About Black Business Experience

Black Business Experience is the home of leading platforms dedicated to empowering
Black entrepreneurs, professionals, allies, and industry trailblazers.

Mission

We've attracted over 60,000+ attendees across our events, forged partnerships with global brands and institutions, and built the UK's go-to convening point for Black innovation, enterprise, and economic empowerment.

Our portfolio spans awards ceremonies, business shows, and strategic leadership forums, each expertly designed to educate, connect, and accelerate success at every stage of the business journey for professionals and entrepreneurs.

 

Vision

Advancing Black professionals, scaling Black entrepreneurs. We elevate the people shaping the future of business.

The Ecosystem - Four Pillars
 

Award

Recognising Black excellence across tech, business, and beyond

Conferences

Deep-learning, high-impact strategic forums

Business Exhibitions

Access, education, and opportunity under one roof

Leadership Forums

The UK's biggest Black business development week

Impact Stats
 

60K+
Attendees across all events
250+
Speakers at the 2025 Show alone
96%
Attendee and exhibitor satisfaction rating
10
Years of the UK Black Business Show, 2026 is our anniversary
21
Events across UK Black Business Week

Black Business Experience is supported by world-class organisations committed
to championing Black entrepreneurship and professional excellence.

 

 

About Dr. Raphael Sofoluke

Dr. Raphael Sofoluke is a serial entrepreneur, two-time published author, and visionary leader. He is the Founder and CEO behind several transformative initiatives, including the UK Black Business Week, UK Black Business Show, Birmingham Black Business Show, Black Business Forum, and the Black Tech Achievement Awards.

Raphael has been featured on numerous prominent platforms, including Forbes, Sky News, ITV, BBC, The Guardian, Financial Times, Bloomberg Radio, and the Evening Standard and many more. He has also been invited to 10 Downing Street on multiple occasions in recognition of his contributions to business and community development.

Among his many accolades, Raphael has been recognised as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent and was named on the Powerlist in 2025 and 2026, celebrating the UK’s most powerful and influential Black business leaders.

 

Timeline (2017–2026)

 

2017

UK Black Business Show founded

 

2018

Second year, growing community

 

2019

UK Black Business Show attracts 2,500 attendees

 

2020

1st Black Tech Achievement Awards
Virtual pivot during pandemic

 

2021

Return to live events – 1st UK Black Business Week

 
 

2022

Birmingham Black Business Show launches

 

2023

UK Black Business Week attracts 10,000 Attendees across the week

 

2024

UK Black Business Show moves to Excel London

 

2025

Record 16,671 attendees · 250+ speakers

 

2026

10th edition of UK Black Business Show · Black Business Experience launches

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