30 September, London: Today, Wray & Nephew, in partnership with Foundervine, has launched its first ‘Wray Forward Powerbook’; a list that spotlights 25 Black and Mixed-Black business owners transforming the norms of enterprise in the UK.The Wray Forward Powerbook has been designed 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 after a competitive selection process of Wray Forward programme participants, the list covers a diverse range of sectors, backgrounds, business size and location.Underscoring the remarkable achievements each winner has accomplished, each business on 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 an industry that is traditionally more difficult for Black people to succeed in.The members of the Wray Forward Powerbook 2024 are:
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 23 industries over the past two years, and continues to provide practical and financial opportunities to Black business owners across the country.The launch comes as research commissioned by Wray & Nephew reveals Black business owners are six-times more likely to believe their race has negatively impacted their efforts in kickstarting a business compared to their white counterparts (22% vs. 3%). Over three-quarters (73%) of Black business owners have found it challenging to raise funds to kickstart their business, compared to just 46% of their non-Black counterparts.The figures also reveal three-quarters (77%) of Black business owners lack the confidence to take their business to the next level, and are over twice more likely than their white counterparts to struggle with understanding structuring (25% vs. 10%) and accessing mentorship (23% vs. 8%), further compounding the challenges that Black business owners face.With Wray & Nephew marking the third year of its Wray Forward programme with Foundervine, further results show over a third (34%) of Black founders have used business kickstarter initiatives, such as the Wray Forward programme, to help support on their business journey.Cecil Adjalo, Co-Founder at Foundervine said: “As a Black founder in the UK, it’s not a case of “whether” you’re going to face hurdles but instead “when” are you going to face them. You’re less likely to have the right network to build successfully, less likely to have the financial capital, and less empowered with the right information. Those that have successfully navigated these hurdles have had to go over and above with their efforts and deserve recognition, not just for themselves, but to allow others following in their tracks to believe, “I can do it too”. The Wray Forward Powerbook is sowing seeds of belief into the community and building better futures for Black businesses.”For more information on the Wray Forward Powerbook and its 25 winners, head to https://www.foundervine.com/wrayfowardpowerbook.To find out more about the Wray Forward programme and how you can get involved, visit https://www.foundervine.com/wray-forward.
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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