Britain’s most influential Black celebrities, industry leaders, and business figures are set to come together tonight to honor the achievements of Black Britons at the Powerlist 2025 awards ceremony. The Powerlist, which recognizes the most impactful Black individuals in the UK, has previously honored notable personalities such as seven-time Formula One World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton and former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman.
Established in 2005, the Powerlist serves as a platform to showcase Black role models and acknowledge pioneers in various sectors including the arts, technology, and entertainment. Among the distinguished guests invited to this year’s event are Eastenders star Rudolph Walker, Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse, former Olympic athlete Dame Denise Lewis, and comedian Sir Lenny Henry.
The Powerlist Celebration of Black Excellence Awards, taking place at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London and hosted by Tim Campbell, MBE, will recognize this year’s Powerlistees. Leading the list as the most influential Black person in Britain is Dean Forbes, the CEO of tech company Forterro and a dedicated philanthropist.
Forterro, a global software solutions provider catering to industrial businesses, offers specialized products and services to drive business growth. In addition to his role at Forterro, Dean Forbes is a partner at Corten Capital, an investment firm, and chairs the Forbes Family Group, a charitable organization that has raised over a million pounds for various causes and advocates for social mobility.
Expressing his gratitude for the prestigious recognition, Dean Forbes, 46, emphasized the importance of inspiring young Black individuals through his personal journey from humble beginnings in southeast London to leadership in global enterprises. He aims to empower others from similar backgrounds by sharing the values of resilience, community support, and seizing opportunities.
Dean Forbes highlighted his commitment to giving back to the community by providing opportunities for young individuals who require additional support to realize their potential. Notable newcomers on this year’s Powerlist include Andrew ‘Rapman’ Onwubolu, creator of Netflix’s show Supacell, and Damson Idris, star of the crime drama Snowfall.
The exclusive list also features renowned figures such as actor Idris Elba OBE, former England football player and TV presenter Alex Scott MBE, and rapper Stormzy. Sponsored by JP Morgan, the event will be hosted by Tim Campbell MBE, offering inspiration and entertainment to the guests throughout the evening.
Michael Eboda, CEO of Powerful Media and publisher of the Powerlist, commended Dean Forbes for his community contributions, highlighting his exceptional philanthropic efforts through the Forbes Family Group Foundation. Cecil Peters, EMEA Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and EMEA Head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote diverse talent and break barriers across industries.
JPMorgan Chase’s partnership with the Powerlist reinforces its dedication to recognizing Black excellence in the UK and elevating diverse talent within the community. The enduring success of the Powerlist, now in its 19th year, underscores its role as a leading platform for celebrating Black achievement in the country.