Edgar Chibaka won the Black British Business Person of the Year award together with his co-founder Jamal Tahlil in 2021, having grown their security company First Response Group into a business boasting a £60m turnover.
Gisela Abbam, the first black chair of the British Science Association, who has also negotiated World Trade Organisation level policy, won the same award in 2019.
Here they share the impact of winning on their personal and professional lives as well as offering advice to fellow black professionals.
Nominations are open for the 11th year of the awards. You can submit yours here.
What did winning the Black British Business Person of the Year award mean to you?
Edgar Chibaka: For myself and my co-founder of First Response Group, Jamal Tahlil, it represented the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and staying strong in our beliefs – to treat people and our workforce as equals regardless of race, religion or gender. As African immigrants we faced much discrimination over the years, and it was a real struggle just to secure financial support. In fact, we had to fund our business on a credit card in the early days.
We experienced the same frustrations when we first met, being overlooked for opportunities, like we didn’t matter. I guess we matter now.
Gisela Abbam: It was transformational. I was humbled to be chosen from such a stellar group of finalists. The award meant that I was making a difference and I could use it to encourage, inspire and motivate black students and professionals to excel and not give up. I have since then spoken to thousands of students – both black and white to inspire them to succeed and I’ve mentored and advised hundreds of professionals.
How did winning impact you professionally?
EC: Ultimately, I am a business person, and my and my company’s destiny is in the hands of the fantastic management team and staff we have built around us. Winning the award hasn’t changed that, or the ethos by which First Response Group is run, but it has certainly helped to place our business at the top table.
Jamal and I are now being invited to more events as a result, and if we are seen as role models, or exemplars of black British entrepreneurship, and this can only impact us and our company positively.
GA: I went from being the first black chair of the British Science Association to first black chair of the General Pharmaceutical Council – the regulator for the pharmacy industry. I’ve won more awards and in addition to my corporate role working for a multinational company called Revvity; I’m serving on more committees in roles such as Commissioner for the National Preparedness Commission, and boards such as the Bar Standards Board – the regulator for barristers.
What advice do you have for aspiring black professionals and entrepreneurs?
EC: First of all, don’t expect an easy ride. Not just because you are black, but because the climate can be very demanding, so it’s important to make sure you self-care and look after your mental health. Have faith in what you believe and don’t let the knockbacks dent your confidence.
We strive to develop leaders from within in our business. We look for the potential in everyone and we encourage personal growth. If you wholeheartedly believe you have an idea that can make a difference, or disrupt the norm, fight for it, but stay true to yourself.
GA: Don’t give up. You can do it. Continue to persevere and build or join a network for ideas, inspiration and support. Focus on the goal and always find the time to share your knowledge and expertise with other black professionals and entrepreneurs as you move up the career ladder.
How do you achieve work-life balance?
EC: Everything for me comes back to people, who are without doubt a company’s greatest asset. Our objective is to cultivate a culture of inclusion and happiness where all employees feel part of the team, contribute positively to company development, and share in our successes.
This is crucial to our long-term sustainability as a company and, coupled with our Inclusive Employers Standard accreditation and work with the Living Wage Foundation, critical to ensuring the work-life balance and mental wellbeing of our people. Our culture helps us attract, develop and retain the best talent, ensuring we deliver exceptional customer experiences.
GA: It remains a challenge but even during hectic periods of work, I focus on doing a daily activity I thoroughly enjoy, (sometimes for 30 minutes) that relaxes me.
