GBS Champions Student Entrepreneurs at the Black Business and Entrepreneurs Conference 2025

GBS was, once again, pleased to support and engage with the annual Black Business and Entrepreneurs Conference 2025 (BBEC), held at the prestigious NatWest Conference Centre. 

This national event themed around Empowering, Engaging & Educating Black Entrepreneurs to achieve greater success provides a powerful platform for our students to learn, grow, and connect.

Led by its creator, the inspiring Dr Carlton Brown, CEO of Aspire Consulting, this year’s conference brought together influential entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers to explore how we can break down barriers and unlock opportunities for black entrepreneurs across the UK.

GBS Entrepreneurship Officers Vanessa Brown and Alexandra Jones attended alongside a cohort of GBS student entrepreneurs, supporting them through a day packed with practical workshops, expert panels, and high-impact networking. The experience empowered students to gain real-world insights, refine their business ideas, and build lasting connections with potential mentors and collaborators.

Over 80% of the student entrepreneurs supported at our Greenford campus come from underrepresented backgrounds a testament to the incredible diversity and drive within our GBS student body.

Some of the key takeaways students gained from this inspiring event:

• Hands-on learning from successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders
• Clear strategies to access finance, scale ventures, and build resilience
• Opportunities to be heard in national discussions on race, inclusion, and economic policy
• Inspiration from stories of overcoming obstacles with purpose and passion.

Reflecting on the event, Deslyn Edwards, a Level 5 BA (Hons) Business and Enterprise with Foundation Year student, said: “It was my second time attending the incredible BBEC, and it completely surpassed my expectations. From the outstanding speakers and prestigious attendees to the delicious food and vibrant entertainment, every detail was on point. As a student founder building my property business, I left feeling deeply motivated and recharged.”

Adon Bridgeman-Simon, a Level 3 BSc (Hons) Project Management with Foundation Year student, added:  “The event was a vibrant showcase of the strength, creativity, and resilience within the Black business community. As a London-based property solutions and consultancy company, Nest Easy is committed to supporting growth and empowerment not just through real estate, but by creating pathways for success, stability, and lasting legacy in our communities.”