Wray Forward 2024

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 three 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

Abigail Maria Sol
Deya
Adedapo Dalley
Events Meets World
Ali Kakande
Carib Eats
Anne Mcgregor
Cinnamon Leaf
Anthony Gutsa
Ecoswap
Carl Davis
Living In Fitness
Cecile Bentil-Willieson
Just Fab Kitchen
Elizabeth Akinfenwa
Liz Pie Pastry
Erika Brodnock
Kinhub
Gbemi Shitta
SWEETDOUGHTHINGS
Jodienne Ball
BakeYard
Kufa Matiya
Futurematch
Kwame Boateng
Ingrained Oil
Laurelle Brown
Laurelle Brown Training and Consultancy
Lee McPherson
HEYR
Leila Davis
Blackstage Pole
Mweemba Ntembe
Tammwe
Nadu Placca Rodriguez
The Zoo XYZ
Natalie Dinning
Lesley's Sauces
Nigel Atta-Mensah
NewComma
Patrice Hinds
Pat & Pinky's
Samantha Newell
Yard + Parish
Sashaa
Malka London
Serena Grillo
Off Piste Ski Trip
Skye Round
Atlantis Modeling Agency

Abigail Maria Sol

Deya
Deya is an HR platform that is simplifying the way companies discover, recruit and resource Black creative talent. We exist to shake up the landscape of the creative job market, harnessing cutting-edge technology to amplify visibility, connecting forward-thinking brands and organisations with exceptional talent that has often been overlooked. Initially focusing on Black British creatives in music, film and TV, our ambition is to service the full breadth of creative subsectors and transform how diverse talent is recruited, embracing the niche needs of jobseekers, redressing industry imbalance from within & embracing tech innovatively to champion talent and build community.
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Adedapo Dalley

Events Meets World
At Events Meets World our mission is to transform the events market by providing a one-stop platform that meets all event needs. Our goal is to deliver innovative and personalised solutions that make event planning efficient, seamless, and enjoyable for our clients. Our mission is to revolutionise the events industry by creating a user-friendly platform that streamlines the process of planning and organising events for consumers. We aim to be the “one-stop solution” for all event-related needs, offering a wide range of services and resources to make event planning as seamless and stress-free as possible.
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Ali Kakande

Carib Eats
At Carib Eats, our mission is simple yet profound: to add years to lives by creating spaces where our elders feel valued, connected, and cared for. We are more than just a social enterprise; we are a lifeline for the elderly Caribbean community in London, offering not just meals, but moments of connection, joy, and belonging.
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Anne Mcgregor

Cinnamon Leaf
Our unique organic and Afro-Caribbean grocery store, & join us on our mission to bring diversity, healthier lifestyles & sustainability to your table.
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Anthony Gutsa

Ecoswap
Our mission at Ecoswap is to revolutionise the gifting industry by providing sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives that promote environmental responsibility and social impact. We aim to empower individuals and organisations to make thoughtful, environmentally conscious choices in their gifting practices, ultimately contributing to a greener and more sustainable world.
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Carl Davis

Living In Fitness
Living In Fitness provides award-winning exercise classes for the over 60’s, or anyone who requires a low-impact and at your own pace approach to exercise. Like Pure Gym, we want to provide affordable, flexible, and “value-for-money” memberships, opening the benefits of physical activity to thousands of older adults who previously had nowhere to go.
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Cecile Bentil-Willieson

Just Fab Kitchen
Just Fab Kitchen's mission is EDI at its core- to create an inclusive dining experience where everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences, can enjoy delicious, high-quality meals.
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Elizabeth Akinfenwa

Liz Pie Pastry
Liz Pie Pastry is more than just a bakery; it's a vibrant community. Our affordable food & treats go beyond satisfying your sweet tooth — they inspire joy.
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Erika Brodnock

Kinhub
Kinhub addresses the pressing people risk and productivity crisis, providing a cost-efficient and effective solution. Existing services are reactive, lack personalisation, and fail to meet the evolving needs of employees and line managers. This deficiency leads to productivity disruptions, disengagement, financial instability and high employee churn rates.
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Gbemi Shitta

SWEETDOUGHTHINGS
We are proudly the first and only company in the UK to manufacture vegan friendly sugar free candy floss with no compromise on taste, texture and experience.
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Jodienne Ball

BakeYard
BakeYard is a social focused food business. Serving up hearty Jamaican English dishes and baked goods. Aim & Social Mission: To help mentor, train and employ individuals from our local communities.
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Kufa Matiya

Futurematch
To transform how organisations attract and hire early careers talent, we know that there is a disconnect and our mission is to reconnect education, organisations and talent. We are focussed on the top of the hiring funnel as we see that being the challenge for organisations and talent. Build the right talent pool and the rest falls into place.
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Kwame Boateng

Ingrained Oil
Ingrained Oil’s mission is to redefine the fragrance experience, allowing everyone to enjoy scents without the adverse effects of traditional perfumes. Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering fragrance line that encourages individuals to express themselves freely and confidently.
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Laurelle Brown

Laurelle Brown Training and Consultancy
Laurelle Brown Training and Consultancy is a specialist consultancy engaging learning and development activities aimed at deepening understanding and awareness of EDI barriers and enablers to change. We collaborate with welfare organisations to strengthen equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across complex systems, helping them address their EDI challenges and navigate through change.
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Lee McPherson

HEYR
Heyr is leading the charge in transforming mental healthcare for Gen Z across the UK, EU and Africa. Our innovative approach blends evidence-based therapies with AI, data, and gamification to drive lasting behavioural change and prevent mental health issues before they escalate.
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Leila Davis

Blackstage Pole
Blackstage is a non-profit events company that exists to centre and enhance the creativity of pole dancers of colour with a special focus on those who are Queer, Trans, Disabled, Low income or sex workers.
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Mweemba Ntembe

Tammwe
At Tammwe, we are dedicated to bridging the gap between global businesses and African freelancers. Our marketplace provides a trust-driven platform for freelancers and businesses to discover, connect, collaborate, and transact with each other.
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Nadu Placca Rodriguez

The Zoo XYZ
The Zoo XYZ is a purpose-driven global event agency that takes our client’s audience on an unforgettable journey. We collaborate with our clients and help them make an authentic mark on the entertainment industry. We work with a network of global brands, creatives and more to deliver bespoke events that tell a compelling story and engage audiences.
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Natalie Dinning

Lesley's Sauces
Lesley's is named after my mum and all our products are inspired by our family recipes from Jamaica. We are on a mission to make Lesley's a household name brand. Sharing our culture through incredible flavours. We are shaking up the premium food retail space making Caribbean Food brands more present in this sector. Not only is our aim to be a high profit generating company but one that also serves our local community. We partner with Food Banks across London donating our products so that those from our community can feel seen.
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Nigel Atta-Mensah

NewComma
At NewComma, our mission is simple: empower African and Black talent to thrive and get paid for the talent they contribute to the world, by connecting them to global opportunities. We’re tackling the under representation of our community head-on by combining social networking with recruitment tools, all while focusing on our core demographic.
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Patrice Hinds

Pat & Pinky's
At Pat & Pinky’s, our mission is to share the rich culture and unique flavours of Guyana with the world through our special Wiri Wiri chilli. What sets us apart is our dedication to authenticity and quality. We bring the vibrant taste of Wiri Wiri chillis, a cherished ingredient in Guyanese cuisine, to global audiences, crafted with local herbs and spices.
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Samantha Newell

Yard + Parish
Yard + Parish retails a curated portfolio of innovative lifestyle brands with an overarching mission to redefine luxury, and create bespoke wellness experiences for the African Diaspora, with a focus on addressing health disparities and unique wellness requirements among the Black diaspora.
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Sashaa

Malka London
A sustainable fashion brand dedicated to empowering individuals, particularly those experiencing hair loss, through unique and high-quality head wraps. Their signature product, "The Crown," offers adjustable and practical wear while emphasizing sustainability and ethical production.
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Serena Grillo

Off Piste Ski Trip
Off Piste Ski Trip is a rapidly growing community and lifestyle brand revolutionising the Winter Sports industry. We cater to a discerning Gen Z and Millennial audience seeking an unparalleled experience that blends adventure, Black culture and music.
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Skye Round

Atlantis Modeling Agency
Atlantis Modelling Agency is a talent agency originally built on models but later expanding to represent not only models but content creators, influencers and actors. Founded in 2016, Atlantis Modelling Agency is located in the heart of Birmingham. We represent talent throughout the UK and Europe. We've looked after and maintained relationships with clients in a wide range of sectors commercial, fashion, PR, TV and e-commerce. We go back and forth with clients to confirm the faces for many fashion shoots and commercials and even advertisements you see on TV.
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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.
£1.27m
Total funding raised
£1.73m
Total revenue earned
+138k
Total social media followers
12
Different sectors

The Powerbook judges

Joanna Jarjue
Founder & Political Commentator
Shirley Ahura
Writer, Journalist & Creative Storyteller
Cynthia V Davis CBE
Co-founder of Diversifying Jobs
Varun Bhanot
Co-founder and CEO of MagicAI
Tope Chiedozie
Founder and Host of The Sitdown UK
Camille McFarlane
Investment & Export Consultant at JAMPRO

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.
Why have we decided to launch this initiative now?
We believe this is a crucial time to highlight the efforts of those working towards a better future, especially given the challenges we face globally. The Wray Forward initiative has always been about progress, and launching the PowerBook now allows us to not only acknowledge these changemakers but also offer them a platform to further their influence and inspire others.
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.
How can people apply to be considered for next year's PowerBook?
Applications for next year’s PowerBook will open soon. Those interested can apply by submitting a detailed application via our website, highlighting their work, the impact they are making, and how it aligns with the Wray Forward mission. We encourage anyone passionate about creating positive change to apply!
Would you or someone you know benefit from this programme?
Register interest