innovation
Celebrating a decade of inspiring Black business excellence
Our mission is to inspire & connect Black business owners and professionals in various industries. We aim to empower Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and allies by providing an unparalleled platform to showcase their businesses, exchange knowledge, build networks, and launch the next generation of leaders.
Through the UK Black Business Show and UK Black Business Week, we create spaces where opportunities thrive and communities flourish.
Why Attend
Experience a diverse showcase of innovative businesses and services
Access unmatched networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers
Attend insightful talks, workshops, and panel discussions
Gather the inspiration and tools needed to grow your business or career
We are proud to celebrate and amplify the brilliance of Black professionals and entrepreneurship
across the UK and Europe, driving economic growth, innovation, and inclusivity.
UK Black Business Show’s Values
We aim high and are obsessed with making an impact and changing lives across the world. We don’t settle, we execute at the highest level and continuously push ourselves to go further. As our own toughest critics, we recognise that excellence must always be the goal. While we celebrate past achievements, we do not rest on them. Success is not just measured by us but by the community we serve and the lasting impact we create. Every year, we assess our results and raise the bar, always striving to outperform ourselves.
Integrity, impact, and care are the core foundations of our business. We embrace and respect everyone through both our words and actions. We uplift and support others, never tearing anyone down, regardless of their position. We believe in working with good, honest people, whether they are employees, communities, or partners.
We believe in excellence, execution, and longevity. We move first, and we move fast. For us, the impossible is simply the unattempted. As pioneers, we are committed to creating, innovating, and driving lasting change. We think boldly, challenge the norm, and take audacious steps to disrupt and deliver. Our mindset is always future-focused, ensuring that what we build today has the power to shape tomorrow.
We are community builders. We care deeply about the people around us and believe that true success comes from working together. Whether with partners, employees, or external collaborators, we strive to grow and thrive collectively. Competing with those who share our vision for change is not our approach, we support and uplift everyone who seeks to make a difference. We believe that together we thrive.
