BBC Apprentice judge Tim Campbell MBE and Chef Mellow endorse 2025 the Black Talent Awards
As the countdown begins for the annual Black Talent Awards, the UK’s most purpose-led celebration of Black professional excellence, organisers have announced the return of Tim Campbell MBE as official Awards Ambassador – and unveiled a game-changing addition to the night’s experience: a Caribbean-inspired menu curated by chef to celebrities, Mellow.
Taking place at ICC Birmingham on 26 September 2025, the event is more than just a night of accolades – it's a national platform for recognition, community, inspiration, and legacy.
Tim Campbell MBE Returns as Black Talent Awards Ambassador
Returning for a second year, Tim Campbell MBE - businessman, adviser to Lord Sugar, and the first-ever winner of BBC’s The Apprentice - brings his trademark energy and influence to champion the Black Talent Awards.
“The Black Talent Awards matter because they put a spotlight where it’s long overdue. Visibility changes perceptions, recognition changes careers and opportunity changes lives. When we celebrate trailblazing Black professionals, we’re not just giving applause, we’re fuelling momentum and inspiring others. My job is to help ensure these stories travel further, so they inspire the next generation and shift the way people think about UK talent.” Tim Campbell MBE, Black Talent Awards Ambassador
Campbell will help honour this year’s shortlisted finalists across 17 categories, championing achievements that span from STEM to education, creative industries to entrepreneurship. This year’s theme, “Impact,” focuses on those driving tangible change in their professions and communities.
Renowned Chef Mellow to Deliver Groundbreaking Caribbean Menu
Adding rich flavour and cultural storytelling to the evening, Birmingham-born chef Mellow of Mellows Restaurant (pictured) – known for his authentic Caribbean cuisine and having catered for global icons like Drake and Chris Brown – will create the first-ever Caribbean-inspired menu at the ICC Birmingham.
“As a chef and a proud Brummie, being part of the Black Talent Awards is an honour. This is about more than food – it’s about identity, pride, and showing every aspiring individual that anything is possible. I’m thrilled to break new culinary ground on home turf, at an event that uplifts excellence from our community.”
— Mellow, Chef
Guests can expect a dining experience that blends flavour with narrative – each dish curated to honour Caribbean heritage and the wider cultural roots of many of the evening’s nominees and guests.
More Than a Ceremony – A Movement for Change
The Black Talent Awards, founded by Denise Myers, were born out of the need to showcase real talent and create lasting, systemic change in workplaces across the UK. With support from industry-leading partners including Merlin Entertainments, Lloyds Banking Group, Birmingham City University, Barclays, Jaguar Land Rover, EDF, and JCDecaux, the awards serve as a launchpad for Black professionals, providing career-advancing visibility and community uplift.
This year’s celebration will also include a surprise cultural performance and a new segment spotlighting past winners who have gone on to secure leadership roles, media features, and new ventures since their BTA recognition.
Founder’s Vision
“We’re not here for optics. The Black Talent Awards are about impact – about creating a stage where real people with real stories can be celebrated, supported, and seen. It’s a joy to welcome Tim Campbell MBE back as our ambassador, and to showcase incredible cultural talent through Mellows’ cuisine. These moments matter. They remind us what Black excellence looks like – and what’s possible when it’s truly valued.”
— Denise Myers, Founder, Black Talent Awards & CEO of Evenfields.
For more information, visit www.blacktalentawards.co.uk